The topic of whether countries should prioritize the development of green technologies has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This environmental theme aligns with global concerns about climate change and sustainable development, making it a highly relevant and frequently appearing subject in recent years. Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we anticipate this topic to remain significant in future tests.
Let’s examine a sample question that encapsulates this theme:
Some people believe that countries should invest more in the development of green technologies. Others think that there are more important priorities for a country’s resources. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents a balanced argument about resource allocation in countries, specifically focusing on green technologies versus other priorities. Key points to consider:
- The two contrasting viewpoints: investing in green technologies vs. other priorities
- The requirement to discuss both perspectives
- The need to provide your own opinion
A comprehensive response should address all these elements, providing a well-structured and balanced argument.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
In an era of increasing environmental concerns, the debate over prioritizing green technologies versus other national investments has gained significant traction. While some advocate for substantial investment in eco-friendly innovations, others argue that countries have more pressing issues to address. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of green technology investment argue that such prioritization is crucial for long-term sustainability and global environmental health. They contend that developing renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and creating sustainable transportation systems are essential steps in combating climate change and reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels. Moreover, investing in green technologies can stimulate economic growth by creating new industries and job opportunities in the burgeoning “green economy.”
On the other hand, critics of this approach argue that countries, especially developing nations, face more immediate challenges that require attention and resources. These may include poverty alleviation, healthcare improvement, education enhancement, and infrastructure development. They posit that diverting significant resources to green technologies might hinder progress in these critical areas, potentially exacerbating social and economic inequalities.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that investing in green technologies should be a priority for all countries, albeit balanced with other essential needs. The rationale behind this stance is that environmental issues are global in nature and have far-reaching consequences that can exacerbate other societal problems if left unaddressed. For instance, climate change can lead to resource scarcity, displacement of populations, and economic instability, which in turn can worsen poverty and healthcare issues.
Furthermore, I believe that investing in green technologies does not necessarily come at the expense of other priorities. Instead, it can complement and enhance efforts in other areas. For example, developing clean energy infrastructure can improve access to electricity in remote areas, supporting both environmental and developmental goals. Similarly, green building technologies can contribute to both environmental sustainability and improved living conditions.
In conclusion, while countries undoubtedly face numerous pressing issues, the development of green technologies should be considered a priority. However, this should be done as part of a holistic approach to national development, where environmental sustainability is integrated with other social and economic objectives. By doing so, countries can work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
(Word count: 374)
Green Technology Investment
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The question of whether countries should focus on developing green technologies or other priorities is a complex one. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument and provide my personal opinion.
On one hand, many people believe that investing in green technologies is very important. They think that this can help fight climate change and protect the environment. Green technologies like solar power and electric cars can reduce pollution and save energy. This could create new jobs and help the economy grow in a sustainable way.
However, others argue that countries have more important things to spend money on. They say that problems like poverty, healthcare, and education need more attention. These issues affect people’s lives right now, and solving them could improve the quality of life for many citizens. They believe that green technologies are expensive and might not have immediate benefits.
In my opinion, I think that countries should try to balance both of these priorities. While green technologies are important for the future of our planet, we cannot ignore other pressing issues. I believe that governments should invest in green technologies, but also make sure they are addressing immediate social and economic needs.
One way to do this could be to look for solutions that solve multiple problems at once. For example, investing in green public transportation could create jobs, reduce pollution, and improve mobility for people who can’t afford cars. This kind of approach could help countries make progress on environmental issues while also addressing other priorities.
To conclude, while the development of green technologies is crucial for our future, it should not come at the expense of other important social and economic needs. Countries should strive to find a balance between environmental concerns and immediate societal issues, looking for solutions that can address multiple challenges simultaneously.
(Word count: 293)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Some people think countries should spend more money on green technologies, but others believe there are more important things to focus on. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who support green technologies say it’s important for the environment. They think things like solar power and electric cars can help stop pollution and climate change. This could also create new jobs and help the economy.
On the other hand, some people think countries have bigger problems to solve. They say things like healthcare, education, and fighting poverty are more important. These problems affect people’s lives right now, and they need to be fixed quickly.
In my opinion, I think both ideas are important. Countries need to care about the environment, but they also need to help their people. Maybe they can try to do both things at the same time.
For example, a country could build new schools that use solar power. This would help education and also be good for the environment. Or they could make more buses and trains that use clean energy. This would help people travel and also reduce pollution.
In conclusion, I think countries should try to develop green technologies, but not forget about other important things. They should find ways to help the environment and their people at the same time. This way, they can make progress in many areas and build a better future for everyone.
(Word count: 228)
Understanding the Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay 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. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free with only very occasional minor ‘slips’.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows competent writing skills:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs may not be well-linked.
Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice, but these do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but these do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates modest writing skills:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places.
Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression of ideas is visible, but not always clear. Paragraphing may be inadequate.
Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. Word choice errors may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. Errors are frequent and may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to continue over a period of time
- Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
- Alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/ – to make something bad such as pain or problems less severe
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make something worse
- Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – considering a whole thing or being to be more than a collection of parts
- Complementary (adjective) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/ – combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another
Conclusion
The topic of prioritizing green technologies in national development is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on similar themes, such as:
- The role of government in promoting environmental protection
- Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation
- The impact of technological advancement on the environment
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide well-supported arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.