Environmental protection and industrial emissions have become increasingly important topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. The question of whether governments should impose stricter emissions regulations on industries is a recurring theme, reflecting global concerns about climate change and air pollution. This essay topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests.
Let’s examine a specific question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should impose stricter regulations on industrial emissions to protect the environment. Others argue that this would harm economic growth. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that governments should impose stricter regulations on industrial emissions.
- Discuss the opposing viewpoint that such regulations would harm economic growth.
- Provide their own opinion on the matter.
The key aspects to address are environmental protection, industrial emissions, government regulations, and economic growth. A well-balanced essay should consider both sides of the argument before presenting a clear personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental protection and economic growth are often seen as conflicting priorities, particularly when it comes to regulating industrial emissions. While some argue for stricter government controls to safeguard the environment, others contend that such measures would impede economic progress. In my opinion, a balanced approach that prioritizes long-term sustainability is crucial.
Proponents of stricter emissions regulations argue that government intervention is necessary to combat the escalating environmental crisis. Industrial pollution significantly contributes to climate change, air quality degradation, and various health issues. By imposing more stringent controls, governments can compel industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, thereby reducing their environmental impact. For instance, countries like Germany have successfully implemented strict emissions standards, leading to improvements in air quality and spurring innovation in green technologies.
On the other hand, opponents of tighter regulations contend that such measures could stifle economic growth. They argue that compliance with stricter standards would increase production costs, potentially leading to job losses and reduced competitiveness in the global market. This perspective emphasizes the importance of maintaining a business-friendly environment to ensure economic stability and prosperity. For example, some developing countries resist implementing stringent environmental policies, fearing it might hinder their industrial development and economic progress.
In my view, while the concerns about economic impact are valid, the long-term benefits of environmental protection outweigh short-term economic considerations. Governments should implement stricter emissions regulations, but in a phased and strategic manner that allows industries time to adapt. This approach can stimulate innovation in clean technologies, creating new job opportunities in the green sector. Moreover, the economic costs of environmental degradation, including healthcare expenses and climate change mitigation, far exceed the initial investment in emissions control.
In conclusion, while stricter emissions regulations may pose short-term challenges to industries, they are essential for sustainable development. Governments should adopt a balanced approach, implementing regulations gradually while providing incentives for clean technology adoption. This strategy can reconcile environmental protection with economic growth, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The issue of whether governments should impose stricter regulations on industrial emissions is a complex one. There are arguments both for and against this idea, and I will discuss both sides before giving my own opinion.
On one hand, many people believe that stricter regulations are necessary to protect the environment. Industrial pollution is a major cause of environmental problems like air pollution and global warming. If governments make stricter rules, companies will have to find ways to reduce their emissions. This could lead to cleaner air and water, which is good for everyone’s health. For example, in some countries where strict rules were put in place, the air quality has improved a lot.
On the other hand, some people argue that stricter regulations could harm the economy. They say that if companies have to spend more money on reducing emissions, they might have to cut jobs or raise prices. This could lead to unemployment and make life more expensive for everyone. Some also worry that if regulations are too strict in one country, companies might move to other countries where the rules are less strict, causing job losses.
In my opinion, I think governments should impose stricter regulations, but they need to do it carefully. While it’s important to protect the environment, we also need to consider the economic impact. I believe that governments should introduce new regulations gradually, giving companies time to adapt. They could also offer incentives to companies that reduce their emissions, like tax breaks or grants for new technology.
To conclude, while there are valid concerns about the economic impact of stricter emissions regulations, I believe that protecting the environment is crucial for our future. Governments should find a balance between environmental protection and economic growth, implementing regulations in a way that allows industries to adapt over time.
(Word count: 295)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
The question of whether governments should make stricter rules for industrial emissions is important. Some people think it’s a good idea, while others don’t. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
People who support stricter rules say it’s important for the environment. Industries produce a lot of pollution that harms the air and water. If the government makes strict rules, companies will have to pollute less. This can make the air cleaner and help stop global warming. For example, in some cities where they made strict rules, the air got much cleaner.
But other people think these rules can be bad for the economy. They worry that if companies have to spend more money to follow the rules, they might fire workers or increase prices. This could mean more people without jobs and things becoming more expensive. Some also think that companies might move to other countries where the rules are not so strict.
I think that governments should make stricter rules, but they should do it slowly. It’s important to protect the environment, but we also need to think about jobs and the economy. Maybe the government can help companies buy new machines that pollute less. This way, we can protect the environment and keep jobs.
In conclusion, I believe that stricter rules for industrial emissions are needed, but they should be made carefully. The government should try to find a way to protect the environment without hurting the economy too much.
(Word count: 238)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures used accurately and appropriately.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally well organized with clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with good control and few errors.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are organized in a basic way, but not always clearly.
- Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary, adequate for basic communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with some attempt at complex sentences, though errors are frequent.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Regulations (noun) /ˌreɡ.jəˈleɪ.ʃənz/ – rules made by a government or other authority to control the way something is done
- Environmental degradation (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪ.rən.men.təl ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – the process by which the natural environment is compromised in some way, reducing biological diversity and the general health of the environment
- Economic growth (noun phrase) /ˌiː.kəˌnɒm.ɪk ˈɡrəʊθ/ – an increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the quality of being able to continue over a period of time
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ – a new idea or method, or the use of new ideas and methods
- Competitiveness (noun) /kəmˈpet.ə.tɪv.nəs/ – the ability of a company or a product to compete with others
- Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ – the act of reducing how harmful, unpleasant, or bad something is
- Incentives (noun) /ɪnˈsen.tɪvz/ – something that encourages a person to do something
- Adaptation (noun) /ˌæd.æpˈteɪ.ʃən/ – the process of changing to suit different conditions
Conclusion
The topic of government regulations on industrial emissions is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to ongoing global environmental concerns. When approaching this topic, it’s crucial to consider both the environmental and economic perspectives, providing a balanced argument before stating your own opinion.
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- “Should developed countries provide financial assistance to developing countries for environmental protection?”
- “Do you think individual actions or government policies are more effective in addressing environmental issues?”
- “How can countries balance economic development with environmental conservation?”
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.