IELTS Writing Task 2: Why Environmental Responsibility Should Be a Business Priority – Sample Essays and Analysis

Environmental responsibility has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This theme reflects the growing global concern about sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to environmental responsibility in business will continue to appear frequently in future IELTS exams.

Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:

Some people believe that companies should be required to protect the environment as part of their social responsibility. Others argue that environmental protection should be the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that companies should be responsible for environmental protection
2. Discuss the view that governments should be responsible for environmental protection
3. Provide their own opinion on the issue

It’s essential to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Environmental protection has become a critical global concern, sparking debates about who should bear the primary responsibility. While some argue that businesses should be obligated to safeguard the environment, others believe this duty falls to governments. In my opinion, both entities play crucial roles, but businesses should take the lead in environmental stewardship.

Those who advocate for corporate environmental responsibility argue that companies often contribute significantly to pollution and resource depletion. Therefore, they should be at the forefront of mitigation efforts. For instance, many multinational corporations have implemented sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and adopting renewable energy sources, demonstrating that businesses can effectively drive environmental protection. Moreover, companies often have the financial resources and innovative capacity to develop eco-friendly technologies and practices, potentially creating more impactful solutions than government-led initiatives alone.

On the other hand, proponents of government-led environmental protection argue that only national and international authorities have the power to enforce comprehensive regulations. Governments can implement wide-reaching policies, such as carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes, that affect entire industries and economies. Additionally, they can allocate public funds for environmental research and conservation projects, which may not be profitable for businesses but are essential for long-term sustainability.

In my view, while government involvement is necessary, businesses should prioritize environmental responsibility. Companies have a direct impact on the environment through their operations and can often implement changes more quickly and efficiently than governments. By making environmental protection a core business priority, companies can drive innovation, improve their public image, and contribute to long-term sustainability. Furthermore, proactive corporate environmental responsibility can often preempt the need for stringent government regulations, creating a more flexible and potentially more effective approach to environmental protection.

In conclusion, while both businesses and governments have important roles to play in environmental protection, I believe that companies should take the lead. By prioritizing environmental responsibility, businesses can drive meaningful change, foster innovation, and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

(Word count: 309)

Environmental Business Responsibility

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The issue of who should be responsible for protecting the environment is a topic of much debate. Some people think companies should be required to do this as part of their social responsibility, while others believe it should be the government’s job. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On one hand, many people think businesses should be responsible for protecting the environment. This is because companies often cause pollution and use up natural resources. For example, factories might release harmful chemicals into the air or water. If companies are required to protect the environment, they might find ways to reduce pollution and use resources more carefully. Also, many businesses have a lot of money and could use it to develop new technologies that are better for the environment.

On the other hand, some people argue that environmental protection should be the government’s responsibility. Governments have the power to make laws that all companies and people must follow. They can also punish those who break these laws. For instance, a government could make a law saying that factories must reduce their pollution by a certain amount. Governments can also use tax money to fund projects that help the environment, like planting trees or cleaning up polluted areas.

In my opinion, both businesses and governments should work together to protect the environment. Companies should take responsibility for the impact they have on the environment and try to reduce it. At the same time, governments should create laws and policies that encourage businesses to be more environmentally friendly. I think this combined approach would be the most effective way to address environmental issues.

In conclusion, while there are arguments for both businesses and governments being responsible for environmental protection, I believe a shared responsibility is the best solution. Both have important roles to play in ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

(Word count: 309)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.

2. Addressing all parts of the question: Both essays discuss the two views presented in the question and provide the writer’s opinion, which is essential for fully answering the question.

3. Paragraph development: Each body paragraph in both essays starts with a clear topic sentence, provides examples or explanations, and ends with a concluding sentence.

4. Cohesion and coherence: The essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas and paragraphs, enhancing the overall flow of the writing.

5. Vocabulary and grammar: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of vocabulary and more complex sentence structures compared to the Band 6-7 essay. However, both essays effectively communicate their ideas.

Vocabulary to Remember

1. Environmental stewardship (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstjuːərdʃɪp/: The responsible use and protection of the natural environment.

2. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

3. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

4. Carbon emissions (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

5. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.

6. Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.

7. Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/: Strict, precise, and exacting.

8. Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.

In conclusion, the topic of environmental responsibility in business is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific aspects of corporate environmental responsibility, such as the role of businesses in combating climate change or promoting sustainable consumption. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics and stay informed about current environmental issues and business practices.

We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Remember to focus on addressing all parts of the question, using a clear structure, and demonstrating a range of vocabulary and grammar appropriate to your target band score.