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 environmental concerns, we can expect this topic to remain prevalent in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that global cooperation is crucial to address climate change effectively. Others think countries should prioritize their own environmental issues. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the importance of global cooperation in tackling climate change
- Explore the perspective of focusing on national environmental issues
- Present their own opinion on the most effective approach
Let’s examine three sample essays addressing this topic, each targeting a different band score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today, and the debate over how best to address it has intensified in recent years. While some argue that global cooperation is essential for effective action, others contend that countries should focus primarily on their own environmental issues. In my opinion, a balanced approach combining both global and national efforts is crucial for combating climate change successfully.
Those who advocate for global cooperation emphasize the transboundary nature of climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of their source, contribute to global warming and its associated impacts worldwide. International agreements like the Paris Accord demonstrate the potential for collective action in setting emissions reduction targets and sharing technological innovations. Moreover, global cooperation allows for the pooling of resources and expertise, which is particularly beneficial for developing nations that may lack the capacity to address climate change independently.
On the other hand, proponents of prioritizing national environmental issues argue that each country faces unique challenges and has different capacities for action. They contend that focusing on local problems, such as air pollution in urban areas or deforestation, can yield more immediate and tangible results. Additionally, national-level policies can be tailored to specific economic and social contexts, potentially increasing their effectiveness and public support.
In my view, the most effective approach to combating climate change requires a combination of global cooperation and national action. While international agreements provide a framework for collective goals and knowledge sharing, implementation ultimately occurs at the national and local levels. Countries should actively participate in global initiatives while simultaneously addressing their specific environmental challenges. This dual approach ensures that global objectives are pursued while also tackling immediate local concerns.
Furthermore, I believe that global cooperation can actually enhance national efforts by providing access to resources, technology, and best practices. For example, international climate finance mechanisms can support developing countries in implementing sustainable energy solutions, benefiting both local communities and global emission reduction goals.
In conclusion, while the debate between global cooperation and national prioritization in addressing climate change is ongoing, I firmly believe that a balanced approach incorporating both perspectives is essential. By combining the strengths of international collaboration with targeted national actions, we can create a more comprehensive and effective strategy for combating climate change and securing a sustainable future for our planet.
Global cooperation for climate change
Essay 1 Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion. It provides a balanced argument with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is logically organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as “While,” “On the other hand,” and “Furthermore.”
Lexical Resource: The writer employs a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control. Key terms like “transboundary nature,” “greenhouse gas emissions,” and “international climate finance mechanisms” demonstrate topic-specific vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of complex structures used accurately and appropriately. It contains no noticeable errors and demonstrates flexibility in sentence structures.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-elaborated with clear reasoning and relevant examples, such as the Paris Accord and the benefits of international climate finance mechanisms.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Climate change is a big problem that affects everyone in the world. Some people think that countries need to work together to solve this issue, while others believe that each country should focus on its own environmental problems. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support global cooperation say that climate change is a problem that crosses borders. When one country releases greenhouse gases, it affects the whole world. Working together can help countries share ideas and resources to fight climate change. For example, the Paris Agreement is a global effort to reduce emissions and limit global warming.
On the other hand, some people think countries should focus on their own environmental issues first. They say that each country has different problems and abilities to deal with them. For instance, a country with a lot of factories might need to focus on reducing air pollution, while another country might need to stop cutting down forests. Solving local problems can have faster results that people can see.
In my opinion, I think both global cooperation and individual country efforts are important. Countries should work together on big goals like reducing greenhouse gases, but they should also take action on their own environmental issues. This way, we can address the global problem while also improving local environments.
I believe that when countries work together, they can learn from each other and find better solutions. At the same time, each country needs to do its part by making laws and policies that fit its own situation. For example, rich countries can help poor countries get clean energy technology, which helps both the local area and the whole world.
In conclusion, while some people favor global cooperation and others prefer focusing on national issues, I think we need both approaches to effectively fight climate change. By combining international teamwork with local action, we can make real progress in protecting our planet for future generations.
National environmental efforts
Essay 2 Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some areas for improvement:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed with more specific examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses some cohesive devices, but there’s room for more sophisticated linking of ideas.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempt at using less common words. However, there’s some repetition and the range could be broader.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are a few minor errors, but they don’t impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly, but some points could be elaborated further. The examples provided are relevant but could be more specific and detailed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
- Global cooperation (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbəl kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/ – Worldwide collaboration between countries
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – Release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Transboundary (adjective) – /trænzˈbaʊndəri/ – Crossing or extending beyond national boundaries
- Implementation (noun) – /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – The process of putting a decision or plan into effect
- Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
Conclusion
Mastering essays on global cooperation for climate change requires a deep understanding of the topic and the ability to present balanced arguments. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their strengths, you can improve your own writing skills and aim for higher band scores in IELTS Writing Task 2.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of individual actions versus government policies in addressing climate change
- The economic impacts of transitioning to renewable energy sources
- The effectiveness of international environmental agreements
We encourage you to practice writing your own 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 improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
To deepen your understanding of climate change and its global impact, you may find these related articles helpful:
- How Climate Science is Reshaping Global Policies
- Global Cooperation to Ensure Food Security
- Should Governments Invest in Renewable Energy Solutions?
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a wide range of environmental topics will help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in IELTS Writing Task 2.