The topic of food waste reduction has become increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing regularly in recent years especially in questions about environmental challenges and sustainable development. As importance of waste management in cities continues to gain attention globally, understanding how to effectively write about this topic is crucial for IELTS candidates.
Task Analysis
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss different perspectives on environmental priorities
- Compare species extinction with other environmental issues
- Present and justify their own viewpoint
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
While the extinction of plant and animal species is undoubtedly a critical environmental concern, I believe that other environmental challenges, particularly food waste, pose equally significant threats to our planet’s sustainability. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why I consider food waste to be among our most pressing environmental issues.
Those who prioritize species conservation argue convincingly that biodiversity loss represents an irreversible tragedy. Once a species becomes extinct, it can never be recovered, potentially disrupting entire ecosystems and eliminating valuable genetic resources that could hold solutions to future challenges. Moreover, as advantages of urban farming in promoting food security demonstrate, the preservation of species diversity is crucial for maintaining agricultural resilience.
However, other environmental problems, particularly food waste, demand urgent attention. When food is wasted, we not only squander the resources used in its production – water, energy, and land – but also create substantial greenhouse gas emissions as it decomposes in landfills. The food waste crisis is intimately connected to how urban farming can alleviate food insecurity, making it a multifaceted environmental challenge.
In my opinion, while species conservation remains crucial, addressing food waste represents a more immediate and actionable environmental priority. Unlike species extinction, which often requires complex international cooperation and long-term solutions, reducing food waste can be tackled through immediate individual and institutional changes, producing rapid environmental benefits.
I would therefore argue that while both issues merit serious attention, focusing on reducing food waste offers more tangible and immediate environmental benefits while simultaneously addressing other ecological challenges. (287 words)
Effective strategies for reducing food waste in urban environments
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many people think that losing plants and animals is the biggest environmental problem, but others believe there are more serious issues. I will discuss both views and share my opinion.
On one side, losing species is very bad for our planet. When animals and plants disappear forever, we can’t get them back. This affects the food chain and nature’s balance. For example, when bees die, many plants can’t grow because bees help them reproduce. Also, some animals and plants might have important medicines we haven’t discovered yet.
However, other environmental problems are also very serious. One big problem is food waste, which uses up lots of resources and makes greenhouse gases. When we throw away food, we waste water and energy used to grow and transport it. This connects to impact of urban farming on food security because better food management could help feed more people.
I think both problems are important, but food waste is something we can fix more easily. Everyone can help reduce food waste by buying less, storing food properly, and composting. But saving endangered species is harder because it needs big changes and lots of money.
In conclusion, while losing species is very serious, I believe food waste is a bigger problem because we can solve it faster and it affects many other environmental issues. (190 words)
Key Vocabulary
- biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life
- irreversible (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ – impossible to change back
- multifaceted (adj) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects
- tangible (adj) /ˈtænʤəbl/ – clear and definite; real
- actionable (adj) /ˈækʃənəbl/ – able to be done
- ecological (adj) /ˌiːkəˈlɒʤɪkl/ – relating to the environment
- squander (v) /ˈskwɒndə/ – to waste something valuable
Consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The environmental impact of food packaging
- Solutions to reduce household waste
- The role of technology in waste management
- Urban composting initiatives
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
