IELTS Essay: Preventing or Living with Climate Change

by Dave | Jul 9, 2021 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of individuals preventing of living with climate change from the real IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Preventing or Living with Climate Change

Some believe that people should make efforts to fight climate change while others think it is better to learn to live with it.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Many are of the opinion that individuals should accept the reality of climate change rather than try to combat it. In my opinion, certain levels of acceptance are pragmatic but it is still important to take meaningful steps.

Those who argue a passive approach point to the ineffectual impact of individuals. The vast majority of problems related to climate change cannot be countered by individual action because they primarily involve corporations and governments. For example, companies that produce packaged foods, such as potato chips and instant noodles, create far more plastic waste and industrial pollution in one day than a single person will in their entire life. Governments can make a greater different by enacting regulations to ensure that the methods of production and materials employed are more environmentally friendly. It thus follows that the average person is justified resigning themselves to the facts of climate change and living in an area that is not especially affected.

However, the combined impact of individuals highlighting climate change will influence key policy decisions. The best examples of this are in European countries such as France and Denmark where green parties hold tremendous sway in government. Individuals empower these political parties not only by voting but also through protests and consumer decisions. Even governmental bodies that are not as eco-friendly must take the environment into account when passing laws. Furthermore, corporations are now cognizant of changes in consumer behavior. Massive conglomerates such as Starbucks frequently advertise their environmental policies. This has only happened because individuals have demanded these reforms.

In conclusion, the seemingly marginal impact of individuals belies their true influence over more powerful authorities. Concerned citizens should therefore continue to vocally curb the hastening of climate change.

Analysis

1. Many are of the opinion that individuals should accept the reality of climate change rather than try to combat it. 2. In my opinion, certain levels of acceptance are pragmatic but it is still important to take meaningful steps.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Those who argue a passive approach point to the ineffectual impact of individuals. 2. The vast majority of problems related to climate change cannot be countered by individual action because they primarily involve corporations and governments. 3. For example, companies that produce packaged foods, such as potato chips and instant noodles, create far more plastic waste and industrial pollution in one day than a single person will in their entire life. 4. Governments can make a greater different by enacting regulations to ensure that the methods of production and materials employed are more environmentally friendly. 5. It thus follows that the average person is justified resigning themselves to the facts of climate change and living in an area that is not especially affected.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it with specific examples.
4. Keep developing it fully.
5. Relate it back to the overall topic.

1. However, the combined impact of individuals highlighting climate change will influence key policy decisions. 2. The best examples of this are in European countries such as France and Denmark where green parties hold tremendous sway in government. 3. Individuals empower these political parties not only by voting but also through protests and consumer decisions. 4. Even governmental bodies that are not as eco-friendly must take the environment into account when passing laws. 5. Furthermore, corporations are now cognizant of changes in consumer behavior. 6. Massive conglomerates such as Starbucks frequently advertise their environmental policies. 7. This has only happened because individuals have demanded these reforms.

1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain your new main idea.
3. Include specific details and examples.
4. Continue developing it fully!
5. Vary short and long sentences.
6. Add in more detail and results.
7. The further you extend your ideas, the better.

1. In conclusion, the seemingly marginal impact of individuals belies their true influence over more powerful authorities. 2. Concerned citizens should therefore continue to vocally curb the hastening of climate change.

1. Summarise your main ideas.
2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Many are of the opinion that individuals should accept the reality of climate change rather than try to combat it. In my opinion, certain levels of acceptance are pragmatic but it is still important to take meaningful steps.

Those who argue a passive approach point to the ineffectual impact of individuals. The vast majority of problems related to climate change cannot be countered by individual action because they primarily involve corporations and governments. For example, companies that produce packaged foods, such as potato chips and instant noodles, create far more plastic waste and industrial pollution in one day than a single person will in their entire life. Governments can make a greater different by enacting regulations to ensure that the methods of production and materials employed are more environmentally friendly. It thus follows that the average person is justified resigning themselves to the facts of climate change and living in an area that is not especially affected.

However, the combined impact of individuals highlighting climate change will influence key policy decisions. The best examples of this are in European countries such as France and Denmark where green parties hold tremendous sway in government. Individuals empower these political parties not only by voting but also through protests and consumer decisions. Even governmental bodies that are not as eco-friendly must take the environment into account when passing laws. Furthermore, corporations are now cognizant of changes in consumer behavior. Massive conglomerates such as Starbucks frequently advertise their environmental policies. This has only happened because individuals have demanded these reforms.

In conclusion, the seemingly marginal impact of individuals belies their true influence over more powerful authorities. Concerned citizens should therefore continue to vocally curb the hastening of climate change.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

of the opinion believe

accept admit

reality truth

climate change global warming

rather than instead of

combat fight against

certain levels some degree of

acceptance admitting

pragmatic practical

take meaningful steps do real actions

argue believe

passive approach not active way

point to argue about

ineffectual impact not much effect

vast majority most of

related to concerning

countered by fought by

primarily involve corporations mostly have to do with companies

packaged foods foods in plastic/boxes

instant noodles ramen

plastic waste bags, packaging, etc.

industrial pollution hurting the environment because of production

entire life whole life

enacting regulations passing laws

ensure make sure

methods of production means of making something

materials employed what is used to make it

environmentally friendly good for nature

it thus follows therefore it is logical

justified reasonable

resigning themselves giving up

facts truths

not especially affected not really hurt by

combined all together

highlighting focusing on

key policy decisions choices made by governments

green parties political groups desiring environmentally friendly policies

tremendous sway a lot of influence

empower given power

political parties Republicans, Democrats, etc.

voting casting ballots in an election

protests being an activist against

consumer decisions choice by buyers

governmental bodies government organizations

eco-friendly good for nature

take the environment into account consider nature

passing laws enacting legislation

furthermore moreover

cognizant aware of

consumer behavior choices by shoppers

massive conglomerates large companies

frequently advertise often publicize

policies laws, regulations

demanded asked for strongly

reforms changes

seemingly marginal impact apparently not much effect

belies undermines

true influence over actual power over

powerful authorities governments, companies

concerned citizens people who care about

vocally curb talk a lot about lessening

hastening speeding up

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ɒv ði əˈpɪnjən 
əkˈsɛpt 
ri(ː)ˈælɪti 
ˈklaɪmɪt ʧeɪnʤ 
ˈrɑːðə ðæn 
ˈkɒmbæt 
ˈsɜːtn ˈlɛvlz 
əkˈsɛptəns 
prægˈmætɪk 
teɪk ˈmiːnɪŋfʊl stɛps
ˈɑːgjuː 
ˈpæsɪv əˈprəʊʧ 
pɔɪnt tuː 
ˌɪnɪˈfɛktjʊəl ˈɪmpækt 
vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti 
rɪˈleɪtɪd tuː 
ˈkaʊntəd baɪ 
ˈpraɪmərɪli ɪnˈvɒlv ˌkɔːpəˈreɪʃənz 
ˈpækɪʤd fuːdz
ˈɪnstənt ˈnuːdlz
ˈplæstɪk weɪst 
ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl pəˈluːʃən 
ɪnˈtaɪə laɪf
ɪˈnæktɪŋ ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃənz 
ɪnˈʃʊə 
ˈmɛθədz ɒv prəˈdʌkʃən 
məˈtɪərɪəlz ɪmˈplɔɪd 
ɪnˌvaɪərənˈmɛntli ˈfrɛndli
ɪt ðʌs ˈfɒləʊz 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪd 
rɪˈzaɪnɪŋ ðəmˈsɛlvz 
fækts 
nɒt ɪsˈpɛʃəli əˈfɛktɪd
kəmˈbaɪnd 
ˈhaɪˌlaɪtɪŋ 
kiː ˈpɒlɪsi dɪˈsɪʒənz
griːn ˈpɑːtiz 
trɪˈmɛndəs sweɪ 
ɪmˈpaʊə 
pəˈlɪtɪkəl ˈpɑːtiz 
ˈvəʊtɪŋ 
ˈprəʊtɛsts 
kənˈsjuːmə dɪˈsɪʒənz
ˌgʌvənˈmɛntl ˈbɒdiz 
ˈiːkəʊ-ˈfrɛndli 
teɪk ði ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt ˈɪntuː əˈkaʊnt 
ˈpɑːsɪŋ lɔːz
ˈfɜːðəˈmɔː
ˈkɒgnɪzənt 
kənˈsjuːmə bɪˈheɪvjə
ˈmæsɪv kənˈglɒmərɪts 
ˈfriːkwəntli ˈædvətaɪz 
ˈpɒlɪsiz
dɪˈmɑːndɪd 
ˌriːˈfɔːmz
ˈsiːmɪŋli ˈmɑːʤɪnəl ˈɪmpækt 
bɪˈlaɪz 
truː ˈɪnflʊəns ˈəʊvə 
ˈpaʊəfʊl ɔːˈθɒrɪtiz
kənˈsɜːnd ˈsɪtɪznz 
ˈvəʊkəli kɜːb 
ˈheɪsnɪŋ 

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

Many are o_______________n that individuals should a_______t the r________y of c_______________e r_______________n try to c_________t it. In my opinion, c_______________s of a____________e are p___________c but it is still important to t__________________________s.

Those who a________e a p___________________h p__________o the i_____________________t of individuals. The v_______________y of problems r______________o climate change cannot be c_________________y individual action because they p_______________________________s and governments. For example, companies that produce p_____________________s, such as potato chips and i_________________s, create far more p______________e and i_________________________n in one day than a single person will in their e_____________e. Governments can make a greater different by e_____________________s to e__________e that the m_________________________n and m________________________d are more e_____________________________y. I________________________s that the average person is j_____________d r________________________s to the f_______s of climate change and living in an area that is n_________________________d.

However, the c___________d impact of individuals h______________g climate change will influence k____________________s. The best examples of this are in European countries such as France and Denmark where g______________s hold t____________________y in government. Individuals e__________r these p_________________s not only by v________g but also through p__________s and c________________________s. Even g____________________s that are not as e__________________y must t______________________________t when p____________________s. F______________e, corporations are now c_____________t of changes in c__________________r. M_____________________s such as Starbucks f______________________e their environmental p___________s. This has only happened because individuals have d___________d these r__________s.

In conclusion, the s_____________________t of individuals b_______s their t__________________________r more p_____________________s. C_____________________s should therefore continue to v_____________b the h_____________g of climate change.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/top-10-ways-can-stop-climate-change/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Environment

1. Why do people throw rubbish the streets?
2. How can people be encouraged to not litter?
3. What are the results of littering?
4. What steps has your government taken to make people pick up after themselves?
5. Do the efforts of a single person have an impact on the world as a whole?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Some think that climate change reforms will negatively affect business. Others feel they are an opportunity for businesses.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

IELTS Essay: Extinction

by Dave | Jul 5, 2021 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of extinction from the real IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Extinction

It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.

Do you agree or disagree?

Some today argue that humanity should not interfere with the extinction of other species. In my opinion, this was a more legitimate argument in the past, when mankind was not the primary driving force behind this phenomenon.

Throughout history, extinction has been part of natural selection and evolution. Creatures such as the dinosaurs disappeared due to a likely cataclysmic event, but in more recent history, less adaptable species have also gone extinct. Humanity, in these cases, played either no role or one commensurate with the rest of nature. This can be seen as necessary to the work of nature. Certain species develop and prosper, while other ones do not and perish. A modern, compassionate public might view this as inhumane, but the indifferent cruelty in nature has served the historic purpose of maintaining a healthy, thriving, and diverse ecosystem.

However, contemporary human dominance must be accompanied by a larger share of responsibility. Mankind is no longer one animal among many, but the dominant species whose actions affect the majority of other animals. The most pertinent examples of this relate to deforestation and climate change. In order to sustain booming populations, production has stripped bare sections of the earth, decimating natural habitats and plunging thousands of species to the brink of extinction. The causal role of human industry necessitates taking responsibility. Moreover, there are simple steps that could be taken to preserve species and curb the effects of human progress. If countries collectively committed to moderate conservation efforts, then the earth could be restored to a more natural equilibrium.

In conclusion, though humanity was not at fault for past extinctions, the current influence of industry means that we should now take responsibility for biological diversity. Once a species disappears, it will never return.

Analysis

1. Some today argue that humanity should not interfere with the extinction of other species. 2. In my opinion, this was a more legitimate argument in the past, when mankind was not the primary driving force behind this phenomenon.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Throughout history, extinction has been part of natural selection and evolution. 2. Creatures such as the dinosaurs disappeared due to a likely cataclysmic event, but in more recent history, less adaptable species have also gone extinct. 3. Humanity, in these cases, played either no role or one commensurate with the rest of nature. 4. This can be seen as necessary to the work of nature. 5. Certain species develop and prosper, while other ones do not and perish. 6. A modern, compassionate public might view this as inhumane, but the indifferent cruelty in nature has served the historic purpose of maintaining a healthy, thriving, and diverse ecosystem.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it with specific examples.
4. Keep developing it fully.
5. Stay focused on the same main idea.
6. Conclude with a strong statement.

1. However, contemporary human dominance must be accompanied by a larger share of responsibility. 2. Mankind is no longer one animal among many, but the dominant species whose actions affect the majority of other animals. 3. The most pertinent examples of this relate to deforestation and climate change. 4. In order to sustain booming populations, production has stripped bare sections of the earth, decimating natural habitats and plunging thousands of species to the brink of extinction. 5. The causal role of human industry necessitates taking responsibility. 6. Moreover, there are simple steps that could be taken to preserve species and curb the effects of human progress. 7. If countries collectively committed to moderate conservation efforts, then the earth could be restored to a more natural equilibrium.

1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain your new main idea.
3. Include specific details and examples.
4. Continue developing it fully!
5. Vary short and long sentences.
6. Add in more detail and results.
7. The further you extend your ideas, the better.

1. In conclusion, though humanity was not at fault for past extinctions, the current influence of industry means that we should now take responsibility for biological diversity. 2. Once a species disappears, it will never return.

1. Summarise your main ideas.
2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Some today argue that humanity should not interfere with the extinction of other species. In my opinion, this was a more legitimate argument in the past, when mankind was not the primary driving force behind this phenomenon.

Throughout history, extinction has been part of natural selection and evolution. Creatures such as the dinosaurs disappeared due to a likely cataclysmic event, but in more recent history, less adaptable species have also gone extinct. Humanity, in these cases, played either no role or one commensurate with the rest of nature. This can be seen as necessary to the work of nature. Certain species develop and prosper, while other ones do not and perish. A modern, compassionate public might view this as inhumane, but the indifferent cruelty in nature has served the historic purpose of maintaining a healthy, thriving, and diverse ecosystem.

However, contemporary human dominance must be accompanied by a larger share of responsibility. Mankind is no longer one animal among many, but the dominant species whose actions affect the majority of other animals. The most pertinent examples of this relate to deforestation and climate change. In order to sustain booming populations, production has stripped bare sections of the earth, decimating natural habitats and plunging thousands of species to the brink of extinction. The causal role of human industry necessitates taking responsibility. Moreover, there are simple steps that could be taken to preserve species and curb the effects of human progress. If countries collectively committed to moderate conservation efforts, then the earth could be restored to a more natural equilibrium.

In conclusion, though humanity was not at fault for past extinctions, the current influence of industry means that we should now take responsibility for biological diversity. Once a species disappears, it will never return.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

humanity mankind

interfere get in the way of

extinction an animal species completely disappearing

species kind of animal

legitimate argument justified ideas

mankind humanity

primary driving force behind main source of

phenomenon happening

throughout all the way through

natural selection the way animals evolve

evolution how animals change over time

disappeared gone away

due to a likely because of probably

cataclysmic event big problem

in more recent history in the last few decades or so

less adaptable not as flexible

gone extinct completely gone

in these cases in these instances

played either no role had no effect in it

commensurate equal to

rest of nature all other plants and animals

necessary needed

develop change over time

prosper flourish

perish die out

modern new

compassionate public caring people

view opinion

inhumane cruel

indifferent cruelty not caring and mean

served did its part

historic purpose reason throughout history/the past

maintaining keeping up

thriving flourishing

diverse ecosystem lots of different plants and animals

contemporary human dominance recent era of mankind ruling

accompanied by along with

larger share of responsibility more duty

no longer not anymore

dominant most powerful

majority most of

pertinent relevant

relate to have to do with

deforestation cutting down forests

climate change global warming

sustain booming populations feed more and more people

stripped bare everything taken away

sections of the earth parts of the world

decimating natural habitats destroying animal homes

plunging thousands of species making many animals disappear

brink of extinction nearly gone

causal role the one that made it happen

necessitates requires

simple steps basic actions

preserve species keep animals live

curb the effects of human progress limit the impact of mankind

collectively committed altogether decided to

moderate conservation efforts minor changes to policies

restored to brought back to

more natural equilibrium more equal and balanced

at fault their responsibility

biological diversity different kinds of plants and animals

return come back

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

hju(ː)ˈmænɪti 
ˌɪntəˈfɪə 
ɪksˈtɪŋkʃən 
ˈspiːʃiːz
lɪˈʤɪtɪmɪt ˈɑːgjʊmənt 
mænˈkaɪnd 
ˈpraɪməri ˈdraɪvɪŋ fɔːs bɪˈhaɪnd 
fɪˈnɒmɪnən
θru(ː)ˈaʊt 
ˈnæʧrəl sɪˈlɛkʃən 
ˌiːvəˈluːʃən
ˌdɪsəˈpɪəd 
djuː tuː ə ˈlaɪkli 
ˌkætəˈklɪzmɪk ɪˈvɛnt
ɪn mɔː ˈriːsnt ˈhɪstəri
lɛs əˈdæptəbl 
gɒn ɪksˈtɪŋkt
ɪn ðiːz ˈkeɪsɪz
pleɪd ˈaɪðə nəʊ rəʊl 
kəˈmɛnʃərɪt 
rɛst ɒv ˈneɪʧə
ˈnɛsɪsəri 
dɪˈvɛləp 
ˈprɒspə
ˈpɛrɪʃ
ˈmɒdən
kəmˈpæʃənɪt ˈpʌblɪk 
vjuː 
ˌɪnhju(ː)ˈmeɪn
ɪnˈdɪfrənt ˈkru(ː)əlti 
sɜːvd 
hɪsˈtɒrɪk ˈpɜːpəs 
meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ 
ˈθraɪvɪŋ
daɪˈvɜːs ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm
kənˈtɛmpərəri ˈhjuːmən ˈdɒmɪnəns 
əˈkʌmpənid baɪ 
ˈlɑːʤə ʃeər ɒv rɪsˌpɒnsəˈbɪlɪti
nəʊ ˈlɒŋgə 
ˈdɒmɪnənt 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈpɜːtɪnənt 
rɪˈleɪt tuː 
dɪˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃ(ə)n 
ˈklaɪmɪt ʧeɪnʤ
səsˈteɪn ˈbuːmɪŋ ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃənz
strɪpt beə 
ˈsɛkʃənz ɒv ði ɜːθ
ˈdɛsɪmeɪtɪŋ ˈnæʧrəl ˈhæbɪtæts 
ˈplʌnʤɪŋ ˈθaʊzəndz ɒv ˈspiːʃiːz 
brɪŋk ɒv ɪksˈtɪŋkʃən
ˈkɔːzəl rəʊl 
nɪˈsɛsɪteɪts 
ˈsɪmpl stɛps 
prɪˈzɜːv ˈspiːʃiːz 
kɜːb ði ɪˈfɛkts ɒv ˈhjuːmən ˈprəʊgrəs
kɒˈlɛktɪvli kəˈmɪtɪd 
ˈmɒdərɪt ˌkɒnsə(ː)ˈveɪʃən ˈɛfəts
rɪsˈtɔːd tuː 
mɔː ˈnæʧrəl ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbrɪəm
æt fɔːlt 
ˌbaɪəʊˈlɒʤɪkəl daɪˈvɜːsɪti
rɪˈtɜːn

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

Some today argue that h______________y should not i_______________e with the e____________n of other s___________s. In my opinion, this was a more l______________________t in the past, when m___________d was not the p______________________________d this p_______________n.

T_______________t history, extinction has been part of n_______________n and e______________n. Creatures such as the dinosaurs d__________________________y c___________________t, but i______________________y, l___________________e species have also g___________________t. Humanity, i__________________s, p_____________________e or one c________________e with the r_______________e. This can be seen as n______________y to the work of nature. Certain species d___________p and p___________r, while other ones do not and p_________h. A m____________n, c____________________________c might v______w this as i___________e, but the i____________________y in nature has s________d the h__________________e of m______________g a healthy, t____________g, and d___________________m.

However, c_________________________________e must be a__________________y a l_____________________________y. Mankind is n____________r one animal among many, but the d_____________t species whose actions affect the m___________y of other animals. The most p_______________t examples of this r__________________________n and c__________________e. In order to s_________________________________s, production has s______________________________________h, d_________________________s and p____________________________s to the b__________________n. The c____________e of human industry n_______________s taking responsibility. Moreover, there are s_________________s that could be taken to p__________________s and c_________________________________s. If countries c_____________________d to m_________________________s, then the earth could be r_____________o a m__________________________m.

In conclusion, though humanity was not a__________t for past extinctions, the current influence of industry means that we should now take responsibility for b____________________y. Once a species disappears, it will never r________n.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Wildlife

1. Have you ever seen a wild animal?
2. What is your favourite wild animal?
3. How do you feel when you see animals at the zoo?
4. What is the importance of animals to children?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.