The topic of environmental regulations has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on climate change, it’s highly likely that questions related to “should governments implement stricter environmental regulations” will continue to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic in depth, analyzing a relevant question and providing sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should implement stricter environmental regulations to protect the planet, while others argue that this could harm economic growth. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a classic debate between environmental protection and economic growth. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should implement stricter environmental regulations.
- Discuss the opposing view that such regulations could harm economic growth.
- Provide their own opinion on the matter.
Let’s break down each aspect of this task and then look at sample essays for different band scores.
Band 8 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8 range:
Environmental protection versus economic growth is a contentious issue that has sparked heated debates worldwide. While some advocate for stricter government regulations to safeguard our planet, others contend that such measures could impede economic progress. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own stance on this critical matter.
Proponents of stricter environmental regulations argue that government intervention is crucial to prevent further ecological degradation. They contend that without stringent rules, corporations and individuals may prioritize short-term profits over long-term environmental sustainability. For instance, the implementation of carbon taxes and emissions trading schemes in several European countries has led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, stricter regulations can drive innovation in green technologies, creating new industries and job opportunities in the process.
On the other hand, opponents of tighter environmental controls assert that such measures could stifle economic growth and competitiveness. They argue that compliance with strict regulations can be costly for businesses, potentially leading to job losses and reduced investment. For example, the coal industry in the United States has experienced significant downsizing due to stricter emissions standards, resulting in unemployment in coal-dependent communities. Critics also contend that overly burdensome regulations may drive businesses to relocate to countries with laxer environmental laws, resulting in a phenomenon known as “carbon leakage.”
In my opinion, while the concerns about economic impacts are valid, the implementation of stricter environmental regulations is not only necessary but also potentially beneficial for long-term economic prosperity. The costs of inaction on climate change and environmental degradation far outweigh the short-term economic challenges posed by stricter regulations. Furthermore, countries that take the lead in developing and implementing green technologies are likely to gain a competitive advantage in the emerging global green economy.
In conclusion, I believe that governments should indeed implement stricter environmental regulations, but in a thoughtful and gradual manner that allows businesses to adapt. By striking a balance between environmental protection and economic considerations, we can work towards a sustainable future that ensures both planetary health and economic prosperity for generations to come.
(Word count: 332)
Environmental regulations and economic growth
Analysis of Band 8 Essay
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s own opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically developed. Cohesive devices are used effectively throughout the essay.
Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates an impressive range of vocabulary, including topic-specific terms and phrases such as “ecological degradation,” “carbon taxes,” “emissions trading schemes,” and “carbon leakage.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of grammatical structures accurately. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Band 7 Sample Essay
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 7 range:
The debate over whether governments should enforce stricter environmental regulations or prioritize economic growth is a complex issue. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument and provide my personal viewpoint.
Those in favor of stricter environmental regulations argue that government action is necessary to protect our planet. They believe that without strong rules, companies and individuals might prioritize profits over environmental concerns. For example, stricter regulations on plastic use in many countries have led to a reduction in plastic waste in oceans. Additionally, tougher environmental laws can encourage the development of green technologies, which can create new jobs and industries.
On the other hand, opponents of stricter regulations worry about the potential negative impact on the economy. They argue that complying with tough environmental rules can be expensive for businesses, which might lead to job losses or higher prices for consumers. For instance, some car manufacturers have complained that strict emissions standards make their vehicles more expensive to produce, potentially affecting sales and employment in the automotive industry.
In my opinion, while economic concerns are important, implementing stricter environmental regulations is crucial for our long-term well-being. The costs of dealing with environmental problems in the future, such as climate change and pollution, are likely to be much higher than the current costs of implementing stricter rules. Moreover, countries that develop expertise in green technologies may have a competitive advantage in the future global economy.
To conclude, I believe that governments should introduce stricter environmental regulations, but they should do so carefully to minimize economic disruption. By finding a balance between environmental protection and economic needs, we can work towards a sustainable future that benefits both the planet and the economy.
(Word count: 283)
Analysis of Band 7 Essay
This essay would likely receive a Band 7 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas are logically sequenced, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8 essay.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a good range of vocabulary relevant to the topic. However, the range and precision are not as impressive as in the Band 8 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with good control. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range is not as wide as in the Band 8 essay.
Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with relevant examples, but the level of detail and explanation is less than in the Band 8 essay.
Band 6 Sample Essay
Finally, let’s examine a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6 range:
Nowadays, there is a big debate about whether governments should make stricter rules to protect the environment or focus more on growing the economy. In this essay, I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
Some people think governments should make stricter environmental rules. They say this is important to save our planet from pollution and climate change. For example, when governments make rules about recycling, it helps reduce waste. Also, when there are strict rules, companies might invent new ways to be more environmentally friendly.
But other people worry that strict environmental rules can hurt the economy. They think these rules can make things more expensive for businesses, which might lead to fewer jobs. For instance, if factories have to buy expensive equipment to reduce pollution, they might have less money to pay workers.
In my opinion, I think governments should make stricter environmental rules, but they should do it slowly. We need to protect our planet, but we also need to think about jobs and the economy. Maybe governments can help businesses adapt to new rules by giving them some support or time to change.
To sum up, I believe that stricter environmental rules are important, but we need to be careful about how we introduce them. We should try to find a way to protect the environment without causing too many problems for the economy. This way, we can have a healthier planet and still have economic growth.
(Word count: 247)
Analysis of Band 6 Essay
This essay would likely receive a Band 6 score for the following reasons:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the treatment of the topic is more general and less nuanced compared to the Band 7 and 8 essays.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “For example” and “Also”).
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but the range is more limited compared to higher band essays. There’s less use of topic-specific vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay mainly uses simple sentence structures with some attempts at more complex structures. There are no major grammatical errors, but the range is limited.
Development of Ideas: Main points are presented with some supporting ideas, but the level of explanation and detail is less than in higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Environmental regulations (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌreɡjuˈleɪʃnz/ – Rules and laws designed to protect the environment.
Economic growth (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time.
Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Carbon tax (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən tæks/ – A fee imposed on the burning of carbon-based fuels.
Emissions trading scheme (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃnz ˈtreɪdɪŋ skiːm/ – A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions.
Green technology (noun) – /ɡriːn tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – Technology that is environmentally friendly.
Carbon leakage (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈliːkɪdʒ/ – The increase in carbon dioxide emissions in one country as a result of an emissions reduction by a second country.
Ecological degradation (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources.
Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Competitiveness (noun) – /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/ – The ability and performance of a firm, sub-sector or country to sell and supply goods and services in a given market.
Conclusion
The topic of environmental regulations versus economic growth is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar questions such as:
- Should governments prioritize environmental protection over economic development?
- To what extent should businesses be held responsible for environmental protection?
- How can countries balance the need for industrial growth with environmental concerns?
Remember, the key to a high-scoring essay is to fully address all parts of the question, organize your ideas logically, use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!