IELTS Writing Task 2 Ideas and Vocabulary – Environment Topic

Environmental issues are increasingly urgent, from pollution and resource depletion to animal extinction. Because of their global relevance, topics related to the environment are common in IELTS Writing Task 2. This article introduces key essay structure, topic‑specific ideas, and useful vocabulary to help you organise high‑scoring essays on environmental themes.

Environmental prompts often focus on global or country‑specific issues. You may need to identify causes and propose solutions that governments and individuals can implement to protect the environment.

Common sub‑topics under Environment:

• Human impact on the environment

• Global warming and climate change

• Protection of animal species

• Energy depletion

• Deforestation

• Water and air pollution

• Overpopulation

• Environmental problems and solutions

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 questions on Environment:

• The rise in consumer goods production damages the natural environment. What are the causes?

• Some believe raising fuel costs is the best way to solve global environmental problems. Do you agree?

• Natural resources such as oil, forests, and fresh water are being consumed rapidly. What are the problems and how can we solve them?

• Environmental degradation is a problem in most countries. What factors cause damage and who is responsible?

• Many foods are shipped long distances. Some argue that eating local food is better environmentally and economically. Do the advantages outweigh disadvantages?

IDP presents useful arguments, causes, effects, and solutions for common environment‑related themes:

Exploitation of Natural Resources

• Causes: reliance on fossil fuels, high cost of renewable energy, deforestation for housing

• Impacts: soil erosion, habitat loss, biodiversity decline, floods, droughts

• Solutions: sustainability education, wetland protection, community conservation programs

Deforestation

• Causes: urban expansion, industrial waste leading to soil degradation

• Impacts: flooding, desertification, water scarcity, biodiversity loss

• Solutions: reduce paper consumption, eco‑tourism awareness, community protection programs

Water Pollution

• Causes: untreated industrial discharge, oil spills

• Impacts: disrupted aquatic ecosystems, health risks such as hepatitis, toxic chemicals entering the food chain

• Solutions: reduce meat use, proper disposal of chemicals, public awareness

Overpopulation

• Causes: improved healthcare, poor family planning

• Impacts: increased unemployment, environmental pollution, habitat destruction

• Solutions: reproductive education, non‑coercive population policy, limits on incentives for larger families

Animal Extinction

• Causes: habitat destruction, illegal hunting, pollution

• Impacts: food chain imbalance, loss of scientific resources, ecological risks

• Solutions: oppose illegal wildlife trade, raise public awareness, protect endangered species

Sample Prompt: Some people believe all wild animals should be protected. Others say only certain species deserve protection. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Essay type: Discussion essay – explore both views, include personal stance.

Outline:

• Introduction: Paraphrase prompt and introduce both perspectives. State personal position clearly.

• Body 1: Arguments for protecting all wildlife (e.g. biodiversity importance, ecosystem stability)

• Body 2: Arguments for protecting only selected species (e.g. public safety, controlling pests)

• Conclusion: Summarise both sides and reaffirm balanced opinion or stance.

Advanced vocabulary with examples:

• Biodiversity: Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining stable ecosystems.

• Alternative energy source: Governments invest in alternative energy sources like solar and wind power.

• Greenhouse effect: Carbon dioxide is the largest contributor to the greenhouse effect.

• Eco‑friendly source: Recycling reduces reliance on non eco‑friendly energy sources.

• Over‑abuse: Over‑abuse of natural resources causes environmental degradation.

• Nuclear radiation accident: The community was evacuated after the nuclear radiation accident near the power plant.

Useful collocations:

• Pose a threat: Overpopulation can pose a threat to biodiversity.

• Over‑exploitation of natural resources

• Balance economic growth and environmental protection

• Pollutant emission growth

• Raise awareness of environmental issues

• Offset carbon emissions

Prompt: Explain ways humans are damaging the environment. What can governments and individuals do to address these issues?

Sample Essay:

Human activities are severely affecting the environment. This essay outlines key ways humans degrade natural systems and offers both government and individual solutions.

Activities like poaching and plastic pollution are central threats. Illegal hunting reduces animal populations and risks species extinction. Meanwhile, plastic discarded into rivers corrupts water sources and harms marine life.

To address these challenges, governments must enforce strict penalties for wildlife poachers. Public education on environmental issues can encourage individuals to reduce plastic use and recycle more. Both measures complement each other in preserving ecosystems.

In conclusion, although human actions have harmed the environment, coordinated efforts from governments and individuals can mitigate these impacts and restore ecological balance.

With these ideas, vocabulary, and structure tips, you’ll be better prepared to tackle Environment‑based IELTS Task 2 essays. For more practice, access our free resources at IDP including expert‑written articles, videos, and the IELTS by IDP app for convenient learning.

You can also register for mock tests at IDP IELTS centers or attend IELTS events and seminars with specialist trainers to avoid common errors and review model essays.

Ready to prepare for success? Register for IELTS with IDP today!