The topic of science’s role in addressing global environmental issues is becoming increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, this theme is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ve selected a relevant question that closely resembles those seen in recent exams:
Some people believe that scientific research should focus on solving environmental problems, while others think there are more important fields of research. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that scientific research should prioritize environmental issues
- Present alternative perspectives on important research areas
- Provide a personal opinion on the topic
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this task effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In an era of escalating environmental challenges, there is ongoing debate about whether scientific research should prioritize solving these issues or focus on other fields. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that a balanced approach, with significant emphasis on environmental solutions, is crucial for our planet’s future.
Proponents of environmental research argue that our planet faces unprecedented threats such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. They contend that scientific advancements in these areas are vital for the survival of ecosystems and, ultimately, humanity itself. For instance, research into renewable energy technologies and carbon capture methods could mitigate the impacts of global warming. Similarly, innovations in waste management and biodiversity conservation could help preserve our planet’s delicate ecological balance.
On the other hand, those who advocate for diverse research fields argue that focusing solely on environmental issues might neglect other critical areas of scientific inquiry. Medical research, for example, is essential for combating diseases and improving human health. Additionally, advancements in fields like artificial intelligence and space exploration could lead to technological breakthroughs with wide-ranging benefits, including potential solutions to environmental problems.
In my opinion, while it is crucial to maintain a broad spectrum of scientific research, environmental issues should receive substantial attention and resources. The urgency of our planet’s environmental challenges necessitates immediate and concerted efforts. Moreover, many environmental solutions have far-reaching positive impacts across various sectors. For example, research into sustainable materials could benefit both the environment and industries such as construction and manufacturing.
In conclusion, I believe that scientific research should strike a balance between environmental concerns and other important fields. However, given the pressing nature of global environmental challenges, a significant portion of research efforts and funding should be directed towards finding sustainable solutions for our planet’s future.
(Word count: 298)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex structures with high accuracy. Errors are rare and do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about whether scientific research should focus on solving environmental problems or other important areas. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Many people think that scientific research should prioritize environmental issues. They believe that problems like climate change and pollution are very serious and need urgent solutions. For example, scientists can develop new technologies to reduce carbon emissions or find ways to clean up polluted areas. This research could help protect our planet and ensure a better future for everyone.
However, others argue that there are other important fields of research that shouldn’t be ignored. They say that medical research, for instance, is crucial for finding cures for diseases and improving human health. Also, research in technology and space exploration could lead to important discoveries that benefit society in many ways.
In my opinion, I think both environmental research and other fields are important. Environmental problems are very serious and need attention, but we can’t ignore other areas of science. A balanced approach is necessary to address different challenges facing our world.
To conclude, while environmental research is crucial, it’s important to maintain a balance with other scientific fields. Both types of research can contribute to solving global problems and improving our lives.
(Word count: 213)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates competence but falls short of excellence in several areas:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion of each viewpoint could be more developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication and precision of a higher band score.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex structures, with some errors that do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be expanded upon with more specific examples and deeper analysis.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, there is a discussion about what kind of scientific research is more important. Some people think we should focus on environmental problems, but others say there are other important things to research. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, many people think environmental research is very important. They say that our planet has many problems like pollution and global warming. If we don’t solve these problems, it could be very bad for everyone. Scientists can help by finding new ways to protect the environment.
But other people think there are other important things to research. For example, medical research is very important to help sick people. Also, research in technology can make our lives better in many ways.
I think both kinds of research are important. We need to protect the environment, but we also need to do other research. Maybe we can find a way to do both at the same time.
In conclusion, I believe that environmental research is important, but we shouldn’t forget about other types of research. We need to find a balance to solve all our problems.
(Word count: 174)
Explanation of Band 5-6 Score
This essay demonstrates limited competence in several areas:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the question but lacks depth in discussing the viewpoints.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphs are not always well-linked, and cohesive devices are limited.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with limited range and precision.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple structures with some errors that occasionally impede understanding.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented but lack sufficient elaboration and specific examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Environmental challenges (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ – Difficult problems related to the natural world
- Scientific research (noun phrase) – /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk rɪˈsɜːrtʃ/ – Systematic investigation to establish facts in various fields of science
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from sources that are naturally replenished
- Carbon capture (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈkæptʃə/ – The process of trapping and storing carbon dioxide emissions
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain ecological balance without depleting natural resources
- Climate change (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and temperatures
- Artificial intelligence (noun phrase) – /ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃl ɪnˈtelɪdʒəns/ – The simulation of human intelligence in machines
- Space exploration (noun phrase) – /speɪs ˌekspləˈreɪʃn/ – The investigation of outer space using spacecraft and satellites
Conclusion
Understanding how to approach essays on science’s role in solving global environmental challenges is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing the sample essays provided, you can see how different levels of writing are assessed and what is required to achieve a higher band score.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic:
Some people argue that technological advancements are causing more environmental problems than they solve. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Practice writing your response and consider sharing it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will help you develop the skills needed to excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- How Intercultural Education Promotes Global Citizenship
- Should There Be Global Cooperation to Combat Climate Change?
- Importance of Global Cooperation in Fighting Climate Change
- Importance of Interdisciplinary Studies for Solving Global Problems
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a variety of topics will help you become more confident and proficient in tackling IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.