Some people say that economic growth is the only way to end hunger and poverty, while others say that economic growth is damaging the environment so it should be stopped. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Response

1

Many people believe economic development is the only solution to end hunger and poverty, while others think that economic growth should be stopped due to the harmful effects it has on the environment. In this essay, I will examine both arguments and then give my personal opinion.

2

It is true that economic growth has taken a heavy toll on the environment. Firstly, the ever increasing demand for industrial development has led to the construction of more factories and manufacturing facilities, which has significantly raised the volume of atmospheric greenhouse gases, which are considered to be the main culprit behind global warming. Furthermore, human activities, such as clearing forests for farming, are directly responsible for the destruction of habitats for many wild plants and animalsthe loss of natural habitats for many wild plants and animals, pushing these species to the verge of extinction. This, together with the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, poses serious threats to human survivalthe survival of mankind, especially given today’s rapidly growing populationespecially with today’s rapidly increasing population.

3

However, trying to stop the economy from developing because of these drawbacksdeveloping, due to the drawbacks, is not a rational approach, for economic growth is still the most effective measure to tackle poverty and hunger. A healthy economy will create more employment opportunities for those who come from underprivileged backgrounds, and thus ensure a stable income for themensure stable income for these people. Therefore, they will be able to earn enough money to cover basic living expenses. In additionBesides this, economic growth also plays a crucial rolehas a crucial role to play in the fight against hunger. With a larger budgeta more generous budget to invest in agricultural development, for example, governments can invest in modern machinery to automate the labour-intensive processes of growing and harvesting crops. Such a boost in productivity will increase food production and eventually put an end to hunger.

4

In conclusion, it is understandable why many people believe that economic growth should be stopped to protect our environment; however,environment, however, I think governments should not relythe government should not rely on such a desperate measure because the benefits brought about by economic growth, particularly in the fight against poverty and hungernot only in the fight against poverty and hunger, are far more significant than the drawbacks.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.0

The response is strongest in its balanced, clearly reasoned discussion of environmental harm and the role of growth in reducing poverty and hunger, supported by relevant causal examples. Its main limitation is occasional awkwardness in long sentences and a somewhat formulaic use of linking expressions. The highest-priority improvement is to streamline complex sentences and express the final comparison more precisely, preserving the strong argument while improving grammatical control and natural flow.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

8.0
Scoring rule

Both views are examined in depth, and the writer's clear opinion is supported by relevant explanations of employment and agricultural productivity.

Next step

Make the final position even more precise by directly acknowledging how environmental safeguards could accompany continued growth.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

7.5
Scoring rule

The response progresses clearly through the two views, although some connectors are formulaic and a few long sentences carry too many linked ideas.

Next step

Use fewer overt sequencing phrases and divide the most heavily coordinated sentences to create a more natural flow.

LR

Lexical Resource

8.0
Scoring rule

A wide, topic-specific vocabulary communicates complex ideas precisely, with only occasional awkward choices such as volume of atmospheric greenhouse gases.

Next step

Refine the few imprecise collocations by choosing terms such as greenhouse-gas emissions or atmospheric concentration.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.5
Scoring rule

Complex structures are frequent and generally well controlled, but punctuation and clause construction become unreliable in a few extended sentences.

Next step

Correct comma splices and simplify the concluding sentence so each clause has a clear grammatical relationship.

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IELTS Writing Task 2

Some people say that economic growth is the only way to end hunger and poverty, while others say that economic growth is damaging the environment so it should be stopped. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Your response

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