IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Sample: Environmental problems are too big for individual countries or individual people to address.In other words,we have reached the stage where the only way to protect the environment is at an international level.
This is a Problem-Solution Essay, which is a standard question type in IELTS Writing Task 2. Understanding how to recognize and respond to it correctly is essential for achieving a high band score. This essay focuses on the global scale of environmental issues and the necessity of international cooperation to address them.
A Problem-Solution Essay asks you to discuss a problem and propose solutions. Examiners expect you to clearly outline the problem and discuss feasible solutions, supporting your points with examples.
This essay focuses on the global scale of environmental issues and the necessity of international cooperation to address them.
The essay will explore the necessity of international collaboration in tackling environmental problems and examine potential limitations of such approaches.
1. How to Analyze the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question about Environmental problems are too big
Full Question: Environmental problems are too big for individual countries or individual people to address.In other words,we have reached the stage where the only way to protect the environment is at an international level.
The question asks you to evaluate whether environmental problems are now so large that they require international cooperation to be effectively addressed. You need to consider both the need for and challenges of international solutions.
Keywords to focus on:
- environmental problems
- individual countries
- international level
- cooperation
- global issue
Arguments for International Cooperation in Environmental Protection
- Environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss are global and require international policies to effectively manage.
- International agreements can lead to shared responsibilities and resources, enhancing the efficiency of environmental protection efforts.
- Cooperation on a global scale can lead to standardized regulations, reducing the risk of ecological damage across borders.
Challenges in International Environmental Collaboration
- Diverse political interests and economic priorities make international agreements difficult to achieve.
- There is often a lack of accountability and enforcement mechanisms in international environmental agreements.
- Individual countries might be reluctant to compromise their economic growth for international environmental commitments.
Examples and Reasoning Paths
- The Paris Agreement is a real-world example of global cooperation to limit climate change, illustrating the potential of international agreements.
- The failure of the Kyoto Protocol highlights the difficulties in enforcement and varying commitments among countries.
- The European Union's collective environmental policies show how regional cooperation can effectively address environmental issues.
Which side is easier to argue? Arguing for the necessity of international cooperation is easier due to numerous examples of successful global agreements and the inherent global nature of environmental issues.
2. How to Plan Your Essay for a Problem-Solution Essay
Focus on clearly defining the scale of environmental issues and the role of international bodies. Consider how global cooperation has succeeded or failed in the past to offer balanced solutions.
Planning Steps:
- Brainstorm the key environmental problems that are global in nature and require international cooperation.
- Outline the essay by dividing it into sections: introduction, arguments for international cooperation, arguments against, and conclusion.
- Structure paragraphs to clearly present one argument and one counter-argument, supported by specific examples.
Question-Specific Considerations:
- Consider the role of international organizations like the UN in environmental protection.
- Think about the economic implications of international cooperation for developing versus developed countries.
- Evaluate examples of both successful and unsuccessful international environmental agreements.
3. What is the Ideal Structure for a Band 8 Essay?
Follow this structure to achieve a Band 8 score:
- Introduction: Environmental issues are increasingly global, necessitating international cooperation for effective resolution.
- Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the global nature of environmental problems and how international cooperation can provide shared solutions.
- Body Paragraph 2: Explore the challenges and limitations of international cooperation, including political and economic barriers.
- (Optional) Body Paragraph 3: Examine case studies of international agreements, highlighting both successes and failures.
- Conclusion: Conclude by emphasizing the importance of international efforts, despite challenges, to address environmental problems.
Detailed Paragraph Guidance
- Introduction Tips: Start with a broad statement about the global nature of environmental issues and narrow down to the need for international solutions.
- Body Paragraph 1 Tips: Use specific examples of how global cooperation has addressed environmental issues.
- Body Paragraph 2 Tips: Provide balanced analysis by discussing the difficulties in achieving effective international cooperation.
- Conclusion Tips: Summarize the main points and stress the importance of overcoming challenges for future environmental protection.
4. Band 7 to 9 Sample Essays
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5. FAQ: What You Need to Know About Problem-Solution Essay
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How can I effectively balance arguments in a Problem-Solution essay?
Ensure you present a clear structure where each paragraph addresses a specific point. Use examples to support both sides and conclude with a strong summary. -
What if I don't know much about international environmental policies?
Focus on general principles of cooperation and use widely known agreements like the Paris Agreement or Kyoto Protocol as examples. -
How detailed should my examples be?
Your examples should be specific enough to illustrate your point but not overly detailed. Mention key facts and outcomes to support your argument. -
Can I include my opinion in the essay?
Yes, you should present your opinion, especially in the conclusion, but ensure it is supported by the arguments and examples provided. -
How can I improve my vocabulary for this topic?
Practice using academic vocabulary related to environmental issues and international policies. Reading articles or reports on these topics can help.
6. Useful Vocabulary for This Topic
Use these advanced vocabulary words to boost your band score:
- biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Example: Efforts to preserve biodiversity must be addressed at an international level to be effective. - sustainability: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources.
Example: International agreements often aim to promote sustainability across various industries. - emission: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
Example: Reducing carbon emissions requires coordinated efforts from all industrial nations. - protocol: The official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.
Example: The Kyoto Protocol aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions internationally. - conservation: The action of conserving something, in particular, preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment.
Example: Conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots are critical for global ecological health. - collaboration: The action of working with someone to produce or create something.
Example: Collaboration among countries is essential for tackling transboundary pollution. - regulation: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
Example: International regulations on chemical waste disposal are necessary to protect oceans. - mitigation: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Example: Climate change mitigation strategies often require international cooperation. - negotiation: Discussion aimed at reaching an agreement.
Example: Effective negotiation is crucial for successful international environmental treaties. - implementation: The process of putting a decision or plan into effect.
Example: The implementation of international agreements can be challenging due to differing national interests.
7. Related IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions
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8. Quick Writing Tips
Remember these key tips for success:
- Focus on clearly defining the problem and explaining why it requires international cooperation.
- Use well-known international agreements as examples to support your arguments.
- Balance your essay by discussing both the necessity and the challenges of international solutions.
- Ensure your conclusion reinforces the importance of international cooperation.
- Practice using vocabulary specific to international environmental issues to enhance your essay's academic tone.
9. Ready to Practice?
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