Pollution and environmental damage are inevitable as a country becomes richer and more developed.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Pollution and environmental damage are inevitable as a country becomes richer and more developed.

Pollution and Environmental Damage Inevitable in Richer Countries - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7.5 ยท 280 words.

In today's rapidly polluting world, there are certain views as to whether environmental damage is inevitable as a country develops or not. While some people argue that environmental damage is inevitable, I strongly disagree and believe that sustainable development is fully possible.

Without a doubt, environmental damage is not an inevitable outcome of economic development. When governments prioritise sustainable policies and invest in clean technologies, they are able to reduce pollution levels, thereby protecting natural resources while still achieving economic growth. As a result, countries can develop in an environmentally responsible manner, which ensures long-term sustainability and improved quality of life. A good case in point is my home country, Uzbekistan, where increasing attention to environmental reforms and renewable energy projects is helping to address challenges linked to the Aral Sea crisis.

Without a doubt, rising national wealth enables countries to actively reverse environmental degradation rather than merely limit it. Once economies reach higher income levels, governments and private sectors can allocate substantial funding to innovation and environmental protection, which leads to the widespread adoption of renewable energy and efficient technologies. As a result, pollution levels begin to decline, which demonstrates that economic prosperity can coexist with ecological sustainability. This is particularly important for developing nations, where balancing economic growth with environmental protection is essential to ensure long-term stability and a higher quality of life.

In conclusion, I strongly disagree that pollution and environmental damage are inevitable consequences of economic development. Although environmental degradation may occur in the early stages of growth, it is neither unavoidable nor irreversible. With effective government policies, technological innovation, and increased environmental awareness, countries can achieve sustainable development while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Examiner feedback

This is a very strong essay that demonstrates high-level control of language and clear organization. The candidate presents a sophisticated argument with excellent lexical range and grammatical precision. To move to the highest bands, the candidate should vary their cohesive devices and perhaps explore the complexities of the 'inevitable' claim more thoroughly.

Task Response - 7

- Addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position against the inevitability of pollution. - Main ideas are extended and supported, particularly through the mention of the Aral Sea crisis. - While the position is clear, the argument could be further nuanced by addressing the 'inevitability' aspect in the initial stages of development more deeply.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Information and ideas are logically organized with a clear progression from start to finish. - Cohesive devices are used appropriately, though there is a slight over-reliance on the phrase "Without a doubt" at the start of both body paragraphs. - Each paragraph presents a clear central topic that contributes to the overall argument.

Lexical Resource - 8

- Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently to convey precise meanings (e.g., 'sustainable development', 'economic prosperity', 'ecological sustainability'). - Shows good awareness of collocation and style with sophisticated phrasing. - Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- A wide range of structures is used with high levels of accuracy; most sentences are error-free. - Subordinate clauses and complex structures are handled naturally and effectively. - Punctuation is used correctly throughout, enhancing the readability of the text.

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