Environmental education has become an increasingly prevalent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions focusing on the intersection of education and environmental issues in future tests. To help you prepare, let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that schools should focus on teaching academic subjects only, while others think environmental education should be a part of the curriculum. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on the role of environmental education in schools. It’s crucial to address both perspectives and clearly state your own opinion. Let’s break down the key elements:
- View 1: Schools should focus solely on academic subjects
- View 2: Environmental education should be included in the curriculum
- Your opinion: You must state which view you agree with more and why
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental education has become a hotly debated topic in recent years, with some arguing for its inclusion in school curricula while others believe schools should stick to traditional academic subjects. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those who advocate for a purely academic focus in schools argue that the primary purpose of education is to equip students with essential knowledge and skills in core subjects such as mathematics, science, and language arts. They contend that adding environmental education to an already crowded curriculum may dilute the quality of instruction in these fundamental areas. Furthermore, proponents of this view believe that specialized environmental knowledge should be pursued at higher education levels or through extracurricular activities, rather than taking up valuable class time in primary and secondary schools.
On the other hand, supporters of environmental education in schools argue that it is crucial for preparing students to face the challenges of the 21st century. They believe that integrating environmental topics into the curriculum can foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the planet, which is essential for addressing global issues such as climate change and resource depletion. Moreover, environmental education can provide practical, real-world applications for academic subjects, making learning more engaging and relevant for students.
In my opinion, while maintaining a strong foundation in core academic subjects is vital, incorporating environmental education into school curricula is equally important. The global challenges we face today require a population that is not only academically proficient but also environmentally literate. By integrating environmental topics into existing subjects, schools can create a more holistic educational experience that prepares students to be responsible global citizens without compromising academic rigor.
Environmental education can serve as a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills and promoting interdisciplinary learning. For instance, studying the impact of pollution on ecosystems can incorporate elements of biology, chemistry, and social studies, providing a rich, multifaceted learning experience. Furthermore, understanding environmental issues can inspire students to pursue careers in fields such as renewable energy or sustainable development, which are becoming increasingly important in the global job market.
In conclusion, while the debate between focusing solely on academic subjects and incorporating environmental education is complex, I believe a balanced approach that integrates both is most beneficial. By doing so, schools can equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel academically while also fostering an understanding of the environmental challenges that will shape their future.
(Word count: 398)
Students engaged in environmental education classroom discussion
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion, presenting a clear and well-structured argument. The introduction effectively outlines the topic and the writer’s approach. Each paragraph is well-developed, with clear topic sentences and relevant supporting ideas. The use of linking words and phrases such as “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” and “Furthermore” enhances the flow of ideas.
The essay showcases a wide range of vocabulary, including topic-specific terms like “environmental literacy” and “interdisciplinary learning.” Complex sentence structures are used appropriately, demonstrating a high level of grammatical accuracy. The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and well-supported with logical reasoning and examples.
The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position, providing a strong finish to the essay. Overall, this essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to its coherent structure, sophisticated language use, and well-developed arguments.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, there is a debate about whether schools should only teach academic subjects or include environmental education in their curriculum. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Some people think schools should focus only on academic subjects. They believe that subjects like math, science, and languages are more important for students’ future careers. These subjects provide the basic knowledge and skills that students need to get good jobs. Also, they argue that there is not enough time in the school day to teach everything, so schools should prioritize the most important subjects.
However, others believe that environmental education should be part of the school curriculum. They think that learning about the environment is very important because of the many environmental problems we face today, such as pollution and climate change. Teaching students about these issues can help them understand how to protect the environment in the future. Additionally, environmental education can make other subjects more interesting by providing real-world examples.
In my opinion, I think that schools should include environmental education in their curriculum. While academic subjects are important, understanding environmental issues is crucial for our future. Schools can integrate environmental topics into existing subjects, like studying ecosystems in biology or discussing renewable energy in physics. This way, students can learn about the environment without taking time away from core subjects.
How public awareness campaigns can reduce environmental damage is an important topic that could be included in environmental education. By learning about these campaigns, students can understand how to effectively communicate environmental issues to the public.
Moreover, environmental education can help students develop important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. These skills are useful not only for environmental issues but also for other areas of life and work. By learning about the environment, students may also become more interested in careers related to sustainability and conservation.
In conclusion, while academic subjects are important, I believe that environmental education should be included in school curricula. It can enhance students’ understanding of the world and prepare them for future challenges without sacrificing the quality of their academic education.
(Word count: 367)
Students conducting an environmental experiment outdoors
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates a good understanding of the task and addresses all parts of the question. The structure is clear, with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion. The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and supported with some relevant ideas.
The essay uses some cohesive devices, such as “However,” “Additionally,” and “Moreover,” to link ideas, although the range is somewhat limited. The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, with some attempt at using less common words like “prioritize” and “integrate.” However, the language could be more sophisticated to achieve a higher band score.
Grammatical structures are generally accurate, with a mix of simple and complex sentences. There are some minor errors, but they do not impede communication. The ideas are relevant and developed to some extent, although deeper analysis and more specific examples would strengthen the argument.
Overall, this essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range due to its clear structure, relevant ideas, and generally accurate language use. To improve, the writer could focus on using a wider range of vocabulary and cohesive devices, providing more specific examples, and developing ideas in greater depth.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Environmental literacy (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to understand and address environmental issues
- Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
- Interdisciplinary (adjective) – /ˌɪntərˈdɪsəpləneri/ – Involving two or more academic disciplines
- Stewardship (noun) – /ˈstjuːədʃɪp/ – The responsible management and protection of resources
- Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas
- Critical thinking (noun) – /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment
These vocabulary items are essential for discussing environmental education and can help you express your ideas more precisely in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.
Conclusion
The role of education in addressing environmental issues is a significant topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By studying the sample essays and analysis provided, you can better understand how to approach this type of question and improve your writing skills.
To further prepare, consider practicing with similar topics such as how globalization affects the environment or Should governments impose stricter penalties for environmental crimes? These related subjects can help you develop a broader understanding of environmental issues and their connection to various aspects of society.
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply what you’ve learned and receive feedback from others, further enhancing your IELTS Writing Task 2 skills.