The topic of corporate responsibility in reducing environmental damage is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on sustainability, this theme is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles real IELTS tasks and analyze it through multiple band-scored essays.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that companies and businesses should be made to pay for any damage they cause to the environment. Others argue that this responsibility should be shared by all members of society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 format, asking candidates to discuss two contrasting views and provide their own opinion. The topic centers on the responsibility for environmental damage, specifically comparing corporate accountability with societal responsibility.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Environmental preservation has become a critical global concern, sparking debates about who should bear the cost of ecological damage. While some argue that businesses should be solely responsible for environmental harm they cause, others contend that this burden should be shared across society. In my view, while companies should bear the primary responsibility, a collaborative approach involving all societal members is essential for effective environmental protection.
Those who advocate for corporate responsibility argue that companies often prioritize profits over environmental concerns, leading to significant ecological damage. By holding businesses financially accountable for their environmental impact, we create a strong incentive for them to adopt more sustainable practices. For instance, if a manufacturing company were required to pay for air and water pollution caused by its operations, it would likely invest in cleaner technologies and more environmentally friendly processes. This approach aligns with the “polluter pays” principle, ensuring that those who benefit from environmentally harmful activities also bear the costs of mitigation.
On the other hand, proponents of shared responsibility argue that environmental protection is a collective duty. They contend that all members of society contribute to environmental degradation through their consumption patterns and lifestyle choices. For example, individuals who purchase products from polluting companies indirectly support environmentally harmful practices. Moreover, addressing global issues like climate change requires widespread behavioral changes and collective action that extend beyond the scope of corporate responsibility alone.
In my opinion, while businesses should bear the primary financial burden for their direct environmental impacts, a holistic approach involving all societal members is crucial. Companies should be held accountable through stricter regulations, carbon taxes, and mandatory environmental impact assessments. However, individuals also play a vital role through conscious consumption, recycling, and supporting environmentally responsible businesses. Governments should facilitate this shared responsibility by implementing comprehensive environmental policies, providing incentives for green initiatives, and fostering public awareness.
In conclusion, addressing environmental damage requires a multi-faceted approach. While corporate accountability should be at the forefront, effective environmental protection necessitates the active participation of all societal members. By combining stringent corporate regulations with individual actions and governmental support, we can create a more sustainable future for our planet.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with sophisticated phrases like “ecological damage,” “financial accountability,” and “consumption patterns.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
Development of Ideas: Each point is fully elaborated with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
In today’s world, environmental protection is a big issue. Some people think companies should pay for any damage they do to the environment, while others believe everyone in society should share this responsibility. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, making companies pay for environmental damage makes sense because they often cause the most pollution. Big factories and industries release a lot of harmful chemicals into the air and water. If they have to pay for this, they might be more careful and try to find cleaner ways to make their products. For example, if a car company has to pay a fine for polluting the air, they might invest in making electric cars instead.
On the other hand, some people argue that everyone in society should help protect the environment. This is because we all use products that can harm nature, like plastic bags or cars that produce pollution. If only companies pay, regular people might not feel responsible for their actions. Also, some environmental problems, like climate change, are so big that they need everyone to help solve them.
In my opinion, I think both companies and individuals should be responsible for protecting the environment, but in different ways. Companies should pay more because they often cause more damage and have more money to fix problems. However, individuals should also do their part by recycling, using less energy, and choosing products that are better for the environment.
To conclude, while companies should bear most of the financial responsibility for environmental damage, everyone in society has a role to play in protecting our planet. This combined effort is necessary to create a cleaner and healthier world for future generations.
(Word count: 294)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good competence but falls short of the excellence required for Band 8-9:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are supported with examples, but they are less elaborated and less specific than in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Corporate responsibility (noun) – /ˈkɔːrpərət rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – The idea that businesses should act ethically and consider their impact on society and the environment.
Environmental degradation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.
Sustainable practices (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – Methods of production and consumption that can be continued indefinitely without damaging the environment.
Polluter pays principle (noun phrase) – /pəˈluːtər peɪz ˈprɪnsəpl/ – The concept that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.
Carbon tax (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən tæks/ – A fee imposed on the burning of carbon-based fuels.
Ecological footprint (noun) – /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.
Green initiatives (noun phrase) – /ɡriːn ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ – Projects or programs designed to protect the environment and conserve natural resources.
Environmental impact assessment (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt əˈsesmənt/ – An evaluation of the likely environmental consequences of a proposed project or development.
Corporate responsibility in environmental protection
Conclusion
The topic of corporate responsibility in reducing environmental damage is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government regulations in environmental protection
- Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation
- Individual vs. collective responsibility for climate change
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.
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