As an experienced IELTS Writing Task 2 instructor, I’ve noticed that topics related to social media and environmental awareness have become increasingly prevalent in recent exams. This trend is likely to continue, given the growing importance of these issues in our interconnected world. Today, we’ll explore a question that combines these themes and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that social media plays a crucial role in raising environmental awareness, while others think its impact is limited. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires us to:
- Discuss the view that social media is crucial for raising environmental awareness
- Discuss the opposing view that social media’s impact on environmental awareness is limited
- Provide our own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
Environmental issues have become increasingly prominent in recent years, and the role of social media in raising awareness about these concerns has been a subject of debate. While some argue that social platforms are instrumental in spreading environmental consciousness, others contend that their impact is minimal. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of social media’s effectiveness in environmental advocacy highlight its unparalleled reach and ability to disseminate information rapidly. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow environmental organizations and activists to share compelling content, such as striking images of pollution or deforestation, which can quickly go viral and capture public attention. Moreover, social media facilitates the organization of environmental campaigns and events, enabling activists to mobilize large groups of people for causes like climate strikes or beach clean-ups. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research, exemplifies how social media can turn a niche issue into a global phenomenon.
On the other hand, critics argue that social media’s impact on environmental awareness is superficial and short-lived. They contend that while people may engage with environmental content online, this often translates to “slacktivism” – actions that require minimal effort and have little real-world impact. Furthermore, the algorithms that govern social media platforms can create echo chambers, where users are primarily exposed to content that aligns with their existing beliefs, potentially limiting the reach of environmental messages to those already concerned about such issues. The sheer volume of information on social media can also lead to environmental messages being lost in the noise or quickly forgotten as users move on to the next trending topic.
In my opinion, while social media undoubtedly has limitations, its role in raising environmental awareness is significant and largely positive. The platform’s ability to reach millions of people instantaneously and foster global conversations about environmental issues is unparalleled in human history. However, to maximize its effectiveness, environmental content on social media must be coupled with calls to action that encourage tangible, real-world engagement. Moreover, efforts should be made to break out of echo chambers by collaborating with influencers from diverse fields to broaden the audience for environmental messages.
In conclusion, social media’s role in raising environmental awareness is complex but ultimately crucial. While it may not be a panacea for all environmental communication challenges, its potential to educate, inspire, and mobilize people on a global scale makes it an indispensable tool in the fight against environmental degradation. As we move forward, the key lies in harnessing social media’s strengths while mitigating its weaknesses to create lasting environmental awareness and action.
(Word count: 420)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range for the following reasons:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “However”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used with full flexibility and precision (e.g., “unparalleled reach,” “disseminate information,” “echo chambers”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. It includes complex sentences and shows excellent control of grammar and punctuation.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Now, let’s look at an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
In recent years, social media has become a big part of our lives, and many people think it can help raise awareness about environmental problems. However, others believe it doesn’t have much impact. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument and give my opinion.
Those who support social media’s role in environmental awareness say it’s a powerful tool for spreading information. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow people to share photos and videos of environmental issues like pollution or deforestation, which can make more people aware of these problems. Also, social media makes it easier for environmental groups to organize events and campaigns. For example, many climate strikes have been organized through social media platforms.
On the other hand, some people think social media doesn’t really help much with environmental awareness. They say that while people might like or share posts about the environment, they don’t often take real action. Another problem is that social media can create “echo chambers” where people only see information they already agree with, so environmental messages might not reach new audiences. Also, there’s so much information on social media that important environmental messages can get lost.
In my opinion, social media is important for raising environmental awareness, but it has some limitations. It’s great for reaching many people quickly and starting conversations about the environment. However, I think it’s important to use social media in a way that encourages people to take real action, not just like and share posts. Environmental groups should try to reach new audiences by working with different kinds of influencers.
To conclude, while social media isn’t perfect, it plays a crucial role in raising environmental awareness. It has the power to educate and inspire people around the world. We should use its strengths and try to overcome its weaknesses to create lasting environmental awareness and action.
(Word count: 310)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range for the following reasons:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the development of ideas is less thorough than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “Also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of the higher band essay (e.g., “big part of our lives” instead of “increasingly prominent”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though it lacks the full flexibility of the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported, but the examples and explanations are less detailed and nuanced compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some key vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and word types:
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Instrumental (adjective) /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/: Serving as a crucial means or agency
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Disseminate (verb) /dɪˈsemɪneɪt/: To spread or give out something, especially news, information, or ideas, to a lot of people
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Mobilize (verb) /ˈməʊbəlaɪz/: To organize people or resources to achieve a particular goal
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Superficial (adjective) /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃl/: Appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely
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Echo chamber (noun) /ˈekəʊ ˌtʃeɪmbə(r)/: An environment where a person only encounters information or opinions that reflect and reinforce their own
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Slacktivism (noun) /ˈslæktɪvɪzəm/: Actions performed via the internet in support of a political or social cause but regarded as requiring little time or involvement
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Panacea (noun) /ˌpænəˈsiːə/: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
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Indispensable (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbl/: Absolutely necessary or essential
These words can help elevate your writing and demonstrate a sophisticated vocabulary range to the examiner.
Conclusion
The Role Of Social Media In Raising Environmental Awareness is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft a well-reasoned response to this type of question.
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as:
- “To what extent can social media influence people’s behavior towards environmental issues?”
- “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using social media for environmental campaigns.”
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your points with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!