Environmental protection is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exam questions, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter tasks related to local resource management and environmental conservation. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Some people believe that using local resources is the best way to protect the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to discuss the effectiveness of utilizing local resources in environmental protection. You need to:
- Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by summarizing your main points
Now, let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, representing different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental conservation is a pressing global concern, and the idea of leveraging local resources to address this issue has gained significant traction. I strongly agree that utilizing local resources can be highly effective in protecting the environment, although it should be part of a comprehensive approach rather than the sole solution.
Firstly, using local resources reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and importation. When communities rely on locally sourced materials and products, they minimize the need for long-distance shipping, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, encouraging the consumption of locally grown produce not only supports regional farmers but also significantly cuts down on the fuel consumption and pollution caused by transporting food over vast distances.
Moreover, the use of local resources often promotes sustainable practices that are tailored to the specific environmental needs of an area. Local communities possess intimate knowledge of their ecosystems and can develop conservation strategies that are uniquely suited to their region. This localized approach can be far more effective than one-size-fits-all solutions imposed from afar. For example, the effects of deforestation on local communities have led many to implement community-based forest management programs, which have proven successful in protecting biodiversity while sustaining livelihoods.
However, it is important to acknowledge that relying solely on local resources may not be sufficient to address all environmental challenges. Some issues, such as climate change or ocean pollution, require global cooperation and the sharing of resources and technologies across borders. Additionally, should companies be responsible for their environmental impact, regardless of whether they use local or imported resources? This question highlights the need for a balanced approach that combines local initiatives with broader environmental policies.
In conclusion, while using local resources is indeed a powerful tool for environmental protection, it should be viewed as a crucial component of a more comprehensive strategy. By combining the benefits of local resource utilization with global collaboration and technological advancements, we can create a more effective and sustainable approach to safeguarding our planet’s future.
Community garden showcasing local resource use for environmental protection
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The idea that using local resources is the best way to protect the environment is a topic of much debate. I partially agree with this statement, as I believe that while using local resources can be beneficial for the environment, it is not the only solution to environmental problems.
One advantage of using local resources is that it can reduce transportation costs and emissions. When we use products that are made or grown nearby, we don’t need to transport them long distances, which means less pollution from vehicles. For example, buying fruits and vegetables from local farmers can help reduce the carbon footprint of our food consumption.
Additionally, using local resources can help preserve traditional knowledge and practices that are often environmentally friendly. Many local communities have developed sustainable ways of using their resources over generations, and these methods can be valuable for environmental protection. This is similar to how the importance of community involvement in local policies can lead to more effective environmental management.
However, there are some limitations to relying only on local resources. Some environmental problems are global in nature and require international cooperation to solve. For instance, issues like climate change cannot be addressed by local actions alone. Moreover, some regions may not have access to the necessary resources or technology to effectively protect their environment, and may need to import solutions from elsewhere.
In conclusion, while using local resources can be an important part of environmental protection, it should be combined with other strategies for the best results. A balanced approach that considers both local and global solutions is likely to be most effective in addressing environmental challenges.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I agree that using local resources is good for protecting the environment. There are several reasons for this opinion.
Firstly, when we use local things, we don’t need to bring them from far away. This means less pollution from trucks and ships. For example, if we buy food from nearby farms, it’s better for the air because the food doesn’t travel so far.
Secondly, local resources can help save traditional ways of doing things. Many old methods are good for nature. People in villages often know how to use their land without hurting it. This is important because how tourism can contribute to environmental degradation shows that not all modern practices are good for the environment.
But sometimes local resources are not enough. Big problems like global warming need help from many countries. Also, some places don’t have everything they need to protect nature. They might need to get help or things from other places.
In conclusion, I think using local resources is very good for the environment, but it’s not the only way. We need to use local things and also work with other countries to solve big environmental problems.
Explaining the Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic
- Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures accurately
- Provides relevant examples and cohesive paragraphs
- Addresses both sides of the argument and offers a nuanced conclusion
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Shows a good understanding of the question
- Presents a clear position with some supporting ideas
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good grammar
- Provides some examples, though they may be less specific
- Attempts to address different aspects of the issue
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the main parts of the task
- Presents a basic position with simple supporting ideas
- Uses mostly simple sentences with some errors that don’t impede understanding
- Provides limited examples
- Shows a basic attempt at organization, but may lack coherence in places
Comparison of IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays at different band scores
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Environmental conservation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection and preservation of the natural environment.
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Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities.
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Sustainable practices (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – Methods of resource use that can be continued indefinitely without damaging the environment.
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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
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Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Global cooperation (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbl kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃn/ – Collaboration between countries or international organizations to address worldwide issues.
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Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities.
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Traditional knowledge (noun phrase) – /trəˈdɪʃənl ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ – Information, skills, and practices developed and maintained by indigenous or local communities over time.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time without depleting resources.
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Environmental degradation (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources or damage to ecosystems.
In conclusion, the topic of using local resources for environmental protection is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of individual actions in environmental conservation
- Balancing economic development with environmental protection
- The impact of globalization on local environmental practices
- Government policies for promoting sustainable resource use
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement!
