International trade’s environmental impact is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice due to its global relevance. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that international trade is damaging the environment. Others argue that it actually helps protect the environment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that international trade damages the environment
- Discuss the opposing view that international trade helps protect the environment
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
International trade has become an integral part of the global economy, but its impact on the environment is a subject of heated debate. While some argue that it contributes significantly to environmental degradation, others contend that it can actually foster environmental protection. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this complex issue.
Those who believe international trade harms the environment often point to the increased carbon emissions from transportation. As goods are shipped across vast distances, the burning of fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Additionally, the demand for cheaper products can lead to the exploitation of natural resources in developing countries, where environmental regulations may be less stringent. For instance, the demand for palm oil has resulted in widespread deforestation in Southeast Asia, threatening biodiversity and exacerbating climate change.
On the other hand, proponents of international trade argue that it can contribute to environmental protection in several ways. Firstly, trade facilitates the spread of green technologies and eco-friendly practices across borders. For example, solar panels developed in one country can be exported to others, promoting the adoption of renewable energy globally. Moreover, international trade agreements often include environmental clauses, encouraging countries to adopt and enforce stricter environmental standards. This can lead to a “race to the top” in terms of environmental regulations, as countries seek to maintain their competitiveness in the global market.
In my opinion, while international trade does pose certain environmental challenges, its potential to drive positive change outweighs these concerns. The key lies in how trade is managed and regulated. By implementing robust environmental standards in trade agreements and investing in sustainable transportation methods, we can harness the power of international trade to promote global environmental stewardship. Furthermore, consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly products can incentivize companies to adopt more sustainable practices throughout their supply chains.
In conclusion, the relationship between international trade and the environment is multifaceted. While there are valid concerns about its negative impacts, I believe that with proper management and regulation, international trade can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable development and environmental protection on a global scale. The challenge lies in striking the right balance between economic growth and environmental conservation, a goal that requires ongoing cooperation and innovation at both national and international levels.
(Word count: 379)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s own opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific idea, and there are effective transitions between paragraphs.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Examples include “integral,” “heated debate,” “stringent,” and “multifaceted.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are used effectively throughout.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
International trade is a big part of the world economy today, but some people worry about how it affects the environment. There are two different opinions on this topic, and I will discuss both of them in this essay.
Some people think international trade is bad for the environment. They say that when we ship goods around the world, it causes pollution from ships and planes. This adds to global warming. Also, when companies want to make cheap products to sell in other countries, they might not care about protecting the environment. For example, some factories dump waste in rivers to save money.
However, other people believe that international trade can actually help the environment. They say that when countries trade, they can share good ideas about how to protect nature. For instance, a country that is good at making solar panels can sell them to other countries, which helps reduce the use of fossil fuels. Also, when countries make trade agreements, they often include rules about protecting the environment. This can make countries try harder to be eco-friendly.
In my opinion, international trade can be both good and bad for the environment. It depends on how we manage it. If we make strict rules about protecting nature in our trade agreements and try to use cleaner ways of transporting goods, we can reduce the bad effects. At the same time, we can use trade to spread good environmental practices around the world.
To conclude, international trade has both positive and negative impacts on the environment. I believe that with careful management, we can make sure that the good effects outweigh the bad ones. It’s important for countries to work together to find ways to trade that don’t harm the environment.
(Word count: 298)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities but has some limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but some transitions between ideas could be smoother.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but somewhat limited. There’s room for more sophisticated word choices.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but there’s potential for more varied structures.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be supported with more specific examples and deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Environmental degradation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources.
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Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
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Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
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Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkoʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment.
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Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenərdʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Supply chain (noun) – /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/ – The network between a company and its suppliers to produce and distribute a product.
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Global stewardship (noun) – /ˈɡloʊbl ˈstjuːərdʃɪp/ – The responsible management of global resources and issues.
Conclusion
The topic of international trade’s environmental impact is complex and multifaceted, making it an excellent subject for IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. As you’ve seen from the sample essays, there are various approaches to discussing this topic, depending on your band level.
For future practice, consider exploring related topics such as:
- The role of technology in mitigating the environmental impacts of international trade
- The responsibility of developed vs. developing countries in addressing trade-related environmental issues
- The effectiveness of international environmental agreements in the context of global trade
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.