The topic of reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Based on analysis of recent exam patterns, questions about environmental challenges and climate change solutions appear in approximately 20% of tests, making it a high-priority topic for IELTS candidates.
Nội dung bài viết
The challenges of reducing energy consumption is closely related to this topic, as one of the primary ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the responsibility of governments, while others think individuals should take primary action. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine two contrasting viewpoints
- Provide supporting arguments for each perspective
- Present and justify their own opinion
- Suggest practical solutions
Government and individual roles in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Band 9 Model Essay
Many debate whether governments or individuals should bear the main responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While both parties have important roles to play, I believe that governmental action is more crucial for achieving significant environmental impact.
Those who advocate for individual responsibility argue that personal lifestyle changes can collectively make a substantial difference. By adopting energy-efficient appliances, using public transportation, and reducing meat consumption, individuals can significantly lower their carbon footprint. Moreover, when millions of people make such changes, the cumulative effect can be remarkable. As how renewable energy projects can reduce global carbon emissions shows, individual choices in energy consumption matter.
However, government action is ultimately more decisive in combating climate change. Governments possess the authority to implement wide-reaching policies, such as carbon pricing, renewable energy mandates, and industrial emission standards. These measures can force entire industries to adopt cleaner technologies and practices. Furthermore, governments can invest in crucial infrastructure like public transportation systems and renewable energy projects, which enable individuals to make more environmentally conscious choices.
In my opinion, while individual actions are commendable and necessary, government leadership is essential for creating systemic change. Only governments can establish the regulatory framework and infrastructure needed for a low-carbon economy. Additionally, international cooperation, which is vital for addressing global climate change, can only be achieved through governmental action.
Therefore, I conclude that while both individuals and governments must contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, governmental responsibility should take precedence due to its broader reach and greater capability to effect change. The most effective approach would be coordinated action between governments and individuals, with governments leading through policy and infrastructure development while individuals support these initiatives through personal choices.
Government implementing climate policies and regulations
Band 7 Model Essay
The question of who should take primary responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions – governments or individuals – is widely debated. I believe both parties have important roles, but government action is more important.
Many people think individuals should take the lead in reducing emissions. They can make eco-friendly choices like using public transport instead of private cars and reducing energy consumption at home. These personal actions, when done by many people, can help protect the environment. Impact of renewable energy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions demonstrates how individual choices matter.
However, governments have more power to make big changes. They can create laws that limit industrial pollution and encourage clean energy use. Governments can also build better public transportation systems and give tax benefits to people who use renewable energy. These actions have a bigger impact than what individuals can do alone.
In my view, although individual actions are important, governments should take the main responsibility. They have the power to make laws and policies that affect everyone. Also, only governments can work together internationally to solve global climate problems.
To conclude, while both individuals and governments need to act, government leadership is more important for reducing greenhouse gases effectively. The best solution is when governments create good policies and individuals follow them.
Key Vocabulary
- greenhouse gas emissions (n.) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere
- carbon footprint (n.) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released due to human activities
- regulatory framework (n.) /ˈreɡjələtɔːri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/ – system of rules and guidelines
- systemic change (n.) /sɪˈstemɪk tʃeɪndʒ/ – fundamental transformation of an entire system
- eco-friendly (adj.) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
High-Scoring Sentence Patterns
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Complex sentence with concession:
“While individual actions are commendable and necessary, government leadership is essential for creating systemic change.” -
Conditional structure:
“When millions of people make such changes, the cumulative effect can be remarkable.” -
Complex sentence with multiple clauses:
“The most effective approach would be coordinated action between governments and individuals, with governments leading through policy and infrastructure development while individuals support these initiatives through personal choices.”
Remember to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
role of renewable energy in reducing carbon footprints provides additional context for developing your arguments.
