Climate change and its effects on global health have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing importance of this issue, we can expect to see more questions related to this subject in future exams. Let’s explore some potential essay topics and provide sample answers to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Climate Change Impact on Global Health
Analyzing the Essay Question
For this article, we’ll focus on the following essay question:
Climate change is widely considered to be the biggest threat to global health in the 21st century. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires you to express your opinion on whether climate change is indeed the most significant threat to global health. You’ll need to consider various aspects of climate change and its potential health impacts, as well as compare it to other possible health threats.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality sample essay that could potentially score in the Band 8-9 range:
Climate change has emerged as a pressing concern in recent years, with many experts asserting that it poses the most significant threat to global health in the 21st century. While I largely agree with this statement, I believe it’s crucial to consider other potential health threats as well.
The Impact Of Climate Change On Global Health is multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, rising temperatures and extreme weather events directly contribute to an increase in heat-related illnesses and fatalities. For instance, the 2003 European heatwave resulted in over 70,000 excess deaths. Secondly, climate change alters the distribution of disease vectors, potentially leading to the spread of infectious diseases to new regions. The expansion of malaria-prone areas due to warming temperatures is a prime example of this phenomenon. Moreover, climate change threatens food security and water availability, which could lead to malnutrition and water-borne diseases in vulnerable populations.
However, it would be remiss to ignore other significant threats to global health. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the devastating potential of novel infectious diseases. Antimicrobial resistance also looms as a major threat, with the World Health Organization warning of a potential “post-antibiotic era” where common infections could once again become lethal. Additionally, non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and cancer continue to be leading causes of death worldwide.
Nevertheless, what sets climate change apart is its pervasive nature and potential to exacerbate other health threats. For example, climate change can strain healthcare systems, making it more challenging to respond to pandemics or manage chronic diseases. It can also contribute to air pollution, a major risk factor for respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the long-term and potentially irreversible nature of climate change makes it particularly concerning from a public health perspective.
In conclusion, while there are undoubtedly other significant threats to global health, I largely agree that climate change represents the most substantial challenge of the 21st century. Its wide-ranging impacts and potential to amplify other health risks make it a uniquely formidable threat that requires urgent and concerted action on a global scale.
(Word count: 323)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that might score in the Band 6-7 range:
Climate change is a big problem in the world today, and many people say it’s the biggest threat to global health in this century. I agree that climate change is a very serious issue for health, but I’m not sure if it’s the biggest threat.
Climate change can affect health in many ways. First, it can cause more extreme weather like heatwaves, which can make people sick or even die. Also, it can change where some diseases spread. For example, mosquitoes that carry malaria might move to new places as it gets warmer. Climate change can also make it harder for some people to get enough food or clean water, which is bad for their health.
But there are other big health problems in the world too. For example, there are still many infectious diseases that kill a lot of people, like COVID-19. Also, things like heart disease and cancer are very common and cause many deaths. Another problem is that some medicines might stop working because bacteria are becoming resistant to them.
However, climate change is different because it can make other health problems worse. It can make it harder for hospitals to work well, especially when there are disasters like floods. It can also make air pollution worse, which is bad for people’s lungs and hearts. Also, climate change might be hard to stop or change back, which makes it very dangerous.
In conclusion, I think climate change is one of the biggest threats to global health, but maybe not the only big threat. It’s very serious because it can affect health in many ways and make other problems worse. We need to do something about climate change quickly to protect people’s health all over the world.
(Word count: 290)
Key Writing Tips
When tackling this topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, keep the following points in mind:
Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates this structure well, with each paragraph having a clear focus.
Balanced argument: While you can agree or disagree with the statement, it’s often beneficial to consider multiple perspectives. The Band 8-9 essay agrees with the statement but also acknowledges other health threats.
Specific examples: Use concrete examples to support your points. Both essays mention specific health impacts and events related to climate change.
Cohesion and coherence: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly. The Band 8-9 essay uses transitions like “However” and “Nevertheless” effectively.
Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to health and climate change. The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated terms, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language.
Grammar: Use a variety of sentence structures and tenses. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more complex structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key terms related to this topic:
Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.
Global health (noun phrase) /ˈɡləʊbəl helθ/: Health issues that transcend national boundaries.
Infectious disease (noun phrase) /ɪnˈfekʃəs dɪˈziːz/: Illnesses caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Vector (noun) /ˈvektə(r)/: An organism that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another.
Food security (noun phrase) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
Antimicrobial resistance (noun phrase) /ˌæntɪmaɪˈkrəʊbiəl rɪˈzɪstəns/: The ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics and other drugs.
Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
Pervasive (adjective) /pəˈveɪsɪv/: Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people.
Irreversible (adjective) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/: Not able to be undone or altered.
Concerted (adjective) /kənˈsɜːtɪd/: Jointly arranged or carried out; coordinated.
In conclusion, the impact of climate change on global health is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By understanding the key issues, practicing with sample essays, and mastering relevant vocabulary, you can prepare yourself to tackle this challenging subject effectively. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use specific examples, and demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammar appropriate to your target band score.
For further practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as “What measures can governments and individuals take to mitigate the health impacts of climate change?” or “How might climate change affect health disparities between developed and developing countries?” Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
