International trade and sustainable development are increasingly interconnected topics in today’s globalized world. This subject has become a popular theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, appearing with growing frequency in recent years. Based on trends observed in past IELTS exams and the current global focus on sustainability, it’s highly likely that questions related to international trade’s role in promoting sustainable development will continue to feature prominently in future tests.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic and explore sample essays at different band levels to help you prepare effectively for your exam.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that international trade is essential for global sustainable development, while others argue it can hinder sustainability efforts. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a balanced argument task, asking you to discuss two opposing viewpoints on the relationship between international trade and sustainable development. The key aspects to address are:
- The perspective that international trade promotes sustainable development
- The counter-argument that international trade can impede sustainability efforts
- Your personal opinion on the issue
Remember to provide examples and explanations to support each viewpoint and your own stance.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
International trade has become an integral part of the global economy, and its impact on sustainable development is a topic of heated debate. While some argue that it is crucial for achieving global sustainability goals, others contend that it can undermine these efforts. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this complex issue.
Proponents of international trade argue that it is essential for sustainable development for several reasons. Firstly, trade facilitates the transfer of green technologies and sustainable practices across borders. For instance, developed countries with advanced renewable energy technologies can export these innovations to developing nations, accelerating their transition to cleaner energy sources. Secondly, international trade can promote economic growth, which, in turn, provides resources for environmental protection and social development. As countries become more prosperous through trade, they can invest in sustainable infrastructure, education, and healthcare, contributing to overall sustainable development.
On the other hand, critics argue that international trade can hinder sustainability efforts. One primary concern is that it often leads to increased carbon emissions due to long-distance transportation of goods. The shipping and aviation industries, which are crucial for international trade, are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, trade liberalization can sometimes result in a “race to the bottom” effect, where countries lower their environmental standards to gain a competitive advantage in the global market. This can lead to environmental degradation and exploitation of natural resources, particularly in developing countries with less stringent regulations.
In my opinion, while international trade poses certain challenges to sustainability, its potential benefits outweigh the drawbacks when properly managed. The key lies in implementing robust international agreements and policies that ensure trade practices align with sustainable development goals. For example, incorporating environmental clauses in trade agreements, promoting fair trade practices, and investing in cleaner transportation technologies can help mitigate the negative impacts of trade on sustainability. Furthermore, international trade can be leveraged as a powerful tool to incentivize sustainable practices globally by creating markets for eco-friendly products and services.
In conclusion, international trade plays a complex role in promoting sustainable development. While it presents challenges, such as increased emissions and potential exploitation of resources, it also offers significant opportunities for spreading sustainable technologies and practices. By carefully balancing economic interests with environmental and social concerns, international trade can become a driving force for global sustainable development.
(Word count: 398)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent skills in addressing the task, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, which are the key criteria for IELTS Writing Task 2.
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Task Achievement (Band 8-9):
- Fully addresses all parts of the task
- Presents a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas
- Clearly presents a position throughout the response
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Coherence and Cohesion (Band 8-9):
- Skillfully manages paragraphing
- Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively
- Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
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Lexical Resource (Band 8-9):
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary naturally and flexibly
- Uses less common lexical items skillfully (e.g., “race to the bottom,” “trade liberalization”)
- Makes only rare minor errors in word choice or spelling
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 8-9):
- Uses a wide range of structures flexibly
- Produces error-free sentences with only very occasional inaccuracies or inappropriacies
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
International trade is a big part of the world economy today. Some people think it helps sustainable development, while others believe it can hurt sustainability efforts. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, international trade can be good for sustainable development. It allows countries to share new technologies that can help the environment. For example, if a country has good solar panel technology, they can sell it to other countries. This helps more places use clean energy. Also, when countries trade, they can make more money. With this money, they can spend on things like education and healthcare, which are important for sustainable development.
However, there are also problems with international trade when it comes to sustainability. One big issue is that moving goods around the world causes pollution. Ships and planes that carry products from one country to another release a lot of greenhouse gases. Another problem is that some countries might lower their environmental standards to make their products cheaper and sell more. This can lead to more pollution and damage to nature.
In my opinion, international trade can be good for sustainable development if it is done in the right way. I think countries should make agreements to protect the environment when they trade. They should also try to use cleaner ways to transport goods. For example, using electric vehicles or ships that run on cleaner fuels. If we can solve the problems with pollution and unfair practices, then international trade can help make the world more sustainable.
To conclude, international trade has both good and bad effects on sustainable development. While it can cause some environmental problems, it also offers ways to spread good practices and technologies. I believe that with the right rules and efforts, international trade can be a positive force for sustainable development around the world.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competent skills in addressing the task, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy, suitable for a Band 6-7 score.
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Task Achievement (Band 6-7):
- Addresses all parts of the task
- Presents a relevant position
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
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Coherence and Cohesion (Band 6-7):
- Arranges information and ideas coherently
- Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately, although there may be some under-/over-use
- Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
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Lexical Resource (Band 6-7):
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
- Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
- Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede communication
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 6-7):
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Sustainable development (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.
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International trade (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənəl treɪd/ – The exchange of goods and services between countries.
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Economic growth (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time.
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Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
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Trade liberalization (noun) – /treɪd ˌlɪbərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The removal or reduction of restrictions or barriers on the free exchange of goods between nations.
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Greenhouse gases (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/ – Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Environmental degradation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃən/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.
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Fair trade (noun) – /feə treɪd/ – Trade between companies in developed countries and producers in developing countries in which fair prices are paid to the producers.
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Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Conclusion
The role of international trade in promoting sustainable development is a complex and multifaceted topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To excel in essays on this subject, it’s crucial to understand both the positive and negative impacts of international trade on sustainability efforts.
For future practice, consider exploring related topics such as:
- The impact of free trade agreements on environmental protection
- The role of multinational corporations in promoting sustainable practices
- Balancing economic growth and environmental conservation in developing countries
- The effectiveness of international environmental treaties in the context of global trade
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and feel free to share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.