IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem Essay: Environmental Degradation — Model Answer
In the standardization meetings conducted by senior examiners, environmental essays are often categorized into two piles: the "Generalist" pile (Band 6) and the "Systemic" pile (Band 8+). Most candidates fail to reach the higher bands not because of grammar, but because their ideas are too small. They suggest "recycling" to solve "global warming." This mismatch between the scale of the problem and the scale of the solution is a cognitive error that limits the Task Response score.
The question
Despite increasing international efforts to address environmental degradation, problems such as pollution and climate change continue to worsen. What are the main causes of these problems, and what measures can be taken to solve them?
Model answer (opening excerpt)
The global environment is currently experiencing a precipitous decline, characterized by escalating atmospheric carbon concentrations and pervasive industrial pollution. [1] While international treaties like the Paris Agreement signify a shift in rhetoric, the underlying drivers of ecological decay remain largely unaddressed. This essay will identify the prioritization of short-term economic growth as the primary catalyst for this crisis and argue that only a fundamental transition toward a circular economy, backed by stringent legislative mandates, can offer a viable resolution. [2]
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Band-by-Band Breakdown: The "Task Response" Difference
| Element | Band 6 (The Generalist) | Band 9 (The Strategist) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Argument | People are greedy and use too many cars. They should stop. | Environmental degradation is a byproduct of specific economic incentives and legislative gaps. |
| Solution Scale | We should plant more trees and teach children to recycle. | Implement carbon taxation and mandate a transition to circular economic models. |
| Lexical Density | "Very bad pollution," "Big problems for the earth," "Fixing the air." | "Atmospheric concentrations," "Ecological externalities," "Mitigation strategies." |
| Cohesion | Uses "First," "Second," "In conclusion." (Mechanical) | Uses "Thematic Linkage" (e.g., "Such fiscal measures...") where the pronoun refers to a complex idea. |
More: all model answers · Task 2 structure guide
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