The topic of government tax incentives for environmentally friendly businesses is becoming increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This trend reflects the growing global concern for environmental sustainability and the role of governments in promoting eco-friendly practices. Based on recent exam patterns and predictions, it’s highly likely that you may encounter a question related to this theme in your IELTS test. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Should governments offer tax breaks for businesses that adopt eco-friendly practices?
This question falls under the category of opinion essays. It requires you to present your viewpoint on whether governments should provide tax incentives to businesses implementing environmentally friendly practices. Your response should include:
- A clear stance on the issue
- Well-developed reasons supporting your opinion
- Relevant examples to illustrate your points
- A balanced consideration of potential counterarguments
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental conservation has become a pressing global concern, prompting discussions about the role of governments in encouraging sustainable business practices. In my opinion, offering tax breaks to eco-friendly businesses is not only a justifiable measure but also a necessary step towards a more sustainable future.
Firstly, tax incentives can serve as a powerful motivator for businesses to adopt green practices. Many companies hesitate to implement eco-friendly measures due to the perceived high costs associated with such transitions. By providing tax breaks, governments can effectively offset these initial expenses, making it financially viable for businesses to invest in sustainable technologies and processes. For instance, when the UK government introduced tax relief for energy-efficient equipment, there was a significant increase in the adoption of such technologies across various industries.
Moreover, tax breaks for eco-friendly businesses can create a ripple effect throughout the economy. As more companies embrace sustainable practices to benefit from these incentives, they often influence their suppliers and competitors to follow suit. This domino effect can lead to widespread adoption of green practices across entire industries. A prime example is the automotive industry, where tax incentives for electric vehicle manufacturers have spurred innovation and competition, resulting in a broader shift towards sustainable transportation.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that tax breaks alone are not a panacea. Critics argue that such incentives may lead to abuse, with some businesses merely greenwashing their operations to qualify for tax relief without making substantial environmental improvements. To address this concern, governments must implement rigorous verification processes and establish clear, measurable criteria for eco-friendly practices. Additionally, these tax incentives should be part of a comprehensive environmental policy that includes regulations, public awareness campaigns, and support for green research and development.
In conclusion, while offering tax breaks for eco-friendly businesses presents some challenges, the potential benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. By providing financial incentives, governments can accelerate the transition to sustainable business practices, fostering innovation and contributing to global environmental conservation efforts. As we face increasingly severe environmental challenges, such measures are not just beneficial but imperative for our planet’s future.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, environmental protection is a big issue. Many people think governments should give tax breaks to businesses that use eco-friendly practices. I agree with this idea because it can help the environment and the economy.
One reason why tax breaks for eco-friendly businesses are good is that they encourage companies to be more green. Many businesses want to help the environment, but they worry about the cost. If they get tax breaks, it becomes cheaper for them to use things like solar power or electric vehicles. For example, in some countries, companies that use renewable energy pay less tax, which makes more businesses want to try it.
Another benefit of these tax breaks is that they can create more jobs. When businesses save money on taxes, they might use that money to hire more people or invest in new technology. This is good for the economy. Also, as more companies become eco-friendly, there will be more jobs in areas like solar panel installation or recycling.
However, some people might say that these tax breaks are not fair to businesses that can’t afford to be eco-friendly. This is a valid concern, but governments could solve this by offering help to smaller businesses to become more green.
In conclusion, I believe that giving tax breaks to eco-friendly businesses is a good idea. It helps protect the environment and can also boost the economy. Governments should consider this as part of their plan to fight climate change.
(Word count: 249)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I think governments should give tax breaks to businesses that use eco-friendly practices. This is good for the environment and can help businesses too.
First, tax breaks can make businesses want to be more green. If they pay less tax for being eco-friendly, they might try harder to do things that are good for the environment. For example, they might use less plastic or save energy. This can help reduce pollution and global warming.
Also, when businesses save money from tax breaks, they can use this money to make more eco-friendly products. This is good for customers who want to buy things that don’t harm the environment. It can also make other businesses want to be more green so they can compete.
But some people might say it’s not fair to give tax breaks only to eco-friendly businesses. Other businesses might lose money. This is a problem that governments need to think about carefully.
In conclusion, I believe tax breaks for eco-friendly businesses are a good idea. They can help protect the environment and make more businesses want to be green. Governments should try this, but they should also be careful to make it fair for all businesses.
(Word count: 188)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates:
- Clear position with fully extended and well-supported ideas
- Logical organization with clear progression
- Wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision
- Wide range of complex structures used accurately
- Full awareness of style and cohesion
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows:
- Clear position with some extended and supported ideas
- Logical organization but with less progression
- Sufficient vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common words
- Mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Adequate awareness of style and cohesion, with some lapses
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay exhibits:
- A position with some relevant ideas, but less developed
- Some organization but may lack overall progression
- Limited vocabulary, mostly adequate for the task
- Mostly simple sentences with few complex structures
- Some attempt at cohesion, but may be repetitive or mechanical
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain level without depleting resources
- Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that encourages a person to do something
- Greenwashing (noun) – /ˈɡriːnwɒʃɪŋ/ – the practice of making misleading claims about environmental benefits
- Ripple effect (noun) – /ˈrɪpl ɪˌfekt/ – the continuing and spreading results of an event or action
- Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
- Sustainable development (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – development that meets present needs without compromising future generations
- Environmental conservation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – the protection of plants, animals, and natural resources
- Corporate social responsibility (noun) – /ˈkɔːpərət ˌsəʊʃl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – a company’s commitment to manage its environmental and social impacts
Conclusion
The topic of government tax breaks for eco-friendly businesses is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The role of businesses in combating climate change
- Government regulations on industrial pollution
- The balance between economic growth and environmental protection
- Incentives for individuals to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about having the right ideas, but also about expressing them clearly and coherently. Practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and grammar. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants. Good luck with your preparation!