IELTS Writing Task 2: Global Warming (Advantages Disadvantages) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

In some countries, global warming is causing significant changes to people's lives. Some believe these changes have more advantages than disadvantages. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Global warming is changing people's lives in many countries. Some people think these changes have more benefits than drawbacks. I agree with this opinion.

One advantage of global warming is longer growing seasons. In some places, farmers can now grow crops for more months of the year. For example, in Canada, the growing season has extended by about two weeks. This means farmers can produce more food and make more money. However, there are also disadvantages. Hotter weather can make some crops fail. In some countries, the heat is too much for certain plants, so farmers cannot grow them anymore.

Another advantage is that some places become more popular for tourism. Warmer weather means more people visit these areas. This creates jobs for local people. For instance, in Russia, more people are visiting places like Sochi because it is warmer now. But there are disadvantages too. Some places become too hot, and fewer people want to visit. In places like the Middle East, tourism may decrease because it is too hot.

In conclusion, although global warming has some benefits like longer growing seasons and more tourism in some areas, I think the disadvantages are greater.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a clear position but develops arguments with some limitations.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses basic cohesive devices but some sequencing issues.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Attempts varied vocabulary but makes some errors and repetitions.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses simple and some complex structures but frequent basic errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The phenomenon of global warming has brought about significant changes to people's lives in various countries. While some argue these changes offer more advantages, I believe the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.

One notable advantage is the potential for agricultural expansion. Rising temperatures have enabled farmers in colder regions to cultivate crops they previously could not. For instance, in Scandinavia, farmers are now growing grains that require warmer climates. Moreover, longer growing seasons can increase yields. However, this advantage is countered by the increased frequency of droughts and extreme weather events, which can devastate crops and lead to food shortages. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global warming has already reduced global crop yields by around 21%.

Another perceived advantage is the economic boost from increased tourism in previously colder regions. Warmer temperatures have made destinations like the Nordic countries more attractive to tourists. This has created jobs and stimulated local economies. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of this increased tourism can be severe. Overcrowding, pollution, and damage to ecosystems are significant concerns. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that tourism is responsible for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, while global warming may bring some benefits such as agricultural opportunities and tourism growth, the environmental and economic drawbacks are more substantial and concerning.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position throughout and extends arguments with some supporting ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but occasional sequencing issues.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary but some less precise word choices.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but some errors in complex structures.

Band 8.0 Answer

The impact of global warming on people's lives has become increasingly evident, with some advocating that these changes bring more advantages than disadvantages. I firmly disagree with this perspective.

One of the purported advantages of global warming is the extension of growing seasons in temperate regions. This has allowed farmers to diversify their crops and increase yields. For example, vineyards in England are now producing high-quality wines due to warmer temperatures. However, this benefit is overshadowed by the severe consequences of climate change on agriculture. The IPCC warns that global warming could lead to a 30% reduction in global food production by 2050 if current trends continue. Additionally, the increased frequency of pests and diseases poses a significant threat to food security.

Another supposed advantage is the economic growth stimulated by tourism in regions that have become more temperate. Warmer winters have made destinations like the Alps more attractive to tourists, boosting local economies. However, the environmental toll of this increased tourism is alarming. The melting of glaciers and the destruction of habitats are irreversible damages that far outweigh any economic benefits. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that half of the Earth's species could face extinction by the end of the century due to climate change.

In conclusion, while global warming may offer some short-term benefits, the long-term environmental and economic consequences are far graver. Immediate and concerted efforts are required to mitigate its effects.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position throughout and develops arguments with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and skillfully manages paragraphing.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but minor errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Band 9.0 Answer

The repercussions of global warming on human life are undeniable, with some contending that these changes present more opportunities than detriments. I vehemently disagree with this assertion.

Proponents of the advantages of global warming often cite the agricultural benefits, such as longer growing seasons and the potential for cultivating new crops in previously inhospitable regions. Indeed, some areas have seen increased productivity. However, the detrimental effects on global food security are far more profound. The IPCC predicts that climate change will reduce global crop yields by up to 23% by 2050, exacerbating food insecurity and malnutrition. Furthermore, the increased prevalence of pests and diseases, coupled with water scarcity, poses an existential threat to agriculture. The FAO reports that 80% of the world's farmland could be adversely affected by climate change.

The economic benefits of increased tourism in warming regions are frequently touted as another advantage. While it is true that destinations like the Nordic countries have seen a rise in tourist numbers, the environmental degradation associated with this trend is alarming. The melting of glaciers, the destruction of ecosystems, and the displacement of wildlife are irreversible damages that far outweigh any economic gains. The World Bank estimates that climate change could push an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030 due to environmental degradation and economic instability.

In conclusion, the purported advantages of global warming are significantly outweighed by its catastrophic consequences. Urgent and comprehensive action is imperative to mitigate these effects and secure a sustainable future for all.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position throughout and develops arguments with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and skillfully manages paragraphing.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with sophisticated and precise lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Phenomenon (noun): An observable fact or event. Example: The phenomenon of global warming is well-documented.
2. Proponent (noun): A person who advocates for a particular cause or idea. Example: Proponents of nuclear energy argue for its efficiency.
3. Detriment (noun): Harm or damage. Example: The new policy will be to the detriment of small businesses.
4. Vehemently (adverb): In a forceful or intense manner. Example: She vehemently disagreed with the proposal.
5. Inhospitable (adjective): Not suitable for living or growth. Example: The Arctic is an inhospitable environment for most plants.
6. Exacerbate (verb): To make a problem worse. Example: The drought exacerbated the food shortage.
7. Prevalence (noun): The fact of being widespread. Example: The prevalence of disease increased during the war.
8. Existential (adjective): Relating to the basic nature of existence. Example: The existential threat of climate change cannot be ignored.
9. Vehemently (adverb): In a forceful or intense manner. Example: He vehemently denied the allegations.
10. Irreversible (adjective): Impossible toreverse. Example: The damage to the ozone layer is irreversible.
11. Imperative (adjective): Of vital importance. Example: It is imperative that we act now to prevent further damage.
12. Mitigate (verb): To make less severe or serious. Example: We must mitigate the effects of climate change.
13. Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level. Example: We need to find sustainable solutions to our energy needs.
14. Inhospitable (adjective): Not suitable for living or growth. Example: The Arctic is an inhospitable environment for most plants.
15. Existential (adjective): Relating to the basic nature of existence. Example: The existential threat of climate change cannot be ignored.
16. Vehemently (adverb): In a forceful or intense manner. Example: He vehemently denied the allegations.
17. Irreversible (adjective): Impossible to reverse. Example: The damage to the ozone layer is irreversible.
18. Imperative (adjective): Of vital importance. Example: It is imperative that we act now to prevent further damage.
19. Mitigate (verb): To make less severe or serious. Example: We must mitigate the effects of climate change.
20. Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level. Example: We need to find sustainable solutions to our energy needs.

Common Mistakes

1. Vague Arguments: Many students fail to provide specific examples or data to support their points. Always use concrete evidence to strengthen your arguments.
2. Repetition: Repeating the same words or phrases can make your writing seem weaker. Use a variety of vocabulary to express your ideas.
3. Poor Cohesion: Without clear linking words and phrases, your essay can be difficult to follow. Use cohesive devices to connect your ideas smoothly.
4. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical mistakes can distract the examiner and lower your score. Practice using a variety of sentence structures accurately.
5. Ignoring the Task: Some students focus too much on one side of the argument and ignore the other. Ensure you address both advantages and disadvantages equally.

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