Climate change is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. One recurring theme is the role of international organizations in combating this environmental crisis. This topic has been featured in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft high-scoring essays on this subject.
International Climate Action
Analyzing the Task
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that international organizations are crucial in the fight against climate change, while others think individual countries should take responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the role of international organizations in combating climate change
- Explore the perspective that individual countries should be responsible
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, corresponding to different IELTS band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Level
Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the debate over who should take the lead in addressing it is equally contentious. While some argue that international organizations are best equipped to tackle this global challenge, others contend that individual nations should bear the primary responsibility. In my view, a collaborative approach involving both international bodies and sovereign states is essential for effective climate action.
Proponents of international organizations argue that climate change is a transboundary issue that requires coordinated global efforts. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) exemplify how international bodies can facilitate research, negotiations, and policy-making on a global scale. These organizations provide platforms for countries to set collective goals, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius. Moreover, international organizations can mobilize resources and expertise from various nations, enabling more comprehensive and equitable solutions.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual country responsibility argue that national governments are better positioned to implement and enforce climate policies within their borders. They contend that each country has unique environmental, economic, and social circumstances that require tailored approaches. For instance, a nation heavily reliant on fossil fuels may need a different transition strategy compared to one with abundant renewable energy resources. Additionally, national governments can more readily engage their citizens and local industries in climate initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.
In my opinion, the most effective approach to combating climate change involves a synergy between international organizations and individual countries. International bodies can provide the overarching framework, scientific consensus, and global targets, while national governments can translate these into actionable policies and localized solutions. This collaborative model allows for both global coordination and local adaptation. For example, the Green Climate Fund, established by the UNFCCC, demonstrates how international resources can support country-specific climate projects.
In conclusion, while international organizations play a crucial role in setting the global agenda and facilitating cooperation, individual countries must take ownership of implementing climate solutions. The complexity and urgency of climate change demand a multi-faceted approach that harnesses the strengths of both global institutions and national governments. Only through such concerted efforts can we hope to address this existential threat effectively.
(Word count: 377)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central theme, and ideas are logically linked.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex lexical items such as “transboundary,” “exemplify,” and “synergy” are used effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are used without errors that impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Level
Climate change is a big problem in the world today. Some people think international organizations are very important to fight against it, but others believe individual countries should take responsibility. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
International organizations play a big role in fighting climate change. They can bring countries together to make agreements and set goals. For example, the United Nations has meetings where countries talk about climate change and try to find solutions. These organizations also have experts who can give advice to different countries. They can help poor countries get money and technology to reduce pollution.
However, some people think individual countries should be responsible for climate change. Each country has its own problems and ways of doing things. They know their own situation best, so they can make better plans for their country. Also, governments can make laws that companies and people in their country must follow. If a country decides to use more clean energy, it can change its laws to make this happen.
In my opinion, both international organizations and individual countries are important in the fight against climate change. International organizations can help countries work together and share ideas, while individual countries can make specific plans that work for them. I think this combination is the best way to solve the problem of climate change.
To conclude, international organizations and individual countries both have important roles in dealing with climate change. They need to work together to find the best solutions. Only by cooperating can we hope to make a real difference in protecting our planet.
(Word count: 269)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence but falls short of the sophistication seen in the Band 8-9 essay:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the discussion of each view and the personal opinion could be more developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the precision and sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay. There is some attempt at using less common vocabulary such as “cooperating” and “protecting.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, but lacks the flexibility seen in the higher band essay.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be extended and supported with more specific examples.
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6 Level
Climate change is very important problem today. Some people think international organization are important to fight it, but others think countries should do it. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
International organization are good for climate change because they can help many countries. They make big meeting and talk about problem. They can give money to poor country to help them. Also, they have many expert who know about climate change.
But some people think countries should do it themselves. Every country is different and has different problem. They know their own country best, so they can make good plan. Government can make rules for their people and company to follow.
I think both international organization and countries are important. They should work together to fix climate change. International organization can give big idea, and countries can do specific thing in their place.
In conclusion, we need international organization and countries to work on climate change. It is big problem that need everyone to help. If we all try, we can make world better.
(Word count: 169)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a limited command of the language and task requirements:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task but in a superficial manner. The discussion of views and personal opinion lack depth.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are limited.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. There are attempts to use topic-specific words like “expert” and “government,” but overall, the range is narrow.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with frequent errors. Complex structures are rare and often inaccurate.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but underdeveloped. Examples are general and lack specificity.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures
International organization (noun) /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənl ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – An entity established by a treaty or other instrument governed by international law
Collaboration (noun) /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ – The action of working with someone to produce something
Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
Sovereignty (noun) /ˈsɒvrənti/ – Supreme power or authority
Transboundary (adjective) /trænzˈbaʊndəri/ – Crossing or extending across boundaries
Implementation (noun) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – The process of putting a decision or plan into effect
Consensus (noun) /kənˈsensəs/ – A general agreement
Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – The process of changing to suit different conditions
Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
In conclusion, the role of international organizations in combating climate change is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key elements of high-scoring essays and practicing with various prompts, you can improve your ability to address this theme effectively. Some potential future topics might include:
- The effectiveness of international climate agreements
- The role of developed vs. developing countries in global climate action
- The impact of international climate policies on national economies
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your skills and prepare for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.