International trade and its impact on environmental sustainability is a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Its prevalence stems from the growing global awareness of environmental issues and the complex relationship between economic development and ecological preservation. Let’s explore a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that international trade is damaging the environment. Others argue that it actually helps protect the environment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss how international trade may damage the environment
- Explain how international trade could protect the environment
- Provide their personal opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band levels.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
International trade has become a contentious issue in environmental debates, with conflicting views on its impact on our planet’s ecological balance. While some argue that global commerce contributes significantly to environmental degradation, others contend that it can actually foster environmental protection. In my opinion, while international trade does pose certain environmental challenges, its potential to drive sustainable practices and technological innovation outweighs these concerns.
Those who believe international trade harms the environment often point to the increased carbon emissions from transportation of goods across vast distances. Ships, planes, and trucks involved in global supply chains contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the demand for products in developed countries can lead to overexploitation of natural resources and deforestation in developing nations, as seen in the Amazon rainforest’s destruction for cattle ranching and soybean production.
On the other hand, proponents of international trade argue that it can be a powerful tool for environmental protection. They contend that trade facilitates the spread of green technologies and sustainable practices across borders. For instance, solar panels and wind turbines developed in one country can quickly find markets worldwide, accelerating the global transition to renewable energy. Furthermore, international agreements and trade regulations can incorporate environmental standards, encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices to remain competitive in the global market.
In my view, while the environmental concerns associated with international trade are valid, the potential benefits are more significant. Trade can be a catalyst for innovation and the adoption of cleaner technologies on a global scale. It also provides economic incentives for countries to preserve their natural resources, as these become valuable assets in the global marketplace. However, it is crucial that trade policies and agreements prioritize environmental protection and sustainable development.
To maximize the positive impact of international trade on the environment, governments and international organizations must collaborate to establish and enforce strict environmental standards in trade agreements. This could include measures such as carbon pricing, sustainable certification requirements, and support for green technology transfer. By doing so, we can harness the power of global commerce to drive environmental sustainability rather than hinder it.
In conclusion, while international trade does present some environmental challenges, its potential to promote sustainable practices and technological solutions for environmental problems is substantial. By carefully managing and regulating global trade with a focus on sustainability, we can create a more environmentally friendly and economically prosperous world.
(Word count: 395)
International trade's impact on the environment
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each viewpoint, and a conclusion. Paragraphs are linked effectively using cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, such as “contentious,” “ecological balance,” and “overexploitation.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
International trade is a big topic when we talk about the environment. Some people think it’s bad for nature, while others say it can help protect it. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who say international trade is bad for the environment have some good points. First, moving goods around the world uses a lot of fuel and causes pollution. Big ships and planes release a lot of carbon dioxide into the air. Also, when rich countries want to buy things, it can make poor countries use up their natural resources too fast. For example, cutting down forests to grow crops for export.
On the other hand, some people think international trade can be good for the environment. They say it helps spread new, clean technologies to different countries. For instance, solar panels made in one country can be sold and used in many other places. This helps more people use clean energy. Also, when countries trade, they sometimes make rules about protecting the environment as part of their agreements.
In my opinion, international trade can be both good and bad for the environment. It does cause some problems like pollution from transportation. But it also helps spread good ideas and technologies that can help the environment. I think the good parts are more important than the bad parts.
To make international trade better for the environment, countries should work together to make stricter rules. They should try to reduce pollution from transportation and encourage companies to be more eco-friendly. If we do this, international trade can help make the world cleaner and healthier.
In conclusion, while international trade does have some negative effects on the environment, it also has the potential to help protect it. By managing trade carefully and focusing on sustainability, we can use it to make positive changes for our planet.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but has room for improvement:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores. There is some attempt to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “sustainability”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there are some errors.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be expanded upon with more specific examples or deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Environmental sustainability (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪlɪti/ – The responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources.
Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Overexploitation (noun) – /ˌəʊvərˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃən/ – Excessive use of a resource to the point of diminishing returns.
Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used.
Ecological balance (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈbæləns/ – A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms.
Sustainable practices (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – Methods of using a resource so that it is not depleted or permanently damaged.
Green technologies (noun) – /griːn tekˈnɒlədʒiz/ – Technology that is environmentally friendly.
Carbon pricing (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈpraɪsɪŋ/ – A method of reducing carbon emissions by putting a price on carbon pollution.
The impact of globalization on environmental sustainability is closely related to international trade. As global commerce expands, it’s crucial to consider how these economic activities affect our planet’s ecosystems and resources.
In conclusion, the topic of international trade and its influence on environmental sustainability is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific aspects such as the role of international agreements in promoting sustainable trade practices, the impact of e-commerce on global emissions, or the balance between economic growth and environmental protection in developing countries.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. Remember to address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice is key to achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2!
Sustainable trade practices in the global market
How can we promote sustainable development through international trade? This question often arises in discussions about balancing economic growth with environmental protection. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider how different countries and industries are addressing this challenge.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing sample essays, but understanding the underlying concepts and being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently. Keep practicing, and don’t hesitate to explore different perspectives on this complex topic.