Environmental education in schools has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this topic frequently intersects with themes of sustainability, climate change, and youth education. The importance of teaching environmental awareness has become particularly relevant given global environmental challenges.
Task Analysis and Sample Question
Some people believe that environmental education should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
This question requires candidates to express their position on making environmental education compulsory in schools. Let’s examine The benefits of early environmental education through sample essays at different band scores.
Students engaged in environmental education classroom discussion
Band 9 Sample Essay
In my opinion, I strongly agree that environmental education should be a mandatory subject in schools. This approach would help create environmentally conscious citizens and equip future generations with the knowledge needed to address ecological challenges.
Firstly, mandatory environmental education would ensure that all students develop a fundamental understanding of environmental issues. When young people learn about climate change, pollution, and resource conservation through structured curricula, they are better positioned to make informed decisions about their environmental impact. For instance, students who understand the consequences of plastic pollution are more likely to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
Moreover, incorporating environmental education into the core curriculum would foster a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age. The role of governments in education reform is crucial in implementing such changes, as they can ensure standardized environmental education across all schools. This systematic approach would help create a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who understand their role in protecting the planet.
Furthermore, environmental education provides practical skills that are increasingly valuable in the modern job market. As sustainability becomes a priority across industries, students with strong environmental literacy will have better career prospects. For example, knowledge of renewable energy systems or sustainable business practices could become essential skills for future employment opportunities.
In conclusion, making environmental education mandatory would benefit both society and individual students by creating informed citizens capable of addressing environmental challenges while preparing them for future career opportunities in a sustainability-focused world.
Students conducting environmental science experiment
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I agree that environmental education should be compulsory in schools because it is important for children to learn about nature and pollution. This will help them understand how to protect our planet.
The first reason is that students need to know about environmental problems. Many young people don’t understand about global warming and plastic pollution. When they study these topics in school, they can learn how to reduce waste and save energy. For example, my school taught us about recycling, and now I always separate my garbage.
Another point is that environmental knowledge helps students get jobs. Many companies want workers who know about green technology and sustainability. If students study these subjects, they can find good jobs in the future. Also, they can teach their families about protecting the environment.
However, some schools might find it difficult to teach environmental subjects because they don’t have enough teachers or resources. This is a problem that needs to be solved by giving more money to schools.
In conclusion, I think environmental education should be mandatory because it helps students understand nature and find jobs. Schools should get more support to teach these important subjects properly.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 9 Essay Analysis:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “ecological challenges,” “fundamental understanding,” “structured curricula”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear coherence and progression of ideas
- Strong topic-specific examples
- Excellent paragraph organization
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some development of ideas
- Limited use of complex language
- Adequate organization but less sophisticated
Key Vocabulary (with IPA)
- Environmental literacy /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈlɪtərəsi/ (n.) – ability to understand environmental issues
- Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (n.) – ability to maintain ecological balance
- Ecological /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/ (adj.) – relating to the environment
- Curriculum /kəˈrɪkjələm/ (n.) – subjects comprising a course of study
- Conservation /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ (n.) – preservation of natural resources
High-Scoring Sentence Patterns
- Complex Cause-Effect: “When young people learn about climate change, they are better positioned to make informed decisions.”
- Conditional Structure: “If properly implemented, environmental education could transform students’ understanding of ecological issues.”
- Complex Opinion: “While some argue against mandatory environmental education, its benefits clearly outweigh any potential drawbacks.”
I encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
