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The Environment Topic for Writing Task 2

While some people consider global warming to be the most pressing environmental problem which we have at the moment, others believe that deforestation has a more devastating impact on our world. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

The government should reduce the amount of money spent on local environmental problems and instead increase funding into urgent and more threatening issues such as global warming. To what extent do you agree?

With increasing populations and ever growing urban centers, many countries are losing their natural beauty spots. What benefits are there to protecting places of natural beauty? How can this be solved?

Although many people value their public parks, this space could be better used for other purposes such as residential areas for the ever growing population or to develop business and boost economies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this?

With deforestation, urban development and illegal hunting, many animal species are becoming endangered as they lose their habitat and some are even threatened to the point of extinction. Do you think it is important to protect animals? What measures can be taken to deal with this problem?

Global warming is one of the biggest threats to our environment. What causes global warming? What solutions are there to this problem?

Both governments and individuals are spending vast amounts of money protecting animals and their habitat. This money could be better spent dealing with fundamental issues in society such as poverty and health care. To what extent do you agree?

As a result of growth in some urban centers, the environment in those cities is deteriorating. How could this issue be tackled by both the government and individuals?

Some people think that current environmental issues are global problems and should therefore be dealt with by the government while others believe that these problems can only be tackled by individuals. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Global environmental issues are the responsibility of rich nations not of poorer nations. Do you agree with this opinion?

While many people believe that global environmental problems should be dealt with internationally rather than domestically. What is your opinion?

 Many animals are being hunted to the brink of extinction in order to fulfill the demand and greed of mankind for decorative purposes as well as for other reasons such as traditional medicine. How could this be solved?

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Environment Essay Topics with Samples: Writing Task 2

Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 09:03

The  environmental essay topics  are part of the IELTS writing task 2. They cover the vast areas related to environmental challenges we face in our everyday lives.   

For example, they might ask you about a significant environmental problem and discuss possible solutions to the prevailing issues. They can also discuss the environmental threats caused by global warming. So, what measures can the government take to reduce the impact of global warming? 

Now, how do you tackle these essays? It’s pretty easy. All you have to do is follow a standard approach that can focus on your topic's vital area and provide enriching ideas and solutions. This guide will show how to deal with the  environmental issues essay and secure good marks. 

On This Page

1. Environment Essay Topics: How to Answer

The IELTS  environment topic essay follows a standard framework depending on the type of question. 

2. Environment Essay Topics: Sample Answer

Find the Sample Questions & Answers for the Environment IELTS Writing Essay here.

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Environment Essay Topics: How to Answer

Topics can revolve around different themes and situations. For example, you may get questions like an environment conservation essay, which will present a problem and ask about possible solutions. There can also be opinion-based questions that ask for your opinions based on any situation. 

Although the contexts of all these questions might vary, the basic layout will remain the same.   

Here is a standard format for the environment essay topics:  

Introduction (2-3 Sentences):  

• You can begin your essay by highlighting the key theme of the question. 
• Give some context to it and describe what your focus areas are in the essay.   

Example: ‘ Environment degradation has become a global problem with rising industrialisation. Deforestation rates have increased worldwide, creating challenges for many lives. In this essay, I will discuss the key reasons behind this situation and some possible measures to solve this issue.’   

Body Section (2-3 Paragraphs):  

• You can break this section into 2-3 paragraphs addressing a specific topic. For example, in problem-solving questions, one paragraph will deal with the problem and the other with solutions. 
• Focus on a balanced approach. It should not sound like being biased towards any particular stand. 
• Constantly enrich your ideas with supporting facts and evidence, such as data and examples. 
• And most importantly, organise your thoughts and ideas clearly to create a sense for the reader.  

Example: ‘ The excessive use of fossil fuels is one of the primary reasons behind environmental degradation. For example, the burning of oils releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Switching to renewable energy alternatives like solar, wind and water can reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change.’   

Opinion (Optional)  

• If the question asks you to share your opinion, clearly present your personal views in this paragraph. 
• Weigh your opinion with the relevant evidence, citing stats and personal experiences. 
• Avoid being highly emotional in presenting your arguments. Instead, be more logical and to the point.   

Example: ‘In my opinion, individuals play a vital role in reducing environmental degradation. By adopting eco-friendly habits, we can carefully use resources and take alternative measures wherever possible.’    

Conclusion (2-3 Sentences)  

• Summarise the whole crux of your essay in 2-3 lines. 
• Also, provide some positive suggestions related to your topic.   

For example, ‘Handling environmental challenges requires combined efforts at both individual and societal levels. Adopting sustainable practices, using renewable energy sources, and raising awareness of careful resource management can help us tackle these challenges. So let us come together and create a sustainable future for all.’

Environment Essay Topics: Sample Answer

Question 1:   Environmental Problems Essay Topic  

Write an essay on the following topic: 

Some say industrial growth is necessary to solve poverty, while others say it creates environmental problems. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.  

Sample Answer 1:  

Whether industrial growth contributes to poverty alleviation or harms our environment is a matter of discussion. Some say it has provided significant employment opportunities, while others highlight the environmental impacts. This essay will focus on these varied perspectives and my opinion.   

On one hand, growth enthusiasts believe that industries contribute a lot to poverty alleviation and raising the standard of living. They provide the people with various job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth. Once people have jobs, they consume more; thus, the demand for products/services increases. This income generation will boost production and require more people to do the jobs, creating more employment opportunities. This cycle helps stimulate the economy as a whole, thereby reducing poverty.   

On the other hand, individuals concerned about the environment often highlight the damages caused by industrialisation. We cannot deny that these factories release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. This release of chemicals pollutes our surroundings and raises health problems. Moreover, industrialisation creates the need for more resources like land and water, accelerating their depletion. 

Considering both these perspectives, the industries are helping the economy grow while creating environmental challenges. Therefore, we must find a way to balance economic growth and environmental protection.  

The government can play a broader role here. It should establish strict rules and regulations for organisations to reduce their environmental impacts. The government can also invest in renewable resources and monitor the effects of industrialisation to protect our environment.  

Industries can potentially reduce poverty; however, protecting the environment is also essential. Therefore, we should adopt the right strategies and require industries to follow these procedures. In this way, we balance economic growth and environmental protection. 

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Agree and Disagree Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

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Q. How can we write an essay in IELTS?

A. The IELTS brings forward topics like  environmental consciousness essay questions and prevention or conservation essays. All these topics will require you to follow a standard approach as follows:  

• First of all, analyse the question and understand it correctly. 
• Then, create a mindmap and describe which pointers you will focus on in each essay section. For example, what problems/solutions would you like to highlight in the essay?
• After this, start writing the essay and use evidence, facts and examples to make it more convincing. 
• And lastly, proofread your essay and ensure that it is factually correct and has no grammatical errors.   

Remember that the proofreading is the most crucial part. You need to ensure that your essay is error-free and easy to understand. 

Q. Why is IELTS writing difficult?

A. Many students need help in the IELTS writing section at the initial level of preparation. However, the topics asked in the exam could be more moderate. For example,  environmental pollution essay questions are relatively easy to write. However, you might face a time crisis while writing it. To overcome this problem, you can attend the  free masterclass that provides the proper knowledge and direction for IELTS. 

Q. How can I practice my IELTS essay?

A. It’s great that you have decided to practice the IELTS questions. You just need to take a  practice test , which can help you gain experience with them. This experience will help you manage your time effectively and write practical answers in a limited time. Thus, your score will increase significantly and help you secure a good admission. 

Q. What are the four types of IELTS essays?

A. There are many types of IELTS essays. The major ones are as follows:  

• Opinion-Based: These questions ask for your opinion based on a topic/situation.
• Advantages-Disadvantages: Here, you need to deal with both the advantages and disadvantages of the given statement and then add your values to it. 
• Problem-Solution: In these questions, you need to dive into the problem and then provide a sound solution that can help solve the problem. 
• Discussion Type: You must discuss both views and then take your stand by stating facts and data. 

Q. Is there any format I should follow to write essays in IELTS?

A. Yes, there is a standard format which you should follow to write the IELTS essay. It should include the following:   

• An introduction that can give insight into what you are going to talk about in the essay. It is just a short overview of 2-3 lines. 
• A body section deals with the main focus area of your essay. If it has advantages and disadvantages, then one paragraph is for advantages and disadvantages.
• The conclusion is the last part of the essay, where you must highlight the crux of your essay and end it with a positive note. 

Q. What is the most common essay in IELTS?

A. The common essay in the IELTS is an opinion—and problem-solution-based essay. In opinion-based essays, there will be two sides; you need to agree with either one and provide your input. The problem-solution essay is self-explanatory in itself. You just need to discuss the problem in detail and provide your solutions. 

Q. How are the IELTS Writing tasks scored?

A. The IELTS writing scores depend on many factors deciding the score. It ranges from a scale of 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest). You can take care of the following factors to get a good score:

• Ensure proper consistency in the grammar and punctuation.
• Make sure that there is a logical flow of information in the essay.
• The ideas and thoughts presented in the essay should be relevant to the topic.
• Writing should be crystal clear enough to impress the examiner. 

Q. Are IELTS essay questions repeated?

A. The IELTS essay questions are not repeated. Although a few questions seem similar, they are not 100% related. But yes, there are some topics from which many questions have come in the past. These topics are usually around education, technology, and environmental problems essay types. And remember, these are vast topics that can have many questions around them. 

Q. Can I write Task 2 first in IELTS writing?

A. Yes, you can start writing the Task 2 before the Task 1. There is no hard and fast rule that you have to follow. So it is better to cover Task 2 before; it carries double the weight of Task 1. But please ensure you invest at most 40 minutes in Task 2. So, only do that if it is within the prescribed time limit. 

Q. How many words should I write for IELTS Writing Task 2?

A. You can cover essay writing task 2 in 250 words. Stay within this limit because it's enough to get a decent score. Doing more than that will not add value but make you fall short of time. Try to make things perfect and follow a proper sequence of writing the essay to make the reader feel easy while writing. 

Q. How can we plan the problem-solution essay in writing task 2 in the IELTS to get a good band score?

A. You must make your essay exciting and convincing enough to read to get a good band score. So, to ensure it, you must first understand the problem statement. Then, you can dive into creating the introduction. You can then divide the body of your essay into two parts: One will deal with the problems, and the second will deal with the solution. And just summarise your whole blog in the conclusion part. 

IELTS Writing Task 2 Environment Band 9 Essay: Samples & Tips

How to write an environmental essay for IELTS band 9 Click here for an environmental sample essay, outline vocabulary score perfect marks in IELTS writing task 2!

8/24/2023 3 min read

In the ever-evolving landscape of language proficiency tests, IELTS Writing Task 2 stands as a crucial component for assessing a candidate's ability to express ideas coherently and effectively. Especially in the context of environmental concerns, this task assumes a significant role. This article delves into the nuances of crafting a Band 9 essay for IELTS Writing Task 2, offering valuable samples and insightful tips.

Understanding IELTS Writing Task 2

What is ielts writing task 2.

IELTS Writing Task 2 is a pivotal component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. It requires candidates to write an essay in response to a given prompt. This task assesses their ability to present arguments, provide evidence, and express ideas logically and coherently within a formal essay structure.

The Importance of Environment-related Topics

In recent years, environmental issues have garnered global attention, making them a common theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. The ability to discuss and analyze these topics effectively not only showcases language proficiency but also awareness of crucial global matters.

The Structure of a Band 9 Essay

Introduction: setting the stage.

The introduction sets the tone for the essay. It should succinctly introduce the topic, provide background information, and present a clear thesis statement that outlines the essay's main points. For instance, when addressing an environment-related prompt, the introduction could highlight the significance of environmental preservation and its relevance to society.

Body Paragraphs: Articulating Key Ideas

The body paragraphs delve into the essay's core arguments. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, followed by supporting evidence and examples. Ensure a logical flow between paragraphs, allowing the essay to unfold seamlessly. If discussing environmental challenges, you might explore topics like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion.

Conclusion: Summarizing the Argument

The conclusion summarizes the key points made in the essay and restates the thesis in a nuanced manner. It should not introduce new ideas but instead provide a sense of closure. When concluding an essay about the environment, you might emphasize the urgency of collective action and highlight potential solutions.

Sample Essays for Environment Topics

Essay sample 1: climate change mitigation.

Climate change remains one of the most pressing global challenges. To mitigate its impact, governments must enact stringent policies to reduce carbon emissions. For example, imposing carbon taxes on industries and promoting renewable energy sources can pave the way for a sustainable future.

Essay Sample 2: Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection

The dilemma between economic growth and environmental conservation requires delicate balancing. Developing nations can embrace eco-friendly technologies to minimize industrial harm. By fostering green entrepreneurship, countries can nurture both economic prosperity and environmental integrity.

Tips for Achieving a Band 9 Essay

Develop a clear thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should present a concise overview of your essay's main argument. It guides the reader and anchors your writing.

Coherence and Cohesion Matter

Ensure a seamless flow between sentences and paragraphs. Use transitional phrases to connect ideas and enhance readability.

Vocabulary and Lexical Resource

Incorporate a diverse range of vocabulary to avoid repetition. Precise and sophisticated word choices elevate the quality of your essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Display mastery over grammar and sentence structure. Varied sentence lengths and types showcase your language proficiency.

Time Management is Key

Allocate sufficient time to planning, writing, and revising. Rushing through any of these stages can compromise the essay's quality.

Practice Exercises to Enhance Skills

Exercise 1: brainstorming environment essay ideas.

Engage in brainstorming sessions to generate ideas on various environmental topics. This practice fosters creativity and prepares you for diverse prompts.

Exercise 2: Outlining Your Essay Effectively

Master the art of outlining by organizing your thoughts into a coherent structure. A well-structured outline accelerates the writing process.

Expert Insights from IELTS Tutors

Advice on enhancing vocabulary.

Read extensively to expand your vocabulary repertoire. Engage with different genres to encounter diverse words and phrases.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Beware of repetitive language, vague arguments, and poor time management. Addressing these pitfalls enhances your essay's quality.

Importance of Environment-related Topics

The global relevance of environmental issues.

Environmental problems transcend borders. Proficiency in discussing such topics prepares candidates for international communication and cooperation.

Addressing Environment in Academic Essays

Professors value students who can tackle contemporary issues in essays. Environmental discussions exhibit critical thinking and relevance to societal challenges.

Crafting a Band 9 essay for IELTS Writing Task 2 demands a blend of language proficiency and insightful analysis. By understanding the essay's structure, practicing essential skills, and embracing expert advice, candidates can confidently navigate environment-related prompts and make meaningful contributions to the ongoing global conversation on environmental sustainability.

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The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel Sample Essay

Updated On Nov 08, 2024

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Want to ace your IELTS Writing? Go through a Band 7, 8, & 9 sample answers on increasing fuel costs to solve environmental problems and learn strategies to boost your score along with vocabulary!

Table of Contents

Ielts writing task 2 question, band 7 sample answer, band 8 sample answer, band 9 sample answer, also check:.

IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

In this IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree essay, we will check out the sample essays for the question: 'The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel'. The IELTS Writing Task 2 requires test-takers to compose a coherent essay in response to a given prompt. In IELTS Agree-Disagree essays , candidates express their stance on a statement and support it with relevant arguments. Graded on a scale of 1 to 9, achieving a Band 7, 8, or 9 indicates varying levels of proficiency.

You can familiarize yourself with the framework of an IELTS Agree Disagree essay by practicing subjects like ‘The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel’, as Writing Task 2 can be difficult for many IELTS applicants. Additionally, you can review the IELTS Writing Task 2 practice tests on a regular basis to achieve your desired band score.

The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that government should increase the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles to solve environmental problems. Give your opinion.

Structure Breakdown

The overconsumption of fossil fuels has become a major concern in recent years. Some people suggest that increasing fuel prices could be a solution to environmental issues. Personally, I believe that other measures should also be given equal consideration.

Firstly, increasing fuel prices cannot significantly reduce global dependence on fossil fuels. Even if the price of fuel rises considerably, people will not be able to immediately cut down on the massive demand for petrol. For example, in daily life, people still need to use their cars despite fluctuations in fuel prices. Moreover, petrol is also crucial for other applications, such as in manufacturing and agriculture. If fuel prices increase, the national economy could suffer several adverse consequences.

When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, other measures should be taken to address the problem of overconsumption. One practical solution is to reduce demand in daily activities, such as travel and production. This can be achieved by encouraging the use of energy-efficient products, like hybrid cars, or by implementing new energy-saving technologies in manufacturing. Additionally, a more sustainable solution is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels by embracing alternative resources. Wind and tidal power in the Netherlands, nuclear power in Japan, and solar power in the United States have all proven efficient in energy production. These technologies could be adopted in other parts of the world to reduce global dependence on fossil fuels.

All the evidence presented above shows that simply increasing fuel prices will not effectively reduce global warming. Stronger alternative measures need to be implemented to tackle this situation.

Know How To Write With These 9 Expert Tips to Score a Band 8+ Now! 9 Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Target BAND 8+)

Environmental problems such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are largely caused by vehicle exhaust from fossil fuels. I believe that raising fuel prices is an effective strategy that governments can employ to address these issues, as it can reduce vehicle use and encourage eco-friendly habits.

Increasing fuel costs would directly discourage unnecessary car usage. If fuel becomes more expensive, people are likely to think twice before using private vehicles for short or non-essential trips. For example, studies from cities like Stockholm show that higher fuel prices led to a reduction in private vehicle usage, as people opted for public transportation, cycling, or walking instead. This can directly decrease air pollution and congestion, particularly in urban areas where traffic is heavy and emissions are high.

Additionally, higher fuel prices could push individuals to explore alternative forms of transportation, such as public transit or electric vehicles, which are less harmful to the environment. As the cost of fuel rises, people may find it more practical to invest in fuel-efficient or electric vehicles. Many countries that have implemented fuel taxes, like Germany, have observed a shift toward electric cars, which produce zero emissions. This transition is essential for long-term sustainability, as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes cleaner air.

Of course, this policy may not be without drawbacks, as it could financially impact people who rely on cars for commuting or live in areas without public transit. However, these challenges can be addressed through government incentives for electric vehicles and the expansion of affordable public transportation. For example, subsidies and tax breaks can make electric cars more accessible, and improved public transit systems can offer people practical alternatives to driving.

In conclusion, increasing fuel costs can be a powerful tool to reduce vehicle emissions and encourage sustainable behavior. Although some adjustments may be necessary to address potential challenges, I believe this policy could play a significant role in combating environmental issues.

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While vehicle emissions are a significant source of pollution, I disagree with raising fuel prices as a solution. This approach has limited effectiveness and may cause economic hardships for those reliant on cars.

Raising fuel prices may not substantially reduce car usage, especially for people in rural areas with limited public transport. For these individuals, higher fuel costs only add financial pressure without offering alternatives. This policy would disproportionately affect lower-income people, who are already impacted by rising living expenses.

Additionally, higher fuel prices can lead to unintended economic consequences, such as higher costs for food and goods due to increased transportation expenses. This could lead to inflation and place further strain on those with limited incomes, making it an unfair approach to environmental policy.

Instead, governments should focus on improving public transportation, promoting electric vehicles, and investing in renewable energy. For example, Norway’s approach of subsidizing electric vehicles and building a charging network has effectively reduced emissions without the negative impacts of a fuel price hike.

In conclusion, while raising fuel prices may yield minor environmental benefits, it is not a sustainable or fair solution. Investing in sustainable transport and green energy alternatives is a more effective and inclusive way to address environmental challenges.

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Vocabulary:

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary for Sample answer on 'The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel'.

• Meaning: To make someone less likely to do something.
• Example: High prices can discourage people from buying unnecessary things.
• Meaning: The state of being overcrowded or blocked, especially with traffic.
• Example: The city’s traffic congestion makes it difficult to travel during rush hour.
• Meaning: Capable of working successfully or being effective.
• Example: Taking public transport is a viable option for people who live near bus stops.
• Meaning: Financial assistance given by the government to support certain industries or activities.
• Example: The government provides subsidies to help people buy electric cars.
• Meaning: The presence of harmful substances in the environment.
• Example: The factory’s waste caused pollution in the nearby river.
• Meaning: In a way that is not fair or balanced.
• Example: High taxes on fuel disproportionately affect low-income families.
• Meaning: Things that encourage people to do something.
• Example: Companies offer incentives like bonuses to encourage employees to work harder.
• Meaning: Another option or choice.
• Example: Cycling is a great alternative to driving for short trips.
• Meaning: Gases or substances released into the air, usually from vehicles or factories.
• Example: Cars that run on gasoline produce harmful emissions that pollute the air.
• Meaning: A strong effect or influence.
• Example: The new law had a positive impact on the environment by reducing waste.

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel – it is time for you to try writing on your own. Make sure to use appropriate vocabulary connectors/linking words for writing .

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Proven tips to score Band 9 in IELTS Writing

Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essay: Environmental Problems

In this post, I’m going to write an IELTS Writing Task 2 model essay in response to this question about environmental problems from  Cambridge 14 (Academic) :

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

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.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own  knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

First of all, I’ll take you through my 4 Step Approach to essay planning :

• Analyse The Question
• Decide My Position
• Generate My Ideas
• Develop My Ideas

Step 1: Analyse The Question

The first thing to do is analyse the question. One way of doing this is to ( VERY carefully ) simplify the question. In this question, I think  the simplified question is this:

What is the most important environmental problem?  Is it species loss…or something else?

We can also simplify the 2 views:

View 1: species loss is the main environmental problem.

View 2: there are “more important” ones.

What might these “more important” environmental problems be? Global warming comes to my mind.

Step 2: Decide My Position

So, what do I REALLY think about this issue? In other words, what’s my position on this issue?

I think species loss is a major problem, but I think global warming is the more important one. However, I think the two problems are linked: my understanding is that global warming will lead to species loss anyway; if global warming causes species loss, it makes sense that global warming is the bigger problem.

Step 3: Generate My Ideas

Next, I need to generate some ideas for this essay .

I must also remember that the question is asking about environmental PROBLEMS, not solutions.

View 1: species loss is main environmental problem.

Well, I agree it’s important. Why do I think this?

• important to protect species – we share the world – moral obligation
• also loss of species affects humans (e.g. affects food chain, loss of fish in seas means less food for us)

View 2: there are “more important” problems.

I think global warming is a more important problem. Why do I think this?

• danger that global warming will escalate and lead to runaway warming
• ultimately this will lead to species loss anyway

Step 4: Develop My Ideas

Next, I’m going to develop my ideas using a logical structure . This will give me a clear essay plan.

Introduction :

• species loss a major concern, but is it main one?

Body Paragraph 1 

• Main Idea: moral obligation to protect species
• Explanation: loss of species is permanent, future generations
• Example: dodo

Body Paragraph 2

• Main Idea: loss of species affects humans
• Explanation: food and drugs

Body Paragraph 3

• Main Idea: global warming is more important
• Explanation: runaway heating will lead to more problems, including species loss
• Example: polar bears
• both are important, but global warming will cause species loss, so  it’s the most important problem.

I decided to write 2 separate paragraphs in my discussion of the first idea – it seems more logical to do this.

So, all I need to do now is expand these notes into full sentences and link them together ! While I write, I must, at all times, remember my position: species loss is an important problem, but global warming is even more important, and they are also linked.

So here’s my essay:

My Model Essay

The loss of natural habitats, in part due to intensive agriculture and industrial-scale mining in some parts of the world, as well as urbanisation, has put the survival of many species of plants and animals under threat. While this is certainly a major concern, is this the most pressing environmental problem that we should deal with?

I certainly feel that humanity has a moral obligation to safeguard the survival of different species of fauna and flora. The loss of any species is permanent and means that future generations will not be able to appreciate the wonders of a diverse natural world. For example, the tragic extinction of the dodo is something which we still lament even today.

Moreover, it can affect us detrimentally too. Many herbal remedies are derived from plants, and so the destruction of rainforests could easily have a negative effect on the production of medicinal drugs. In addition, we are part of a natural food chain, so the loss of animals, such as fish, means we will have less food in the future.

Ultimately though, there is a far wider problem that needs to be addressed: global warming. As a result of emissions of greenhouse gases, such as CO2 and methane, global temperatures are rising and we risk seeing runaway heating. This will lead to a number of problems, including flooding, extreme weather and drought, but also the extinction of species. Indeed, polar bears are already struggling to survive because of the loss of polar ice caps due to rising temperatures.

In other words, working to safeguard the survival of the natural world without tackling global warming would be entirely ineffective, so it’s not really a case of which one is more important: all environmental issues are ultimately interconnected, and so we need to take a holistic approach to the issue.

My Comments

Task response: had I just argued that global warming was more important than species loss, it would be good enough for a Band 7 or 8 for TR, but I went further: I argued that both problems are important, and that they are linked. It’s a more developed position, and I think worthy of a Band 9. But explaining this position requires some advanced language, so it’s tricky for many students to do well.

Vocabulary : I desperately wanted to use the phrase “flora and fauna” somewhere! (If you don’t know it, fauna = animals, flora = flowers. There’s also a lot of natural collocation in this essay, and these phrases have precise meaning:

• intensive agriculture
• industrial-scale mining
• under threat
• the most pressing environmental problem
• has a moral obligation to
• herbal remedies

There’s some repetition of words: loss, survival and species are repeated, but this is not a problem. I’ve tried to paraphrase where appropriate (e.g. “natural world” instead of “species”).

Overall, the essay uses “natural and sophisticated control” of vocabulary, with no errors (as far as I can tell!) so it’s at a Band 9 level.

I hope you like my model essay. Remember, it is only ONE possible response out of an infinite number of possible responses to this task. If you want to read more about this topic, here’s a great article by The Guardian newspaper about the loss of insects .

Read some more IELTS essay questions .

If you think that other people will find this useful, please share it. And please add your own comments and questions below.

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About the author

Charlie is a former IELTS Examiner with 25 years' teaching experience all over the world. His courses, for both English language learners and teachers, have been taken by over 100,000 students in over 160 countries around the world.

5 thoughts on “IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essay: Environmental Problems”

Where is conclusion ? I think conclusion is mandatory to complete the essay without sum up or conclusion it will affect on overall band score, from task achievement no one can get good band score.

The conclusion is in the final paragraph, which starts “in other words”. It probably would be clearer if I’d started it “in conclusion”, but I used a different discourse marker to improve the flow of the essay.

Great essay Charlie

Thank you very much for your generosity.

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