The importance of building a sustainable financial future is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant due to global economic challenges and environmental concerns. Based on our analysis of previous IELTS questions, we’ve identified a pertinent essay prompt that aligns with this theme:
Some people believe that governments should focus on economic growth to ensure a country’s prosperity, while others argue that the government should prioritize environmental protection. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question effectively combines economic and environmental aspects, making it an excellent opportunity to explore the concept of building a sustainable financial future. Let’s analyze the prompt and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
The question presents two contrasting viewpoints:
- Governments should prioritize economic growth for prosperity
- Governments should focus on environmental protection
To answer this question effectively, you need to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide supporting arguments for each view
- Present your own opinion
- Use relevant examples to illustrate your points
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s rapidly changing world, the debate between prioritizing economic growth and environmental protection has become increasingly complex. While some argue that governments should focus on economic development to ensure national prosperity, others contend that environmental conservation should take precedence. In my opinion, a balanced approach that integrates both economic growth and environmental sustainability is crucial for building a truly prosperous future.
Proponents of economic growth argue that a strong economy is the foundation of a nation’s well-being. They believe that by focusing on GDP growth, job creation, and technological advancement, governments can improve living standards, reduce poverty, and enhance overall quality of life. For instance, China’s rapid economic growth over the past few decades has lifted millions out of poverty and transformed the country into a global economic powerhouse. This perspective suggests that a thriving economy provides the resources necessary to address various societal issues, including environmental concerns.
On the other hand, advocates for environmental protection emphasize the urgent need to address climate change and preserve natural resources. They argue that unchecked economic growth often leads to environmental degradation, which can have severe long-term consequences for both the planet and human society. The devastating Australian bushfires of 2019-2020, exacerbated by climate change, serve as a stark reminder of the potential costs of neglecting environmental concerns. This viewpoint suggests that without a healthy environment, economic prosperity becomes meaningless.
In my view, the most effective approach is to pursue sustainable economic growth that aligns with environmental protection goals. Governments should invest in green technologies, renewable energy, and eco-friendly infrastructure to create jobs and stimulate economic growth while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. For example, Germany’s transition to renewable energy (Energiewende) has not only reduced carbon emissions but also created a thriving green technology sector, demonstrating that economic prosperity and environmental sustainability can be mutually reinforcing.
Sustainable economic growth aligned with environmental protection
Moreover, governments should implement policies that incentivize businesses to adopt sustainable practices. This could include tax breaks for companies that reduce their carbon footprint, stricter regulations on pollution, and support for circular economy initiatives. By creating a regulatory framework that rewards sustainability, governments can guide economic growth in a direction that benefits both the economy and the environment.
In conclusion, while economic growth and environmental protection may seem at odds, they are in fact interdependent. A truly prosperous future depends on our ability to balance these priorities effectively. By embracing sustainable development principles and fostering innovation in green technologies, governments can ensure long-term economic success while preserving the planet for future generations.
(Word count: 461)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Investing in sustainable financial products is subtly referenced through the discussion of green technologies and eco-friendly infrastructure.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.
Examples and Supporting Ideas: Relevant examples (China’s economic growth, Australian bushfires, Germany’s Energiewende) are used to illustrate key points.
Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic, proposing a balanced approach that integrates both economic and environmental concerns.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
These days, there is a big debate about whether governments should focus on growing the economy or protecting the environment. Some people think economic growth is more important, while others believe we should prioritize environmental protection. In my opinion, both are important, but we need to find a balance.
People who support economic growth say it’s necessary for a country to prosper. They think that if the economy grows, there will be more jobs and people will have better lives. For example, when a country’s economy is strong, the government can spend more money on education and healthcare. This can help improve people’s quality of life. Also, with a good economy, countries can develop new technologies that might help solve environmental problems in the future.
On the other hand, those who argue for environmental protection say we need to take care of our planet now before it’s too late. They believe that if we don’t stop pollution and climate change, it won’t matter how strong our economy is because we won’t have a healthy planet to live on. For instance, in many cities, air pollution is so bad that people get sick, and this costs a lot of money in healthcare. So, by protecting the environment, we can also save money in the long run.
Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
I think the best solution is to try to grow the economy in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. Governments should encourage businesses to use clean energy and reduce waste. They could give tax benefits to companies that are environmentally friendly and create laws to stop pollution. This way, we can have economic growth and protect the environment at the same time.
For example, some countries are investing in renewable energy like solar and wind power. This creates jobs and helps the economy, but it’s also good for the environment because it reduces pollution. Another idea is to promote green building practices which can save energy and reduce waste in construction.
In conclusion, I believe that economic growth and environmental protection are both important. Governments need to find ways to support the economy while also taking care of our planet. By doing this, we can create a better future for everyone.
(Word count: 392)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6-7 IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both viewpoints and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is sufficient, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Some less common vocabulary is attempted (e.g., “prioritize,” “renewable energy”), but there is limited evidence of sophisticated use.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Examples and Supporting Ideas: The essay provides some relevant examples, but they could be more specific and developed.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows an understanding of the issue and attempts to present a balanced view, but the analysis could be deeper.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowdays, there is big argument about should government focus on economy or environment. Some people think economy is more important, other people say environment is more important. I think both are important.
First, economy is important because it helps people have good life. When economy is good, people can find jobs and make money. Government can build schools and hospitals. This is good for everyone. For example, in my country, when economy got better, more people could go to school and get good jobs.
But environment is also important. If we dont protect environment, we will have many problems. Air pollution and water pollution can make people sick. Climate change can cause big problems like floods and storms. This is very dangerous for people and can damage economy too. The role of governments in promoting sustainable agriculture is important to protect the environment and support the economy.
I think government should try to do both. They can make rules to stop pollution and also help businesses grow. For example, they can support companies that make clean energy like solar power. This can create jobs and also help environment.
Clean energy jobs supporting economy and environment
In conclusion, I believe economy and environment are both important. Government should find ways to improve economy without hurting environment. This way, we can have good life and also protect our planet for future.
(Word count: 249)
Explanation of Band 5-6 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 5-6 IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task, presenting both viewpoints and a personal opinion. However, the ideas are not fully developed, and the response is somewhat limited.
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but the organization could be improved. Paragraphing is evident, but the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes inaccurate.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for the task. There are some errors in word choice and spelling (e.g., “Nowdays,” “dont”), but the meaning is generally clear.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Simple sentences are used accurately, but there are errors in more complex structures. These errors sometimes impede communication.
Examples and Supporting Ideas: Some examples are provided, but they are general and not well-developed.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows a basic understanding of the issue but lacks depth in analysis and argumentation.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Prosperity (noun) – /prɒˈsperəti/ – the state of being successful, especially financially
- Environmental degradation (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources
- Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage someone to do something
- Carbon footprint (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
- Circular economy (noun phrase) – /ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/ – an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources
- Green technology (noun phrase) – /griːn tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – technology that is environmentally friendly
- Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
In conclusion, the topic of building a sustainable financial future is crucial in today’s world and likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. By understanding the different perspectives on economic growth and environmental protection, and learning to articulate a balanced viewpoint, you can prepare effectively for this type of question. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as how to promote sustainable agriculture in developing countries or should governments offer incentives for green buildings. These related themes can help you develop a broader understanding of sustainability issues and improve your ability to discuss them in your IELTS Writing Task 2 responses.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.