Environmental sustainability is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Given its global importance and relevance to various aspects of society, it’s highly likely that you’ll encounter a question related to this theme in your IELTS test. Let’s explore a common question type and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve, and only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question addresses the role of individuals, governments, and large companies in solving environmental problems. It’s an opinion-based question that requires you to express your views and support them with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental issues are undoubtedly among the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. While some argue that these problems are too vast for individuals to tackle and should be left to governments and large corporations, I strongly disagree with this perspective. I believe that environmental sustainability should be a priority for all, and individuals play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
Firstly, it’s important to recognize that collective individual actions can have a significant impact on the environment. For instance, if millions of people choose to reduce their plastic consumption, use public transportation, or adopt energy-efficient practices at home, the cumulative effect can be substantial. A study by the University of Oxford found that if everyone in the UK switched to a plant-based diet, it could reduce food-related emissions by up to 73%. This demonstrates that individual choices, when made on a large scale, can lead to meaningful environmental improvements.
Secondly, individual actions often drive broader societal changes. When consumers demand environmentally friendly products, companies are compelled to adapt their practices to meet this demand. For example, the growing popularity of electric vehicles among individual consumers has pushed major automakers to invest heavily in electric vehicle technology. This shift not only reduces individual carbon footprints but also accelerates the transition to cleaner transportation on a larger scale.
However, it would be naive to suggest that individuals alone can solve all environmental problems. Governments and large companies indeed have a critical role to play. They can implement policies, regulations, and large-scale initiatives that individuals cannot. For instance, governments can enforce stricter emissions standards for industries or invest in renewable energy infrastructure. Large companies can innovate and develop sustainable technologies that can be implemented on a global scale.
The most effective approach to environmental sustainability is a collaborative effort involving individuals, governments, and businesses. Each entity has unique strengths and responsibilities. While governments and companies can create the framework and tools for sustainability, it is ultimately up to individuals to embrace and implement these changes in their daily lives.
In conclusion, while the scale of environmental problems is indeed vast, the solution lies in a combined effort from all sectors of society. Individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can create significant positive change. By prioritizing environmental sustainability in our personal lives, we not only contribute directly to solving these issues but also inspire and drive larger systemic changes. Therefore, environmental sustainability should indeed be a priority for all, as every action, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of preserving our planet for future generations.
(Word count: 413)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Environmental problems are a big concern in today’s world. Some people think that these issues are too big for individuals to solve and only governments and big companies can make a difference. However, I disagree with this view. I believe that environmental sustainability should be important for everyone, and individuals can play a big role in solving these problems.
First, individual actions can add up to make a big difference. For example, if many people start recycling, using less plastic, or saving energy at home, it can have a big impact on the environment. A small change in habits by millions of people can lead to significant improvements in environmental protection.
Second, when individuals care about the environment, it can influence companies and governments. For instance, if many people start buying eco-friendly products, companies will make more of these products to meet the demand. This shows that individual choices can change how businesses operate.
However, it’s true that governments and large companies have more power to make big changes. They can create laws to protect the environment and invest in new technologies that are better for the planet. For example, a government can set rules for factories to reduce pollution, which an individual cannot do alone.
But this doesn’t mean individuals are powerless. In fact, the best way to solve environmental problems is when everyone works together – individuals, governments, and companies. Each group has its own role to play. Governments and companies can provide the tools and rules for sustainability, but individuals need to use these tools in their daily lives.
In conclusion, while environmental problems are big, they need everyone’s effort to solve. Individual actions are important because they can add up to make a big difference and can also influence bigger changes in society. Therefore, environmental sustainability should be a priority for all people, not just for governments and big companies. Every small action helps in protecting our planet for the future.
(Word count: 308)
Key Points to Note When Writing
-
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
-
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases (e.g., “cumulative effect”, “compelled to adapt”, “accelerates the transition”), while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the main ideas.
-
Examples: Both essays provide relevant examples, but the Band 8-9 essay includes more specific data and references (e.g., the University of Oxford study).
-
Coherence: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates stronger coherence with more complex linking words and phrases, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler connectors but still maintains a logical flow.
-
Argument Development: The Band 8-9 essay presents a more sophisticated argument, acknowledging counterarguments and providing a more nuanced conclusion. The Band 6-7 essay presents a clear argument but with less depth.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
-
Environmental sustainability (noun): The responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources. /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/
-
Collective action (noun phrase): Coordinated efforts by a group of individuals to achieve a common objective. /kəˈlektɪv ˈækʃən/
-
Carbon footprint (noun): The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc. /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/
-
Renewable energy (noun phrase): Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power. /rɪˈnuːəbl ˈenərdʒi/
-
Eco-friendly (adjective): Not harmful to the environment. /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/
-
Emissions (noun): The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation. /ɪˈmɪʃənz/
-
Sustainable technologies (noun phrase): Technologies that have a reduced negative impact on the environment compared to traditional technologies. /səˈsteɪnəbl tekˈnɒlədʒiz/
-
Conservation (noun): The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas. /ˌkɒnsərˈveɪʃən/
-
Biodiversity (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat. /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/
-
Climate change mitigation (noun phrase): Efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases. /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/
In conclusion, the topic of environmental sustainability is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might focus on specific aspects such as renewable energy adoption, plastic pollution, or the role of technology in environmental protection. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on various environmental topics, focusing on developing clear arguments, using relevant examples, and employing appropriate vocabulary.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay based on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice will significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare you for success in the exam.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful: