Environmental policies and climate change have consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly in the last 5 years. According to recent statistics from major IELTS preparation websites, questions about global environmental cooperation appear in approximately 15% of all Task 2 essays. Let’s examine one frequently tested topic that connects with The need for global climate agreements.
Essay Question Analysis
Some people believe that environmental problems can only be solved through international cooperation, while others believe individual countries should deal with these problems themselves. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss both perspectives on solving environmental issues
- Present arguments for international and national approaches
- Provide a clear personal stance
- Support ideas with relevant examples
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Climate change and environmental degradation represent challenges that transcend national boundaries, making the debate between international cooperation and individual country solutions particularly relevant. While both approaches have merit, I firmly believe that global collaboration is essential for addressing these critical issues effectively.
Those who advocate for individual country solutions argue that nations understand their specific environmental challenges best. For instance, China’s approach to tackling air pollution in major cities requires different strategies compared to Brazil’s efforts to prevent Amazon deforestation. Furthermore, individual countries can implement and enforce policies more quickly without waiting for international consensus, as demonstrated by The challenges of managing global warming.
However, environmental problems inherently cross borders and require coordinated action. Air pollution from one country affects neighboring nations, while ocean plastic pollution impacts marine ecosystems globally. The success of the Montreal Protocol in addressing ozone depletion illustrates how international cooperation can achieve remarkable results. Additionally, shared resources and technologies through global partnerships enable more effective solutions, particularly benefiting developing nations with limited resources.
In my opinion, while individual country actions are important, international cooperation is paramount for several reasons. Firstly, global environmental standards ensure consistent efforts across nations. Secondly, collective action prevents the “free-rider” problem where some countries might benefit from others’ environmental efforts without contributing. Finally, shared research and technology transfer accelerate the development of sustainable solutions.
Therefore, the most effective approach combines strong individual country commitment with robust international cooperation. This dual strategy ensures both local action and global coordination in addressing our planet’s environmental challenges.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Environmental problems are becoming more serious in many countries. Some people think we need all countries to work together to solve these problems, while others believe each country should handle their own environmental issues. This essay will discuss both views and provide my opinion.
On one side, many people think international cooperation is necessary. This is because pollution doesn’t stop at country borders. For example, when there are forest fires in one country, the smoke can affect neighboring countries. Also, when one country pollutes the ocean, it affects fish and marine life everywhere. This shows why countries need to work together.
However, others believe individual countries should solve their own environmental problems. They think each country has different environmental issues and different amounts of money to spend on fixing them. For instance, some countries need to focus on air pollution, while others have problems with water pollution. This is similar to Should there be a global initiative to address plastic pollution?.
In my opinion, both international cooperation and individual country action are important. Countries should work together on big problems like climate change, but they should also take responsibility for their local environmental issues. This way, we can have both global and local solutions to environmental problems.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Clear, logical structure
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentences
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Effective use of cohesive devices
- Clear position throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Basic but clear organization
- Some good vocabulary but less sophisticated
- Simple but relevant examples
- Basic cohesive devices
- Position stated but less consistently maintained
Key Vocabulary
- environmental degradation (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – deterioration of the environment
- transcend (v) /trænˈsend/ – go beyond normal limits
- paramount (adj) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – supreme; more important than anything else
- free-rider problem (n) /friː ˈraɪdər ˈprɒbləm/ – situation where some benefit without contributing
- robust (adj) /rəˈbʌst/ – strong and effective
High-scoring Sentence Patterns
- “While [first viewpoint], [contrasting viewpoint]” – Complex sentence with concession
- “Not only [first point], but also [second point]” – Emphasizing multiple aspects
- “This [action/approach] ensures both [first result] and [second result]” – Showing multiple outcomes
Remember to practice writing your own response to this question and share it in the comments below for feedback and discussion!