The topic of education’s role in promoting sustainability has gained significant traction in recent IELTS examinations. Based on analysis of past test patterns and current global trends, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to feature prominently in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent tests and provide sample essays for different band scores.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that schools should focus on academic subjects, while others think that schools should also teach skills that promote sustainability and environmental protection. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that schools should focus primarily on academic subjects
- Discuss the view that schools should also teach sustainability and environmental protection skills
- Provide and justify their own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping future generations, and there is ongoing debate about whether schools should prioritize academic subjects or incorporate sustainability and environmental protection skills into their curricula. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that a balanced approach integrating both academic and sustainability education is crucial for preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Proponents of a purely academic focus argue that schools should concentrate on core subjects such as mathematics, sciences, and languages. They contend that a strong foundation in these areas is essential for students’ future academic and professional success. Moreover, they assert that specialized environmental education can be pursued at higher levels or through extracurricular activities, allowing schools to maintain their primary focus on academic excellence.
On the other hand, advocates for incorporating sustainability and environmental protection skills into school curricula emphasize the urgent need to address global environmental challenges. They argue that instilling environmental awareness and sustainable practices from an early age is crucial for fostering responsible citizenship and ensuring a sustainable future. By integrating these topics into the curriculum, schools can equip students with practical skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about environmental issues.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines academic rigor with sustainability education is the most effective strategy. Schools should strive to create a symbiotic relationship between traditional academic subjects and environmental education, recognizing that these areas are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. For instance, science classes can incorporate lessons on ecosystem conservation, while mathematics can be applied to calculate carbon footprints or analyze renewable energy efficiency.
Furthermore, integrating sustainability into the curriculum can enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are valuable in all academic and professional pursuits. This holistic approach to education not only prepares students for academic success but also cultivates environmentally conscious citizens who are equipped to address the pressing challenges of climate change and resource depletion.
In conclusion, while the importance of academic subjects cannot be overstated, the integration of sustainability and environmental protection skills into school curricula is equally vital. By adopting a balanced approach, schools can nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also environmentally responsible and prepared to contribute positively to a sustainable future.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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 progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically linked.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Sophisticated phrases like “pivotal role,” “symbiotic relationship,” and “holistic approach” demonstrate advanced language use.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. There is good control of grammar and punctuation throughout.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of critical thinking on the topic.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about what schools should teach students. Some people think schools should only focus on academic subjects, while others believe they should also teach about sustainability and protecting the environment. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support focusing only on academic subjects think this is the main job of schools. They believe that subjects like math, science, and languages are very important for students’ future careers and education. They may argue that there isn’t enough time in the school day to teach extra topics like sustainability.
On the other hand, people who want schools to teach about sustainability and environmental protection think these are important skills for the future. They believe that learning about these topics will help students understand environmental problems and how to solve them. This knowledge could help create a more sustainable world in the future.
In my opinion, I think schools should teach both academic subjects and skills for sustainability. Academic subjects are important, but environmental issues are also very serious and affect everyone. Schools could find ways to include sustainability topics in regular subjects. For example, in science class, students could learn about climate change, or in math class, they could calculate energy use.
By teaching both academic subjects and sustainability skills, schools can help students become well-rounded people who are ready for the future. They will have the knowledge they need for their careers and also understand how to protect the environment.
In conclusion, while academic subjects are crucial, I believe schools should also teach sustainability and environmental protection. This balanced approach will prepare students better for the challenges they will face in the future.
(Word count: 278)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a band score of 6-7:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication seen in higher band scores. There is some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “well-rounded”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range is not as wide as in higher band essays.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported, but could be expanded upon more fully to reach a higher band score.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
- Environmental protection (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl prəˈtekʃn/ – actions taken to prevent damage to the environment
- Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – the subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected
- Symbiotic (adjective) – /ˌsɪmbaɪˈɒtɪk/ – involving interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association
- Extracurricular (adjective) – /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjələ/ – (of an activity) not falling within the scope of a regular curriculum
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Carbon footprint (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community
- Critical thinking (noun phrase) – /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
- Resource depletion (noun phrase) – /rɪˈsɔːs dɪˈpliːʃn/ – the consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished
Conclusion
The role of education in promoting sustainability is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As global environmental challenges continue to grow, it’s likely that similar questions will appear in future tests. To prepare effectively, consider practicing with variations of this theme, such as:
- The responsibility of schools in teaching environmental awareness
- The balance between traditional subjects and sustainability education in universities
- The role of environmental education in shaping future leaders
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing essays, but understanding how to structure your thoughts, use appropriate vocabulary, and develop your ideas coherently. We encourage you to practice 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.