Climate change and its impact on global migration patterns is a crucial topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. As an IELTS Writing Task 2 examiner, I’ve noticed an increasing frequency of this subject appearing in test questions. Based on this trend, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter a related prompt in your upcoming IELTS exam. Let’s explore a sample question and two model essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a sample IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Climate change is causing significant shifts in global migration patterns. Some people argue that developed countries should bear more responsibility in addressing this issue. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires you to:
- Understand the link between climate change and migration
- Consider the role of developed countries in addressing this issue
- Present your opinion on the level of responsibility these countries should take
- Support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Climate change has emerged as a formidable force reshaping global migration patterns, prompting debates about the responsibilities of various nations in addressing this complex issue. In my opinion, developed countries should indeed shoulder a greater burden in tackling climate-induced migration, given their historical contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and their superior resources to manage such crises.
Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that developed nations have played a significant role in accelerating climate change through their industrial activities and high carbon emissions over the past century. This historical responsibility creates a moral imperative for these countries to take a leading role in mitigating the consequences, including forced migration. For instance, the United States and European Union countries have contributed disproportionately to global carbon emissions, and therefore, should be at the forefront of efforts to support climate refugees and affected regions.
Moreover, developed countries possess the financial and technological resources necessary to implement effective solutions. Their advanced economies and research capabilities put them in a unique position to develop innovative approaches to both mitigate climate change and assist those displaced by its effects. For example, countries like Germany and Japan have the capacity to invest in renewable energy projects in vulnerable nations, reducing their reliance on fossil fuels and potentially slowing the pace of climate-induced migration.
However, it is important to note that addressing climate-related migration is a global challenge that requires cooperation from all nations. While developed countries should take the lead, developing nations must also participate in sustainable practices and contribute according to their capabilities. A collaborative approach, with developed countries providing significant support and developing nations actively engaging in implementation, is crucial for long-term success.
In conclusion, the disproportionate historical contribution to climate change and the superior resources of developed countries justify their taking greater responsibility in addressing climate-induced migration. However, this should be part of a global effort where all nations play a role commensurate with their abilities and circumstances.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Climate change is causing many people to move from their homes to other places. Some people think that rich countries should do more to help with this problem. I agree that developed countries should take more responsibility for solving the issue of climate change and migration.
Firstly, developed countries have caused a lot of pollution in the past. They have built many factories and used a lot of energy, which has led to more greenhouse gases in the air. This has made the climate change faster. Because they caused much of the problem, it is fair that they should do more to fix it. For example, countries like the United States and China, which produce a lot of carbon dioxide, should help countries that are suffering from rising sea levels.
Secondly, rich countries have more money and technology to help. They can afford to give money to poor countries that are affected by climate change. They can also share their knowledge about how to prevent flooding or deal with droughts. For instance, the Netherlands has good technology for managing water, and they could share this with countries that are at risk of flooding due to climate change.
However, it’s important that all countries work together on this problem. Poor countries should also try to use clean energy and protect their environments. Everyone needs to do their part, but rich countries should do more because they can afford to and because they caused more of the problem in the first place.
In conclusion, I believe that developed countries should take more responsibility for dealing with climate change and migration. They have contributed more to the problem and have more resources to help solve it. But it’s also important for all countries to work together to find solutions.
(Word count: 287)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Understand the question: Make sure you fully grasp what the question is asking. In this case, it’s about the responsibility of developed countries in addressing climate-induced migration.
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Take a clear position: State your opinion clearly in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay.
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Provide specific examples: Use real-world examples to support your arguments. This adds credibility to your writing.
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Use appropriate vocabulary: Incorporate topic-specific vocabulary related to climate change and migration.
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Maintain coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically from one paragraph to the next.
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Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your position in the conclusion.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key terms related to climate change and migration that you should know:
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Climate refugee (noun) /ˈklaɪmət ˈrefjuˌdʒi/: A person forced to leave their home due to climate change effects.
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Environmental degradation (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/: The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources.
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Anthropogenic (adjective) /ˌænθrəpəˈdʒenɪk/: Caused or produced by humans.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.
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Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/: The process of changing to suit different conditions.
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Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/: The forced movement of people from their locality or environment.
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Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
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Sustainable development (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/: Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
In conclusion, the topic of climate change and its impact on global migration patterns is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice writing essays on this theme, focusing on different aspects such as international cooperation, technological solutions, or the rights of climate refugees. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.