Environmental issues have become a pressing concern on a global scale, and the question of international collaboration to address these challenges is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a significant theme in future tests. Let’s explore this subject through the lens of a specific question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that countries should work together to solve global environmental issues. Others think each country should deal with these problems individually. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that countries should collaborate on global environmental issues
- Discuss the opposing view that countries should handle these problems individually
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores and analyze why they receive their respective scores.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution transcend national borders, sparking a debate on whether countries should unite or act independently to tackle these issues. While both approaches have their merits, I firmly believe that international collaboration is the most effective way to address global environmental problems.
Proponents of international cooperation argue that environmental issues are inherently global and require a coordinated response. For instance, reducing greenhouse gas emissions necessitates a collective effort from all nations, as the actions of one country can significantly impact the entire planet. Moreover, sharing technological innovations and best practices can accelerate progress towards sustainable solutions. The Paris Agreement exemplifies this approach, with countries worldwide committing to limit global temperature rise.
On the other hand, those favoring individual action contend that each nation has unique environmental challenges and resources. They argue that tailored solutions are more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches. Additionally, some countries may be reluctant to participate in global initiatives due to concerns about economic competitiveness or sovereignty. For example, the United States’ temporary withdrawal from the Paris Agreement highlighted these tensions.
In my opinion, while acknowledging the importance of national initiatives, global collaboration is crucial for addressing environmental issues effectively. The transboundary nature of many environmental problems, such as ocean pollution and air quality, demands coordinated action. Furthermore, pooling resources and expertise can lead to more innovative and efficient solutions than countries working in isolation.
To conclude, although individual country efforts are valuable, the complexity and scale of global environmental challenges necessitate international cooperation. By working together, nations can leverage collective knowledge, resources, and influence to create a more sustainable future for all.
(Word count: 275)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: 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. Ideas flow logically, and cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., “Moreover,” “On the other hand,” “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “transcend,” “proponents,” “accelerate progress,” “tailored solutions”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional structures).
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
The question of whether countries should work together or separately to solve global environmental problems is a complex one. There are arguments for both sides, and I will discuss them before giving my own view.
On one hand, some people think that countries should cooperate to address environmental issues. This is because many environmental problems, like global warming, affect the whole world and not just one country. If countries work together, they can share ideas and resources to find better solutions. For example, the Paris Agreement shows how countries can join forces to fight climate change.
On the other hand, others believe that each country should deal with environmental problems on its own. They say that every country has different environmental issues and different amounts of money and technology to solve them. Also, some countries might not want to follow rules set by other nations. For instance, some countries left the Paris Agreement because they thought it was unfair to their economies.
In my opinion, I think that countries should mainly work together to solve global environmental problems, but they should also have some freedom to deal with their specific issues. International cooperation is important because environmental problems don’t stop at borders. However, countries should also be able to focus on their own unique environmental challenges.
To sum up, while there are reasons for countries to work independently on environmental issues, I believe that cooperation is more important for solving global problems. Countries should find a balance between working together and addressing their individual needs.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a band score of 6-7:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and stating the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is organized with clear paragraphing. Some cohesive devices are used (e.g., “On one hand,” “On the other hand,” “However”), but they could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a reasonable range of vocabulary, with some less common words (e.g., “complex,” “cooperation”). However, there is some repetition and the range could be wider.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors, but the range could be more varied.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented with some explanation and examples, but they could be elaborated on more fully.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Global warming (noun) /ˌɡləʊ.bəl ˈwɔː.mɪŋ/ – the increase of Earth’s average temperature
- Collaboration (noun) /kəˌlæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ – the act of working together
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the quality of being able to continue over a period of time
- Transboundary (adjective) /trænzˈbaʊn.dər.i/ – crossing or extending across boundaries
- Initiative (noun) /ɪˈnɪʃ.ə.tɪv/ – a new plan or process to achieve something or solve a problem
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˌnjuː.ə.bəl ˈen.ə.dʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑː.bən ˌfʊt.prɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities of a particular individual, organization, or community
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən/ – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and important structures
Conclusion
The topic of international collaboration in solving global environmental issues is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of developed countries in assisting developing nations with environmental challenges
- The balance between economic growth and environmental protection
- The effectiveness of international environmental agreements
- The impact of individual actions versus governmental policies in addressing climate change
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.