The topic of rising temperatures and their impact on wildlife has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern for climate change, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear frequently in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ve selected a relevant question from past IELTS exams and provided sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that rising temperatures and other environmental issues are too big for individuals to tackle. Only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to discuss the role of individuals versus governments and large companies in addressing environmental issues, specifically rising temperatures. It’s important to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide reasons and examples to support your argument
- Consider counterarguments
- Conclude with a summary of your main points
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change and its associated environmental issues have become pressing global concerns, leading some to argue that only governments and large corporations have the power to effect meaningful change. However, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint and believe that individuals play a crucial role in tackling these challenges alongside larger entities.
Undoubtedly, governments and big companies wield significant influence and resources to implement large-scale environmental initiatives. For instance, governments can enact stricter emissions regulations or invest in renewable energy infrastructure, while corporations can develop eco-friendly technologies and adopt sustainable practices across their operations. These actions can indeed have far-reaching impacts on reducing carbon footprints and mitigating the effects of rising temperatures.
Nevertheless, the power of individual action should not be underestimated. Collectively, the choices and behaviors of millions of people can create substantial change. When individuals make conscious decisions to reduce their energy consumption, opt for sustainable transportation, or support environmentally responsible products, they contribute to a cumulative effect that can rival the impact of larger entities. Moreover, consumer demand driven by environmentally conscious individuals can pressure companies to adopt greener practices, demonstrating the interconnectedness of individual and corporate actions.
The effects of global warming on natural habitats are becoming increasingly evident, and individuals can play a vital role in conservation efforts. By participating in local wildlife protection programs, supporting reforestation initiatives, or simply educating themselves and others about the impact of rising temperatures on ecosystems, individuals contribute directly to preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change effects.
Furthermore, individuals often serve as catalysts for broader societal change. Grassroots movements, started by passionate individuals, have historically been instrumental in raising awareness and pushing for environmental reforms. These movements can influence public opinion, shape political agendas, and ultimately lead to significant policy changes at both local and global levels.
In conclusion, while the role of governments and large companies in addressing environmental issues is undoubtedly important, it is the combined efforts of individuals, organizations, and governing bodies that will truly make a difference. By recognizing the power of individual action and its ripple effects, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to tackling the challenges posed by rising temperatures and other environmental concerns.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people think that environmental problems like rising temperatures are too big for individuals to solve, and only governments and big companies can make a real difference. I partly agree with this idea, but I also believe that individuals have an important role to play.
It’s true that governments and large companies have more power and resources to tackle environmental issues. Governments can make laws to reduce pollution and invest in clean energy, while big companies can develop new technologies to help the environment. For example, a government might set strict rules for car emissions, or a company might create more efficient solar panels. These actions can have a big impact on reducing global warming.
However, I think individuals can also make a difference in several ways. First, people can change their daily habits to be more environmentally friendly. This includes things like using less energy at home, recycling, or choosing public transport instead of driving. When many people do these small actions, it can add up to a big change. Second, individuals can influence companies by choosing to buy eco-friendly products. This can encourage businesses to become more sustainable.
How climate change affects food production and pricing is another area where individual choices matter. By opting for locally sourced, seasonal foods, people can reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and support more sustainable agricultural practices.
Moreover, individuals can join environmental groups or campaigns to raise awareness about climate change. This can put pressure on governments and companies to take more action. For instance, recent youth climate strikes have brought a lot of attention to the issue of global warming.
In conclusion, while governments and large companies have a major role in addressing environmental issues, I believe that individuals also have the power to make important contributions. It’s the combination of efforts from all levels of society that will be most effective in tackling problems like rising temperatures.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think that big problems like rising temperatures can only be solved by governments and big companies. I don’t fully agree with this idea. I think both big organizations and normal people can help with environmental issues.
Governments and big companies have a lot of money and power. They can make big changes. For example, a government can make new laws to stop pollution. A big company can make new machines that don’t hurt the environment. These actions can help a lot with problems like global warming.
But I think normal people can also do important things. We can change how we live to help the environment. We can use less electricity at home, recycle our trash, and walk or use buses instead of cars. If many people do these things, it can make a big difference.
Also, when people buy things that are good for the environment, it makes companies want to make more of these products. This shows that what normal people do can change what big companies do.
How climate change is impacting wildlife migration patterns is a problem that individuals can help with too. People can support wildlife organizations or participate in local conservation efforts to help animals affected by changing temperatures.
Sometimes, regular people start groups to tell others about environmental problems. These groups can make governments and companies pay attention to these issues. This shows that normal people can make big changes happen.
In conclusion, I think both big organizations and normal people are important for solving environmental problems. Governments and companies can make big changes, but normal people can also do many things to help. When everyone works together, we have the best chance of solving problems like rising temperatures.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. It:
- Presents a clear position and develops it fully
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately
- Employs a variety of complex sentence structures
- Organizes ideas coherently with clear progression throughout
- Addresses all parts of the task with well-supported ideas and relevant examples
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good control of language and addresses the task well. It:
- Presents a clear overall position
- Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay addresses the task but with some limitations. It:
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses adequate vocabulary but with limited range and some inaccuracies
- Uses a limited range of structures with some attempts at complex sentences
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or bad
- Cumulative (adjective) /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv/ – increasing or growing by accumulation or successive additions
- Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
- Grassroots (adjective) /ˈɡrɑːsruːts/ – of or relating to the common people, especially as contrasted with the leadership of a movement
- Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
- Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˌfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community
In conclusion, the impact of rising temperatures on wildlife is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in combating climate change
- The balance between economic development and environmental protection
- The effectiveness of international agreements on climate change
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentences, and support your arguments with relevant examples. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.