Climate change mitigation is a critical global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends and the increasing importance of environmental topics, it’s highly likely that questions related to government priorities in addressing climate change will continue to be a recurring theme in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a potential IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that governments should prioritize economic growth over climate change mitigation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires you to discuss the balance between economic development and environmental protection, a common dilemma faced by governments worldwide. It’s crucial to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide well-reasoned arguments
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Consider counterarguments
- Conclude with a summary of your stance
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, posing significant threats to our planet’s ecosystems and human societies. While economic growth is undoubtedly important, I strongly disagree with the notion that it should take precedence over climate change mitigation efforts.
Firstly, prioritizing climate change mitigation is crucial for long-term economic stability. The economic costs of unchecked climate change far outweigh the short-term benefits of prioritizing growth at the expense of the environment. Natural disasters, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events – all exacerbated by climate change – can devastate infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and lead to massive economic losses. For instance, the 2021 Texas winter storm, linked to climate change, caused over $200 billion in damages and highlighted the economic vulnerabilities of inadequate climate preparation.
Moreover, investing in climate change mitigation can actually drive economic growth and innovation. The renewable energy sector, for example, is creating numerous jobs and spurring technological advancements. Countries like Germany and Denmark have demonstrated that a strong focus on green technologies can lead to economic benefits while reducing carbon emissions. These nations have become global leaders in renewable energy, creating new industries and export opportunities.
It’s also important to consider the ethical implications of prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection. Governments have a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of future generations. By focusing solely on short-term economic gains, we risk leaving an uninhabitable planet for our descendants. The principle of sustainable development emphasizes the need to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Some argue that economic growth is necessary to fund climate change mitigation efforts. While there is merit to this argument, it presents a false dichotomy. Governments can pursue both economic development and climate protection simultaneously through smart policies and investments. For example, implementing carbon pricing mechanisms can incentivize businesses to reduce emissions while generating revenue for green initiatives. Additionally, investing in renewable energy solutions can create jobs, reduce energy costs in the long run, and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
In conclusion, while economic growth is important, it should not come at the expense of our planet’s future. The challenges posed by climate change are too significant to ignore or deprioritize. Governments must take a balanced approach, recognizing that effective climate change mitigation is not only environmentally necessary but also economically beneficial in the long term. By doing so, we can create a sustainable future that ensures both economic prosperity and a healthy planet for generations to come.
(Word count: 412)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Clear position: The writer clearly disagrees with prioritizing economic growth over climate change mitigation.
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Coherent structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing different aspects of the argument, and a strong conclusion.
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Well-developed ideas: Each paragraph introduces a new point and elaborates on it with explanations and examples.
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Sophisticated vocabulary: The essay uses a range of advanced vocabulary accurately (e.g., “exacerbated,” “devastate,” “ethical implications”).
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Complex sentence structures: The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentences, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.
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Addressing counterarguments: The essay acknowledges and responds to potential counterarguments, showing a nuanced understanding of the topic.
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Relevant examples: Specific examples (Texas winter storm, Germany and Denmark’s renewable energy sector) are used to support arguments.
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Cohesive devices: The essay uses a variety of cohesive devices to link ideas within and between paragraphs.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, climate change is a big problem that affects everyone. Some people think that governments should focus more on growing the economy instead of dealing with climate change. I disagree with this idea because I believe climate change is too important to ignore.
First, climate change can cause a lot of damage to the economy if we don’t do anything about it. For example, when there are more storms or floods because of climate change, it can destroy buildings and farms. This costs a lot of money to fix. If governments spend money now to stop climate change, they can save more money in the future.
Also, trying to stop climate change can actually help the economy grow. Many countries are now making more solar panels and wind turbines. This creates new jobs and helps the economy. For example, some countries in Europe have many new jobs because they are making these things to sell to other countries.
Another reason to focus on climate change is that it’s not fair to future generations if we only think about making money now. If we don’t take care of the environment, our children and grandchildren will have a lot of problems. They might not have clean air to breathe or enough food to eat.
Some people might say that we need to grow the economy first so we have money to fix climate change. This is partly true, but I think we can do both things at the same time. Governments can make rules that help businesses grow while also protecting the environment. For example, they can give money to companies that use clean energy.
In conclusion, I believe that governments should not put economic growth before dealing with climate change. The problems caused by climate change are too big to ignore. If we take care of the environment now, it will help the economy in the long run and make sure we have a good planet to live on in the future.
(Word count: 327)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
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Clear position: The writer clearly states their disagreement with prioritizing economic growth over climate change mitigation.
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Coherent structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
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Relevant ideas: The writer presents relevant arguments supporting their position.
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Adequate vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary, though not as sophisticated as the Band 8-9 essay.
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Mix of sentence structures: There is some variation in sentence structures, though less complex than in higher band essays.
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Basic examples: The writer provides some examples, though they are less specific and developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Simple cohesive devices: The essay uses basic cohesive devices to link ideas.
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Addressing counterarguments: The writer briefly acknowledges a counterargument, showing some awareness of different perspectives.
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Grammar and spelling: There are few noticeable errors in grammar and spelling, allowing for clear communication of ideas.
Key Vocabulary for Climate Change and Government Policy
To enhance your essays on this topic, consider using these advanced vocabulary items:
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Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used.
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Carbon footprint (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
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Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Sustainable development (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.
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Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
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Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
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Green economy (noun phrase) – /ɡriːn ɪˈkɒnəmi/ – An economy that aims at reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities, and that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment.
Conclusion
Climate change mitigation is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its significance in global discussions. By understanding the key arguments, using relevant examples, and employing sophisticated vocabulary, you can craft compelling essays on this subject. Remember to always clearly state your position, provide well-reasoned arguments, and consider multiple perspectives.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as how public transportation reduces carbon emissions or the role of sustainable architecture in urban planning. Practice regularly and don’t hesitate to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!