The topic of carbon emission taxation for companies has become increasingly relevant in recent years, reflecting growing concerns about climate change and environmental sustainability. This issue has appeared in various forms in past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future exams. Based on an analysis of past exam trends, we have identified a highly relevant question that closely aligns with this theme:
Some people think that companies should be taxed based on their carbon emissions. Others say this would lead to higher prices for consumers and job losses. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores to help you prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
Question Analysis
This question presents a balanced argument format, asking you to discuss two contrasting views on carbon emission taxation for companies:
- Companies should be taxed based on their carbon emissions.
- Such taxation would result in higher consumer prices and job losses.
The task requires you to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide your own opinion
Key points to consider:
- Environmental impact of carbon emissions
- Economic consequences of carbon taxation
- Balancing environmental protection with economic stability
- Potential alternatives or solutions
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental protection and economic stability are often seen as conflicting priorities, particularly when it comes to policies like taxing companies based on their carbon emissions. While some argue that such measures are necessary to combat climate change, others contend that they would have severe economic repercussions. In my opinion, a carefully implemented carbon tax can be an effective tool for reducing emissions without causing significant economic harm.
Proponents of carbon taxation argue that it is a crucial step in addressing the urgent threat of climate change. By making companies financially accountable for their carbon footprint, this policy creates a strong incentive for businesses to invest in cleaner technologies and more sustainable practices. For instance, a carbon tax in Sweden has led to a significant reduction in emissions while maintaining economic growth. Moreover, the revenue generated from these taxes can be reinvested in green initiatives or used to offset any negative economic impacts.
On the other hand, critics of this approach raise valid concerns about its potential economic consequences. They argue that companies would likely pass on the additional costs to consumers, leading to higher prices for goods and services. This could disproportionately affect lower-income households and potentially reduce overall consumer spending. Furthermore, industries heavily reliant on fossil fuels might be forced to cut jobs or relocate to countries with less stringent environmental regulations, resulting in local job losses and economic instability.
In my view, while these concerns are legitimate, they can be mitigated through thoughtful policy design and implementation. A gradual introduction of carbon taxes, coupled with targeted support for affected industries and consumers, can help minimize economic disruption. For example, the revenue from carbon taxes could be used to provide tax rebates to low-income households or to fund job retraining programs in affected sectors. Additionally, clear long-term goals and predictable increases in carbon pricing can give businesses time to adapt and innovate, potentially creating new jobs in the green energy sector.
In conclusion, I believe that carbon taxation, if implemented carefully, can be an effective means of reducing emissions without causing undue economic harm. By balancing environmental goals with economic considerations and providing support to those most affected, governments can create a sustainable path forward that addresses both climate change and economic stability.
(Word count: 368)
Carbon emission taxation for companies illustration
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The issue of taxing companies based on their carbon emissions is a controversial topic. Some people believe it’s a good way to reduce pollution, while others worry about the economic effects. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support carbon taxes for companies argue that it’s necessary to fight climate change. They say that making companies pay for their pollution will encourage them to use cleaner energy and reduce their emissions. For example, some countries that have implemented carbon taxes have seen a decrease in their overall carbon emissions. This approach could help protect the environment for future generations.
However, opponents of this idea are concerned about its economic impact. They believe that if companies have to pay more taxes, they will raise prices for their products, which will hurt consumers. Additionally, some companies might have to cut jobs to afford these new taxes, leading to unemployment. This could be especially problematic in industries that rely heavily on fossil fuels.
In my opinion, while carbon taxes could help reduce pollution, we need to be careful about how they are implemented. I think a gradual approach would be better, giving companies time to adapt and find ways to reduce their emissions without drastically raising prices or cutting jobs. Governments could also use the money from these taxes to help support clean energy projects or assist workers who might lose their jobs in polluting industries.
To conclude, I believe that taxing companies based on their carbon emissions could be effective if done carefully. We need to balance environmental protection with economic stability to ensure a sustainable future for everyone.
(Word count: 275)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
These days, many people talk about taxing companies for their carbon emissions. Some think it’s a good idea, but others worry about problems it might cause. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who like this idea say it will help the environment. If companies have to pay for pollution, they might try to pollute less. This could be good for the planet and help stop climate change. Some countries already do this and say it works well.
But other people are worried about bad things that could happen. They think companies will make things more expensive if they have to pay these taxes. This would be hard for people who don’t have much money. Also, some companies might fire workers to save money, which would be bad for many people.
I think both sides have good points. Helping the environment is important, but we also need to think about jobs and prices. Maybe we could start with small taxes and slowly make them bigger. This would give companies time to change without causing too many problems.
In conclusion, I believe we should try to reduce pollution, but we need to be careful not to hurt the economy too much. We should find a way to do both things at the same time.
(Word count: 203)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a competent handling of the task with some limitations:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good control.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but may lack overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors that may impede communication.
IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring criteria chart
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
- Taxation (noun) – /tækˈseɪʃən/ – The system of collecting taxes
- Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that encourages a person to do something
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Disproportionately (adverb) – /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənətli/ – To a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
- Stringent (adjective) – /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – Strict, precise, and exacting
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful
- Implementation (noun) – /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – The process of putting a decision or plan into effect
- Controversial (adjective) – /ˌkɑːntrəˈvɜːrʃəl/ – Giving rise or likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement
- Gradual (adjective) – /ˈɡrædʒuəl/ – Taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees
In conclusion, the topic of carbon emission taxation for companies is a complex and nuanced issue that is likely to appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in environmental protection
- Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability
- Alternative methods for reducing corporate carbon emissions
- The impact of environmental policies on different socioeconomic groups
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare for the exam.
