Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Environmental Studies in School Curricula

Environmental education has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. The frequency of questions related to “the importance of including environmental studies in school curricula” has been steadily rising in recent years, reflecting growing global concerns about environmental issues. Based on trends observed in past exams and current environmental priorities, we can expect this topic to remain highly relevant in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those encountered in actual IELTS exams:

Some people believe that environmental studies should be a compulsory subject for all students in primary and secondary schools. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to express their level of agreement or disagreement with the statement that environmental studies should be mandatory for all primary and secondary school students. Key points to consider include:

1. The age range of students (primary and secondary)
2. The compulsory nature of the subject
3. The potential benefits and drawbacks of including environmental studies in the curriculum
4. The impact on other subjects and overall education

Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring example.

Band 8 Sample Essay

Environmental education is undeniably crucial in today’s world, where climate change and ecological degradation pose significant threats to our planet. I strongly agree that environmental studies should be a compulsory subject for all primary and secondary school students, as it equips young people with essential knowledge and skills to address these pressing issues.

Firstly, introducing environmental studies at an early age helps foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment. When children learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on nature, they develop a deeper connection with the world around them. This awareness can lead to more sustainable behaviors and choices throughout their lives, contributing to a greener future.

Moreover, making environmental studies mandatory ensures that all students receive a comprehensive education on this critical subject. Climate change and environmental issues affect everyone, regardless of their chosen career path or socioeconomic background. By including it in the core curriculum, we guarantee that future generations are well-informed about the challenges facing our planet and are better equipped to find innovative solutions.

Students learning about the environment

Additionally, environmental studies can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students learn to analyze complex systems, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and develop strategies to mitigate environmental problems. These skills are transferable to many other areas of study and are valuable in various professions.

However, it is essential to implement environmental studies in a way that complements other subjects rather than overburdening students. Integrating environmental themes into existing courses like science, geography, and civics can provide a holistic approach to education while ensuring that other crucial subjects are not neglected.

In conclusion, the inclusion of environmental studies as a compulsory subject in primary and secondary schools is vital for creating environmentally conscious and capable citizens. By prioritizing this subject, we invest in a future where individuals are better prepared to tackle global environmental challenges and work towards a sustainable world.

Explanation of Band 8 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 8 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and well-developed arguments.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including less common phrases like “ecological degradation” and “socioeconomic background.”
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.

Now, let’s examine a sample essay for a lower band score.

Band 6 Sample Essay

Nowadays, many people think that environmental studies should be a must-have subject for all kids in primary and secondary schools. I partly agree with this idea because it has both good and bad points.

On the one hand, teaching environmental studies to young students can be very helpful. First, it can make children more aware of nature and environmental problems. When they learn about things like pollution and global warming, they might start to care more about the Earth. This could make them do things to help the environment, like recycling or saving energy.

Classroom discussion on environmental issues

Also, learning about the environment can help students in other subjects. For example, it can make science and geography lessons more interesting. Students can see how what they learn in class is connected to the real world. This might make them want to study more and do better in school.

On the other hand, making environmental studies compulsory might cause some problems. If schools add a new subject, it might mean less time for other important subjects like math or language. This could be bad for students who need to focus on these basic skills. Also, some schools might not have enough teachers who know a lot about the environment, so the lessons might not be very good.

In conclusion, I think environmental studies is important, but maybe it doesn’t need to be a separate subject. Instead, schools could include environmental topics in other lessons. This way, students can learn about the environment without taking time away from other subjects.

Explanation of Band 6 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position, but the arguments are less fully developed compared to the Band 8 essay.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but there is less precision and sophistication compared to the Band 8 essay.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with some errors that do not impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Environmental degradation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.
2. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole.
3. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time, especially in terms of environmental and economic practices.
4. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
5. Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures.
6. Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
7. Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and the ecological communities that inhabit them.
8. Ecological footprint (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The impact of human activities measured in terms of the area of biologically productive land and water required to produce the goods consumed and to assimilate the wastes generated.
9. Sustainable development (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
10. Environmental literacy (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to understand and interpret environmental systems and take appropriate action to maintain, restore, or improve them.

In conclusion, the topic of environmental studies in school curricula is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of schools in promoting environmental awareness
2. The balance between environmental education and traditional subjects
3. The impact of environmental education on students’ future career choices
4. The importance of electric vehicles in tackling pollution
5. How does urbanization affect the availability of green spaces

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active approach to learning will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.