Climate change is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on past trends and current relevance, we can expect to see more questions related to the role of international organizations in addressing climate change. Let’s examine a realistic IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt on this topic and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that international organizations play a crucial role in addressing global climate change, while others think individual countries should take more responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting views on tackling climate change:
- International organizations are crucial in addressing the issue
- Individual countries should bear more responsibility
You need to explore both perspectives and then provide your own opinion. This is a classic “discuss both views and give your opinion” type of question, requiring a balanced approach and a clear stance.
Should there be a global initiative to address climate change? This link provides additional context on the global nature of climate change initiatives, which can help inform your essay.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time, and there is ongoing debate about who should take the lead in addressing it. While some argue that international organizations are best equipped to tackle this global problem, others believe individual nations should shoulder more of the responsibility. In my opinion, a collaborative approach involving both international bodies and national governments is essential for effective climate action.
Those who advocate for international organizations’ central role in combating climate change have several compelling arguments. Firstly, climate change is a transboundary issue that requires coordinated global action. Organizations like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provide platforms for countries to negotiate and agree on collective targets, such as those set in the Paris Agreement. These bodies can also facilitate the sharing of knowledge, technology, and resources across borders, which is crucial for developing countries that may lack the capacity to address climate change independently.
On the other hand, proponents of individual country responsibility argue that national governments are better positioned to implement and enforce climate policies within their borders. They contend that countries have unique economic, social, and environmental circumstances that require tailored approaches. For instance, a nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels would need a different strategy for reducing emissions compared to one with abundant renewable energy resources. Moreover, national governments have the authority to enact and enforce laws, allocate budgets, and incentivize climate-friendly practices in ways that international organizations cannot.
In my view, the most effective approach to tackling climate change involves a synergy between international organizations and individual countries. International bodies can set global targets, facilitate cooperation, and provide support, while national governments can implement policies and take actions suited to their specific contexts. This collaborative model allows for both global coordination and localized implementation.
For example, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides scientific assessments that inform global policy, while individual countries like Denmark or Costa Rica implement ambitious national renewable energy plans. This synergy ensures that global efforts are grounded in local realities and that national actions contribute to overarching international goals.
Furthermore, the role of technology in preventing climate disasters cannot be overlooked. International organizations can facilitate the transfer of green technologies, while countries can invest in research and development and implement these technologies on the ground.
In conclusion, while both international organizations and individual countries have crucial roles to play in addressing climate change, the most effective approach involves collaboration between these entities. By combining the global perspective and coordinating power of international bodies with the implementation capabilities of national governments, we can create a more robust and comprehensive response to the climate crisis.
(Word count: 464)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that synthesizes the arguments.
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Balanced approach: Both perspectives are given equal consideration before the writer presents their own opinion.
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Coherence and cohesion: The essay uses a range of cohesive devices and clear topic sentences to guide the reader through the argument.
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Lexical resource: The writer employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, such as “transboundary issue,” “tailored approaches,” and “synergy.”
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a nuanced discussion of both views and a clear personal opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Climate change is a big problem that affects everyone in the world. Some people think international organizations are the best way to solve this issue, while others believe individual countries should do more. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, international organizations play an important role in fighting climate change. These organizations, like the United Nations, can bring countries together to make agreements about reducing pollution and protecting the environment. They can also share information and help poorer countries that don’t have the money or knowledge to fight climate change on their own. For example, the Paris Agreement was made by an international organization and got many countries to promise to reduce their carbon emissions.
On the other hand, some people think individual countries should take more responsibility for climate change. They say that each country knows its own situation best and can make better plans to reduce pollution and use clean energy. Countries can make laws and give money to projects that help the environment. For instance, some countries have banned plastic bags or given tax breaks to people who buy electric cars.
In my opinion, both international organizations and individual countries are important in solving the climate change problem. We need international organizations to help countries work together and set big goals. But we also need individual countries to take action and make changes in their own cities and towns. It’s like a team where everyone has a job to do.
The climate change’s effect on global migration is another reason why both global and local actions are needed. International organizations can help manage climate-related migration, while individual countries can prepare for potential population shifts.
To conclude, I believe that fighting climate change needs both international cooperation and individual country effort. If we work together at both levels, we have a better chance of protecting our planet for future generations.
(Word count: 368)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
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Coherence and cohesion: The essay has a clear structure and uses some cohesive devices, but the transitions between ideas could be smoother.
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Lexical resource: The vocabulary is generally appropriate, but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are made (e.g., “carbon emissions”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there are some minor errors and limitations in range.
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Development of ideas: While the main points are relevant, they could be expanded upon and supported with more specific examples or deeper analysis.
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Clarity: The writing is clear and easy to follow, which is a strength at this band level.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some important vocabulary items used in the essays, along with their definitions and pronunciations:
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Transboundary (adjective) /trænzˈbaʊndəri/: Crossing or extending across boundaries.
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Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪnədʒi/: The interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements.
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Implement (verb) /ˈɪmplɪment/: Put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
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Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/: Motivate or encourage (someone) to do something.
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Tailored (adjective) /ˈteɪləd/: Made or adapted for a particular purpose or person.
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Facilitate (verb) /fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/: Make (an action or process) easy or easier.
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Ambitious (adjective) /æmˈbɪʃəs/: Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.
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Coherence (noun) /kəʊˈhɪərəns/: The quality of being logical and consistent.
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Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
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Collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/: Involving two or more parties working together.
Conclusion
The role of international organizations in addressing climate change is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen from the sample essays, this subject allows for discussion of global cooperation, national responsibilities, and the interplay between international and local efforts.
To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with these related topics:
- The effectiveness of international climate agreements
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
- The role of developed vs. developing countries in climate action
- Individual responsibility in combating climate change
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.