Environmental topics frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2, accounting for approximately 25% of all test questions. This prevalence reflects the growing global concern about environmental issues. Let’s examine a common question type that has appeared multiple times in recent years.
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IELTS Writing Task 2 Environmental Essay Sample
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?
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their opinion on individual vs institutional responsibility
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Consider both individual actions and governmental/corporate initiatives
- Provide a clear position throughout the essay
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In my opinion, while governments and corporations play crucial roles in addressing environmental challenges, individual actions are equally important and can collectively create significant impact. This essay will explain why environmental protection requires effort at all levels of society.
Firstly, individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can generate substantial positive change. For example, if every person in a city of one million reduced their plastic consumption by just 100 grams weekly, this would result in a 100-ton reduction in plastic waste monthly. Similarly, personal choices like using public transportation, conserving energy, or adopting plant-based diets directly contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
Furthermore, individual awareness and actions often drive institutional change. When consumers consistently choose eco-friendly products, companies are compelled to adopt greener practices to remain competitive. Public awareness also creates political pressure, forcing governments to implement stricter environmental regulations. The success of recycling programs in countries like Germany demonstrates how individual participation is essential for environmental policies to succeed.
However, I acknowledge that certain environmental challenges require coordinated institutional action. Major initiatives like transitioning to renewable energy infrastructure or implementing carbon pricing systems can only be effectively managed by governments and large organizations. These entities possess the resources and authority to implement systematic changes that individuals cannot achieve alone.
In conclusion, while institutional action is vital, environmental protection is most effective when individuals and organizations work in tandem. The solution to environmental problems lies not in delegating responsibility solely to governments and corporations but in coordinated effort at all levels of society.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I partly agree that environmental problems need big companies and governments to solve them, but I also think individual people can help make things better. There are reasons for both sides.
Government and big companies have lots of money and power to make big changes. For example, they can make new laws about pollution or build solar power plants. One company in my country started using electric delivery trucks, which helped reduce air pollution in the city. Also, governments can make rules that everyone must follow.
But individual people can also do important things. When we recycle at home or use less electricity, it helps the environment. Many people doing small things adds up to big results. For instance, if everyone uses less plastic bags, there will be less plastic in the oceans.
Sometimes both need to work together. Like when the government makes recycling rules, people need to follow them properly. If people don’t cooperate, even good government plans won’t work well.
In conclusion, I think both big organizations and individual people need to help solve environmental problems. We can’t just depend on governments and companies, everyone needs to do their part.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response (9): Clear position throughout, fully developed arguments
- Coherence/Cohesion (8): Logical organization, effective paragraphing
- Lexical Resource (9): Sophisticated vocabulary use (“compelled,” “systematic changes”)
- Grammar (8): Complex structures with good control
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response (6): Clear position but simpler development
- Coherence/Cohesion (7): Basic organizational structure
- Lexical Resource (6): Adequate but repetitive vocabulary
- Grammar (7): Mix of simple and complex sentences
Key Vocabulary
- compelling (adj) /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ – convincing; demanding attention
- institutional (adj) /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənl/ – relating to large organizations
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- systematic (adj) /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk/ – done according to a fixed plan
- initiatives (n) /ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/ – new plans or processes to achieve something
Environmental Protection Through Individual and Corporate Actions
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or similar environmental themes like waste management or renewable energy. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion.
