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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Many people believe that companies and individuals should pay to clean up the environment in proportion to the amount of pollution they have produced. To what extent to you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Many people believe that companies and individuals should pay to clean up the environment in proportion to the amount of pollution they have produced. To what extent to you agree or disagree?

In today's society, there is a growing concern about the impact of pollution on the environment. Some individuals argue that companies and individuals should be responsible for cleaning up the environment based on the amount of pollution they have produced. In my opinion, I strongly agree with this viewpoint, and I believe that this approach can effectively incentivize responsible environmental behavior and contribute to a healthier planet.

Firstly, holding companies and individuals accountable for the pollution they produce can serve as a powerful deterrent against harmful environmental practices. For example, if a manufacturing company is required to pay for the cleanup of a polluted river that resulted from its industrial waste, it would have a strong incentive to invest in cleaner production methods and waste management systems to avoid future financial liabilities. This, in turn, would lead to a reduction in pollution levels and a healthier environment.

Moreover, implementing a proportional payment system for environmental cleanup can help fund restoration projects and initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of pollution. For instance, the funds collected from companies and individuals could be allocated to reforestation efforts, wildlife conservation programs, or the development of eco-friendly technologies. This would not only address the immediate environmental damage but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.

Furthermore, linking cleanup costs to the amount of pollution produced promotes the principle of environmental responsibility. By internalizing the external costs of pollution, companies and individuals are compelled to consider the environmental impact of their actions. This can lead to a shift towards greener practices and the adoption of sustainable business models, ultimately reducing the overall burden on the environment.

In conclusion, I believe that companies and individuals should be held financially accountable for the pollution they generate. This approach can serve as a powerful incentive for environmentally responsible behavior, provide funding for environmental restoration, and promote a shift towards sustainable practices. By adopting this proportional payment system, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.

Model Essay #2:

Many people believe that companies and individuals should pay to clean up the environment in proportion to the amount of pollution they have produced. To what extent to you agree or disagree?

In today's world, there is an ongoing debate about the responsibility of companies and individuals in cleaning up the environment in relation to the pollution they have generated. While some argue that they should pay in proportion to the amount of pollution produced, I take the stance that this approach may not be entirely practical or fair. In the following paragraphs, I will outline the reasons for my disagreement with this viewpoint.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that attributing environmental cleanup costs solely based on the amount of pollution produced may disproportionately burden certain industries or individuals. For example, small-scale businesses or low-income households may not have the financial means to cover extensive cleanup expenses, even if their pollution levels are comparatively lower. Placing a strict financial burden on them could lead to economic hardships and hinder their ability to make necessary changes for environmental improvement.

Furthermore, the implementation of a proportional payment system for environmental cleanup could create a complex and bureaucratic process. Calculating the exact amount of pollution attributed to each entity and determining the corresponding cleanup costs would require extensive monitoring and assessment, which may not be feasible in practice. This could result in administrative inefficiencies and potential disputes, ultimately delaying or hindering the actual cleanup efforts.

Moreover, there is a risk that focusing solely on financial penalties for pollution could overshadow the importance of prevention and sustainable practices. Instead of solely penalizing pollution after it has occurred, it would be more beneficial to incentivize proactive measures to reduce emissions, promote recycling, and invest in environmentally friendly technologies. This approach can lead to long-term environmental benefits while avoiding the challenges associated with retroactive cleanup payments.

In conclusion, while it is essential to address environmental pollution, I believe that a proportional payment system for cleanup may not be the most effective or equitable solution. Rather than emphasizing financial penalties, it is crucial to promote a holistic approach that encourages sustainable practices, supports those with limited resources, and prioritizes proactive measures to prevent pollution. By focusing on prevention and broader environmental stewardship, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier planet for all.

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