Faced with the stark reality of continuously rising global temperatures, many countries are vigorously promoting carbon taxes and emissions trading systems, attempting to use economic levers to force businesses and individuals to reduce fossil fuel consumption. However, critics argue that such market-based mitigation measures essentially sell the "right to pollute" to the highest bidder, not only allowing affluent groups to maintain high-carbon lifestyles but also potentially exacerbating social inequality. Meanwhile, other experts contend that only technological breakthroughs—such as carbon capture and storage or nuclear fusion—can fundamentally resolve the climate crisis, and that merely restricting consumption will only slow economic development and hinder poverty alleviation efforts in disadvantaged regions. In your view, when it comes to addressing climate change, should the core approach prioritize economic penalties and behavioral constraints, or should resources be channeled into technological innovation? Please state your clear position, supported by specific reasons and concrete examples.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Band Descriptors
Task Response: Address all parts of the task, present a clear position, support ideas with evidence
Coherence and Cohesion: Logical paragraphing, clear progression, appropriate linking devices
Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary, accurate and natural collocations
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Variety of sentence structures, error-free grammar
Overall band score is 0-9, each criterion weighted equally.
Answering Tips
Spend 5 minutes planning your position and main arguments
Use the structure: Introduction - Body 1 - Body 2 - Concession - Conclusion
Develop each body paragraph with: topic sentence + explanation + example + summary
Use a variety of linking words, avoid repetition
Reserve 5 minutes at the end to check grammar and spelling