Climate change is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on past exam trends and the increasing urgency of this topic, we can expect to see more questions related to climate change initiatives in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent exams:
Some people believe that there should be a global initiative to address climate change. Others think that each country should deal with this issue independently. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the pros and cons of a global initiative to address climate change
- Explore the advantages and disadvantages of countries dealing with climate change independently
- Provide a personal opinion on which approach is more effective
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by an analysis of each.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most critical challenges facing humanity today. While some argue for a unified global approach to tackle this issue, others believe that individual countries should address it independently. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Those who advocate for a global initiative argue that climate change is a transnational problem that requires coordinated international action. The atmosphere does not recognize national borders, and greenhouse gas emissions from one country affect the entire planet. A global approach would ensure that all nations work together towards common goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and developing sustainable technologies. Moreover, a unified strategy could lead to more efficient resource allocation and knowledge sharing, potentially accelerating progress in mitigating climate change.
On the other hand, proponents of independent national approaches argue that each country faces unique challenges and has different resource capabilities. They contend that a one-size-fits-all solution may not be practical or fair, given the varying levels of economic development and environmental impact across nations. Countries with more advanced economies and higher carbon footprints might be expected to shoulder a disproportionate burden, which could lead to resistance and ultimately hinder progress. Additionally, allowing countries to develop their own strategies could foster innovation and create tailored solutions that are more effective for their specific circumstances.
In my opinion, while both approaches have merit, a combination of global and national initiatives would be the most effective way to address climate change. A global framework, such as the Paris Agreement, can provide overarching goals and guidelines, while individual countries can develop and implement specific strategies suited to their unique situations. This hybrid approach would ensure a coordinated global effort while allowing for flexibility and innovation at the national level.
Furthermore, international cooperation is crucial for addressing related issues such as climate science research and the development of clean technologies. Global initiatives can facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise, particularly benefiting developing nations that may lack the capacity to tackle climate change independently.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for both global and national approaches to addressing climate change, a combined strategy that leverages the strengths of both is likely to be the most effective. This balanced approach can ensure global coordination while respecting national sovereignty and encouraging tailored solutions to combat this pressing global challenge.
(Word count: 378)
Global climate change initiative diagram
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and would likely score in the Band 8-9 range for the following reasons:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “greenhouse gas emissions” and “carbon footprints.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Climate change is a big problem that affects everyone in the world. Some people think all countries should work together to solve it, while others believe each country should handle it on their own. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
There are good reasons for countries to work together on climate change. First, pollution from one country can affect other countries, so it makes sense to have a global plan. If all countries agree on goals like reducing pollution and using clean energy, it might be easier to make big changes. Also, rich countries can help poor countries with money and new technology to fight climate change.
However, some people think each country should deal with climate change by itself. Every country has different problems and resources, so a plan that works for one might not work for another. For example, a country with lots of sun might focus on solar power, while a country with strong winds might use more wind power. Also, some countries might not want to follow rules made by other countries.
In my opinion, I think the best way is for countries to work together but also have their own plans. A global agreement can set big goals, but each country can decide how to reach those goals in their own way. This way, countries can help each other but also do what’s best for their own situation.
For instance, countries can share information about how climate change affects tourism or water availability, which can help them make better plans. Working together can also help solve problems that affect many countries, like rising sea levels or extreme weather.
In conclusion, while there are good points for both global and individual approaches to climate change, I believe a mix of both is best. This way, we can have a strong global effort to fight climate change while still respecting each country’s unique needs and abilities.
(Word count: 329)
Diverse national climate change strategies
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good writing skills and would likely score in the Band 6-7 range for the following reasons:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, though the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate and relevant to the topic, but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy, though there is less variety in structure compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are developed logically, but with less depth and fewer specific examples compared to the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Global initiative (noun) – /ˈɡləʊbəl ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – A worldwide plan or program to address a specific issue
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or reduce the negative impacts of something
- Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
- Transnational (adjective) – /trænzˈnæʃənəl/ – Extending or operating across national boundaries
- Innovative (adjective) – /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – Featuring new methods or ideas
- Overarching (adjective) – /ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃɪŋ/ – Comprehensive or all-embracing
- Hybrid approach (noun) – /ˈhaɪbrɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A method that combines two or more different strategies or techniques
Conclusion
The topic of global climate change initiatives is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of international organizations in combating climate change
- The effectiveness of carbon taxes on industries
- The impact of climate change on urban environments and potential solutions
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. As a practice exercise, try writing your own essay on the question discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.