Climate change and its effects on agriculture and food security have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve observed a growing trend in exam questions related to this subject. Given its global significance, it’s likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft band 7-9 level responses.
Analyzing the Task
Consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Climate change is having a significant impact on agriculture and global food security. Some people believe that governments should focus on adapting to these changes, while others argue that efforts should be directed towards reducing the effects of climate change.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires us to:
- Discuss the view that governments should focus on adaptation
- Discuss the view that governments should focus on mitigation
- Provide our own opinion on the matter
Let’s break down each component and craft two sample essays – one aimed at a band 8-9 score, and another at a band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Climate change’s profound impact on agriculture and global food security has sparked a debate about the most effective governmental response. While some advocate for adaptation strategies, others push for measures to mitigate climate change itself. In my opinion, a balanced approach incorporating both strategies is crucial for addressing this complex issue.
Those who support adaptation argue that climate change is already affecting agricultural systems, necessitating immediate action. Governments could invest in developing drought-resistant crops, improving irrigation systems, and implementing advanced farming techniques to maintain food production in changing conditions. For instance, the Netherlands has successfully adapted to rising sea levels by constructing innovative flood defense systems, demonstrating the potential of adaptive measures.
Conversely, proponents of mitigation emphasize the importance of tackling the root cause of the problem. They argue that without significant efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming, the challenges facing agriculture will only intensify. Governments could implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions, invest in renewable energy sources, and promote sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate climate change’s effects. The Paris Agreement exemplifies a global commitment to this approach, with countries pledging to limit temperature increases.
In my view, a comprehensive strategy incorporating both adaptation and mitigation is essential. While adaptation measures can provide immediate relief and protect vulnerable communities, mitigation efforts are crucial for long-term sustainability. Governments should allocate resources to both developing resilient agricultural systems and reducing carbon emissions to ensure food security in the face of climate change.
In conclusion, the complex nature of climate change’s impact on agriculture and food security demands a multifaceted response. By balancing adaptation and mitigation strategies, governments can address both the immediate challenges and the underlying causes of this global issue.
(Word count: 292)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
- Clear structure: The essay follows a logical progression, discussing both viewpoints before presenting a balanced opinion.
- Cohesive devices: Phrases like “While some advocate,” “Conversely,” and “In my view” help link ideas smoothly.
- Varied vocabulary: The use of words like “profound,” “necessitating,” and “multifaceted” showcase a wide lexical range.
- Specific examples: References to the Netherlands’ flood defenses and the Paris Agreement add credibility to the arguments.
- Complex sentence structures: The essay employs a mix of simple and compound-complex sentences, demonstrating grammatical range and accuracy.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Climate change is affecting agriculture and food security around the world. Some people think governments should focus on adapting to these changes, while others believe efforts should be made to reduce climate change effects. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support adaptation say that climate change is already happening, so we need to prepare for it. Governments could help farmers learn new techniques for growing crops in different weather conditions. They could also invest in better water management systems to deal with droughts or floods. For example, some countries are developing new types of crops that can grow with less water.
On the other hand, people who want to reduce climate change effects argue that we need to address the root of the problem. They think that if we don’t stop global warming, the situation will only get worse. Governments could make laws to reduce pollution from factories and cars. They could also encourage people to use less energy and support clean energy sources like solar and wind power.
In my opinion, both approaches are important. We need to adapt to the changes that are already happening, but we also need to try to stop climate change from getting worse. I think governments should do both things at the same time.
To conclude, climate change’s impact on agriculture and food security is a big problem that needs both short-term and long-term solutions. Governments should help people adapt to changes while also working to reduce the effects of climate change.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several features typical of a Band 6-7 response:
- Clear structure: The essay addresses both viewpoints and includes a personal opinion.
- Basic cohesive devices: Words like “On the other hand” and “To conclude” are used to link ideas.
- Adequate vocabulary: The language is clear but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay.
- Some examples: The essay mentions developing new crop types as an example but lacks specific details.
- Simpler sentence structures: The essay primarily uses simple and compound sentences, with fewer complex structures.
Climate change impact on agriculture
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Always organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, and a conclusion summarizing your opinion.
Vocabulary: For higher band scores, use a range of advanced vocabulary related to climate change and agriculture. For example:
- Band 8-9: mitigation, adaptation, resilient, sustainable, greenhouse gas emissions
- Band 6-7: global warming, pollution, clean energy, drought, flood
Grammar:
- Band 8-9: Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences. Employ conditional structures and passive voice where appropriate.
- Band 6-7: Focus on using simple and compound sentences correctly. Attempt some complex structures, but prioritize accuracy.
Examples: Always support your arguments with specific examples. Higher band scores require more detailed and relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: Use a variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly. Higher band scores should demonstrate more sophisticated cohesive devices.
Essential Vocabulary for This Topic
Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.
Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/: The process of changing to suit different conditions.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Food security (noun phrase) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
Agricultural yield (noun phrase) /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl jiːld/: The amount of crop produced per unit of land area.
Drought-resistant (adjective) /draʊt rɪˈzɪstənt/: Able to withstand long periods without water.
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
In conclusion, mastering essays on climate change’s impact on agriculture and food security requires a deep understanding of the topic, strong language skills, and the ability to present a balanced argument. Practice writing essays on this topic, focusing on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and overall essay structure. You can expect to see similar questions in future IELTS exams, possibly addressing specific aspects such as water scarcity, changing crop patterns, or the role of technology in agriculture adaptation.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay based on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.