IELTS Writing Task 2 Environment Topics: Questions, Ideas & Vocabulary
Short answer: Environment is one of the most common IELTS Task 2 themes — questions usually ask about causes, solutions, individual vs government responsibility, or economic trade-offs, and Band 7 answers use precise collocations (carbon emissions, renewable energy, sustainable policies) not vague words like pollution is bad.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Table of Contents
- Common Question Types
- 15 Practice Questions
- Vocabulary & Collocations
- Sample Outline
- Practice with AI Scoring
- FAQ
Use this page as a topic bank for practice outlines and timed essays. Full Band 7 models: sample essays. Structure: Task 2 guide.
Template note: Copy this format for future topic pages (education, technology, health).
Common Environment Task 2 Question Types
| Type | Example stem |
|---|---|
| Causes + solutions | What causes X and how can it be solved? |
| Opinion | Do you agree governments should ban plastic bags? |
| Discuss both views | Some think individuals should solve climate change; others say only governments can. |
| Advantages/disadvantages | Do benefits of nuclear energy outweigh risks? |
| Problem + effects | What problems does deforestation cause? |
Always identify who must act (individuals, companies, governments) — many prompts specify this.
15 Recent-Style Environment Questions
- Many countries are experiencing serious air pollution in cities. What are the causes and what measures can be taken?
- Some believe economic development should be prioritised over environmental protection. To what extent do you agree?
- Individuals cannot improve the environment — only governments and large companies can. Do you agree?
- Waste from households and factories is increasing. What are the causes and solutions?
- Global warming is one of the biggest threats facing the world. What causes global warming and what can be done?
- Some countries invest in renewable energy; others rely on fossil fuels. Discuss both approaches and give your opinion.
- Plastic packaging is essential for modern life. Do the advantages outweigh the environmental disadvantages?
- More people are eating food transported long distances. What are the environmental impacts and how can they be reduced?
- Water scarcity is growing in many regions. What are the causes and what solutions should governments adopt?
- Some cities charge congestion fees for cars. Is this an effective way to reduce pollution?
- Tourism can damage natural environments. How can tourism be made more sustainable?
- Should environmental crimes be punished as severely as other serious crimes?
- Some argue that vegetarian diets are necessary to protect the environment. To what extent do you agree?
- Technology will solve environmental problems without changes in lifestyle. Do you agree?
- Children should be taught environmental responsibility at school. Do you agree?
Practice method: Choose one → 5-minute outline → full essay or body paragraphs only → free AI score.
Vocabulary and Collocations
Climate & emissions
- carbon emissions / greenhouse gases
- climate change mitigation
- net-zero targets
- global temperatures are rising
Pollution & waste
- air quality deteriorates
- industrial discharge
- landfill waste / recycling rates
- single-use plastics
Energy & transport
- renewable energy sources (solar, wind)
- fossil fuel dependence
- public transport infrastructure
- low-emission zones
Conservation
- biodiversity loss
- deforestation / habitat destruction
- sustainable agriculture
- marine ecosystem damage
Policy verbs
- impose regulations / enforce standards
- incentivise green investment
- subsidise renewable projects
- penalise polluters
Band 6 trap → Band 7 upgrade:
- bad for environment → environmentally detrimental / harmful to ecosystems
- clean energy → renewable / low-carbon energy
- save the planet → mitigate climate impact (use sparingly, formally)
Sample Outline (Not a Full Essay)
Question: Air pollution in cities is increasing. What are the causes and what solutions can be suggested?
Thesis: Main causes are transport emissions and industrial activity; solutions require government policy plus individual behaviour change.
Body 1 — Causes
- Private car use → exhaust emissions
- Factories near urban areas
- Construction dust / weak enforcement
Body 2 — Solutions
- Expand public transport; low-emission zones
- Stricter factory standards
- Individuals: reduce unnecessary car trips
Conclusion: Combined policy and behaviour needed
Turn into a full essay using structure templates. Compare with environment sample in Band 7 samples.
Practice with AI Scoring
- Pick question #1 or #5 (classic exam style)
- Write 40-minute timed essay (280+ words)
- Submit to EssayGradeWise for TR/CC/LR/GRA
- If TR < 7, check both causes and solutions are developed
- Revise weakest paragraph only — rewrite once
Structured prep: 20-day study plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need scientific facts for environment essays?
No — examiners do not verify statistics. Use plausible, general examples (many cities, several countries).
Is environment the most common Task 2 topic?
It is among the top themes with education and technology — worth dedicated vocabulary prep.
Can I reuse this vocabulary in Speaking Part 3?
Yes — collocations transfer well to oral environment questions.
Write an environment essay today — free unlimited scoring.
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