Climate change and environmental protection have become increasingly important topics in recent years. As a result, questions related to carbon taxes and industrial regulations are appearing more frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2. This article will provide you with sample essays and expert analysis to help you tackle this challenging topic effectively.
Analyzing the Topic: Carbon Taxes on Industries
The issue of carbon taxes on industries is a complex and controversial one, making it an ideal subject for IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see questions related to this topic appearing with increasing frequency in future IELTS exams.
Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this trend:
Some people believe that governments should enforce carbon taxes on industries to reduce environmental pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Understanding the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should impose carbon taxes on industries as a means of reducing environmental pollution. To answer effectively, you need to:
- Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by summarizing your main points
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Environmental pollution is a pressing global issue, and many argue that governments should take decisive action by imposing carbon taxes on industries. I strongly agree with this view, as I believe it is an effective way to reduce pollution and promote sustainable practices.
Firstly, carbon taxes create a financial incentive for industries to reduce their emissions. When companies are required to pay for the carbon they release, they are more likely to invest in cleaner technologies and more efficient processes. For example, after Sweden introduced a carbon tax in 1991, it saw a significant reduction in emissions from industries, with many companies switching to renewable energy sources and implementing energy-saving measures.
Secondly, carbon taxes generate revenue that governments can reinvest in environmental protection and green technologies. This creates a positive feedback loop, where the money collected from polluting industries is used to fund research and development of cleaner alternatives. In British Columbia, Canada, the revenue from carbon taxes has been used to lower personal and corporate income taxes, as well as invest in clean energy projects, demonstrating the potential for a win-win situation.
However, it is important to acknowledge that carbon taxes can potentially harm the competitiveness of domestic industries in the global market. To address this concern, governments could implement border carbon adjustments, which would levy taxes on imported goods based on their carbon content. This would help level the playing field and prevent “carbon leakage,” where industries simply relocate to countries with less stringent environmental regulations.
In conclusion, while there are challenges to consider, I firmly believe that governments should enforce carbon taxes on industries. This approach not only provides a strong incentive for reducing emissions but also generates funds for further environmental initiatives. By carefully designing and implementing these taxes, governments can effectively combat pollution while fostering innovation and sustainable economic growth.
(Word count: 297)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, typical of a Band 8-9 response. Here’s why:
- Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with the statement and maintains this position throughout.
- Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph presents a clear main idea supported by specific examples (Sweden and British Columbia).
- Cohesive devices: The essay uses a variety of linking words (Firstly, Secondly, However, In conclusion) to connect ideas smoothly.
- Balanced view: The writer acknowledges a potential counterargument and addresses it.
- Advanced vocabulary: The essay includes sophisticated words and phrases (pressing global issue, decisive action, financial incentive, positive feedback loop).
- Complex sentence structures: The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, demonstrating grammatical range and accuracy.
Carbon tax on industrial emissions
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
These days, many people think that governments should make industries pay carbon taxes to reduce pollution. I agree with this idea because it can help protect the environment, but I also think there are some problems with it.
One reason why carbon taxes are good is that they make companies think more about pollution. If businesses have to pay for the carbon they produce, they will try to find ways to pollute less. For example, they might use cleaner energy or buy better machines that don’t pollute as much. This can help reduce the amount of harmful gases in the air.
Another advantage is that the government can use the money from carbon taxes to help the environment. They could spend it on planting trees or developing new green technologies. This extra money could make a big difference in fighting climate change.
However, there are also some negative effects of carbon taxes. One problem is that companies might raise their prices to cover the cost of the tax. This means that normal people might have to pay more for things they need. Also, some businesses might move to other countries where there are no carbon taxes, which could cause job losses.
In conclusion, I believe that carbon taxes on industries can be helpful for reducing pollution, but governments need to be careful about how they use them. They should find ways to protect people from higher prices and make sure that businesses don’t leave the country. If they can do this, then carbon taxes could be a good way to help the environment.
(Word count: 267)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good coherence and task achievement, with some limitations in lexical resource and grammatical range, typical of a Band 6-7 response. Here’s why:
- Clear position: The writer agrees with the statement but acknowledges potential problems.
- Adequate development: Each paragraph presents a main idea with some support, though examples are more general than in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Basic cohesive devices: The essay uses simple linking words (One reason, Another advantage, However) to connect ideas.
- Balanced view: The writer discusses both advantages and disadvantages of carbon taxes.
- Vocabulary: The essay uses mostly common vocabulary with some attempt at more sophisticated words (harmful gases, green technologies).
- Grammar: The writer uses a mix of simple and compound sentences, with occasional complex structures. There are no major errors, but the range is more limited than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing on Carbon Taxes
Carbon tax (noun) /ˈkɑːrbən tæks/: A fee imposed on the burning of carbon-based fuels.
Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
Environmental pollution (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl pəˈluːʃn/: The contamination of the environment by harmful substances.
Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/: Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Carbon leakage (noun phrase) /ˈkɑːrbən ˈliːkɪdʒ/: The transfer of production to other countries with laxer emission constraints.
Border carbon adjustment (noun phrase) /ˈbɔːdər ˈkɑːrbən əˈdʒʌstmənt/: A tax on imported goods based on their carbon content.
Climate change (noun phrase) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures.
Green technology (noun phrase) /griːn tekˈnɒlədʒi/: Technology that is environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Conclusion
Writing about carbon taxes on industries for IELTS Task 2 requires a good understanding of environmental issues and economic policies. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their strengths, you can improve your own writing skills and approach similar topics with confidence.
To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- Should governments provide subsidies for renewable energy industries?
- Do you think individuals or large companies should bear more responsibility for reducing carbon emissions?
- What are the most effective ways for countries to combat climate change?
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!