IELTS Agree or Disagree Essay: Environment Topics with Sample Answers

In the Academic IELTS Writing Task 2, environment-related essay topics are quite common and often focus on global challenges and sustainability. Candidates may be asked to discuss issues such as climate change, pollution control, deforestation, renewable energy, conservation of biodiversity, or the responsibility of governments versus individuals in protecting the planet. These topics test a student’s ability to present logical arguments, propose solutions, and support ideas with relevant examples. Preparing vocabulary and ideas around these subtopics can greatly improve confidence and performance on test day.Find useful IELTS vocabulary for Environment here.

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Essay Topics

Topic 1: Do Governments Spend Too Much on Wildlife Protection? Agree or Disagree
Topic 2: Is Raising Petrol Prices the Best Way to Reduce Traffic and Pollution?

Task 1It is often said that governments spend too much money on projects to protect wildlife, while there are other problems that are more important. Do you agree or disagree?

How to approach the essay:

To approach this essay, first decide whether you agree or disagree with the claim that governments spend too much on wildlife protection.

Arguments for Wildlife Protection	Arguments for Prioritizing Other Issues
• Wildlife is essential for maintaining ecological balance • Human activities (e.g., poaching, deforestation) threaten species like the Asian tiger • Protecting biodiversity ensures long-term food security and climate stability	• Immediate concerns like unemployment and infrastructure need funding • Economic development is crucial for supporting growing populations • However, neglecting wildlife will worsen future environmental and economic problems

Model AnswerPeople’s opinions differ regarding whether governments allocate excessive funds to wildlife protection, particularly when more pressing issues demand their attention. While there are strong arguments for focusing on other priorities, I firmly believe that the loss of biodiversity and animal life is a major concern, and governments have a clear responsibility to take action on this issue.

The main reason for supporting more government spending on wildlife protection lies in the integral role that wildlife plays in maintaining our delicately balanced ecosystem. Sadly, many animal species are on the brink of extinction due to human activities such as poaching, habitat destruction from deforestation, and disruptions in the food chain. A clear example is the alarming decline in Asian tiger populations. Governments must intensify their efforts to safeguard such endangered species to preserve the planet’s biodiversity.

However, some argue that government funds should be focused on more immediate concerns, such as reducing unemployment or upgrading infrastructure to support growing populations. While these issues are undeniably important, I believe they should not overshadow the need to protect wildlife. Neglecting wildlife conservation now will only worsen environmental problems, which will, in turn, lead to even greater economic and social challenges in the future. By safeguarding biodiversity today, governments are also investing in the long-term stability of ecosystems that support all aspects of human life, from food security to climate resilience.

In conclusion, although it is understandable that governments face numerous pressing economic challenges, such as unemployment and infrastructure development, the protection of wildlife must remain a top priority. The degradation of ecosystems and the extinction of species will have far-reaching consequences, not just for the environment but for human societies as well if not tackled.

Essay Question:

It is often said that governments spend too much money on projects to protect wildlife, while there are other problems that are more important. Do you agree or disagree?

Introduction

Clarity: The topic is introduced clearly. The writer presents the issue of government spending on wildlife protection, contrasting it with other pressing issues.
Thesis: The writer clearly expresses their stance, disagreeing with the view that wildlife protection is a less important priority. The thesis is well-defined: the loss of biodiversity is a major concern that needs government action.

Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
Pros (Body Paragraph 1):

• Wildlife is vital for ecosystems.
• Many species face extinction due to human activities.
• Example: Decline in Asian tiger populations.
• Governments must protect endangered species for biodiversity.

Cons (Body Paragraph 2):

• Some argue funds should address immediate issues like unemployment or infrastructure.
• These concerns are important but shouldn’t overshadow wildlife protection.
• Ignoring wildlife conservation will worsen environmental and economic problems.
• Protecting biodiversity ensures long-term stability.

Coherence: The essay is well-organized, with clear arguments for wildlife protection in the first body paragraph and a strong counter-argument in the second. Transitions between ideas are smooth.

Conclusion

Summary: The conclusion effectively restates the writer’s opinion that wildlife protection should be a top priority. It reminds the reader of the far-reaching consequences of neglecting biodiversity, emphasizing the long-term impact on both the environment and human societies.

Vocabulary & Grammar

High-Level Vocabulary:

• Excessive (over the necessary amount),
• Delicately balanced (fragile or sensitive balance),
• Biodiversity (the variety of life in the world or a particular habitat),
• Extinction (the state of a species no longer existing),
• Resilience (the ability to recover or adapt to challenges).

Academic Phrases:

• “I firmly believe” (a strong assertion of opinion).
• “Governments have a clear responsibility” (presenting a duty or obligation in formal writing).

Complex Sentences:

• “Sadly, many animal species are on the brink of extinction due to human activities such as poaching, habitat destruction from deforestation, and disruptions in the food chain.”
• “Neglecting wildlife conservation now will only worsen environmental problems, which will, in turn, lead to even greater economic and social challenges in the future.”

Task 2

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?What other measures do you think might be effective?

How to approach this IELTS Task 2 essay:

Start by identifying the two parts of the question: (1) Do you agree that petrol price hikes are the best solution? and (2) What other methods could help?

Limitations of Raising Petrol Prices	Alternative Solutions to Tackle Traffic and Pollution
• May discourage private vehicle use but disproportionately impacts low-income individuals • Increases cost of goods, burdening struggling families further	• Invest in clean energy vehicle research and development • Improve road infrastructure (e.g., tunnels, bridges) to ease congestion • Strengthen and promote public transportation systems (trains, buses)

Model Answer
It is often suggested that raising petrol prices is the most effective way to reduce growing problems like traffic congestion and environmental pollution. However, I believe that increasing fuel costs alone won’t solve these issues on its own. Instead, a multifaceted approach incorporating various strategies would be far more effective.At first glance, higher petrol prices may indeed discourage the use of private vehicles, thereby resulting in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to pollution control. That said, I think this approach has clear limitations. Most importantly, it unfairly affects impacts socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals who rely on private transportation for their livelihoods. Expensive fuel would make it harder for them to juggle multiple jobs or manage work and family responsibilities. On top of that, rising fuel prices would drive up the cost of goods due to more expensive transport, putting even more pressure on those already struggling financially.To effectively tackle the intertwined issues of traffic and pollution, governments should consider implementing alternative measures. Investing in research and development of vehicles powered by alternative clean energy sources, such as electricity, would significantly reduce the emission of harmful pollutants. Secondly, improving the road infrastructure by constructing tunnels and bridges could alleviate congestion, thereby improving traffic flow. Lastly, strengthening public transportation services would incentivize more individuals to opt for trains and buses over private vehicles. Undoubtedly, utilizing public transport is considerably more economical than maintaining a personal car.In conclusion, merely increasing petrol prices will not yield substantial benefits in terms of traffic management and pollution reduction. A well-rounded approach—focusing on clean energy, better infrastructure, and reliable public transport—is essential for effectively tackling these urgent problems.

Commentary

Essay Question: Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?

Introduction

Clarity: Yes, the topic is introduced clearly with appropriate context.
Thesis: The writer disagrees with the idea that raising petrol prices is the best solution and proposes a broader, multifaceted approach. The position is clearly stated.

Body Paragraphs

Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):

Body Paragraph 1 (Limitations of petrol price increase):

• May cut car use and emissions.
• Hurts low-income groups the most.
• Raises overall living costs due to pricier transport.

Body Paragraph 2 (Alternative solutions):

• Invest in electric vehicles to lower emissions.
• Improve roads to ease traffic flow.
• Upgrade public transport to reduce car reliance.

Coherence:

• Clear structure with focused arguments in each paragraph.
• Smooth shift from problem to solutions.
• Well-developed and relevant points throughout.

Conclusion

Summary:

• Effectively restates the main opinion.
• Reinforces that relying solely on petrol price increases is insufficient.
• Recommends a balanced, multi-solution strategy for long-term impact.

Vocabulary & Grammar

High-Level Vocabulary:

• Multifaceted – involving many different aspects.
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged – people with limited income and opportunities.
• Incentivize – encourage someone to do something with motivation or reward.
• Greenhouse gas emissions – gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
• Intertwined – closely linked or connected.

Academic Phrases:

• “At first glance…” – introduces a commonly held view.
• “To effectively tackle…” – strong phrase for solution-based writing.
• “A well-rounded approach…” – suggests a balanced strategy.

Complex Sentences:

• “Most importantly, it unfairly affects socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals who rely on private transportation for their livelihoods.”
• “Investing in research and development of vehicles powered by alternative clean energy sources, such as electricity, would significantly reduce the emission of harmful pollutants.”