IELTS Writing Task 2: Ocean Pollution Problem-Solution Sample Band 9 Answers
Related guides:
Sample Prompt
> Some people believe that solving the problem of ocean pollution requires individual action, while others argue that only governments can address this issue. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Band Score | Comments | |----------|------------|---------| | TR | 5.0 | Addresses both sides but with limited development. Some ideas are unclear. | | CC | 6.0 | Attempts to organize information but with inconsistent cohesion. Some linking words used. | | LR | 6.0 | Presents ideas but with some repetition and lack of specific examples. | | GRA | 6.0 | Makes frequent grammatical mistakes and uses some incorrect vocabulary. |
Answer
Ocean pollution is a big problem. Some people say individuals should solve it. Others say governments must act. Both have points.
Individuals can help. They can use less plastic. They can recycle. They can clean beaches. But maybe not enough people do this. Big companies pollute more than individuals.
Governments can make laws. They can fine companies that pollute. They can fund clean-up projects. But some governments don't care about environment. They care about money.
In my country, government does some things. But not enough. People try to help but need more support. I think both must work together. Governments must make strong laws. Individuals must follow them and do more.
Band 7.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Band Score | Comments | |----------|------------|---------| | TR | 7.0 | Presents both sides clearly with some development. Ideas are generally relevant. | | CC | 7.0 | Uses cohesive devices but with some overuse and awkward phrasing. | | LR | 7.0 | Presents a mix of general and specific ideas with some examples. | | GRA | 7.0 | Makes occasional grammatical errors but generally communicates clearly. |
Answer
The issue of ocean pollution has become increasingly severe, prompting debate on who bears the responsibility for its resolution. While some advocate for individual action, others contend that governments must take the lead.
On one hand, individual efforts can significantly contribute to reducing ocean pollution. For instance, reducing plastic usage, participating in community clean-up events, and supporting eco-friendly products can make a difference. However, the impact of individual actions may be limited when corporations and industries contribute to a larger extent. Moreover, not all individuals may be aware of or capable of implementing such changes.
Conversely, governments possess the authority and resources to enact substantial changes. They can impose regulations on industrial waste disposal, invest in waste management infrastructure, and promote public awareness campaigns. Nevertheless, governmental actions may be hindered by budget constraints or political interests, which can delay or weaken their efforts.
In my opinion, both individual and governmental actions are essential. Governments should create and enforce policies that encourage sustainable practices, while individuals should actively participate in and support these initiatives. Only through collective effort can the problem of ocean pollution be effectively addressed.
Band 8.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Band Score | Comments | |----------|------------|---------| | TR | 8.0 | Presents both sides with clear development and relevant examples. Ideas are logically presented. | | CC | 8.0 | Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively, though occasional awkward phrasing remains. | | LR | 8.0 | Presents ideas with specific examples and some detail. Ideas are generally well-extended. | | GRA | 8.0 | Makes occasional errors but generally uses a variety of complex structures accurately. |
Answer
The escalating problem of ocean pollution has sparked a contentious debate regarding the primary stakeholders responsible for its mitigation. Proponents of individual responsibility argue that personal actions can collectively result in significant positive change, whereas proponents of governmental intervention contend that systemic solutions are indispensable.
Those who advocate for individual action posit that personal choices and behaviors can effectively reduce ocean pollution. For example, minimizing single-use plastics, engaging in local beach clean-ups, and supporting organizations dedicated to marine conservation can collectively contribute to a cleaner ocean environment. Furthermore, individual consumer choices can exert pressure on corporations to adopt more sustainable practices. However, critics argue that relying solely on individual actions may be insufficient, as industrial and corporate activities constitute a substantial proportion of ocean pollution.
Conversely, proponents of governmental intervention assert that substantial and sustained change necessitates legislative and regulatory measures. Governments can enact laws that limit industrial discharge, invest in advanced waste management technologies, and impose penalties on polluters. For instance, the European Union's Marine Strategy Framework Directive has been instrumental in reducing marine pollution within member states. Nevertheless, critics contend that governmental actions may be slow and bureaucratic, potentially delaying urgent interventions.
In my view, a comprehensive approach that combines individual responsibility with governmental intervention is most likely to yield positive results. Governments should implement and enforce stringent environmental regulations, while individuals should actively participate in and support these initiatives. Additionally, collaboration between governments, non-governmental organizations, and corporations is essential for developing and implementing innovative solutions to ocean pollution.
Band 9.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Band Score | Comments | |----------|------------|---------| | TR | 9.0 | Presents both sides with clear development and specific examples. Ideas are logically presented and well-extended. | | CC | 9.0 | Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively and skillfully. The answer is easy to follow. | | LR | 9.0 | Presents ideas with specific, relevant, and well-developed examples. Ideas are presented logically and cohesively. | | GRA | 9.0 | Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophisticated sentence structures accurately. |
Answer
The pervasive issue of ocean pollution has ignited a fervent discourse on the respective roles of individuals and governments in its remediation. While some contend that personal accountability is paramount, others maintain that institutional intervention is indispensable for meaningful change.
Proponents of individual responsibility argue that the cumulative effect of personal actions can significantly alleviate ocean pollution. For instance, the adoption of plastic-free alternatives, participation in community-led conservation initiatives, and advocacy for sustainable practices can collectively engender a culture of environmental stewardship. Furthermore, individual consumer choices can catalyze corporate accountability, as evidenced by the decline in single-use plastic production following public outcry. Nevertheless, detractors posit that individual actions may be insufficient to counteract the scale and scope of industrial pollution.
Conversely, advocates of governmental intervention assert that systemic solutions are requisite for addressing the complex and multifaceted nature of ocean pollution. Governments can enact and enforce comprehensive environmental legislation, allocate resources for innovative waste management technologies, and foster international cooperation to tackle transboundary pollution. For example, the United Nations' Clean Seas campaign has galvanized global efforts to reduce marine pollution. However, critics contend that governmental actions may be impeded by political expedience and economic considerations.
In my opinion, a synergistic approach that harmonizes individual responsibility with governmental intervention is most conducive to effecting sustained and meaningful change. Governments should prioritize and invest in evidence-based environmental policies, while individuals should actively engage in and advocate for these initiatives. Moreover, fostering partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector can facilitate the development and implementation of holistic solutions to ocean pollution. By embracing a collective and collaborative approach, society can aspire to preserve and protect the world's oceans for future generations.
Vocabulary Highlights
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example | |------------|-----------|--------| | Pervasive | Widespread and persistent | The pervasive issue of ocean pollution... | Ignited | Sparked or initiated | ...has ignited a fervent discourse... | Accountability | Responsibility | ...personal accountability is paramount... | Indispensable | Essential or crucial | ...institutional intervention is indispensable... | Remediation | The act of correcting something | ...in its remediation... | Alleviate | To make something less severe | ...can significantly alleviate ocean pollution... | Catalyze | To trigger or cause something to happen | ...can catalyze corporate accountability... | Galvanized | Inspired or motivated | ...has galvanized global efforts... | Expedience | Convenience or self-interest | ...may be impeded by political expedience... | Synergistic | Working together to enhance effectiveness | ...a synergistic approach... | Holistic | Complete or comprehensive | ...holistic solutions to ocean pollution... | Aspire | To hope or aim for something | ...can aspire to preserve...
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overgeneralizing: Avoid making sweeping statements without specific examples. For instance, don't just say that individuals can help; explain how.
- Ignoring the Task: Ensure you address both sides of the argument and provide a clear opinion. Failing to do so can result in a lower score for Task Response.
- Poor Organization: Structure your essay clearly with paragraphs dedicated to each main idea. Use linking words to guide the reader through your argument.
- Vague Vocabulary: Use precise vocabulary relevant to the topic. Avoid repeated use of basic words like 'good', 'bad', 'many', etc.
- Grammatical Errors: Proofread your essay for grammatical mistakes. Common errors include subject-verb agreement, article usage, and tense consistency.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Practice makes perfect! Submit your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response to our AI scoring system on English AIdol and get detailed feedback on how to improve.