Environmental conservation in urban areas is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the increasing global focus on sustainability, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to be a popular subject in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this important topic.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve, and that governments should be responsible for solving these issues. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on the responsibility for solving environmental problems. It’s a classic agree/disagree essay type, which requires you to clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Model Essay for Band 8-9
Environmental issues have become increasingly prevalent in our modern world, particularly in urban areas. While some argue that these problems are beyond the scope of individual action and should be solely addressed by governments, I firmly believe that both individuals and governments have crucial roles to play in tackling environmental challenges.
On the one hand, it is undeniable that governments possess significant power and resources to implement large-scale environmental policies. They can enact legislation to regulate industrial emissions, invest in renewable energy infrastructure, and create incentives for businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices. For instance, the Vietnamese government has recently introduced stricter regulations on plastic waste management in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which has led to a noticeable reduction in single-use plastic consumption.
However, I strongly believe that individual actions are equally important and can collectively make a substantial impact. Every person can contribute to environmental conservation through simple daily choices, such as using public transportation, reducing energy consumption, and properly recycling waste. In urban areas, individuals can participate in community clean-up initiatives, create urban gardens, or support local environmental organizations. These small-scale actions, when multiplied across millions of urban residents, can lead to significant positive changes in our environment.
Moreover, the most effective solutions often arise when governments and individuals work in tandem. Governments can provide the necessary framework and support, while individuals can drive grassroots movements and hold authorities accountable. For example, the success of Hanoi’s recent tree-planting campaign was largely due to the enthusiastic participation of local residents, supported by government resources and planning.
In conclusion, while governments play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues, the responsibility for solving these problems should not be placed solely on their shoulders. Individual actions, especially in urban areas, are vital for creating sustainable change. By combining top-down governmental approaches with bottom-up individual and community efforts, we can more effectively tackle the environmental challenges facing our cities and our planet.
(Word count: 309)
Model Essay for Band 6-7
Many people think that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve and that governments should be responsible for solving these issues. However, I believe that both individuals and governments have important roles in protecting the environment, especially in urban areas.
Governments have a lot of power to make big changes. They can make laws to stop pollution, give money to clean energy projects, and push companies to be more environmentally friendly. For example, in Vietnam, the government has made rules about using less plastic in big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This has helped reduce plastic waste.
But individuals can also do a lot to help the environment. People in cities can do simple things like using buses instead of cars, turning off lights when not needed, and recycling. They can also join local groups that clean up parks or plant trees. When many people do these small things, it can make a big difference.
I think the best way to solve environmental problems is when governments and people work together. The government can provide support and make plans, while people can take action in their communities. For instance, in Hanoi, the government started a project to plant more trees, and many local people joined in to help. This made the project very successful.
In conclusion, while governments are important in solving environmental problems, individuals should not think these issues are too big for them to help. Everyone, especially those living in cities, can do something to protect the environment. When governments and individuals work together, we can better solve the environmental problems in our cities and our world.
(Word count: 276)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Essay Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
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Vocabulary: The band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, such as “undeniable,” “enact legislation,” and “grassroots movements.” The band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
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Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional statements. The band 6-7 essay uses simpler sentence structures but still maintains grammatical accuracy.
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Examples: Both essays provide relevant examples, but the band 8-9 essay offers more specific and detailed examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The band 8-9 essay shows better use of cohesive devices and paragraph linking, creating a more fluid argument.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Environmental conservation (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl kɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection and preservation of the natural environment.
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment.
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Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Urban planning (noun) /ˈɜːbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and organizing urban areas.
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Grassroots movement (noun) /ˈɡrɑːsruːts ˈmuːvmənt/ – A movement that starts at a local level by members of a community.
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
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Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities.
In conclusion, the topic of environmental conservation in urban areas is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as sustainable urban development, the role of technology in environmental protection, or the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use relevant examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion!