Drought and its effects on food production have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern about climate change, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future exams. Let’s explore this theme through a carefully selected question that closely resembles those found in actual IELTS tests.
Some people believe that governments should invest more in technologies to reduce the impact of drought on food production. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss the role of government investment in technological solutions to mitigate drought’s impact on food production. It’s a two-part question that asks for your opinion on the extent to which you agree or disagree with the given statement.
Key points to consider:
- The role of government in addressing environmental challenges
- The potential of technology in solving agricultural problems
- The importance of food security in the face of climate change
- Possible alternative solutions or approaches
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of droughts worldwide, posing a significant threat to global food security. While some argue that governments should prioritize technological investments to combat this issue, I strongly agree that such an approach is not only beneficial but essential for sustainable food production in the face of increasing environmental challenges.
Firstly, government-funded technological advancements can significantly enhance drought resilience in agriculture. Innovations such as drought-resistant crop varieties, precision irrigation systems, and weather forecasting technologies can help farmers maintain productivity even in water-scarce conditions. For instance, Israel’s government-backed research has led to the development of drip irrigation systems that drastically reduce water usage while improving crop yields. This example demonstrates how targeted technological investments can transform agricultural practices and mitigate the impact of drought on food production.
Moreover, government involvement in technological solutions ensures wider accessibility and implementation. Private sector innovations often remain out of reach for small-scale farmers due to high costs. When governments invest in and promote these technologies, they can be made available to a broader range of agricultural producers, thereby increasing the overall resilience of the food production system. This approach has been successfully implemented in India, where government subsidies for water-conserving technologies have enabled millions of farmers to adopt more sustainable practices.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that technological solutions alone are not sufficient. Governments must also focus on sustainable agriculture in food security through policies that promote water conservation, soil health, and biodiversity. Additionally, international cooperation is vital, as drought and food security are global issues that require collaborative efforts.
In conclusion, while government investment in drought-mitigating technologies is not the sole solution, it plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in the face of climate change. By combining technological advancements with comprehensive agricultural policies, governments can significantly reduce the impact of drought on food production and safeguard global food supplies for future generations.
(Word count: 366)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Droughts have become a big problem for farming and food production in many countries. Some people think that governments should spend more money on new technologies to help farmers deal with droughts. I agree that this is a good idea, but I also think other things are important too.
First of all, new technologies can really help farmers grow food even when there’s not much water. For example, scientists can make plants that don’t need as much water to grow. This means farmers can still produce food even when there’s a drought. Also, there are new ways to water plants that use less water, like drip irrigation. These kinds of technologies can make a big difference in how much food we can grow when there’s not enough rain.
Another reason why government investment in technology is good is because it can help all farmers, not just big companies. When the government helps develop new farming technologies, they can make sure that small farmers can use them too. This is important because small farmers produce a lot of the world’s food, especially in poorer countries where droughts can be really bad.
However, I think it’s also important for governments to do other things besides just investing in technology. They need to have good impact of changing climate on farming practices to help farmers save water and protect the soil. They should also teach farmers how to use new technologies and give them support when droughts happen.
In conclusion, I agree that governments should invest in technologies to help with drought and food production, but this shouldn’t be the only thing they do. A mix of new technologies, good farming practices, and support for farmers is the best way to make sure we have enough food even when there are droughts.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Drought is a big problem for farming. Some people say governments should spend more money on new technologies to help. I think this is a good idea because it can help farmers grow more food even when there’s not much water.
New technologies can be very helpful. For example, there are machines that can water plants using less water. This is good when there’s a drought. Also, scientists can make plants that don’t need as much water to grow. These things can help farmers grow food even when it doesn’t rain much.
But technology is not the only answer. Governments should also help farmers in other ways. They can teach farmers how to save water and take care of the soil. This is important because good soil can hold more water for plants.
Sometimes, new technologies can be expensive. Not all farmers can buy them. So, the government should help farmers get these new technologies. This way, more farmers can use them and grow more food.
I think governments should spend money on new technologies for farming, but they should also do other things to help farmers. This will be the best way to make sure we have enough food, even when there are droughts.
(Word count: 221)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with a strong central argument
- In-depth analysis and relevant examples
- Coherent paragraphs with smooth transitions
- A nuanced conclusion that addresses the complexity of the issue
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows:
- Good vocabulary with some attempts at more complex structures
- Clear organization, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay
- Relevant ideas with some supporting examples
- Generally coherent paragraphs
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay exhibits:
- Basic vocabulary with simple sentence structures
- A clear attempt at organization, though less developed
- Relevant ideas but with limited elaboration
- Some coherence between paragraphs
- A simple conclusion that restates the main idea
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Drought resilience (noun) – /draʊt rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to withstand periods of drought
- Precision irrigation (noun) – /prɪˈsɪʒən ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – Highly efficient watering systems
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or reduce the effects of something
- Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to sufficient food
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting natural resources
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Agricultural producers (noun) – /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl prəˈdjuːsəz/ – Farmers and others involved in growing crops or raising livestock
- Water conservation (noun) – /ˈwɔːtə ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/ – The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage
- Soil health (noun) – /sɔɪl helθ/ – The capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
In conclusion, the impact of drought on food production is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As effects of climate change on weather patterns become more pronounced, candidates should be prepared to discuss related themes such as water scarcity, sustainable farming practices, and technological solutions in agriculture. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones like “The role of genetic engineering in creating drought-resistant crops” or “Balancing water needs between agriculture and urban areas during droughts.” Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.