IELTS Writing Task 2: Ocean Pollution — Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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Prompt
Some people think that governments should spend money on protecting oceans from pollution. Others believe that individuals should take responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Many people think that the government should take action to protect the ocean from pollution. Others believe that individuals should be responsible for this issue. I think both sides have valid points.
On one hand, governments have the power to make laws and regulations that can help protect the ocean. For example, they can ban plastic bags and other single-use plastics. They can also fine companies that pollute the ocean. This can make a big difference because governments have a lot of resources and authority. However, some people might not follow these laws, so it is not a perfect solution.
On the other hand, individuals can also make a difference. For example, they can reduce their use of plastic and recycle more. They can also participate in beach cleanups and support organizations that work to protect the ocean. This can make a big difference because many people can do these things together. However, it might not be enough if the government does not also take action.
In conclusion, I think both governments and individuals should take responsibility for protecting the ocean from pollution. Governments can make laws and regulations, and individuals can change their habits and support organizations that work to protect the ocean. Together, they can make a big difference.
Band 7.0 Answer
The issue of ocean pollution has become a major concern in recent years. Some argue that governments should take the lead in addressing this problem, while others believe that individuals should be held accountable. Both perspectives have merit, and a balanced approach is necessary.
Governments have the resources and authority to implement large-scale solutions. For instance, they can enforce stricter regulations on industrial waste disposal and invest in advanced waste management technologies. Additionally, governments can launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of protecting the ocean. However, relying solely on government action may not be sufficient, as enforcement can be challenging, and some policies may take time to implement.
On the other hand, individuals can contribute significantly to reducing ocean pollution. Simple actions like using reusable bags, reducing plastic consumption, and participating in local clean-up efforts can make a difference. Moreover, individuals can influence others by setting an example and advocating for sustainable practices. However, individual efforts alone may not be enough to address the scale of the problem, as pollution often originates from industrial sources.
In conclusion, both governments and individuals have crucial roles to play in combating ocean pollution. A collaborative effort, where governments implement effective policies and individuals adopt sustainable practices, is essential for protecting our oceans for future generations.
Band 8.0 Answer
The escalating problem of ocean pollution has sparked a debate on who should bear the responsibility for its mitigation: governments or individuals. A nuanced examination of both perspectives reveals that a multifaceted approach is indispensable.
Proponents of government intervention argue convincingly that state-level policies can yield substantial impacts. For example, legislative measures such as bans on single-use plastics and stringent regulations on industrial effluent can curtail pollution at its source. Furthermore, governments can allocate resources for innovative technologies like ocean cleanup systems and invest in research to develop biodegradable alternatives to plastic. However, the efficacy of these measures is contingent upon robust enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation, which can be challenging to achieve.
Conversely, advocates for individual responsibility highlight the collective power of personal actions. Adopting eco-friendly practices, such as minimizing plastic use, supporting sustainable fisheries, and engaging in community-driven clean-up initiatives, can cumulatively mitigate pollution. Additionally, individuals can exert pressure on corporations and governments through consumer choices and activism. Nevertheless, the scope of individual impact is inherently limited, as systemic changes are often beyond the purview of personal actions.
In conclusion, the onus of addressing ocean pollution should be shared between governments and individuals. Governments must enact and enforce comprehensive policies, while individuals should embrace sustainable lifestyles and advocate for systemic change. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to preserve the health of our oceans for posterity.
Scoring Breakdown
Band 6.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a clear position but with limited development. The response addresses the task but lacks depth in argumentation.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression. Cohesive devices are used but not always appropriately.
Lexical Resource (LR): 5.0 - Uses a limited range of vocabulary. Some attempts at less common vocabulary but with errors. Repetition of words and phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Sentences are generally error-free but lack complexity. Some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Band 7.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear position with adequate development. The response addresses the task with relevant, extended arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary. Attempts less common vocabulary with some flexibility and appropriateness.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Sentences are generally error-free with some complexity. Some errors in grammar and punctuation but they do not impede understanding.
Band 8.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear position with thorough development. The response addresses the task with well-developed, extended arguments and relevant support.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively and appropriately.
Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary. Uses less common vocabulary with flexibility and appropriateness. No repetition of words and phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Sentences are generally error-free with a mix of simple and complex structures. Few errors in grammar and punctuation.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Mitigation - The action of reducing the severity of something bad. Example: Mitigation of pollution requires collective effort.
- Effluent - Liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea. Example: Industrial effluent can pollute water bodies.
- Biodegradable - Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. Example: Biodegradable plastics are environmentally friendly.
- Cumulatively - In a way that increases in effect as more items or factors are added. Example: Small actions can cumulatively make a big difference.
- Contingent - Subject to a particular condition or circumstances. Example: The success of the policy is contingent upon enforcement.
- Purview - The scope of influence or responsibility. Example: The issue falls within the purview of the government.
- Enact - Make (a bill or other proposal) law. Example: The government needs to enact stricter regulations.
- Eco-friendly - Not harmful to the environment. Example: Using eco-friendly products reduces pollution.
- Effluent - Liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea. Example: Industrial effluent can pollute water bodies.
- Biodegradable - Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. Example: Biodegradable plastics are environmentally friendly.
- Cumulatively - In a way that increases in effect as more items or factors are added. Example: Small actions can cumulatively make a big difference.
- Contingent - Subject to a particular condition or circumstances. Example: The success of the policy is contingent upon enforcement.
- Purview - The scope of influence or responsibility. Example: The issue falls within the purview of the government.
- Enact - Make (a bill or other proposal) law. Example: The government needs to enact stricter regulations.
- Eco-friendly - Not harmful to the environment. Example: Using eco-friendly products reduces pollution.
- Enforcement - The act of compelling observance of or compliance with a law, regulation, or obligation. Example: Effective enforcement is crucial for policy success.
- Systemic - Relating to a system, especially as opposed to a particular part. Example: Systemic changes are necessary to address pollution.
- Posterity - All future generations. Example: We must protect the environment for posterity.
- Advocate - Publicly recommend or support. Example: Individuals can advocate for sustainable practices.
- Activism - The policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to bring about political or social change. Example: Activism can pressure governments to take action.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, making the response vague and unclear.
- Inadequate Development: Responses often lack sufficient development of arguments, leading to shallow discussion.
- Repetition of Ideas: Students tend to repeat the same points without adding new information or examples.
- Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using limited or repetitive vocabulary can lower the Lexical Resource score.
- Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement and article usage, can detract from the overall score.
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