Community-based environmental programs have become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past five years. Based on analysis of past exam questions from official IELTS sources and The benefits of community engagement programs, this theme has appeared in approximately 15% of environment-related questions.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that local communities should take responsibility for environmental protection, while others think this is the government’s duty. 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 personal stance
- Follow a balanced discussion structure
Community vs Government Environmental Responsibility Debate
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
There is ongoing debate about whether environmental protection should be managed at the community level or remain under government control. While both approaches have merit, I believe a collaborative model combining local and governmental efforts is most effective.
Those who advocate for community-based environmental management highlight several compelling advantages. Firstly, local residents have intimate knowledge of their area’s specific environmental challenges and can implement targeted solutions. For example, coastal communities understand their marine ecosystem’s unique needs better than distant bureaucrats. Furthermore, when people are directly involved in environmental projects, they develop a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to more sustainable long-term outcomes. This connects well with The benefits of community-based tourism initiatives, where local engagement has proven crucial for preservation efforts.
However, proponents of government-led environmental protection present equally valid arguments. National governments possess the resources, authority, and infrastructure to implement large-scale environmental policies. They can enforce regulations consistently across regions and coordinate responses to cross-border environmental challenges. Moreover, governments can allocate substantial funding and technical expertise that may be beyond local communities’ capabilities.
In my view, the most effective approach combines both perspectives. Local communities should be empowered to manage day-to-day environmental initiatives, while governments provide overarching policy frameworks, funding, and technical support. This synergy allows for The benefits of sustainable business practices to be maximized at both local and national levels.
Collaborative Environmental Management Between Community and Government
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
People have different opinions about who should be responsible for protecting the environment. Some think local communities should do this work, while others believe it’s the government’s job. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Local communities can be good at protecting the environment because they know their area well. When people live in a place, they understand what environmental problems exist there. Also, when community members work together on environmental projects, they feel more responsible and try harder to keep their area clean and healthy.
On the other hand, governments have more power and money to protect the environment. They can make laws that everyone must follow and can punish people who damage the environment. Governments also have expert scientists and can spend lots of money on big environmental projects that communities cannot afford.
I think both local communities and governments should work together to protect the environment. Communities can handle small local projects, while the government can help with bigger problems and provide money and experts when needed.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “intimate knowledge,” “bureaucrats,” “synergy”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Strong cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Adequate organization
- Simple linking words
- Basic argument development
Key Vocabulary
- environmental stewardship (n.) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstjuːədʃɪp/ – responsible use and protection of the environment
- collaborative approach (n.) /kəˈlæbərətɪv əˈprəʊtʃ/ – method involving multiple parties working together
- bureaucrats (n.) /ˈbjʊərəkræts/ – government officials
- synergy (n.) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – combined effect greater than individual parts
- infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
High-Scoring Sentence Patterns
- “While both approaches have merit, I believe…” (Concession + Opinion structure)
- “Not only does X…, but it also…” (Emphasis structure)
- “This connects well with…” (Linking structure for coherence)
Consider practicing with this topic and sharing your essay in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
