This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of international cooperation.

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IELTS Essay: The Main Benefit of International Cooperation

Some people think that the main benefit of international cooperation is in the protection of the environment, while others believe that businesses mainly benefit.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Many today argue that international collaboration mainly serves to benefit businesses while others feel there are greater advantages overall for the environment. I would side with the former viewpoint due to the concrete and tangible outcomes.

Proponents of the environmental benefits of international cooperation emphasize the global challenges now being met by collective action. Climate change, for instance, is a quintessential example of an issue transcending national borders. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which saw nearly 200 countries commit to limiting global temperature rise, illustrates how international cooperation tackles environmental crises. This agreement, borne out of multilateral negotiations, demonstrates how countries now work together to implement emission reduction targets, promote sustainable development, and support climate resilience efforts in vulnerable regions. These efforts along with various wildlife protection treaties, underscore the reality of cross-border efforts to conserve natural habitats and endangered species.

Conversely, the global economy is intricately linked through trade agreements, investment treaties, and multinational corporations. Free trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Union’s Single Market, demonstrate how countries collaborate to facilitate trade, reduce tariffs, and stimulate economic growth. These agreements benefit businesses by opening new markets, enhancing supply chain efficiencies, and fostering innovation. As a result, international business partnerships can drive technological and economic development. For instance, collaborations between tech giants and global firms enable the sharing of resources, knowledge, and technology, accelerating progress in various sectors, from information technology to renewable energy. Such partnerships illustrate how business interests have been a significant driver of international cooperation, with economic gains often translating into tangible improved living standards.

In conclusion, while international cooperation undoubtedly benefits both the environment and the business world, the latter, unfortunately, enjoys the greatest general advantages. Nonetheless, balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship is crucial for fostering a sustainable and equitable future.

Analysis

1. Many today argue that international collaboration mainly serves to benefit businesses while others feel there are greater advantages overall for the environment. 2. I would side with the former viewpoint due to the concrete and tangible outcomes.

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

1. Proponents of the environmental benefits of international cooperation emphasize the global challenges now being met by collective action. 2. Climate change, for instance, is a quintessential example of an issue transcending national borders. 3. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which saw nearly 200 countries commit to limiting global temperature rise, illustrates how international cooperation tackles environmental crises. 4. This agreement, borne out of multilateral negotiations, demonstrates how countries now work together to implement emission reduction targets, promote sustainable development, and support climate resilience efforts in vulnerable regions. 5. These efforts along with various wildlife protection treaties, underscore the reality of cross-border efforts to conserve natural habitats and endangered species.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
4. Keep developing it fully.
5. Better to have more detail.

1. Conversely, the global economy is intricately linked through trade agreements, investment treaties, and multinational corporations. 2. Free trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Union’s Single Market, demonstrate how countries collaborate to facilitate trade, reduce tariffs, and stimulate economic growth. 3. These agreements benefit businesses by opening new markets, enhancing supply chain efficiencies, and fostering innovation. 4. As a result, international business partnerships can drive technological and economic development. For instance, collaborations between tech giants and global firms enable the sharing of resources, knowledge, and technology, accelerating progress in various sectors, from information technology to renewable energy. 5. Such partnerships illustrate how business interests have been a significant driver of international cooperation, with economic gains often translating into tangible improved living standards.

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. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
5. This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.

1. In conclusion, while international cooperation undoubtedly benefits both the environment and the business world, the latter, unfortunately, enjoys the greatest general advantages. 2. Nonetheless, balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship is crucial for fostering a sustainable and equitable future.

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 today argue that international collaboration mainly serves to benefit businesses while others feel there are greater advantages overall for the environment. I would side with the former viewpoint due to the concrete and tangible outcomes.

Proponents of the environmental benefits of international cooperation emphasize the global challenges now being met by collective action. Climate change, for instance, is a quintessential example of an issue transcending national borders. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which saw nearly 200 countries commit to limiting global temperature rise, illustrates how international cooperation tackles environmental crises. This agreement, borne out of multilateral negotiations, demonstrates how countries now work together to implement emission reduction targets, promote sustainable development, and support climate resilience efforts in vulnerable regions. These efforts along with various wildlife protection treaties, underscore the reality of cross-border efforts to conserve natural habitats and endangered species.

Conversely, the global economy is intricately linked through trade agreements, investment treaties, and multinational corporations. Free trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Union’s Single Market, demonstrate how countries collaborate to facilitate trade, reduce tariffs, and stimulate economic growth. These agreements benefit businesses by opening new markets, enhancing supply chain efficiencies, and fostering innovation. As a result, international business partnerships can drive technological and economic development. For instance, collaborations between tech giants and global firms enable the sharing of resources, knowledge, and technology, accelerating progress in various sectors, from information technology to renewable energy. Such partnerships illustrate how business interests have been a significant driver of international cooperation, with economic gains often translating into tangible improved living standards.

In conclusion, while international cooperation undoubtedly benefits both the environment and the business world, the latter, unfortunately, enjoys the greatest general advantages. Nonetheless, balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship is crucial for fostering a sustainable and equitable future.

Answers

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

1. International collaboration mainly serves to benefit businesses while others feel there are greater advantages overall for the environment.
   International collaboration primarily aims to benefit enterprises, while others perceive greater overall advantages for the environment.
2. I would side with the former viewpoint due to concrete and tangible outcomes.
   I lean toward the former perspective due to clear and measurable results.
3. Proponents of the environmental benefits of international cooperation emphasize global challenges now being met by collective action.
   Advocates of the ecological advantages of global cooperation highlight that collective action is now addressing worldwide challenges.
4. A quintessential example of an issue transcending national borders.
   A prime illustration of an issue that surpasses national boundaries.
5. Commit to limiting global temperature rise.
   Commit to restricting the increase in global temperatures.
6. Tackles environmental crises.
   Addresses environmental emergencies.
7. Borne out of multilateral negotiations.
   Arising from multilateral discussions.
8. Implement emission reduction targets.
   Establish emission reduction goals.
9. Promote sustainable development.
   Encourage sustainable growth.
10. Support climate resilience efforts in vulnerable regions.
    Aid climate resilience initiatives in at-risk areas.
11. Along with various wildlife protection treaties.
    In conjunction with various wildlife conservation agreements.
12. Underscore the reality of cross-border efforts to conserve natural habitats and endangered species.
    Highlight the truth of transnational efforts to protect natural environments and endangered species.
13. Conversely.
    On the other hand,
14. The global economy.
    The worldwide economy.
15. Intricately linked through trade agreements.
    Closely interconnected through trade agreements.
16. Investment treaties.
    Investment pacts.
17. Multinational corporations.
    Global enterprises.
18. Facilitate trade.
    Promote commerce.
19. Reduce tariffs.
    Lower tariffs.
20. Stimulate economic growth.
    Boost economic expansion.
21. Opening new markets.
    Opening fresh markets.
22. Enhancing supply chain efficiencies.
    Improving supply chain efficiency.
23. Fostering innovation.
    Encouraging innovation.
24. As a result.
    Consequently,
25. International business partnerships.
    Global business alliances.
26. Drive technological and economic development.
    Propel technological and economic advancement.
27. Tech giants.
    Technology giants.
28. Global firms.
    International companies.
29. Sharing of resources.
    Resource sharing.
30. Accelerating progress in various sectors.
    Speeding up progress across diverse sectors.
31. From information technology to renewable energy.
    From information technology to renewable energy.
32. Business interests.
    Business motivations.
33. Significant driver of international cooperation.
    A significant force behind international collaboration.
34. Economic gains often translating into tangible improved living standards.
    Economic benefits frequently lead to noticeable improvements in living standards.
35. Undoubtedly.
    Undeniably,
36. The latter.
    The latter perspective.
37. Unfortunately.
    Regrettably,
38. Enjoys the greatest general advantages.
    Reaps the most substantial overall benefits.
39. Nonetheless.
    Nevertheless,
40. Balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship is crucial for fostering a sustainable and equitable future.
    Balancing economic goals with environmental responsibility is vital for cultivating a sustainable and just future.

Pronunciation

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

ˌɪntəˈnæʃᵊnᵊl kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃᵊn ˈmeɪnli sɜːvz tuː ˈbɛnɪfɪt ˈbɪznɪsɪz waɪl ˈʌðəz fiːl ðeə

ˈɡreɪtər ədˈvɑːntɪʤɪz ˌəʊvəˈrɔːl fɔː ði ɪnˈvaɪrᵊnmənt

aɪ wʊd saɪd wɪð ðə ˈfɔːmə ˈvjuːpɔɪnt djuː tuː

ˈkɒŋkriːt ænd ˈtænʤəbᵊl ˈaʊtkʌmz

prəˈpəʊnənts ɒv ði ɪnˌvaɪrᵊnˈmɛntᵊl ˈbɛnɪfɪts ɒv ˌɪntəˈnæʃᵊnᵊl kəʊˌɒpᵊrˈeɪʃᵊn ˈɛmfəsaɪz

ˈɡləʊbᵊl ˈʧælɪnʤɪz naʊ ˈbiːɪŋ mɛt baɪ kəˈlɛktɪv ˈækʃᵊn

ə ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃᵊl ɪɡˈzɑːmpᵊl ɒv

ˈɪʃuː trænˈsɛndɪŋ ˈnæʃᵊnᵊl ˈbɔːdəz

kəˈmɪt tuː ˈlɪmɪtɪŋ ˈɡləʊbᵊl ˈtɛmprəʧə raɪz

ˈtækᵊlz ɪnˌvaɪrᵊnˈmɛntᵊl ˈkraɪsiːz

bɔːn aʊt ɒv ˌmʌltɪˈlætᵊrᵊl nəˌɡəʊʃiˈeɪʃᵊnz

ˈɪmplɪmənt ɪˈmɪʃᵊn rɪˈdʌkʃᵊn ˈtɑːɡɪts

prəˈməʊt səˈsteɪnəbᵊl dɪˈvɛləpmənt

səˈpɔːt ˈklaɪmət rɪˈzɪliəns ˈɛfəts ɪn ˈvʌlnᵊrəbᵊl ˈriːʤᵊnz

əˈlɒŋ wɪð ˈveəriəs ˈwaɪldlaɪf prəˈtɛkʃᵊn ˈtriːtiz

ˌʌndəˈskɔː ðə riˈæləti ɒv krɒs-ˈbɔːdər ˈɛfəts tuː kənˈsɜːv ˈnæʧᵊrᵊl ˈhæbɪtæts ænd ɪnˈdeɪnʤəd ˈspiːʃiːz

ˈkɒnvɜːsli

ðə ˈɡləʊbᵊl ɪˈkɒnəmi

ˈɪntrɪkɪtli lɪŋkt θruː treɪd əˈɡriːmənts

ɪnˈvɛstmənt ˈtriːtiz

ˌmʌltɪˈnæʃᵊnᵊl ˌkɔːpᵊrˈeɪʃᵊnz

fəˈsɪlɪteɪt treɪd

rɪˈdjuːs ˈtærɪfs

ˈstɪmjəleɪt ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ

ˈəʊpᵊnɪŋ njuː ˈmɑːkɪts

ɪnˈhɑːnsɪŋ səˈplaɪ ʧeɪn ɪˈfɪʃᵊnsiz

ˈfɒstərɪŋ ˌɪnəˈveɪʃᵊn

æz ə rɪˈzʌlt

ˌɪntəˈnæʃᵊnᵊl ˈbɪznɪs ˈpɑːtnəʃɪps

draɪv ˌtɛknəˈlɒʤɪkᵊl ænd ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈvɛləpmənt

tɛk ˈʤaɪᵊnts

ˈɡləʊbᵊl fɜːmz

ˈʃeərɪŋ ɒv rɪˈzɔːsɪz

əkˈsɛləreɪtɪŋ ˈprəʊɡrɛs ɪn ˈveəriəs ˈsɛktəz

frɒm ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃᵊn tɛkˈnɒləʤi tuː rɪˈnjuːəbᵊl ˈɛnəʤi

ˈbɪznɪs ˈɪntrɛsts

sɪɡˈnɪfɪkᵊnt ˈdraɪvər ɒv ˌɪntəˈnæʃᵊnᵊl kəʊˌɒpᵊrˈeɪʃᵊn

ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡeɪnz ˈɒfᵊn trænzˈleɪtɪŋ ˈɪntuː ˈtænʤəbᵊl ɪmˈpruːvd ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈstændədz

ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli

ðə ˈlætə

ʌnˈfɔːʧᵊnətli

ɪnˈʤɔɪz ðə ˈɡreɪtɪst ˈʤɛnᵊrᵊl ədˈvɑːntɪʤɪz

ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs

ˈbælᵊnsɪŋ ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈɪntrɛsts wɪð ɪnˌvaɪrᵊnˈmɛntᵊl ˈstjuːədʃɪp ɪz ˈkruːʃᵊl fɔː ˈfɒstərɪŋ

səˈsteɪnəbᵊl ænd ˈɛkwɪtəbᵊl ˈfjuːʧə

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 today argue that i________________________________________s to benefit businesses while others feel there are g_________________________________________________t. I__________________________________________o the c_____________________________________s.

P________________________________________________________________________________e the g_____________________________________________________________n. Climate change, for instance, is a_________________________f an i___________________________________s. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which saw nearly 200 countries c__________________________________e, illustrates how international cooperation t______________________s. This agreement, b__________________________________s, demonstrates how countries now work together to i__________________________________s, p_________________________t, and s___________________________________________________s. These efforts a_______________________________s, u_______________________________________________________________________________s.

C____________y, t__________________y is i__________________________________________s, i____________________s, and m______________________________s. Free trade agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the European Union’s Single Market, demonstrate how countries collaborate to f________________e, r_______________s, and s______________________________h. These agreements benefit businesses by o__________________s, e_______________________________s, and f__________________n. A___________t, i__________________________________s can d____________________________________________t. For instance, collaborations between t________s and g__________s enable the sh_____________s, knowledge, and technology, a______________________________________s, f_______________________________________y. Such partnerships illustrate how b_______________s have been a s________________________________________________________n, with e________________________________________________s.

In conclusion, while international cooperation u___________y benefits both the environment and the business world, t________r, u_____________y, e______________________________________s. N_________s, b____________________________________________________________g a s___________________________e.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

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

https://www.un.org/en/whyitmatters/

Speaking Practice

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

Working With People (IELTS Speaking Part 3)

Question 1: What kinds of people do you like to work with?

Question 2: What matters most about a colleague’s personality?

Question 3: Which one is more important to you at work, development in work related skills or the recognition from your supervisors?

Question 4: Do you think managers can be friends with their subordinates?

Question 5: Why should children be kind to their classmates?

Question 6: Can children choose their desk mate?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related topic:

Some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: An International Language (Real IELTS Exam/Test)