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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Climate Change - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on climate change with full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

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Get a Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on climate change with full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people believe that climate change is too serious to be solved by individuals. They think only governments and large corporations can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Climate change is a big problem. Some people say that only governments and big companies can fix it. I agree with this because individuals cannot do much.

First, governments have the power to make laws. They can make rules that companies must follow to reduce pollution. For example, in many countries, there are laws that limit the amount of carbon dioxide that factories can release. If individuals try to reduce their carbon footprint, it is not enough because the big companies are still polluting a lot.

Second, big companies have a lot of money. They can invest in new technologies that are better for the environment. For instance, some companies are now using solar energy instead of coal. This is good for the environment, but individuals cannot afford to do this. They can only buy small things like energy-saving light bulbs, which do not make a big difference.

In conclusion, I agree that only governments and big companies can solve climate change. Individuals can help a little, but their efforts are not enough.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and support. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of cohesion. Lexical Resource (LR): 5.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 5.0 - Uses simple sentence structures with frequent grammatical errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The issue of climate change is a pressing global concern. While some argue that only governments and large corporations can address this issue, I partially agree with this view.

On one hand, governments have the authority to implement policies that can significantly reduce carbon emissions. For example, the Paris Agreement, signed by 196 countries, aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. Additionally, governments can invest in renewable energy sources and provide subsidies for green technologies. However, individuals also play a crucial role in reducing their carbon footprint. For instance, using public transportation, reducing waste, and conserving energy can collectively make a substantial impact.

On the other hand, large corporations have the resources and influence to drive significant changes. They can invest in research and development of sustainable technologies and adopt eco-friendly practices. For example, companies like Tesla and Patagonia have set examples by promoting electric vehicles and sustainable fashion, respectively. Nevertheless, the collective efforts of individuals can create a cultural shift towards sustainability, which can influence corporate behavior.

In conclusion, while governments and large corporations have the power and resources to make a significant impact on climate change, the collective efforts of individuals are also essential. A combined approach is necessary to address this global challenge effectively.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development and support. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and some use of cohesive devices. Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items and occasional errors. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some grammatical errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. While some contend that only governments and large corporations can effectively address this problem, I believe that both collective and individual efforts are crucial.

Firstly, governments have the authority to enact policies that can mitigate the effects of climate change. For instance, the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) has been instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by putting a price on carbon. Moreover, governments can invest in renewable energy infrastructure and provide incentives for sustainable practices. However, the success of these policies often depends on the cooperation and participation of individuals. For example, the widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices can significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint.

Secondly, large corporations have the resources and influence to drive significant changes. They can invest in research and development of sustainable technologies and adopt eco-friendly practices. For example, companies like Unilever and IKEA have made substantial commitments to reducing their environmental impact. Nevertheless, the collective efforts of individuals can create a cultural shift towards sustainability, which can influence corporate behavior. For instance, consumer demand for sustainable products can drive companies to adopt greener practices.

In conclusion, while governments and large corporations have the power and resources to make a significant impact on climate change, the collective efforts of individuals are also essential. A combined approach is necessary to address this global challenge effectively. By working together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and support. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items and occasional errors. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some grammatical errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

The escalating crisis of climate change demands urgent action from all sectors of society. While some argue that only governments and large corporations can effectively address this issue, I firmly believe that a multifaceted approach involving individuals, communities, and global entities is essential.

Primarily, governments possess the legislative power to implement policies that can significantly mitigate the effects of climate change. For example, the implementation of carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems has proven effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, governments can invest in renewable energy infrastructure and provide subsidies for sustainable practices. However, the efficacy of these policies is often contingent upon the active participation of individuals. For instance, community-led initiatives such as tree-planting drives and waste reduction programs can amplify the impact of governmental policies.

Moreover, large corporations have the financial resources and technological capabilities to drive substantial changes. They can invest in research and development of sustainable technologies and adopt eco-friendly practices. For example, companies like Google and Apple have made significant strides in reducing their carbon footprints by transitioning to renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, the collective efforts of individuals can create a cultural shift towards sustainability, which can influence corporate behavior. For instance, the growing consumer demand for sustainable products has compelled many companies to adopt greener practices and reduce their environmental impact.

In conclusion, while governments and large corporations have the power and resources to make a significant impact on climate change, the collective efforts of individuals are also essential. A combined approach is necessary to address this global challenge effectively. By fostering collaboration and cooperation among all sectors of society, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.

Scoring Breakdown

Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully developed arguments and support. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with precise word choice and minimal errors. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures with minimal grammatical errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Escalating crisis - A situation that is becoming increasingly serious.
  • Example: The escalating crisis of climate change demands urgent action.
  1. Mitigate - To make less severe, serious, or painful.
  • Example: Governments can implement policies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
  1. Legislative power - The authority to make, amend, and repeal laws.
  • Example: Governments possess the legislative power to implement policies.
  1. Contingent upon - Dependent on.
  • Example: The efficacy of these policies is often contingent upon the active participation of individuals.
  1. Amplify - To increase the magnitude or effect of something.
  • Example: Community-led initiatives can amplify the impact of governmental policies.
  1. Substantial changes - Significant or considerable changes.
  • Example: Large corporations can drive substantial changes in sustainable practices.
  1. Compel - To force or oblige someone to do something.
  • Example: Consumer demand can compel companies to adopt greener practices.
  1. Fostering collaboration - Encouraging cooperation and teamwork.
  • Example: By fostering collaboration, we can create a sustainable future.
  1. Renewable energy infrastructure - The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the production and distribution of renewable energy.
  • Example: Governments can invest in renewable energy infrastructure.
  1. Sustainable practices - Methods or behaviors that are environmentally friendly and can be maintained over the long term.
  • Example: Companies can adopt sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact.
  1. Greenhouse gas emissions - Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
  • Example: Carbon taxes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  1. Carbon footprint - The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • Example: Companies can reduce their carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources.
  1. Eco-friendly practices - Activities or behaviors that are not harmful to the environment.
  • Example: Companies can adopt eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact.
  1. Tree-planting drives - Organized efforts to plant trees, often as part of environmental conservation or reforestation projects.
  • Example: Community-led tree-planting drives can help mitigate climate change.
  1. Waste reduction programs - Initiatives aimed at minimizing the amount of waste produced, often through recycling, composting, and other sustainable practices.
  • Example: Community-led waste reduction programs can amplify the impact of governmental policies.
  1. Consumer demand - The desire and willingness of consumers to purchase goods and services.
  • Example: Growing consumer demand for sustainable products can influence corporate behavior.
  1. Transitioning to renewable energy sources - The process of shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
  • Example: Companies can reduce their carbon footprint by transitioning to renewable energy sources.
  1. Sustainable future - A future in which human activities are conducted in a way that preserves the environment and natural resources for future generations.
  • Example: By working together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.
  1. Global challenge - A problem or issue that affects the entire world and requires international cooperation and action.
  • Example: Climate change is a global challenge that demands urgent action.
  1. Multifaceted approach - A strategy or solution that addresses a problem from multiple perspectives or angles.
  • Example: A multifaceted approach involving individuals, communities, and global entities is essential to address climate change.

Common Mistakes

  1. Overgeneralizing: Students often make broad statements without providing specific examples or evidence to support their arguments.
  2. Lack of Balance: Failing to address both sides of the argument can weaken the response. Even if you disagree with one side, acknowledging it briefly strengthens your argument.
  3. Repetition: Repeating the same points or using the same vocabulary can make the response seem less cohesive and less sophisticated.
  4. Poor Organization: A well-structured essay should have a clear introduction, body paragraphs that each focus on one main idea, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points.
  5. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and article usage, can detract from the overall quality of the response.

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