Carbon taxes have become a hot topic in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This issue is likely to appear more frequently in future tests due to its relevance to global environmental concerns. Let’s examine a typical question on this subject and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should implement carbon taxes to reduce emissions. Others argue that there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss arguments for implementing carbon taxes
- Discuss arguments against carbon taxes and for alternative solutions
- Provide your own opinion on the issue
Let’s break down the key elements:
- Carbon taxes
- Reducing emissions
- Alternative solutions
- Government implementation
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In recent years, the debate over how to effectively combat climate change has intensified, with carbon taxes emerging as a contentious solution. While some advocate for their implementation, others argue that alternative measures would be more effective. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a balanced view on the matter.
Proponents of carbon taxes argue that they provide a direct financial incentive for businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. By putting a price on carbon emissions, governments can encourage the adoption of 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 infrastructure and renewable energy projects, further accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
On the other hand, critics contend that carbon taxes can be regressive, disproportionately affecting lower-income households who may struggle to afford higher energy prices. They argue that alternative approaches, such as cap-and-trade systems or investment in renewable energy research, could be more effective and equitable. These methods might offer more flexibility for businesses to adapt and innovate without imposing direct costs on consumers. Additionally, some skeptics question the effectiveness of carbon taxes in a globalized economy, where companies might simply relocate to countries with less stringent environmental regulations.
In my opinion, while carbon taxes can be a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, they should be part of a comprehensive strategy rather than a standalone solution. Governments should implement carbon taxes gradually, with measures to mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations. This could include redistributing tax revenues to low-income households or investing in public transportation. Simultaneously, continued investment in renewable energy research and international cooperation to establish global emissions standards are crucial to ensure a holistic approach to reducing carbon emissions.
In conclusion, carbon taxes have the potential to drive significant reductions in emissions, but their implementation must be carefully considered to address potential drawbacks. A balanced approach that combines carbon pricing with other environmental policies and social support measures is likely to be the most effective and equitable way forward in tackling the global challenge of climate change.
(Word count: 345)
Band 6-7 Essay
The issue of how to reduce carbon emissions is a big problem in the world today. Some people think that governments should use carbon taxes to solve this problem, but others believe there are better ways. This essay will look at both sides of this argument and give my opinion.
Those who support carbon taxes say that they can make people and companies reduce their carbon emissions. When people have to pay more for using fossil fuels, they might choose to use less energy or switch to cleaner options. This could help to lower the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Also, the money from these taxes could be used to fund green projects, which could help the environment even more.
However, there are also arguments against carbon taxes. Some people think that these taxes might make things more expensive, especially for poor people who might not be able to afford higher energy prices. They suggest that other methods, like investing in renewable energy or making stricter laws about pollution, might work better. These alternatives could help reduce emissions without putting extra costs on ordinary people.
In my opinion, I think that carbon taxes can be useful, but they should not be the only solution. Governments should use a mix of different methods to tackle climate change. They could introduce carbon taxes slowly and use the money to help people who might struggle with higher costs. At the same time, they should invest in new clean technologies and work with other countries to find global solutions.
To conclude, while carbon taxes have some advantages in reducing emissions, they also have some drawbacks. I believe that a balanced approach, using carbon taxes along with other strategies, is the best way to address the problem of climate change and protect our environment for the future.
(Word count: 295)
Band 5-6 Essay
Nowadays, many people are talking about how to reduce carbon emissions. Some think that governments should use carbon taxes, but others say there are better ways. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Carbon taxes can be good because they make people pay for pollution. When things that cause pollution cost more, people might use them less. This can help reduce carbon emissions. Also, the government can use the money from these taxes to help the environment in other ways.
But some people don’t like carbon taxes. They say these taxes can make life more expensive, especially for poor people. They think it’s better to use other methods, like making more clean energy or having stricter rules for factories. These ideas might work without making things cost more for everyone.
I think carbon taxes can be helpful, but they are not perfect. Governments should use them carefully and also try other ways to help the environment. They should make sure that poor people don’t suffer because of these taxes.
In conclusion, carbon taxes might help reduce emissions, but they can also cause problems. I believe that using a mix of different methods is the best way to protect our planet and help stop climate change.
(Word count: 196)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the requirements for a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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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’.
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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 mistakes.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates generally effective writing skills:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are covered more fully than others.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical.
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Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice or spelling, but these do not impede communication.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, but these rarely reduce communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates modest writing skills:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas and insufficient elaboration.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression of ideas is visible, but not always clear. Paragraphing is present but may not be fully logical.
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Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at more sophisticated words. There may be noticeable errors in spelling and word formation.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. While the essay contains both simple and complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
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Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
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Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
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Regressive (adjective) – /rɪˈɡresɪv/ – Taking a proportionally greater amount from those on lower incomes.
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Cap-and-trade (noun) – /kæp ænd treɪd/ – A system that sets a limit on the amount of pollution that companies can produce and allows them to buy and sell emission allowances.
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Globalized economy (noun phrase) – /ˈɡloʊbəlaɪzd ɪˈkɑːnəmi/ – An economy characterized by interdependence between different countries and free movement of goods, services, and capital.
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Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful.
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Holistic (adjective) – /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
In conclusion, the topic of carbon taxes and emission reduction is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as:
- The effectiveness of international agreements on climate change
- The role of individual actions versus government policies in reducing emissions
- The impact of technological innovations on environmental protection
To improve your writing skills, try crafting your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your arguments and expression, preparing you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.