Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most frequently occurring topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past exams and current trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to climate change will continue to appear regularly in future tests. This prevalence makes it crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared to address this subject.

One of the most common question types on this topic is whether climate change is the most urgent problem facing humanity today. Let’s examine a specific example of such a question and explore how to approach it effectively for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that climate change is the most pressing issue of our time, while others think there are more important matters to address. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question is asking you to:

1. Discuss the view that climate change is the most urgent problem we face
2. Discuss the view that other issues are more important
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

It’s crucial to address all three parts in your essay to achieve a high score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, along with explanations of why they received their respective scores.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Climate change has been at the forefront of global discussions in recent years, with many arguing that it is the most critical issue of our time. While this viewpoint has merit, others contend that there are more pressing matters to address. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal stance on the subject.

Those who believe climate change is our most urgent problem argue that its far-reaching consequences pose an existential threat to humanity and the planet. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss are just a few of the dire outcomes predicted if we fail to act swiftly. Moreover, the interconnected nature of climate change means it exacerbates other global issues such as food security, economic stability, and social inequality. Proponents of this view assert that without a habitable planet, all other problems become irrelevant.

On the other hand, some argue that more immediate concerns deserve prioritization. Issues such as poverty, healthcare access, and education are seen as more pressing by those who believe we should focus on improving human lives in the short term. They contend that dedicating resources to climate change mitigation may divert attention and funding from these crucial areas. Additionally, skeptics point out that climate predictions are often uncertain and that technological advancements may provide solutions in the future.

In my opinion, while other global issues are undeniably important, climate change represents the most urgent threat we face. The potential for irreversible damage to our planet’s ecosystems and the cascading effects on human societies make it imperative that we address this crisis immediately. However, I believe that tackling climate change and other pressing issues are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many solutions to climate change, such as developing renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable agriculture, can simultaneously address other global challenges.

In conclusion, while there are various critical issues facing humanity, the all-encompassing nature and potential for catastrophic, irreversible consequences make climate change the most pressing concern of our time. It is crucial that we take immediate and decisive action to mitigate its effects while also working to address other important global challenges.

(Word count: 343)

Climate change and global warming concept illustration

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 8 or 9 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately. Complex lexical items are used effectively (e.g., “existential threat,” “exacerbates,” “irreversible damage”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences with no noticeable errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations. The essay presents a nuanced view of the topic, acknowledging the complexity of the issue.

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Many people think that climate change is the biggest problem we face today, but others believe there are more important issues to deal with. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument and give my opinion.

Those who say climate change is the most urgent issue point to the many problems it causes. For example, rising sea levels threaten coastal cities, and extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts are becoming more common. These changes can harm agriculture, leading to food shortages. Also, many animals and plants may become extinct due to changing habitats. Supporters of this view argue that if we don’t solve climate change soon, it will be too late to prevent serious damage to our planet.

On the other hand, some people think there are more pressing matters to address. They might say that problems like poverty, disease, and lack of education affect many people right now and need immediate attention. These issues cause suffering and death every day, while the worst effects of climate change might not happen for many years. Some also argue that technology might solve climate change in the future, so we should focus on other problems now.

In my opinion, climate change is indeed the most urgent issue we face. While other problems are important, climate change could make many of them worse. For example, it could cause more poverty and health problems as people struggle with changing weather patterns and food shortages. Also, unlike some other issues, the effects of climate change might be impossible to reverse if we wait too long to act.

In conclusion, although there are many important problems in the world, I believe climate change is the most pressing because of its potential to cause widespread and long-lasting harm. However, we should still work on solving other issues at the same time, as they are all connected.

(Word count: 309)

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 6 or 7 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both viewpoints and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with appropriate paragraphing. Some cohesive devices are used, but they could be more varied.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate and accurate, but lacks the sophistication and range of a higher band score. There is some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “extinct,” “reverse”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication, but the range of structures is not as wide as in a Band 8-9 essay.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant and supported with some examples, but the level of detail and explanation is not as thorough as in a higher band essay.

Sample Essay for Band 5-6

Climate change is a big problem today. Some people think it’s the most important issue we need to solve, but others say there are more important things. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.

People who think climate change is the biggest problem say it can cause many bad things. The weather is getting hotter, and ice is melting. This can make the sea level rise and flood cities near the coast. Also, there might be more storms and less rain in some places. This can hurt farmers and make it hard to grow food. Animals might die because their homes are changing too fast.

But some people think other problems are more important. They say things like poverty and sickness are hurting people right now. Many people don’t have enough food or clean water. Children can’t go to school in some places. These problems are happening now, but climate change might not be so bad for many years.

I think climate change is the most important problem. It can make other problems worse. For example, if the weather changes a lot, more people might become poor or sick. Also, if we wait too long to fix climate change, it might be too late. We can’t undo the damage easily.

In conclusion, I believe climate change is the biggest issue we face today. We need to do something about it soon. But we should also try to solve other problems at the same time because they are all connected.

(Word count: 252)

Infographic showing the effects of climate change

Explanation of Band 5-6 Score

This essay would likely receive a Band 5 or 6 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, presenting both viewpoints and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas are not fully developed, and some aspects of the task may be dealt with more fully than others.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure with some paragraphing. Simple cohesive devices are used, but coherence may be affected by repetition or lack of clear progression.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but generally adequate for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, but these may not always be successful or accurate.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with some attempts at complex structures. There may be errors, but they generally do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are presented but may lack detail or clear examples. The argument is visible but not fully developed.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Climate change (noun) – long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
   Pronunciation: /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/

2. Pressing (adjective) – urgent; requiring immediate attention
   Pronunciation: /ˈpresɪŋ/

3. Mitigation (noun) – the action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something
   Pronunciation: /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/

4. Exacerbate (verb) – to make a problem or situation worse
   Pronunciation: /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/

5. Biodiversity (noun) – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
   Pronunciation: /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/

6. Irreversible (adjective) – not able to be undone or altered
   Pronunciation: /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/

7. Sustainability (noun) – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
   Pronunciation: /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/

8. Ecosystem (noun) – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
   Pronunciation: /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/

9. Renewable energy (noun phrase) – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
   Pronunciation: /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/

10. Cascading effects (noun phrase) – a sequence of events in which each produces the circumstances necessary for the next
    Pronunciation: /kæˈskeɪdɪŋ ɪˈfekts/

Conclusion

Climate change remains a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, and candidates should be prepared to discuss its various aspects. While this essay focused on the urgency of climate change compared to other global issues, future questions might explore specific impacts, potential solutions, or the role of individuals versus governments in addressing climate change.

To practice, try writing your own essay on one of these potential topics:

1. Some people believe that individual actions have little impact on climate change, and only government and large corporations can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

2. Climate change is often seen as a future problem. Discuss the current impacts of climate change and whether enough is being done to address them.

3. Technological solutions are often proposed to combat climate change. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of relying on technology to solve environmental problems.

Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the actual test.

For more insights on environmental topics and how to approach them in IELTS, you might find our article on describing a recent environmental issue in your country helpful. Additionally, to understand the broader implications of climate change, our piece on the social implications of climate change on food security provides valuable context that could enrich your essays on this topic.