The topic of environmental conservation in school curriculums has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and current global trends, it is highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. The frequency of this topic reflects its growing importance in educational policies worldwide. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that environmental conservation should be a key part of school curriculums. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on including environmental conservation as a significant component of school curriculums. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and provide well-reasoned arguments to support it. The key aspects to consider are:
- The importance of environmental conservation in education
- The potential benefits and drawbacks of including it in school curriculums
- The extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the inclusion of environmental conservation in school curriculums. I strongly agree that this subject should be a key component of education, as it is crucial for preparing future generations to address the pressing environmental challenges we face.
Firstly, incorporating environmental conservation into school curriculums would raise awareness about critical ecological issues from an early age. By educating students about topics such as climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, we can foster a generation that is more environmentally conscious and better equipped to make sustainable choices in their personal and professional lives. This early exposure can lead to long-term behavioral changes that collectively contribute to a more sustainable future.
Moreover, integrating environmental studies into various subjects can enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For instance, studying the impacts of pollution in science classes or analyzing sustainable development in geography can provide real-world contexts for applying academic knowledge. This interdisciplinary approach not only makes learning more engaging but also prepares students to tackle complex environmental challenges in their future careers.
Furthermore, environmental education can inspire students to pursue careers in fields related to sustainability and conservation. As the world transitions towards a greener economy, there will be an increasing demand for professionals with expertise in environmental science, renewable energy, and sustainable technologies. By introducing these subjects in schools, we can nurture the talents needed to drive innovation and progress in these crucial sectors.
However, it is important to acknowledge that implementing environmental conservation as a key part of school curriculums may require significant resources and curriculum restructuring. Schools would need to invest in teacher training, updated materials, and possibly new facilities to effectively deliver this content. Additionally, there may be concerns about overloading students with too much information or potentially neglecting other important subjects.
In conclusion, while there are challenges to overcome, the benefits of making environmental conservation a key part of school curriculums far outweigh the drawbacks. By educating young people about environmental issues and sustainable practices, we are investing in a future where environmental stewardship is ingrained in society. This approach is not just beneficial for the planet, but also for equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious world.
Environmental conservation as part of school curriculum
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people think that environmental conservation should be an important part of what students learn in school. I agree with this idea to some extent, but I also think there are some problems with it.
On the positive side, teaching about the environment in schools can help students understand why it’s important to protect nature. When kids learn about things like pollution and endangered animals, they might start to care more about these issues. This could make them more likely to do things to help the environment when they grow up, like recycling or using less energy.
Another good thing about teaching environmental conservation is that it can be interesting for students. Instead of just reading from books, they can do practical activities like planting trees or cleaning up local parks. This kind of hands-on learning can be fun and help students remember what they learn better.
However, there are also some problems with making environmental conservation a big part of school lessons. One issue is that there might not be enough time to teach everything else that’s important. Schools already have to teach many subjects like math, science, and languages. If they spend too much time on environmental topics, students might miss out on other important things.
Also, some people might say that it’s not the job of schools to teach about environmental issues. They might think that this is something that parents should teach their children at home, or that students can learn about it from TV or the internet.
In conclusion, I think that environmental conservation should be taught in schools, but it shouldn’t take up too much time. It’s a good idea to include some lessons about the environment, but schools need to find a balance with other important subjects. Maybe the best way is to include environmental topics in other lessons, like talking about pollution in science class or discussing sustainable development in geography.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, some people think schools should teach a lot about saving the environment. I think this is a good idea, but there are some problems too.
First, teaching about the environment is important because our planet is in trouble. If students learn about things like pollution and global warming, they can help make the world better. For example, they might start recycling more or use less electricity at home.
Also, learning about nature can be fun for students. They can go outside and see plants and animals instead of just reading books. This can make school more interesting for them.
But there are some bad things about this idea too. Schools already have to teach many subjects like math and English. If they spend too much time on the environment, students might not learn other important things well.
Another problem is that some teachers might not know enough about environmental issues to teach them well. They would need to learn new things, which takes time and money.
In my opinion, schools should teach about the environment, but not too much. They should find a way to include it in other subjects, like talking about trees in biology class or discussing climate change in geography. This way, students can learn about the environment without missing other important lessons.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. It scores high because:
- It has a clear position and consistently relevant ideas.
- The arguments are well-developed with specific examples and explanations.
- It uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “fostering,” “interdisciplinary,” “stewardship”).
- The essay has a clear progression throughout, with each paragraph logically leading to the next.
- It shows complex sentence structures used flexibly and accurately.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a competent handling of the task, although it lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. It scores in this range because:
- It presents a clear overall position, although the conclusion is repetitive.
- The main ideas are relevant, but some points are not fully extended.
- It uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some attempts at less common words.
- There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better linked than others.
- It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay addresses the task in a simple way. It scores in this range because:
- It presents a basic position on the topic.
- The main ideas are relevant but lack detail and development.
- It uses a limited range of vocabulary, with some repetition.
- There is some organization of ideas, but paragraphing is not always logical.
- It uses mainly simple sentences with occasional attempts at complex structures.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Environmental conservation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection and preservation of the natural environment.
Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Interdisciplinary (adjective) – /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri/ – Relating to more than one branch of knowledge.
Eco-conscious (adjective) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈkɒnʃəs/ – Aware of and concerned about environmental issues.
Stewardship (noun) – /ˈstjuːədʃɪp/ – The responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving.
Sustainable development (noun phrase) – /səˌsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Ecological issues (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈɪʃuːz/ – Problems or matters of concern related to the environment and the interactions between organisms and their surroundings.
Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
In conclusion, the inclusion of environmental conservation in school curriculums is a topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As global environmental concerns continue to grow, it’s crucial for test-takers to be prepared to discuss this subject. Some potential related topics that may appear in future exams include:
- The role of technology in environmental education
- Balancing environmental studies with traditional subjects in school curriculums
- The impact of environmental education on students’ career choices
- The effectiveness of practical vs. theoretical environmental education in schools
To further improve your writing skills, we encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to enhance your IELTS Writing Task 2 performance and gain confidence in expressing your ideas on environmental and educational topics.