Environmental protection has become a pressing global concern, and the role of governments in regulating corporate activities is a frequent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay question has appeared multiple times in recent years and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and analysis.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Some people believe that governments should impose stricter regulations on corporations to protect the environment. Others argue that this would harm economic growth. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that stricter environmental regulations are necessary
- Explain the opposing view that such regulations could harm economic growth
- Provide their personal opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your own stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether governments should enforce stricter environmental regulations on businesses is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that tougher rules are essential for environmental protection, others contend that such measures could impede economic progress. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of stricter regulations argue that corporate activities often have severe environmental consequences that require government intervention. They maintain that without proper oversight, companies may prioritize short-term profits over long-term environmental sustainability. For instance, the devastating oil spills in recent decades demonstrate the need for rigorous safety standards and accountability in the energy sector. Moreover, stricter regulations can drive innovation, encouraging businesses to develop cleaner technologies and more sustainable practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy.
On the other hand, critics argue that excessive environmental regulations can stifle economic growth and competitiveness. They contend that complying with stringent rules can be costly for businesses, potentially leading to job losses, reduced investments, and higher prices for consumers. For example, imposing strict emissions standards on manufacturing industries might force some companies to relocate to countries with laxer regulations, resulting in job losses and economic downturn in the original country. Additionally, some argue that market forces and voluntary corporate responsibility initiatives can be more effective in promoting environmental stewardship than government mandates.
In my opinion, while economic concerns are valid, the long-term benefits of environmental protection outweigh the short-term economic costs. Governments should indeed impose stricter regulations on corporations, but these should be implemented gradually and with consideration for economic impacts. A balanced approach that combines regulatory measures with incentives for green innovation can foster both environmental sustainability and economic growth. For instance, offering tax breaks for companies that invest in renewable energy or circular economy practices can encourage positive change without overly burdening businesses.
In conclusion, the issue of environmental regulations versus economic growth is not a zero-sum game. By carefully crafting policies that protect the environment while also supporting business innovation, governments can achieve a balance that ensures both ecological sustainability and economic prosperity for future generations.
(Word count: 345)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion.
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Balanced argument: Both perspectives are discussed thoroughly, with specific examples to support each view.
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Personal opinion: The writer clearly states their own view in the fourth paragraph and provides a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both sides of the argument.
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Cohesion and coherence: The essay uses a range of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly.
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Lexical resource: The writer employs a wide range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, such as “environmental sustainability,” “corporate responsibility,” and “circular economy practices.”
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay demonstrates the use of complex sentence structures and a variety of grammatical forms without significant errors.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should make stricter rules for companies to protect the environment is a big topic these days. Some people think it’s necessary, while others worry about the economy. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support stricter rules say that it’s important to protect nature from pollution and damage caused by businesses. They think that without strong laws, companies will only care about making money and not about the environment. For example, factories might dump waste in rivers if there are no rules to stop them. Stricter regulations could make companies find better ways to work that don’t harm nature.
On the other hand, people against more rules argue that it could be bad for the economy. They say that if companies have to follow too many expensive rules, they might have to fire workers or raise prices. This could lead to job losses and make life more expensive for everyone. Some also believe that companies can take care of the environment on their own without government interference.
In my opinion, I think we need some stricter rules, but they should be fair and not too sudden. The environment is very important, and we need to protect it for the future. However, we also need to think about jobs and the economy. Maybe governments can give rewards to companies that are good to the environment, like tax benefits, instead of just making strict rules.
To conclude, both the environment and the economy are important. Governments should try to find a balance between protecting nature and keeping businesses healthy. This way, we can have a clean environment and a strong economy at the same time.
(Word count: 283)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Addressing the task: The essay covers both viewpoints and includes a personal opinion, fulfilling the basic requirements of the task.
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Coherence and cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with separate paragraphs for each viewpoint and the writer’s opinion. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “They say” and “For example”).
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Lexical resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate but lacks the sophistication and precision of higher band scores. There is some attempt to use topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., “pollution,” “regulations”), but the range is limited.
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but there is less variety in structure compared to the Band 8-9 essay. There are no major grammatical errors, but the language lacks the fluency and flexibility of higher band scores.
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Development of ideas: While the main ideas are present, they are not as fully developed or supported with specific examples as in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Environmental regulations (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌreɡjʊˈleɪʃnz/ – Rules and laws designed to protect the environment.
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Corporate responsibility (noun) – /ˈkɔːpərət rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – The idea that companies should act in ways that benefit society and the environment.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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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.
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Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or things.
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Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
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Incentives (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪvz/ – Things that motivate or encourage someone to do something.
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Circular economy (noun) – /ˈsɜːkjələr ɪˈkɒnəmi/ – An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.
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Ecological (adjective) – /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/ – Relating to or concerned with the relation of living organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.
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Competitiveness (noun) – /kəmˈpetətɪvnəs/ – The quality of being as good as or better than others of a comparable nature.
Conclusion
The topic of government regulations on corporations for environmental protection is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future variations might include questions about specific types of environmental regulations, the role of international cooperation in environmental protection, or the balance between economic development and environmental conservation in developing countries.
To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes, such as:
- The responsibility of individuals versus corporations in environmental protection
- The role of technology in solving environmental problems
- The effectiveness of international agreements on climate change
Remember to structure your essay clearly, provide balanced arguments, and support your points with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.