Climate change is a pressing global issue, and the role of government in combating it has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and past exam questions, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter a question related to this theme in your IELTS test. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft a compelling essay on this subject.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that the government should take the primary responsibility for dealing with environmental issues like climate change. Others think that it is the responsibility of individuals to address these problems. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category. It requires you to:
- Explain why some people think the government should be primarily responsible for addressing climate change.
- Discuss why others believe individuals should take on this responsibility.
- Present your own perspective on the matter.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses all parts of the question:
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most critical challenges facing our planet today. While some argue that governments should bear the primary responsibility for tackling this issue, others contend that individuals must take the lead. In my opinion, a collaborative approach involving both governments and individuals is essential for effectively combating climate change.
Those who advocate for government leadership in addressing climate change often point to the extensive resources and regulatory power that governments possess. Governments can implement large-scale policies, such as setting emissions targets, investing in renewable energy infrastructure, and enforcing environmental regulations on industries. For instance, the Paris Agreement demonstrates how governments can collaborate on a global scale to set ambitious climate goals. Moreover, governments have the ability to allocate significant funds towards research and development of green technologies, which can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
On the other hand, proponents of individual responsibility argue that collective action at the grassroots level can drive significant change. They believe that personal choices, such as reducing energy consumption, adopting plant-based diets, and opting for sustainable transportation, can cumulatively have a substantial impact on reducing carbon emissions. Furthermore, individuals can influence corporate behavior through their purchasing decisions, supporting eco-friendly businesses and boycotting those with poor environmental practices. This consumer-driven approach can incentivize companies to adopt more sustainable practices, even in the absence of strict government regulations.
In my view, the most effective strategy for combating climate change requires a synergistic effort from both governments and individuals. While governments can create the necessary framework and incentives for sustainable practices, individuals play a crucial role in embracing these changes and driving demand for eco-friendly solutions. For example, government subsidies for electric vehicles can be complemented by individual consumers choosing to purchase these vehicles, creating a positive feedback loop that accelerates the transition to cleaner transportation.
In conclusion, while both government action and individual responsibility are vital in the fight against climate change, neither can succeed in isolation. A harmonious combination of top-down policy measures and bottom-up grassroots initiatives is essential for creating lasting, meaningful change in our approach to environmental stewardship.
(Word count: 345)
Government and Individual Action on Climate Change
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
Climate change is a big problem in the world today. Some people think the government should be mainly responsible for solving it, while others believe individuals should take charge. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Many people think the government should lead the fight against climate change because they have more power and money. Governments can make laws to reduce pollution from factories and cars. They can also spend money on renewable energy like solar and wind power. For example, some countries have banned plastic bags or put taxes on carbon emissions. These actions can have a big impact on reducing greenhouse gases.
On the other hand, some people believe individuals should be responsible for addressing climate change. They say that if everyone makes small changes in their daily lives, it can add up to a big difference. This includes things like using less electricity, recycling, and choosing public transport instead of driving. Also, people can choose to buy products from companies that are environmentally friendly, which can encourage businesses to be more green.
In my opinion, both the government and individuals need to work together to fight climate change. The government can create policies and provide resources, but these efforts won’t be effective unless individuals also change their behavior and support these initiatives. For instance, a government might build more bike lanes, but it’s up to individuals to choose to use them instead of driving.
To conclude, while both government action and individual responsibility are important in combating climate change, I believe the best approach is a combination of both. Governments and individuals each have unique roles to play, and only by working together can we hope to address this global challenge effectively.
(Word count: 290)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for a high-scoring essay.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases like “synergistic effort,” “grassroots level,” and “environmental stewardship.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more varied and advanced linking devices.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced discussion of the issue.
Grammar: The Band 8-9 essay uses a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay relies more on simpler constructions.
Useful Vocabulary for Climate Change Essays
Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Adaptation (noun) /ædæpˈteɪʃn/: The process of changing to suit different conditions.
Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Carbon footprint (noun phrase) /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
Sustainable development (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/: Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.
Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkoʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.
Greenhouse effect (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɪˈfekt/: The trapping of the sun’s warmth in a planet’s lower atmosphere due to the greater transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation emitted from the planet’s surface.
Carbon neutral (adjective) /ˈkɑːrbən ˈnjuːtrəl/: Making no net release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, especially through offsetting emissions by planting trees.
Conclusion
The Role Of Government In Combating Climate Change is a crucial topic that’s likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By understanding the key arguments and using appropriate vocabulary and structure, you can craft a compelling essay on this subject. Remember to practice writing essays on various aspects of climate change, such as the benefits of renewable energy or the effects of climate change on biodiversity, to broaden your knowledge and improve your writing skills.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS writing skills and gain confidence in tackling complex topics like climate change and government responsibility.
