The topic of plant-based diets and environmental sustainability has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past exam questions from 2018-2023, this theme appears approximately once every 4-5 months, particularly in questions about environmental protection, lifestyle changes, and global solutions to climate change.
Analysis of Topic and Question Types
One of the most common question formats on this topic asks candidates to evaluate the effectiveness of shifting to plant-based diets as a solution to environmental problems. Here is a recent example that appeared in several test centers:
Some people believe that switching to a plant-based diet is the most effective way to reduce environmental damage. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Plant-based diet and its positive impact on environment
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on the effectiveness of plant-based diets
- Evaluate environmental impact of dietary choices
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Provide a balanced discussion
Sample Essays
Band 8 Essay Sample
While many advocate plant-based diets as the primary solution to environmental degradation, I partially agree with this view as I believe it is one of several important measures needed to address environmental challenges.
Plant-based diets undoubtedly offer significant environmental benefits. The production of meat and dairy products requires extensive land use, contributes substantially to deforestation, and generates considerable greenhouse gas emissions. Research indicates that livestock farming accounts for approximately 15% of global carbon emissions. By switching to plant-based alternatives, individuals can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint and help preserve natural resources. For instance, producing one kilogram of beef requires about 15,000 liters of water, while the same amount of wheat needs only 1,500 liters.
However, focusing solely on dietary changes overlooks other crucial environmental solutions. Industrial pollution, fossil fuel consumption, and waste management are equally significant contributors to environmental damage. Even if everyone adopted a plant-based diet, these issues would continue to harm our ecosystem. A comprehensive approach incorporating renewable energy adoption, improved waste recycling systems, and stricter industrial emissions regulations is essential. For example, transitioning to renewable energy sources could reduce carbon emissions by 70% in the power sector alone.
Furthermore, the practicality of global adoption of plant-based diets must be considered. Cultural traditions, economic constraints, and nutritional needs vary significantly across populations. In many developing regions, animal husbandry provides essential income and nutrition for communities. Therefore, rather than promoting complete dietary transformation, encouraging reduced meat consumption and sustainable farming practices might be more realistic and effective.
In conclusion, while plant-based diets can significantly contribute to environmental protection, they should be viewed as part of a broader solution rather than the primary answer to environmental challenges. A balanced approach combining dietary changes with other environmental measures would likely yield better results.
Sustainable farming practices and their environmental benefits
Band 6.5 Essay Sample
Many people think changing to plant-based diets is the best way to protect our environment. I agree with this idea because it can help reduce pollution and save resources.
First, eating more plants and less meat helps the environment. When farmers raise animals for meat, they need lots of land and water. Also, animals like cows produce methane gas which is bad for the atmosphere. For example, in my country, many forests are cut down to make space for cattle farming. If people eat less meat, we won’t need so much land for animals.
Additionally, plant-based food production is more efficient. Growing vegetables and fruits uses less water and energy than raising animals. When we eat plants directly instead of feeding them to animals first, we save resources. In many places, farmers can grow different types of vegetables all year round, which is better than keeping animals.
However, there are some problems with everyone becoming vegetarian. Some people cannot get all their nutrients from plants only. Also, many farmers depend on animal farming for their income. If everyone stops eating meat suddenly, these farmers will lose their jobs. Maybe we should reduce meat eating slowly instead of stopping completely.
In conclusion, I think plant-based diets are very important for protecting the environment, but we should also think about other ways to help nature and support farmers who might be affected by this change.
Score Analysis
Band 8 Essay (288 words):
- Task Response: Clear position, well-developed arguments
- Coherence/Cohesion: Logical organization, effective paragraphing
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary, natural expression
- Grammar: Complex structures, minimal errors
Band 6.5 Essay (234 words):
- Task Response: Clear but simpler arguments
- Coherence/Cohesion: Basic organization, some repetition
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but limited vocabulary range
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- environmental degradation (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – deterioration of the environment
- carbon footprint (n) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – total greenhouse gas emissions
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – environmentally maintainable
- livestock farming (n) /ˈlaɪvstɒk ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ – raising animals for food
- greenhouse gas emissions (n) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – release of harmful gases
- deforestation (n) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – clearing of forests
- ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – biological community
- animal husbandry (n) /ˈænɪml ˈhʌzbəndri/ – breeding and caring for farm animals
In future IELTS tests, expect similar questions about:
- Impact of meat consumption on climate change
- Alternative protein sources
- Sustainable agriculture practices
- Global food security
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share in the comments for feedback!
