The topic of government regulations on pollution is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current environmental concerns, it’s likely to appear frequently in future tests. This essay will provide sample responses for different band scores, focusing on the following question:

Some people believe that governments should impose stricter regulations on industries to reduce pollution. Others argue that companies should have the freedom to operate without excessive government interference. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss arguments for stricter government regulations on pollution
2. Explore reasons against excessive government interference
3. Provide a personal opinion on the issue

Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand how to approach this topic effectively.

Government regulations on pollution

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Environmental pollution is a pressing global concern, and the debate over government intervention versus corporate freedom is increasingly relevant. While some advocate for stringent regulations to combat pollution, others argue for minimal interference in business operations. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my view on the matter.

Proponents of stricter regulations argue that government intervention is necessary to curb industrial pollution effectively. They contend that left unchecked, companies often prioritize profit over environmental responsibility, leading to severe ecological damage. Stringent regulations can force industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices, significantly reducing their environmental impact. For instance, the Clean Air Act in the United States has dramatically improved air quality since its implementation, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of well-designed environmental policies.

On the other hand, those opposing excessive government interference argue that overregulation can stifle innovation and economic growth. They believe that companies should have the flexibility to develop their own environmental solutions, which could be more efficient and cost-effective than government-mandated approaches. Additionally, they contend that excessive regulations can create bureaucratic hurdles, potentially driving businesses to relocate to countries with laxer environmental laws, resulting in job losses and economic downturn.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is crucial. While I believe that some level of government regulation is necessary to protect the environment, it should be implemented thoughtfully to avoid undue burden on businesses. Governments should focus on setting clear environmental standards and goals, while allowing companies flexibility in how they achieve these targets. This approach can foster innovation in green technologies while ensuring that environmental protection remains a priority.

Furthermore, I suggest that governments should complement regulations with incentives for environmentally responsible practices. Tax breaks for companies investing in clean energy or pollution reduction technologies can encourage sustainable practices without resorting to punitive measures alone. This carrot-and-stick approach can create a more collaborative relationship between government and industry in addressing environmental challenges.

In conclusion, while the debate between stricter regulations and corporate freedom is complex, I believe that a nuanced approach combining reasonable regulations with positive incentives offers the best path forward. This strategy can balance environmental protection with economic considerations, leading to sustainable development that benefits both industry and the planet.

(Word count: 365)

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. It offers a nuanced perspective, suggesting a balanced approach.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific idea, and there’s effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “Furthermore”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “stringent regulations,” “bureaucratic hurdles,” “laxer environmental laws”). There’s good use of topic-specific vocabulary and collocations.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately. There’s a good mix of complex and compound sentences, with no noticeable errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are fully developed with relevant examples and explanations. The essay goes beyond simple arguments to suggest innovative solutions like incentive-based approaches.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Nowadays, pollution is a big problem in many countries. Some people think governments should make stricter rules for industries to reduce pollution, but others believe companies should be free to operate without too much government control. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

There are good reasons for governments to make stricter rules about pollution. First, many companies don’t care enough about the environment and only think about making money. If there are no strong rules, they might pollute a lot and damage nature. For example, in some countries, factories dump waste in rivers, which kills fish and makes water unsafe. Strict rules can force companies to be more careful and use cleaner ways of working.

However, some people argue that too many rules can be bad for business. They say that if there are too many regulations, it can be expensive for companies to follow them all. This might make products more expensive for customers or even cause some businesses to close down. Also, they believe that companies can find their own ways to reduce pollution if they are given the chance.

In my opinion, I think we need some rules to protect the environment, but they shouldn’t be too strict. Governments should make clear rules about how much pollution is allowed, but also give companies some freedom to find the best ways to follow these rules. This way, we can protect nature without causing too many problems for businesses.

I also think governments should help companies that try to be environmentally friendly. For example, they could give tax benefits to companies that use clean energy or reduce their waste. This could encourage more businesses to care about the environment without forcing them with too many rules.

In conclusion, while pollution is a serious issue, I believe we need a balance between government rules and company freedom. This can help protect the environment while also allowing businesses to operate successfully.

(Word count: 329)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a main idea. There’s some use of cohesive devices, but it could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but somewhat limited. There are attempts at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “environmentally friendly”), but the range could be broader.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy. However, the range of structures could be wider.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported with some examples. However, the depth of explanation and argumentation could be improved.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – strict, severe, or restrictive
2. Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation to improve it
3. Curb (verb) /kɜːrb/ – to restrain or keep in check
4. Stifle (verb) /ˈstaɪfəl/ – to suppress, restrain, or prevent
5. Bureaucratic (adjective) /ˌbjʊərəˈkrætɪk/ – relating to a system of government with many complicated rules and processes
6. Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that encourages a person to do something
7. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
8. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
9. Lax (adjective) /læks/ – not sufficiently strict, severe, or careful
10. Punitive (adjective) /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ – inflicting or intended as punishment

Conclusion

The topic of government regulations on pollution is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of individual responsibility versus government action in environmental protection
• The impact of environmental regulations on economic growth
• Balancing industrial development with environmental conservation

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.