Climate change and its impacts on human health has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam statistics, this theme appeared in approximately 15% of tests during 2022-2023, particularly in academic modules. Let’s analyze a recent exam question and explore sample essays targeting different band scores.
The impact of climate change on global weather patterns suggests this topic will remain relevant for future tests. Here’s a recent exam question:
Some people believe that climate change poses serious risks to human health worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide reasons and relevant examples to support your answer.
Question Analysis
This is an agree/disagree essay that requires:
- A clear position on climate change’s health impacts
- Well-developed arguments supported by specific examples
- A balanced academic writing style
- Relevant vocabulary related to climate, health, and environment
The devastating effects of climate change on human health worldwide
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0-8.5)
Climate change undoubtedly presents substantial threats to public health globally, and I completely agree that these risks are serious and far-reaching. This essay will examine the major health implications of climate change and why they demand immediate attention.
Firstly, rising global temperatures directly impact human health through increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Heat waves, which are becoming more common due to impact of urban heat islands on public health, can cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, and cardiovascular problems, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and children. For instance, the 2003 European heat wave resulted in over 70,000 excess deaths, highlighting the devastating potential of climate-related health emergencies.
Secondly, climate change significantly affects air quality and respiratory health. The combination of higher temperatures and increased pollution levels exacerbates respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Studies have shown that impact of air pollution on respiratory health is particularly severe in urban areas, where rising temperatures trap pollutants close to the ground, creating dangerous conditions for residents.
Furthermore, changing climate patterns facilitate the spread of infectious diseases. Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns create ideal conditions for disease vectors like mosquitoes to thrive and expand their range. This has led to the emergence of dengue fever in previously unaffected regions and the resurgence of malaria in areas where it had been controlled.
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the view that climate change poses serious health risks worldwide. These threats manifest through direct temperature effects, deteriorating air quality, and increased disease transmission, making it imperative for global action to address climate change.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5-7.0)
I strongly agree that climate change creates serious health problems for people around the world. In this essay, I will discuss some main reasons why climate change affects human health.
The first problem is that climate change makes the weather very hot, which can make people sick. When temperatures are too high, many people get heat stroke or other health problems. Old people and young children are especially at risk during hot weather. For example, in my country, many old people got sick during the summer because of very high temperatures.
Another important issue is that climate change affects the air we breathe. When it gets warmer, pollution in the air becomes worse, and this can cause breathing problems. Many people in big cities suffer from asthma and other breathing problems because of bad air quality. This is especially true in developing countries where there is a lot of pollution.
Also, climate change helps dangerous diseases spread more easily. Mosquitoes and other insects that carry diseases can live in more places when the weather gets warmer. This means that diseases like dengue fever are appearing in new areas where they didn’t exist before.
In conclusion, I believe climate change definitely causes serious health problems through high temperatures, air pollution, and the spread of diseases. Governments need to take action to protect people’s health from these dangers.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.0-8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used naturally
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5-7.0 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: Addresses the task but with less sophistication
- Coherence and Cohesion: Clear overall progression but simpler linking
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary with some repetition
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary (with Phonetics)
- Cardiovascular (/ˌkɑːdioʊˈvæskjələr/) (adj) – relating to heart and blood vessels
- Exacerbate (/ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/) (v) – make worse
- Vector (/ˈvektər/) (n) – organism that transmits disease
- Respiratory (/ˈrespərətɔri/) (adj) – relating to breathing
- Infectious (/ɪnˈfekʃəs/) (adj) – capable of causing infection
- Resurgence (/rɪˈsɜːrdʒəns/) (n) – increase or revival after period of inactivity
- Imperative (/ɪmˈperətɪv/) (adj) – absolutely necessary
- Deteriorating (/dɪˈtɪriəreɪtɪŋ/) (v) – becoming progressively worse
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section. Future climate-health topics might include mental health impacts of climate disasters or the relationship between food security and changing weather patterns.
