Environmental topics have consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2, with a notable frequency of 20-25% in recent years. Based on analysis of past exam questions, environmental protection, renewable energy, and climate change remain highly relevant themes likely to appear in future tests.
Let’s examine one common question type that has appeared multiple times:
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?
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their opinion on individual vs institutional responsibility
- Support their position with relevant examples
- Consider both individual actions and governmental/corporate initiatives
- Provide a balanced perspective while maintaining a clear stance
Environmental responsibility debate between individual and institutional actions
Band 9 Sample Essay
Environmental challenges today are indeed complex and far-reaching, but I strongly disagree with the notion that individuals are powerless to address them. While governments and corporations play crucial roles, individual actions collectively create significant impact.
Individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can drive substantial change. For instance, the global reduction in single-use plastic consumption has largely been driven by individual consumers choosing reusable alternatives, which subsequently forced companies to adapt their practices. Similarly, the rise in electric vehicle adoption began with early individual adopters, creating market demand that pushed manufacturers to invest in this technology.
Moreover, individual choices often catalyze institutional action. Public pressure from environmentally conscious citizens has repeatedly compelled governments to implement stricter environmental regulations. In South Korea, for example, individual-led recycling initiatives achieved such success that they influenced national waste management policies, making the country a global leader in recycling.
However, I acknowledge that certain environmental challenges require institutional intervention. Large-scale problems like industrial pollution control and renewable energy infrastructure development necessitate governmental and corporate resources. Nevertheless, these initiatives often succeed only with public support and participation, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between individual and institutional efforts.
In conclusion, while governments and large companies possess significant resources and authority, environmental solutions require action at all levels. Individual efforts, particularly when collective, can create meaningful change and often drive institutional response to environmental challenges.
Band 7 Sample Essay
I partially agree that environmental problems require significant involvement from governments and large companies, but I also believe individuals play an important role in environmental protection.
Governments and large companies have the resources and power to make major environmental changes. They can implement strict regulations on pollution and invest in renewable energy projects. For example, when China’s government decided to tackle air pollution, they could shut down factories and force companies to use cleaner technology. This kind of action is beyond what individuals can do.
However, individual actions are also important. People can reduce their carbon footprint through daily choices like using public transport, recycling, and consuming less. When many people make these choices, it creates significant impact. Additionally, individual consumers can influence company behavior by choosing eco-friendly products.
Sometimes, individual actions lead to bigger changes. For instance, in many Asian countries, people’s growing interest in electric vehicles has made car companies invest more in this technology. This shows how individual choices can affect corporate decisions.
In conclusion, while major environmental solutions need government and corporate action, individuals still have an important role. The most effective approach combines efforts from both institutions and individuals.
Scoring Analysis
Band 9 Essay Strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear progression of ideas with strong examples
- Excellent coherence and cohesion
- Precise and nuanced argument development
Band 7 Essay Characteristics:
- Good vocabulary with some natural errors
- Clear position with relevant examples
- Adequate coherence but simpler transitions
- Less sophisticated argument development
Key Vocabulary
- catalyze (v) /ˈkætəlaɪz/ – to cause or accelerate change
- symbiotic (adj) /ˌsɪmbaɪˈɒtɪk/ – mutually beneficial relationship
- institutional (adj) /ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənl/ – relating to large organizations
- intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – action taken to improve a situation
- carbon footprint (n) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – total amount of greenhouse gases produced
Consider practicing with this similar topic:
“Some people say that the best way to protect the environment is to increase the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion!
