Environmental transparency has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, with many arguing that companies should be required to disclose their environmental impact. This subject has appeared several times in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a relevant topic for future exams. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that companies should be required to publicly report their environmental impact. Others believe that companies should decide for themselves whether to release this information. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks us to discuss two contrasting views on corporate environmental disclosure:
- Companies should be required to report their environmental impact publicly.
- Companies should have the freedom to decide whether to release this information.
We need to discuss both perspectives and then provide our own opinion on the matter. This is a classic example of an opinion essay, which requires a balanced approach before presenting a personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s world, where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global discussions, the debate over whether companies should be mandated to disclose their environmental impact has gained significant traction. While some argue for compulsory reporting, others believe that businesses should retain the right to choose. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of mandatory environmental disclosure argue that it promotes importance of transparency in business practices and accountability. By requiring companies to report their environmental impact, governments and the public can make informed decisions about which businesses to support or regulate. This transparency can drive competition among companies to improve their environmental performance, leading to more sustainable business practices overall. Moreover, it empowers consumers to make environmentally conscious choices, potentially influencing market trends towards greener alternatives.
On the other hand, those who advocate for voluntary disclosure contend that it respects corporate autonomy and prevents unnecessary bureaucratic burden. They argue that forcing companies to report environmental data could be costly and time-consuming, particularly for smaller businesses with limited resources. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for disclosed information to be misinterpreted or misused by competitors or critics, potentially harming a company’s reputation unfairly. Supporters of this view believe that market forces and consumer demand will naturally encourage businesses to be more transparent about their environmental practices.
In my opinion, while I recognize the importance of corporate autonomy, I believe that the benefits of mandatory environmental disclosure outweigh the potential drawbacks. The urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation necessitates a more proactive approach from all sectors of society, including businesses. Compulsory reporting would create a level playing field, ensuring that all companies, regardless of size or industry, are held to the same standards of environmental responsibility. Furthermore, it would provide valuable data for policymakers and researchers to develop more effective environmental strategies.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides, I contend that requiring companies to publicly report their environmental impact is crucial for fostering a more sustainable and responsible business landscape. This approach not only benefits the environment but also promotes long-term economic stability by encouraging innovation and adaptation to evolving environmental challenges.
Environmental impact reporting process
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, a paragraph for personal opinion, and a conclusion.
Coherence and cohesion: Ideas flow smoothly between paragraphs, with effective use of linking words and phrases.
Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, such as “environmental impact,” “mandatory disclosure,” and “corporate autonomy.”
Grammatical range and accuracy: It uses a variety of complex sentence structures correctly, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.
Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
Critical thinking: The writer demonstrates the ability to analyze the issue from multiple perspectives before presenting a well-reasoned personal opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
These days, there is a debate about whether companies should have to report their impact on the environment to the public. Some people think it should be required, while others believe companies should decide for themselves. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support mandatory reporting say it’s important for transparency. If companies have to share this information, people can make better choices about which businesses to support. It might also encourage companies to be more environmentally friendly because they know their actions will be public. For example, if a company knows they have to report how much pollution they create, they might try to reduce it.
On the other hand, some people think companies should choose whether to share this information or not. They say it could be expensive and time-consuming for businesses to collect and report this data, especially for smaller companies. Also, they worry that the information could be used against companies unfairly, maybe by competitors or critics who don’t understand the full picture.
In my opinion, I think companies should be required to report their environmental impact. While I understand it might be difficult for some businesses, I believe the benefits to society and the environment are more important. Climate change is a serious problem, and we need to know how businesses are affecting the environment so we can make changes. If reporting is voluntary, some companies might choose not to do it, which isn’t fair to those who do.
To conclude, although there are arguments for both sides, I believe that making environmental reporting mandatory for companies is the best approach. It will help us protect the environment better and make companies more responsible for their actions.
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates several characteristics that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported.
Coherence and cohesion: The essay has a clear structure and uses some cohesive devices, but the linking between ideas could be more sophisticated.
Lexical resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, with some attempts at using less common words. However, the language could be more precise and varied.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Development of ideas: While the main points are presented, they could be elaborated on more thoroughly with specific examples or deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Environmental impact (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect of human activities on the natural environment.
Mandatory disclosure (noun) – /ˈmændəˌtɔri dɪsˈkloʊʒər/ – The requirement to publicly reveal certain information.
Corporate autonomy (noun) – /ˈkɔrpərət ɔˈtɑnəmi/ – The freedom of a company to make its own decisions.
Transparency (noun) – /trænsˈpɛrənsi/ – The quality of being open and honest in business practices.
Accountability (noun) – /əˌkaʊntəˈbɪləti/ – The fact of being responsible for one’s actions and decisions.
Bureaucratic burden (noun) – /ˌbjʊrəˈkrætɪk ˈbɜrdən/ – The difficulties caused by excessive administrative procedures.
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting natural resources.
Proactive approach (noun) – /proʊˈæktɪv əˈproʊtʃ/ – Taking action to control a situation rather than just responding to it.
Level playing field (idiom) – /ˈlevəl ˈpleɪɪŋ fild/ – A situation in which everyone has a fair and equal chance of succeeding.
Long-term economic stability (noun phrase) – /lɔŋ tɜrm ˌikəˈnɑmɪk stəˈbɪləti/ – The sustained health and balance of an economy over an extended period.
In conclusion, the topic of corporate environmental disclosure is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as the role of government in regulating business environmental practices, the impact of consumer choices on corporate behavior, or the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing well-structured arguments and using a range of appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Remember to focus on addressing all parts of the question, organizing your ideas clearly, and using a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.