In recent years, the topic of ethical business practices and sustainability has gained significant traction in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This trend reflects the growing global concern for responsible business conduct and environmental stewardship. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current socio-economic issues, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that businesses should be required by law to act in an environmentally responsible manner. Others argue that this should be a voluntary choice. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses the balance between legal requirements and voluntary actions in promoting ethical business practices for sustainability. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for mandatory environmental regulations
- Explore reasons for keeping environmental responsibility voluntary
- Provide a personal opinion with supporting arguments
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Environmental responsibility in business operations has become a pressing concern in our rapidly changing world. While some advocate for legal mandates to ensure corporate compliance with ecological standards, others argue that such initiatives should remain voluntary. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of legally binding environmental regulations argue that without strict laws, many businesses may prioritize profits over sustainability. They contend that mandatory measures create a level playing field, preventing environmentally conscious companies from being at a competitive disadvantage. Moreover, legal requirements can accelerate the adoption of green technologies and practices across industries, leading to significant positive impacts on a larger scale.
On the other hand, those favoring voluntary environmental responsibility assert that businesses should have the freedom to choose their approach to sustainability. They argue that companies are often better positioned to innovate and find cost-effective solutions when not constrained by rigid regulations. Additionally, voluntary initiatives can foster genuine commitment and positive public relations, as opposed to mere compliance with legal minimums.
In my opinion, a balanced approach combining both mandatory and voluntary measures is most effective. While basic environmental standards should be legally enforced to ensure a minimum level of corporate responsibility, businesses should also be encouraged to go beyond these requirements voluntarily. This hybrid model can create a foundation of universal compliance while still allowing for innovation and leadership in sustainability efforts.
In conclusion, the ideal approach to promoting ethical business practices in sustainability involves a careful balance of legal requirements and voluntary initiatives. By setting mandatory baseline standards and incentivizing voluntary excellence, we can create a business environment that is both environmentally responsible and economically vibrant.
(Word count: 275)
Band 6-7 Essay
In today’s world, the question of whether businesses should be legally required to be environmentally responsible or if it should be voluntary is very important. This essay will discuss both sides of this issue and give my opinion.
Some people think that laws should force businesses to be environmentally friendly. They believe this because:
- Many companies only care about making money and ignore the environment
- Laws make sure all businesses follow the same rules
- It can help reduce pollution and save resources faster
However, others argue that being environmentally responsible should be a choice. Their reasons include:
- Companies can find better ways to be green if they are not forced
- Voluntary actions make businesses look good to customers
- Some environmental actions might be too expensive for small businesses
In my opinion, I think there should be both laws and voluntary actions. Some basic rules should be required by law to make sure all businesses do the minimum to protect the environment. But companies should also be encouraged to do more than just the minimum if they can. This way, we can have some protection for the environment, but also let businesses be creative in finding new ways to be green.
To conclude, while laws are necessary to ensure a basic level of environmental responsibility, voluntary actions should also be encouraged for businesses to go above and beyond in their sustainability efforts.
(Word count: 234)
Ethical Business Practices
Key Considerations When Writing
Vocabulary
For a higher band score (8-9), use sophisticated vocabulary related to business ethics and sustainability:
- Corporate social responsibility
- Environmental stewardship
- Ecological footprint
- Sustainable development
- Green initiatives
For a mid-range score (6-7), focus on clear, relevant vocabulary:
- Environmentally friendly
- Pollution reduction
- Resource conservation
- Green business practices
- Sustainability efforts
Grammar
Band 8-9 essays should demonstrate:
- Complex sentence structures: “While basic environmental standards should be legally enforced to ensure a minimum level of corporate responsibility, businesses should also be encouraged to go beyond these requirements voluntarily.”
- Advanced conditional forms: “Had strict regulations been implemented earlier, we might have avoided some of the current environmental crises.”
Band 6-7 essays can use:
- A mix of simple and compound sentences
- Basic conditional forms: “If all businesses follow environmental rules, it could help reduce pollution.”
Structure
Both essays should maintain a clear structure with:
- An introduction presenting the topic and outlining the essay
- Body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint
- A conclusion summarizing the main points and stating a personal opinion
Higher band essays will have more nuanced transitions between ideas and paragraphs.
Essential Vocabulary
Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Corporate social responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈkɔːrpərət ˈsəʊʃl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/: A business approach that contributes to sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all stakeholders.
Ethical (adjective) /ˈeθɪkl/: Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
Compliance (noun) /kəmˈplaɪəns/: The action or fact of complying with a wish or command.
Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/: Motivate or encourage (someone) to do something.
Stewardship (noun) /ˈstjuːədʃɪp/: The responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving.
Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
Mandate (noun or verb) /ˈmændeɪt/: An official order or commission to do something; to authorize or require (something).
Ecological footprint (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources.
Stakeholder (noun) /ˈsteɪkhəʊldə/: A person with an interest or concern in a business or enterprise.
Conclusion
The importance of ethical business practices in sustainability is a crucial topic in contemporary IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By understanding the key arguments, using appropriate vocabulary, and structuring your essay effectively, you can craft a compelling response to questions on this theme.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of consumers in promoting sustainable business practices
- The impact of globalization on corporate environmental responsibility
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in developing countries
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Ethical Considerations in Business
- The Importance of Ethical Leadership in Climate Action
- Why Ethical Sourcing Matters to Consumers
Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep writing, analyzing, and refining your essays to achieve your desired IELTS score!