Climate change has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, and its inclusion in school curriculums is a subject of growing interest. This essay topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject and analyze sample responses for different band scores.
Some people think that climate change should be taught in schools as a separate subject. Others believe it should be included in other subjects like science and geography. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks us to discuss two different approaches to teaching climate change in schools:
- As a separate subject
- Integrated into existing subjects like science and geography
We need to explore the advantages and disadvantages of both views and then provide our own opinion on which approach is better.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time, and educating young people about it is crucial. While some argue for teaching it as a standalone subject, others believe it should be integrated into existing curricula. In my opinion, a combined approach would be most effective.
Those who advocate for climate change as a separate subject argue that it deserves focused attention due to its complexity and importance. A dedicated class would allow for in-depth exploration of various aspects, from scientific principles to socio-economic impacts. This approach ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of the issue without it being overshadowed by other topics. Moreover, it signals the gravity of climate change to students, potentially inspiring them to take action in their personal lives and future careers.
On the other hand, proponents of integrating climate change into existing subjects argue that this approach better reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the issue. In science classes, students could learn about the greenhouse effect and carbon cycle, while geography lessons could cover the impacts on different regions and ecosystems. This integration would help students see how climate change relates to various fields of study and aspects of life. Furthermore, it avoids adding another subject to already crowded school schedules.
In my view, a hybrid approach combining both methods would be ideal. Schools could offer a foundational course on climate change, covering its basic principles and global significance. This could then be supplemented by integrating specific aspects into relevant subjects. For instance, after learning about the basics of climate change, students could explore its economic implications in business studies or its representation in literature classes.
This dual approach would ensure that students grasp the fundamental concepts while also understanding the far-reaching implications of climate change across various disciplines. It would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to address this global challenge in their future personal and professional lives.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Climate change is a big problem today, and teaching it in schools is important. Some people think it should be a separate subject, while others say it should be part of other classes. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Teaching climate change as a separate subject has some good points. It gives students more time to learn about this important topic. They can study different parts of climate change, like what causes it and how it affects the world. This way, students might understand it better and care more about helping the environment.
However, adding climate change to existing subjects like science and geography also has benefits. It shows how climate change connects to other things we learn about. In science class, students can learn why the Earth is getting warmer. In geography, they can see how it affects different places. This method doesn’t need extra time in the school day and helps students see how climate change relates to other subjects.
Should school curriculums include environmental conservation? I think the answer is yes, but I believe the best way is to do both things. Schools could have some special lessons just about climate change, but also talk about it in other classes. This way, students learn the main ideas and also see how it fits with other subjects.
For example, they could have a short course about climate change basics, then learn more in their regular classes. In math, they could use climate data for problems. In history, they could study how climate affected past events.
This combined approach would help students understand climate change better and see how important it is in many areas of life. It would prepare them to deal with this big problem in the future.
(Word count: 295)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Climate change is very important now. Some people think schools should teach it as a new subject. Other people think it should be in other subjects like science and geography. I will talk about both ideas and say what I think.
Teaching climate change as a new subject is good because students can learn a lot about it. They can study for a long time about what makes climate change happen and how it changes the world. This might make students care more about the Earth and want to help.
But putting climate change in other subjects is also good. In science class, students can learn why the Earth gets hot. In geography, they can see how it changes different places. This way doesn’t need more time in school and shows how climate change is part of many things.
I think both ways are good. Schools could have some special lessons about climate change and also talk about it in other classes. This helps students learn the main ideas and see how it fits with other things they learn.
For example, they could have a short class about climate change, then learn more in science and geography. They could also talk about it in other classes like history or math.
This would help students understand climate change better and know it’s important for many things. It would help them be ready to solve this big problem when they grow up.
(Word count: 228)
Analysis of Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Clear structure with a balanced discussion of both views
- Advanced vocabulary: “multidisciplinary,” “socio-economic impacts,” “greenhouse effect”
- Complex sentence structures
- Strong coherence and cohesion throughout
- A well-developed personal opinion with a nuanced suggestion for a combined approach
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band:
- Clear structure and addresses all parts of the question
- Good vocabulary with some less common words: “environmental,” “benefits”
- Mix of simple and complex sentences
- Generally good coherence, though transitions could be smoother
- Personal opinion is clear but less developed than the Band 8-9 essay
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has notable limitations:
- Addresses the task but with less depth
- Simple vocabulary and sentence structures
- Some repetition of ideas and language
- Basic coherence but lacks sophisticated linking words
- Personal opinion is present but not well-developed
Should school curriculums focus more on technology and science? While this is an important question, our focus here is on climate change education. However, the integration of climate change into science curriculums could indeed complement technology and science education.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alterations in temperature and weather patterns
- Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school
- Multidisciplinary (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪdɪsəˈplɪnəri/ – Combining or involving several academic disciplines
- Integration (noun) – /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/ – The act of combining or adding parts to make a unified whole
- Greenhouse effect (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɪˌfekt/ – Warming of Earth’s surface due to trapped heat by atmospheric gases
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain ecological balance without depleting natural resources
- Environmental conservation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/ – Protection and preservation of the natural environment
- Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
- Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
Conclusion
The topic of including climate change in school curriculums is likely to remain relevant for future IELTS exams. It touches on important themes of education, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. When approaching this topic, consider discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different teaching methods, the importance of climate education, and potential impacts on students and society.
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- Should environmental studies be mandatory in all schools?
- How can schools best prepare students to address global environmental challenges?
- What role should education play in promoting sustainable living?
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.