IELTS Writing Task 2 environment questions: ideas, vocabulary and a model essay
Environment questions cover climate change, pollution, waste, energy, transport and wildlife. They often ask who is responsible for solving a problem, which makes them ideal for showing balanced, well-supported arguments.
Updated 2026-10-23
Common environment themes
- Responsibility: individuals vs governments vs businesses
- Climate and energy: fossil fuels, renewable energy, carbon taxes
- Transport: cars, flying, public transport, electric vehicles
- Waste: plastic, packaging, recycling, food waste
- Nature: endangered species, zoos, deforestation, urban green space
Topic vocabulary
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| carbon emissions | carbon dioxide released into the air | Aviation is a fast-growing source of carbon emissions. |
| fossil fuels | coal, oil and gas | Burning fossil fuels drives climate change. |
| renewable energy | energy from wind, sun, water | Renewable energy is now cheaper in many places. |
| carbon tax | a tax on emitting carbon dioxide | A carbon tax makes polluters pay. |
| single-use plastics | plastic items used once | Several countries have banned single-use plastics. |
| biodiversity | the variety of living things | Deforestation threatens biodiversity. |
| habitat loss | destruction of where animals live | Habitat loss is the main threat to wildlife. |
| sustainable | able to continue without harm | Sustainable farming protects the soil. |
| ecological footprint | environmental impact of a person's lifestyle | Flying less reduces your ecological footprint. |
| extreme weather | floods, droughts, heatwaves | Extreme weather is becoming more frequent. |
| to phase out | to remove gradually | Coal power should be phased out. |
| incentive | a reward that encourages action | Tax incentives encourage solar panels. |
10 environment questions to practise
- Some people think individuals can do little to improve the environment and that only governments and large companies can make a difference. Others believe individuals should take action. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (discussion; model essay below)
- The best way to protect the environment is to increase the cost of fuel. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (opinion)
- Plastic pollution is a growing problem. What are its causes, and what can be done? (problem and solution)
- Some people think zoos are cruel and should be closed. Others believe they help protect endangered species. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (discussion)
- More people are choosing to fly for holidays. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? (advantages and disadvantages)
- Governments should make public transport free to reduce pollution. Do you agree or disagree? (opinion)
- Many wild animals are in danger of extinction. Why is this happening, and what can be done? (two-part / problem and solution)
- Environmental problems are too big for individual countries to solve. To what extent do you agree or disagree? (opinion)
- Some cities are creating car-free zones. Is this a positive or negative development? (advantages and disadvantages)
- Rich countries should pay more to fight climate change than poor countries. Do you agree or disagree? (opinion)
Ideas for the most common questions
Individuals or governments?
| Individuals matter | Governments and companies matter more |
|---|---|
| Millions of small changes add up (less meat, fewer flights) | One power station emits more than thousands of households save |
| Consumer demand pushes companies to offer greener products | Only governments can tax carbon, fund renewables, ban products |
| Voters' concern makes ambitious policies possible | Focusing on individuals can distract from big decisions |
Raise fuel prices?
| For | Against |
|---|---|
| Reduces unnecessary driving and flying | Hits poorer and rural people hardest |
| Revenue can fund public transport | Raises the cost of goods transported by road |
| Encourages efficient and electric vehicles | Unpopular; may be reversed by the next government |
Zoos: protect or close?
| Keep them | Close them |
|---|---|
| Breeding programmes save endangered species | Animals suffer in small enclosures |
| Education inspires children to care about wildlife | Conservation is better done in natural habitats |
| Fund research and conservation in the wild | Many zoos exist mainly for entertainment and profit |
Band 9 model essay
Question: Some people think individuals can do little to improve the environment and that only governments and large companies can make a difference. Others believe individuals should take action. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Environmental problems such as climate change and plastic pollution are so large that many people feel their own choices make no difference. Some argue that only governments and corporations can solve them, while others insist that individuals must play their part. In my view, both are needed, but the actions of governments and companies matter far more.
Those who emphasise the role of governments and businesses point to the scale of the problem. A single power station or large manufacturer can produce more emissions than thousands of households could save by switching off lights or recycling. Only governments can introduce carbon taxes, fund renewable energy or ban harmful products, and only large companies can redesign packaging or supply chains across entire industries. From this perspective, asking individuals to make small sacrifices distracts attention from the decisions that really count.
On the other hand, supporters of individual action argue that personal choices add up and drive wider change. If millions of people eat less meat, fly less often or choose products with less packaging, the combined effect is significant. Consumer demand also shapes business behaviour: companies offer greener products when customers ask for them, and politicians adopt environmental policies when voters show that they care.
I believe both arguments are valid, but they are not equal. Individual efforts are worthwhile, especially in creating the public pressure that makes ambitious policies possible. However, the most effective changes, such as cleaner electricity, better public transport and stricter rules on pollution, can only be delivered at a national or industrial level. Individuals therefore have the greatest impact when they use their votes and their voices, not only their shopping choices.
In conclusion, protecting the environment requires action from everyone, but the main responsibility lies with governments and large companies, whose decisions affect emissions on a scale that no individual can match.
Word count: 307
Why this essay works
Both views are explained as their supporters would explain them, each with a concrete example. The writer's opinion is a clear middle position that still ranks the two sides ("both are needed, but… far more"), and the fourth paragraph links them: individuals matter most through the pressure they put on governments. See the discussion essay guide for this structure.
Related practice
- Problem and solution essays, with a model on food waste
- Health questions, for pollution and public health
- Reading passages on the environment: IELTS Reading environment topic
Frequently asked questions
Do I need scientific facts for environment essays?
No. General, accurate knowledge is enough, such as 'burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide'. Avoid precise statistics you are not sure of; an inaccurate number weakens an argument more than no number.
What vocabulary is most useful for environment essays?
Words for causes (emissions, fossil fuels, deforestation), effects (rising sea levels, extreme weather, loss of habitat) and solutions (renewable energy, carbon tax, recycling schemes).