Green technology and its role in shaping the future of businesses is an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared in various forms in recent exams and is likely to continue being a relevant subject for test-takers. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this type of task.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that green technology is the future of business, while others think traditional business practices are still more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that green technology is the future of business
- Discuss the view that traditional business practices are more effective
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at two sample essays that tackle this prompt, one aimed at a Band 8-9 level and another at a Band 6-7 level.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
The debate between green technology and traditional business practices has gained significant traction in recent years. While some argue that eco-friendly innovations are pivotal for future business success, others maintain that conventional methods remain superior. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of green technology assert that it represents the future of business for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the growing global awareness of environmental issues has led to increased consumer demand for sustainable products and services. Companies that adopt green technologies are better positioned to meet this demand, potentially gaining a competitive edge in the market. Moreover, many governments are implementing stricter environmental regulations, making green technology adoption not just beneficial but often necessary for legal compliance.
Conversely, advocates of traditional business practices argue that these methods have proven their effectiveness over time. They contend that implementing green technologies can be costly and may not always yield immediate financial returns. Furthermore, some industries may find it challenging to integrate eco-friendly solutions without compromising the quality or efficiency of their products or services. There is also concern that focusing too heavily on sustainability might divert resources from other crucial aspects of business operations.
In my opinion, while traditional business practices have their merits, green technology is indeed the future of business. The long-term benefits of sustainability far outweigh the short-term challenges of implementation. As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing global issue, businesses that fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete. Moreover, innovations in green technology are making sustainable solutions more cost-effective and efficient, gradually eroding the advantages of traditional practices.
In conclusion, although both green technology and traditional business practices have their advocates, I believe that the former represents the way forward. As environmental concerns continue to shape consumer preferences and government policies, businesses that embrace sustainability are likely to thrive in the long run.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
In today’s world, there is a debate about whether green technology is the future of business or if traditional business practices are still more effective. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Many people believe that green technology is very important for businesses in the future. One reason for this is that customers are becoming more worried about the environment. They want to buy products that are eco-friendly. Also, governments are making new rules about protecting the environment, so businesses need to use green technology to follow these rules. Green technology can also help companies save money in the long run by using less energy and resources.
On the other hand, some people think traditional business practices are still better. They say that green technology can be very expensive to start using. Small businesses might not have enough money to buy new green equipment. Also, some industries might find it hard to use green technology without making their products worse or more expensive. Traditional methods have worked well for a long time, so some businesses don’t want to change.
In my opinion, I think green technology is very important for the future of business. Even though it might be expensive at first, it will be good for businesses in the long term. Companies that use green technology will have a better reputation and might get more customers. Also, as green technology improves, it will become cheaper and easier to use.
To conclude, while both green technology and traditional practices have their advantages, I believe that green technology is the better choice for businesses in the future. It will help companies meet new environmental rules and satisfy customers who care about the environment.
(Word count: 276)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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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.
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Addressing the Task: Both essays fully address the task by discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. The Band 8-9 essay does this more thoroughly and with more sophisticated language.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. Both are correct, but the more advanced vocabulary contributes to a higher band score.
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Grammar: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions. Both are grammatically correct, but variety and complexity contribute to a higher score.
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Cohesion and Coherence: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay does this more effectively and with greater variety.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Green technology (noun) /ɡriːn tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – environmentally friendly technology
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
- Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
- Compliance (noun) /kəmˈplaɪəns/ – the action of complying with a command or rule
- Obsolete (adjective) /ˈɒbsəliːt/ – no longer produced or used; out of date
- Implement (verb) /ˈɪmplɪment/ – put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
- Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – a new method, idea, product, etc.
- Competitive edge (noun phrase) /kəmˈpetətɪv edʒ/ – an advantage over competitors
- Advocate (noun) /ˈadvəkət/ – a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy
- Adapt (verb) /əˈdapt/ – become adjusted to new conditions
Conclusion
The topic of green technology in business is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of businesses in combating climate change
- Government regulations on environmental protection in industries
- The balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS writing skills.
To further enhance your understanding of this topic, you might want to explore why environmental sustainability is crucial for future generations and how to promote green technology in businesses. These resources can provide additional insights and vocabulary to strengthen your essays on this subject.