IELTS Writing Task 2: The Impact of Climate Change on Future Generations – Sample Essays Band 6-9 with Analysis

Introduction

Climate change has become one of the most frequently appearing topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations over the past five years. Questions about environmental challenges and their long-term consequences consistently appear across all testing centers worldwide, making this topic essential for test-takers to master. Understanding how to approach climate-related questions effectively can significantly improve your band score.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn how to craft high-scoring essays on climate change and future generations through three complete sample essays (Band 8-9, Band 6.5-7, and Band 5-6), detailed scoring analysis aligned with official IELTS band descriptors, essential vocabulary with practical applications, and advanced sentence structures that demonstrate grammatical range. We will analyze what distinguishes excellent essays from average ones and provide actionable strategies for improvement.

Verified Past IELTS Questions on This Topic:

• “Climate change is a major issue affecting future generations. What are the main causes of this problem and what measures can be taken to address it?” (British Council, 2022)
• “Some people believe that protecting the environment is the responsibility of future generations, while others think current generations should take action now. Discuss both views and give your opinion.” (IDP, 2023)
• “To what extent do you agree that climate change will have serious consequences for future generations?” (Academic IELTS, 2021)

For this analysis, we will focus on a question that combines both causes/solutions and opinion elements, as this format frequently appears in actual examinations.

Question & Analysis

Climate change poses a serious threat to future generations. What are the main environmental problems that will affect them, and what solutions can individuals and governments implement to reduce these impacts?

Question Type: This is a two-part problem-solution essay requiring you to identify specific environmental problems affecting future generations and propose practical solutions from both individual and governmental perspectives.

Key Terms Explained:

• Climate change: Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities
• Poses a serious threat: Indicates severity requiring detailed explanation
• Future generations: People who will live decades from now, including children and grandchildren
• Environmental problems: Specific climate-related issues, not general statements
• Individuals and governments: You must address both actors separately

Common Pitfalls:

• Discussing current problems without linking them to future impacts
• Proposing vague solutions without practical detail
• Focusing only on government or individual actions, not both
• Writing about environmental issues unrelated to climate change

Strategic Approach:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase question and outline your main points
2. Body Paragraph 1: Two specific environmental problems with future consequences
3. Body Paragraph 2: Solutions from individuals
4. Body Paragraph 3: Solutions from governments
5. Conclusion: Summarize main points and provide a final perspective

Band 8-9 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 8-9:
This essay demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary control, complex grammatical structures used naturally, well-developed arguments with specific examples, and seamless coherence through effective linking devices. The writer addresses all parts of the question comprehensively while maintaining a consistent academic tone throughout.

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Climate change represents arguably the most pressing challenge facing humanity, with profound implications for those who will inherit our planet. The environmental degradation currently accelerating will create significant hardships for future generations, particularly through rising sea levels and intensified extreme weather events. However, concerted action from both individuals and governments can substantially mitigate these looming threats.

The most immediate concern for future populations involves coastal flooding resulting from rising sea levels. As polar ice caps continue melting at unprecedented rates, low-lying regions such as Bangladesh and the Pacific Islands face potential submersion within this century, displacing hundreds of millions of people. Additionally, future generations will contend with increasingly severe weather phenomena, including prolonged droughts, devastating hurricanes, and catastrophic wildfires. These events will not only threaten lives directly but also destabilize agricultural systems, potentially triggering widespread food insecurity and mass migration.

Individual actions, though seemingly modest, collectively generate substantial impact. Citizens can dramatically reduce their carbon footprint by adopting sustainable transportation methods, such as cycling or using public transit instead of private vehicles. Furthermore, conscious consumer choices—purchasing locally-produced goods, minimizing meat consumption, and reducing single-use plastics—directly decrease greenhouse gas emissions. When millions embrace such lifestyle modifications, the cumulative effect becomes significant. Similar environmental awareness can be found in discussions about the impact of plastic pollution on oceans, where individual actions create meaningful change.

Governments, however, possess the legislative power to implement transformative changes at scale. Implementing stringent carbon emission regulations on industries, particularly manufacturing and energy sectors, can dramatically curtail greenhouse gas output. Equally crucial is substantial investment in renewable energy infrastructure—solar, wind, and hydroelectric power—to replace fossil fuel dependency. Nations like Denmark and Costa Rica have demonstrated that transitioning to predominantly renewable energy sources is economically viable and environmentally essential. Additionally, governments should introduce financial incentives, such as tax reductions for eco-friendly businesses and subsidies for electric vehicles, to accelerate societal transition toward sustainability.

In conclusion, while future generations face daunting environmental challenges from climate change, particularly coastal inundation and extreme weather proliferation, these threats remain addressable through coordinated efforts. Individual behavioral changes and governmental policy interventions must work synergistically to preserve a habitable planet for those yet to come. The question is not whether we can act, but whether we possess the collective will to do so.

(Word count: 394)

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	9	Fully addresses all parts of the question with exceptionally well-developed responses. Identifies two specific problems (rising sea levels, extreme weather) with clear future implications and provides detailed solutions for both individuals and governments. The position is clear, relevant, and fully extended throughout.
Coherence & Cohesion	9	Flawlessly organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic. Cohesive devices are used with complete naturalness and flexibility (however, additionally, furthermore). Referencing and substitution enhance rather than detract from clarity.
Lexical Resource	8.5	Wide range of sophisticated vocabulary used with precision and flexibility (profound implications, looming threats, destabilize agricultural systems, cumulative effect). Occasional minor imprecision prevents a full Band 9, but collocations are natural and accurate. Demonstrates awareness of style and collocation.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	9	Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used naturally (conditional structures, relative clauses, participle phrases). Errors are extremely rare and have minimal impact on communication. Demonstrates complete control of all grammatical features.

Why This Essay Excels:

1. Sophisticated topic sentences: Each paragraph begins with a clear statement that forecasts content (e.g., “The most immediate concern for future populations involves coastal flooding”)

2. Specific, relevant examples: References to Bangladesh, Pacific Islands, Denmark, and Costa Rica provide concrete support rather than vague generalizations

3. Natural use of academic vocabulary: Phrases like “unprecedented rates,” “destabilize agricultural systems,” and “synergistically” demonstrate lexical sophistication without appearing forced

4. Complex grammatical structures: Successfully employs participle phrases (“displacing hundreds of millions”), relative clauses, and conditional structures naturally throughout

5. Effective cohesive devices: Transitions between ideas flow seamlessly using sophisticated linkers (Furthermore, Additionally, However, Equally crucial)

6. Addresses all task requirements: Clearly identifies problems affecting future generations and provides distinct solutions for both individuals and governments

7. Strong conclusion: Synthesizes main points while adding a thought-provoking final observation about collective will

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay structure showing introduction body paragraphs and conclusion for climate change topic

Band 6.5-7 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 6.5-7:
This essay demonstrates good control of language with some complex structures, addresses all parts of the task adequately, and maintains clear organization. However, it lacks the sophistication and precision of a Band 8-9 response, with some repetition and less varied vocabulary.

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Climate change is becoming a major problem that will affect people in the future. There are several environmental issues that future generations will face, but there are also some solutions that both individuals and governments can implement to reduce these problems.

One of the biggest environmental problems that will affect future generations is global warming. When the earth’s temperature increases, it causes many problems like melting ice in polar regions and rising sea levels. This means that many coastal cities might be flooded in the future, and millions of people might lose their homes. Another serious problem is extreme weather conditions. In the future, there will be more hurricanes, floods, and droughts that will destroy crops and cause food shortages. These problems will make life very difficult for our children and grandchildren.

Individuals can take several actions to help reduce climate change. First, people should try to use less energy in their homes by turning off lights and electronic devices when they are not using them. They can also use public transportation instead of driving their own cars, which will reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, individuals should recycle more and reduce the amount of plastic they use because plastic pollution is harmful to the environment. Understanding the impact of deforestation on climate is also important for making informed choices.

Governments also have an important role to play in solving this problem. They should make laws that force companies to reduce their carbon emissions and pollution. For example, factories should use cleaner technology and reduce the amount of waste they produce. Governments should also invest more money in renewable energy sources like solar power and wind power instead of using fossil fuels. Furthermore, they can educate people about climate change through schools and media campaigns so that everyone understands the importance of protecting the environment. The role of schools in climate education cannot be underestimated in this effort.

In conclusion, climate change will cause serious environmental problems for future generations, including rising sea levels and extreme weather. However, if individuals change their daily habits and governments implement strong environmental policies, we can reduce the negative impact on future generations and protect our planet for the future.

(Word count: 378)

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	7	Addresses all parts of the task with relevant, extended ideas. Presents clear problems and solutions for both individuals and governments. However, some ideas could be developed more fully with more specific examples, preventing a higher band score.
Coherence & Cohesion	7	Logically organizes information with clear progression throughout. Uses cohesive devices effectively (First, Additionally, Furthermore) though with some mechanical overuse. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, though connections between ideas could be more sophisticated.
Lexical Resource	6.5	Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some attempts at less common words (coastal cities, carbon emissions, renewable energy). Some repetition of basic vocabulary (problem, future, reduce) and limited precision in word choice prevent a higher score.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	7	Uses a variety of complex structures with good control, though not as consistently as Band 8. Mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy. Some errors present but they do not impede communication (e.g., “force companies to reduce” could be more natural as “require companies to reduce”).

Direct Comparison with Band 8-9:

Feature	Band 8-9 Example	Band 6.5-7 Example
Vocabulary precision	“profound implications,” “looming threats”	“major problem,” “serious problems”
Sentence complexity	“As polar ice caps continue melting at unprecedented rates, low-lying regions face potential submersion”	“When the earth’s temperature increases, it causes many problems like melting ice”
Specific examples	“Bangladesh and the Pacific Islands face potential submersion within this century”	“many coastal cities might be flooded”
Cohesive devices	Natural variation: “However,” “Additionally,” “Equally crucial”	More mechanical: “First,” “Additionally,” “Furthermore”
Academic tone	“concerted action,” “substantially mitigate”	“take several actions,” “help reduce”

The Band 6.5-7 essay is competent and addresses all requirements, but lacks the sophistication, precision, and natural flow that characterize higher band scores. The vocabulary is adequate but sometimes repetitive, and while complex sentences appear, they are less varied and natural than in the Band 8-9 version.

Band 5-6 Sample Essay

What Makes This Band 5-6:
This essay shows an attempt to address the task but with limited development and less precise vocabulary. Organization is present but basic, and grammatical errors occur more frequently, though meaning is generally clear. The response demonstrates emerging competence but needs improvement in all areas.

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Nowadays, climate change is a big issue and it will effect future generations. In this essay, I will discuss about the environmental problems and some solutions for individuals and government.

First of all, one environmental problem is the temperature is getting higher every year. This problem will make the ice in North Pole and South Pole will melt and the sea level will rise. When sea level rise, many countries near the sea will have floods and people will lost their houses. This is very bad for people in the future because they don’t have place to live. Another problem is the weather become more dangerous. There will be many storms and very hot days in summer and this will effect the farming. If farming have problems, people cannot get enough food and this will cause many troubles.

For the solutions, individuals can do many things to help. People should save energy at home, for example, they should turn off the air conditioner when they go out. Also, people can use bicycle or bus to go to work instead of car because car make a lot of pollution. People also need to use less plastic bags when they shopping because plastic is bad for environment. If everyone do these things, it can help to reduce climate change.

Government must do something about this problem too. They should make rules for the factories to stop pollution. The factories make a lot of smoke and dirty water, so government need to control them. Government should also use clean energy like sun energy and wind energy. They can build more solar panels and wind turbines in the country. Also, government can teach people in schools about climate change and how to protect environment. When discussing environmental impacts, we can also consider the effects of climate change on culture, which shows how deeply these issues affect society.

To conclude, climate change will make many problems for future generations like higher temperature and dangerous weather. But people and government can do many things to solve this problem. Everyone should work together to protect the earth for the future.

(Word count: 351)

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	6	Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts are more fully covered than others. Main ideas are relevant but development is limited and sometimes repetitive. Problems and solutions are identified but lack specific detail and depth.
Coherence & Cohesion	5.5	Information is organized with some progression, but lacks overall coherence. Basic cohesive devices are used but repetitively and sometimes inaccurately. Paragraphing is present but not always logical, with some ideas appearing disconnected.
Lexical Resource	5.5	Uses a limited range of vocabulary adequate for basic task requirements. Noticeable errors in word choice and collocation (effect vs. affect, lost vs. lose) that may cause some difficulty for the reader. Repetition of basic words without attempting variation.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	5.5	Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with limited flexibility. Frequent grammatical errors in complex structures (subject-verb agreement, article usage, tense consistency), though simple sentences are generally accurate. Errors sometimes impede communication.

Learning from Mistakes

Mistake	Error Type	Correction	Explanation
“it will effect future generations”	Word choice	“it will affect future generations”	“Affect” is a verb meaning to influence, while “effect” is typically a noun meaning result. Remember: Affect = Action (verb), Effect = End result (noun).
“people will lost their houses”	Verb form	“people will lose their houses”	After modal verbs (will, should, can), always use the base form of the verb, not past tense. “Will” + “lose” (not “lost”).
“the weather become more dangerous”	Subject-verb agreement	“the weather becomes more dangerous”	Singular subjects require singular verbs. “Weather” is singular, so use “becomes” (not “become”) in present simple tense.
“I will discuss about the environmental problems”	Incorrect preposition	“I will discuss the environmental problems”	The verb “discuss” is transitive and does not need a preposition. Simply use “discuss something” without “about.”
“the ice in North Pole and South Pole will melt”	Article usage	“the ice in the North Pole and South Pole will melt”	Geographical poles require the definite article “the” before them. Use “the North Pole” and “the South Pole.”
“If everyone do these things”	Subject-verb agreement	“If everyone does these things”	“Everyone” is a singular pronoun despite referring to multiple people. It requires a singular verb form: “does” (not “do”).

How to Improve from Band 6 to 7:

1. Expand vocabulary range: Replace repetitive basic words (big, many, things) with more precise alternatives (significant, numerous, measures/actions/initiatives)

2. Develop ideas more fully: Add specific examples and explanations. Instead of “many countries,” specify “low-lying nations such as the Netherlands and Bangladesh”

3. Improve grammatical accuracy: Review subject-verb agreement, article usage, and verb forms. Practice complex sentences until they become natural

4. Enhance cohesion: Use a wider variety of linking words beyond “first,” “also,” “but.” Try “moreover,” “consequently,” “in addition to this”

5. Refine task response: Ensure each main point has at least two sentences of development with specific supporting details

6. Proofread systematically: Check for common errors—affect/effect, singular/plural agreement, article usage, and preposition combinations

Comparison chart showing differences between IELTS band 5 6 7 8 9 essays on climate change topic

Essential Vocabulary

Word/Phrase	Type	Pronunciation	Definition	Example	Collocations
Mitigate	Verb	/ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/	To make something less harmful, serious, or bad	Renewable energy can help mitigate the effects of climate change.	mitigate risk/impact/damage/effects
Profound	Adjective	/prəˈfaʊnd/	Very great or intense; having deep meaning or significance	Climate change will have profound consequences for coastal communities.	profound effect/impact/implications/changes
Intensify	Verb	/ɪnˈten.sɪ.faɪ/	To become or make something become stronger or more extreme	Extreme weather events are expected to intensify over the coming decades.	intensify efforts/pressure/competition
Unprecedented	Adjective	/ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/	Never having happened or existed before	We are experiencing unprecedented rates of ice sheet melting.	unprecedented levels/scale/growth/speed
Destabilize	Verb	/diːˈsteɪ.bəl.aɪz/	To make something become unstable or less firmly established	Rising temperatures could destabilize agricultural systems worldwide.	destabilize the economy/region/government
Cumulative	Adjective	/ˈkjuː.mjə.lə.tɪv/	Increasing by successive additions; growing in quantity	The cumulative effect of individual actions can be substantial.	cumulative effect/impact/total/amount
Synergistically	Adverb	/ˌsɪn.əˈdʒɪs.tɪk.li/	In a way that produces a combined effect greater than separate effects	Individual and government actions must work synergistically.	work/operate/function synergistically
Carbon footprint	Noun phrase	/ˈkɑː.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/	The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities	Reducing your carbon footprint helps combat climate change.	reduce/lower/minimize/carbon footprint
Renewable energy	Noun phrase	/rɪˈnjuː.ə.bəl ˈen.ə.dʒi/	Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing	Investment in renewable energy infrastructure is essential.	renewable energy sources/sector/technology
Greenhouse gas emissions	Noun phrase	/ˈɡriːn.haʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/	Gases released into the atmosphere that contribute to global warming	Industries must reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.	reduce/cut/limit/control emissions
Coastal inundation	Noun phrase	/ˈkəʊ.stəl ˌɪn.ʌnˈdeɪ.ʃən/	Flooding of coastal areas, especially due to rising sea levels	Coastal inundation threatens millions of people globally.	risk of/threat of/coastal inundation
Sustainable transportation	Noun phrase	/səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl ˌtræn.spɔːˈteɪ.ʃən/	Transport methods that have low environmental impact	Promoting sustainable transportation reduces urban pollution.	sustainable transportation methods/options/systems
Environmental degradation	Noun phrase	/ɪnˌvaɪ.rənˈmen.təl ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/	The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources	Environmental degradation accelerates with industrial expansion.	cause/prevent/reverse environmental degradation
Mass migration	Noun phrase	/mæs maɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/	Movement of large groups of people from one area to another	Climate change may trigger mass migration from vulnerable regions.	trigger/cause/result in mass migration
Legislative power	Noun phrase	/ˈledʒ.ɪ.slə.tɪv ˈpaʊ.ər/	The authority to make and enforce laws	Governments have the legislative power to regulate emissions.	exercise/use/have legislative power

High-Scoring Sentence Structures

1. Complex Subordination with Participle Phrases

Formula: Main clause + comma + present/past participle phrase

Example from Band 8-9 essay: “As polar ice caps continue melting at unprecedented rates, low-lying regions such as Bangladesh and the Pacific Islands face potential submersion within this century, displacing hundreds of millions of people.”

Why it scores well: This structure demonstrates grammatical sophistication by combining a subordinate clause (As…), a main clause with specific examples, and a participle phrase that shows consequence. It packs multiple related ideas into one cohesive, flowing sentence.

Additional examples:

• Having witnessed the devastating impacts of climate change firsthand, many scientists advocate for immediate policy interventions.
• The government implemented strict emission standards, resulting in a 30% reduction in industrial pollution.
• Understanding the urgency of the situation, younger generations increasingly participate in environmental activism.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Dangling participles: ❌ “Walking through the forest, the destruction was evident” (Who was walking?)
• ✅ “Walking through the forest, we observed the destruction”

2. Non-Defining Relative Clauses

Formula: Main clause + comma + which/who/where + additional information + comma + continuation

Example from Band 8-9 essay: “Governments should introduce financial incentives, such as tax reductions for eco-friendly businesses and subsidies for electric vehicles, to accelerate societal transition toward sustainability.”

Why it scores well: Non-defining relative clauses add extra, non-essential information that enriches the sentence without cluttering the main message. They demonstrate control of punctuation and complex grammatical structures.

Additional examples:

• Solar power, which has become increasingly affordable over the past decade, offers a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
• Copenhagen, where cycling infrastructure is extensive, demonstrates how cities can reduce transportation emissions.
• Renewable energy technologies, which continue to advance rapidly, present opportunities for sustainable development.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Confusing defining vs. non-defining: ❌ “The countries, which reduce emissions, will benefit” (implies all countries reduce emissions)
• ✅ “The countries that reduce emissions will benefit” (specifies only certain countries)

3. Cleft Sentences for Emphasis

Formula: It is/was + emphasized element + that/who + rest of sentence

Example from Band 8-9 essay: “It is not whether we can act, but whether we possess the collective will to do so.”

Why it scores well: Cleft sentences add emphasis and sophistication by restructuring information to highlight specific elements. They demonstrate advanced grammatical knowledge and create rhetorical impact.

Additional examples:

• It is through renewable energy investment that nations can most effectively combat climate change.
• What concerns scientists most is the accelerating rate of ice sheet collapse.
• It was the younger generation who initiated the global climate strike movement.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Incorrect verb forms: ❌ “It is individuals who has the power to change”
• ✅ “It is individuals who have the power to change”

4. Conditional Structures (Mixed and Third)

Formula: If + past perfect, would/could + base verb OR If + present simple, will + base verb

Example from Band 8-9 essay: “If individuals change their daily habits and governments implement strong environmental policies, we can reduce the negative impact on future generations.”

Why it scores well: Conditional structures show cause-effect relationships and hypothetical situations, demonstrating logical reasoning and grammatical range. Mixed conditionals particularly show sophistication.

Additional examples:

• If governments had invested in renewable energy decades ago, current emission levels would be significantly lower.
• Should temperatures continue rising at this rate, coastal cities will face existential threats.
• Were policymakers to implement carbon taxation immediately, industries would adapt their practices accordingly.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Double modals: ❌ “If we will reduce emissions, we will might stop climate change”
• ✅ “If we reduce emissions, we might stop climate change”

5. Passive Voice for Academic Tone

Formula: Subject + be verb + past participle + (by agent – optional)

Example from Band 8-9 essay: “Nations like Denmark and Costa Rica have demonstrated that transitioning to predominantly renewable energy sources is economically viable.”

Why it scores well: Passive constructions create formal academic tone and shift focus to actions rather than actors, which is appropriate for discussing general trends and scientific facts.

Additional examples:

• Carbon emissions can be substantially reduced through technological innovation and policy intervention.
• Renewable energy technologies have been developed to replace fossil fuel dependency.
• The environmental crisis must be addressed through coordinated international efforts.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Overusing passive voice: Balance active and passive for natural flow
• Wrong verb forms: ❌ “Climate change has been affect many countries”
• ✅ “Many countries have been affected by climate change”

6. Inversion for Emphasis

Formula: Negative adverb + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb

Example structure: “Not only does climate change threaten coastal regions, but it also endangers global food security.”

Why it scores well: Inversion demonstrates advanced grammatical control and adds rhetorical emphasis, making arguments more compelling and memorable. It’s a hallmark of sophisticated academic writing.

Additional examples:

• Rarely have scientists observed such rapid environmental changes in recorded history.
• Never before has humanity faced such an urgent need for collective action.
• Only through international cooperation can we address this global challenge effectively.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Forgetting to invert: ❌ “Rarely scientists have observed such changes”
• ✅ “Rarely have scientists observed such changes”
• Using with positive adverbs: Inversion only works with negative or restrictive adverbs

Infographic showing six advanced grammar structures for high-scoring IELTS essays about climate change

Self-Assessment Checklist

Before Writing (5 minutes)

Understanding the Question:

• [ ] I have identified the question type (opinion, discussion, problem-solution, advantage-disadvantage)
• [ ] I have underlined key terms and understood what each requires
• [ ] I know exactly how many parts the question has
• [ ] I have brainstormed at least 2-3 ideas for each body paragraph
• [ ] I have planned specific examples or evidence to support my points

Planning Structure:

• [ ] I have a clear thesis statement for my introduction
• [ ] I know the main idea of each body paragraph
• [ ] I have planned logical connections between paragraphs
• [ ] I have identified relevant vocabulary I want to use
• [ ] I have allocated time: 5 min planning, 30 min writing, 5 min checking

While Writing (30 minutes)

Task Response:

• [ ] My introduction paraphrases the question effectively
• [ ] I am addressing all parts of the question equally
• [ ] Each main point is supported with explanation and examples
• [ ] My examples are specific and relevant (not generic)
• [ ] I am maintaining focus on the question throughout

Coherence & Cohesion:

• [ ] Each paragraph has one clear main idea
• [ ] I am using topic sentences to introduce paragraphs
• [ ] My linking words are varied and natural (not repetitive)
• [ ] I am using pronouns and synonyms to avoid repetition
• [ ] Ideas flow logically from one to the next

Language Use:

• [ ] I am varying my sentence structures (simple, compound, complex)
• [ ] I am using topic-specific vocabulary appropriately
• [ ] I am avoiding repetition of the same words
• [ ] My grammar is accurate in both simple and complex sentences
• [ ] I am maintaining formal academic tone throughout

After Writing (5 minutes)

Content Check:

• [ ] My essay is 250+ words (count carefully)
• [ ] I have a clear introduction with thesis statement
• [ ] I have 2-3 body paragraphs with developed ideas
• [ ] I have a conclusion that summarizes main points
• [ ] All parts of the question are fully addressed

Language Check:

• [ ] Subject-verb agreement is correct throughout
• [ ] Articles (a, an, the) are used correctly
• [ ] Verb tenses are consistent and appropriate
• [ ] Plural/singular nouns are correct
• [ ] Spelling is accurate (especially topic vocabulary)

Common Error Scan:

• [ ] Affect vs. Effect (affect = verb, effect = noun)
• [ ] Its vs. It’s (its = possessive, it’s = it is)
• [ ] Then vs. Than (then = time, than = comparison)
• [ ] Lose vs. Loose (lose = not win, loose = not tight)
• [ ] Their/There/They’re (possessive/place/they are)

Time Management Tips

40-Minute Strategy:

1. Minutes 0-5: Read question twice, identify requirements, brainstorm and plan
2. Minutes 5-35: Write essay (aim to finish by minute 33)
3. Minutes 35-40: Proofread systematically (content, then grammar, then spelling)

Red Flags to Address:

• If you reach minute 25 and haven’t started your conclusion, speed up body paragraphs
• If you’re below 200 words at minute 30, you need to develop ideas more
• Save at least 3 minutes for proofreading—never skip this step
• If running short on time, prioritize task response over language perfection

Practice Strategies:

• Time yourself strictly during practice to build speed
• Practice typing/writing under exam conditions
• Review your essays after 24 hours with fresh eyes
• Identify your most common errors and create a personal checklist
• Write at least 10 full essays before the actual exam

Conclusion

Mastering essays on climate change and future generations requires understanding both content and craft. The environmental challenges facing tomorrow’s populations—from coastal flooding to food insecurity—demand thoughtful analysis, while demonstrating your ability to construct sophisticated arguments distinguishes high-scoring responses from adequate ones. Remember that achieving Band 7 or higher depends not merely on correct grammar, but on precise vocabulary, logical coherence, and comprehensive task response.

The path to improvement involves deliberate practice with these specific elements: developing ideas with concrete examples rather than generalizations, varying sentence structures naturally rather than forcing complexity, and using topic-specific vocabulary accurately rather than attempting overly sophisticated words incorrectly. When exploring related environmental topics, understanding the future of travel in a changing climate provides additional perspective on how these challenges interconnect.

As you prepare for your examination, practice writing complete essays under timed conditions at least twice weekly. Analyze your work against the band descriptors provided here, identifying specific areas for improvement rather than simply counting errors. Share your practice essays in the comments below for peer feedback, and review high-scoring samples regularly to internalize effective patterns. With consistent effort over 6-8 weeks, most students can improve their writing score by one full band.

Your success in IELTS Writing depends ultimately on systematic preparation, critical self-assessment, and willingness to revise not just individual essays but your entire approach to academic writing. The climate crisis affecting future generations serves as more than an exam topic—it represents the kind of complex, multifaceted challenge that IELTS Writing aims to prepare you to address thoughtfully and persuasively in academic and professional contexts.