The topic of agriculture’s role in reducing carbon emissions has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on climate change mitigation, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ve selected a relevant question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that farmers should focus solely on producing food, while others argue that farmers should also take responsibility for reducing carbon emissions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that farmers should focus only on food production
- Explore the perspective that farmers should also be responsible for reducing carbon emissions
- Provide and justify their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Agriculture plays a vital role in our society, not only in food production but also in environmental stewardship. While some argue that farmers should concentrate solely on producing food, others believe they should also take responsibility for reducing carbon emissions. In my opinion, farmers should balance both objectives as they are interconnected and equally important for long-term sustainability.
Those who advocate for farmers to focus exclusively on food production argue that this is their primary role and expertise. They contend that increasing food yields is crucial to feeding the growing global population and that farmers should not be burdened with additional responsibilities that may detract from this essential task. Moreover, they might argue that specialized environmental agencies are better equipped to handle carbon emission reduction strategies.
On the other hand, proponents of farmers taking an active role in reducing carbon emissions emphasize the significant impact agriculture has on climate change. Agriculture contributes approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through livestock production, soil management, and deforestation. This perspective holds that farmers are in a unique position to implement sustainable practices that can significantly reduce carbon emissions, such as improving soil carbon sequestration, adopting renewable energy sources, and implementing efficient irrigation systems.
In my view, the two objectives are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. By adopting sustainable farming practices that reduce carbon emissions, farmers can often improve soil health, increase crop resilience, and enhance long-term productivity. For instance, conservation tillage not only reduces carbon emissions but also improves soil structure and water retention, potentially leading to better yields. Furthermore, practices like agroforestry can diversify farm income while sequestering carbon.
It is crucial, however, that farmers receive adequate support and incentives to implement these practices. Governments and international organizations should provide financial assistance, technical training, and market incentives to help farmers transition to more sustainable methods without compromising their economic viability.
In conclusion, while food production remains a paramount concern, farmers should also embrace their role in reducing carbon emissions. This integrated approach not only addresses immediate food security needs but also ensures the long-term sustainability of our agricultural systems and the planet as a whole. By balancing these responsibilities, farmers can contribute significantly to both food security and climate change mitigation.
(Word count: 377)
Band 6-7 Essay
The role of farmers in society is changing as we face new challenges like climate change. Some people think farmers should only focus on producing food, while others believe they should also help reduce carbon emissions. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who say farmers should only produce food have some good points. Firstly, growing crops and raising animals is already a difficult job that requires a lot of knowledge and hard work. Farmers need to deal with weather, pests, and market prices. If we ask them to also worry about carbon emissions, it might be too much pressure. Also, the world’s population is growing, so we need farmers to produce more food to feed everyone.
On the other hand, people who think farmers should help reduce carbon emissions also have valid arguments. Agriculture is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gases, especially from livestock and the use of fertilizers. Farmers have direct control over these sources of emissions, so they are in a good position to make changes. For example, they can use more efficient farming methods, plant trees on their land, or switch to renewable energy for their farm machinery.
In my opinion, I think farmers should try to do both – produce food and reduce carbon emissions. This is because the two goals are connected. If we don’t address climate change, it will become harder to grow food in the future due to extreme weather and changing rainfall patterns. By using sustainable farming practices, farmers can often improve their soil and water management, which can lead to better crop yields in the long run.
However, it’s important to note that farmers shouldn’t have to bear this responsibility alone. Governments and consumers should support farmers who are trying to be more environmentally friendly. This could include financial incentives for sustainable practices or consumers being willing to pay a bit more for food that is produced with lower emissions.
In conclusion, while producing food is still the main job of farmers, I believe they should also play a role in reducing carbon emissions. With the right support, farmers can help fight climate change while still feeding the world.
(Word count: 368)
Band 5-6 Essay
Farmers have an important job in our society. They grow food for everyone. But now some people say they should also help with reducing carbon emissions. I will talk about both ideas and give my thoughts.
Some people think farmers should only focus on making food. This is because growing food is already a hard job. Farmers have to work long hours and deal with many problems like bad weather or pests. If we ask them to do more things, it might be too difficult for them. Also, we need a lot of food for all the people in the world, so farmers need to concentrate on this important task.
Other people believe farmers should help reduce carbon emissions too. They say this because farming can cause pollution. For example, cows produce a lot of methane gas, which is bad for the environment. Also, using tractors and other machines on farms creates carbon emissions. These people think farmers can use better ways of farming that are less harmful to the environment.
I think both ideas are important. Farmers need to grow food, but they should also try to be more environmentally friendly. Maybe they can use less chemicals on their crops or plant more trees on their land. This way, they can still produce food but also help the environment.
However, I don’t think farmers should have to do this all by themselves. The government should help them learn new ways of farming that are better for the environment. Also, people who buy food should be willing to pay a little more for food that is grown in a more environmentally friendly way.
In conclusion, I believe farmers should try to both grow food and help reduce carbon emissions. But they need support from everyone to do this successfully.
(Word count: 298)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic, worthy of a Band 8-9 score:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Key terms related to agriculture and environment are accurately used.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are handled with confidence.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows generally effective writing skills, appropriate for a Band 6-7 score:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a clear overall progression, though some paragraphs are better linked than others.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some awareness of style and collocation. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, generally with good control, though a few errors may occur.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic competence in writing, fitting a Band 5-6 score:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the development of ideas is limited.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a basic structure, but paragraphs are not always well-linked.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but range is limited and there’s little variation in style.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mainly simple sentences are used, with limited complexity. There are some errors, but the meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Sustainable farming (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈfɑːrmɪŋ/: Agricultural practices that protect the environment while producing food.
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Carbon sequestration (noun phrase) /ˈkɑːrbən ˌsiːkwɛˈstreɪʃn/: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
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Agroforestry (noun) /ˌæɡrəʊˈfɒrɪstri/: A land use management system combining trees with crops or livestock.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.
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Conservation tillage (noun phrase) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn ˈtɪlɪdʒ/: A method of soil cultivation that minimizes disturbance of the soil.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from sources that are naturally replenished.
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Climate change mitigation (noun phrase) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: Actions to reduce the severity of climate change.
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
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Soil erosion (noun phrase) /sɔɪl ɪˈrəʊʒn/: The wearing away of topsoil by natural forces or human activities.
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Crop rotation (noun phrase) /krɒp rəʊˈteɪʃn/: The practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons.
Conclusion
The role of agriculture in reducing carbon emissions is a complex and increasingly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen from the sample essays, a high-scoring response requires a balanced discussion of different viewpoints, supported by relevant examples and a clear personal opinion.
To further prepare for this topic, consider practicing with related questions such as:
- How can governments encourage farmers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices?
- Discuss the potential conflicts between increasing food production and reducing environmental impact in agriculture.
- To what extent should consumers be responsible for supporting sustainable farming practices?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your skills and prepare effectively for the exam.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, don’t forget to explore other environmental topics that frequently appear in Writing Task 2. For instance, you might want to read about the importance of reducing plastic waste to save marine life or the role of technology in reducing environmental pollution. These related topics can help broaden your understanding and vocabulary, enabling you to write more comprehensive and nuanced essays.
Additionally, to deepen your knowledge of sustainable agriculture, which is closely related to our main topic, you might find it helpful to read about how to promote sustainable agriculture. This can provide you with more specific examples and arguments to use in your essays.
Remember, a well-rounded understanding of environmental issues will not only help you in the IELTS exam but also contribute to your general knowledge about crucial global challenges. Good luck with your preparation!