🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people believe that economic growth is more important than protecting the environment. Others argue that environmental sustainability should be prioritised even if it limits economic development.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

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📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9, 285 words)

In recent decades, the conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability has become a global concern. While some argue that rapid growth is essential to improve living standards, others believe protecting the planet should come first. Both perspectives will be examined before presenting my own view.

On the one hand, economic growth plays a vital role in raising the quality of life. Developing countries, in particular, rely on industries, infrastructure, and trade to create jobs and reduce poverty. For example, China’s rapid economic expansion has lifted millions out of poverty. Proponents of this view argue that without strong economies, governments would lack the resources to invest in healthcare, education, or even green technology. From this perspective, growth is seen as a necessary foundation for long-term sustainability.

On the other hand, prioritising sustainability is increasingly urgent due to climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Economic progress that ignores the environment often leads to irreversible damage, which can undermine future prosperity. For instance, rising sea levels caused by industrial emissions threaten coastal cities, potentially costing billions in the long run. Advocates of this position believe that renewable energy, recycling, and sustainable farming practices should replace unsustainable industrial expansion. They argue that short-term sacrifices in economic output are justified to secure long-term survival.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is needed. Economic development is crucial, but it should not come at the expense of environmental destruction. Governments should adopt green policies that allow growth and sustainability to progress together, such as investing in clean energy and eco-friendly technologies.

In conclusion, while economic growth supports social progress, sustainability ensures the survival of future generations. A successful society must integrate both goals rather than treating them as opposites.

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🔑 Useful Vocabulary

• Irreversible damage

• Climate change, deforestation, emissions, pollution

• Renewable energy / recycling / sustainable farming

• Long-term prosperity

• Green policies

• Eco-friendly technologies

• Short-term sacrifices

• Future generations

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🔗 Linking Words

• Contrast: while, whereas, on the other hand, although

• Addition: moreover, in addition, furthermore

• Cause/Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently, thus

• Examples: for example, for instance, such as

• Conclusion: in conclusion, overall, to sum up

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✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

• Identify both views:

  • Growth first: jobs, poverty reduction, resources for green innovation.

  • Sustainability first: prevents irreversible damage, protects future generations.

• Opinion: A balanced approach is best.

• Outline:

  • Intro: paraphrase + outline

  • BP1: Economic growth arguments

  • BP2: Environmental sustainability arguments

  • BP3: Opinion (balance)

  • Conclusion: Summarise and restate opinion

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2. Structure

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question + preview both sides + state opinion.

• Body Paragraph 1: Growth is essential (with example).

• Body Paragraph 2: Sustainability is vital (with example).

• Body Paragraph 3: Balance is the solution (your opinion).

• Conclusion: Restate key points and opinion.

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3. Topic Sentences

• BP1: “Supporters of economic growth argue that it is the most effective way to improve living standards.”

• BP2: “In contrast, many believe that sustainability must take priority to avoid long-term damage.”

• BP3: “In my opinion, economic development and sustainability should advance together through environmentally friendly policies.”

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4. Tips for Learners

• Always show balance before giving your opinion.

• Use examples from real countries (China, renewable energy in Europe, etc.).

• Keep formal tone — avoid casual phrases.

• Don’t just list problems: explain causes, effects, and solutions.

• Make your conclusion short and focused, no new arguments.

 

📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 20: Becky’s Trouble

The long summer days rolled on. At school, Tom and Becky were often together again, whispering and smiling during lessons. But sometimes Becky’s pride and Tom’s mischief still caused quarrels.

One hot afternoon, Becky arrived early at school. The classroom was empty, except for the teacher’s tall desk. Becky’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. She had heard that the teacher kept a special book inside—something forbidden to the children.

She tiptoed to the desk, opened the drawer, and pulled out a large book with gold letters on the cover. It was Anatomy of the Human Body. Becky opened the pages with trembling fingers. She had never seen such strange drawings before—bones, organs, and muscles!

But suddenly she heard footsteps. In her hurry to hide the book, she tore one of the pages. Panic rushed over her. She pushed the book back into the desk just as the teacher entered.

Becky’s face turned pale. If he finds out, he will punish me in front of everyone, she thought.

When school began, Becky sat silently at her desk, hardly hearing the lesson. At last the teacher picked up his book. He noticed the torn page. His face grew dark. “Who has dared to damage my book?” he thundered.

The class froze. Becky’s hands shook. She wanted to confess, but fear tied her tongue. Tears welled in her eyes.

Then Tom stood up suddenly. “I did it, sir,” he said clearly.

The teacher glared at him, then gave a sharp lecture about carelessness and respect. Tom was punished with extra tasks but not whipped.

Becky’s heart flooded with gratitude. She looked at Tom with new admiration. Later, when the children left the school, Becky ran to him.

“Oh, Tom, you brave, noble boy!” she cried. “You saved me! I’ll never forget it.”

Tom grinned, though his shoulders ached from his punishment. “Don’t worry, Becky. Friends look after each other.”

From that moment, their quarrels seemed small and unimportant. Becky felt safer knowing Tom would protect her. And Tom, though mischievous as ever, learned that real courage was not just about tricks or adventures—it was about standing up for someone you cared for.

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📘 Glossary

• Pride – a feeling of self-importance or dignity

• Mischief – playful troublemaking or naughty behavior

• Sparkled – shone with excitement or light

• Forbidden – not allowed

• Anatomy – the study of the body and its parts

• Organs – parts inside the body (heart, lungs, stomach, etc.)

• Panic – sudden, overwhelming fear

• Confess – to admit to doing something wrong

• Gratitude – thankfulness

• Noble – showing good moral character or courage

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What special book did Becky find in the teacher’s desk?

2. How did Becky accidentally damage the book?

3. Why was Becky afraid when the teacher discovered the torn page?

4. What did the teacher do when he saw the damage?

5. Who stood up and took the blame for Becky’s mistake?

6. How was Tom punished?

7. How did Becky feel after Tom saved her?

8. What did Tom say to Becky afterwards?

9. What lesson did Tom learn about courage?

10. How did this event change Tom and Becky’s friendship?

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✅ Answers

1. Anatomy of the Human Body.

2. She tore one of the pages while trying to put it back quickly.

3. She feared public punishment from the teacher.

4. He demanded to know who had damaged the book.

5. Tom.

6. He was given extra tasks and a lecture, but not whipped.

7. She felt grateful and admired his bravery.

8. “Friends look after each other.”

9. That real courage means protecting someone you care about.

10. It made their quarrels seem unimportant and strengthened their bond.

 

📖 Tom Sawyer – Chapter 19: Aunt Polly and Tom’s Secret

The picnic was over, and the children were back in the village. Tom felt proud, but life soon returned to its usual ups and downs. He had quarrelled with Becky, made up again, and played at being a doctor. Yet one shadow still hung over him—Aunt Polly.

Aunt Polly was strict but had a soft and loving heart. Tom knew that sometimes he caused her great trouble. He often told her lies to escape punishment. Deep inside, though, he wished she could know how much he truly loved her.

One evening, Aunt Polly had to go out to visit a neighbour. Tom promised to stay home and behave. But as soon as she left, he ran out to meet Becky in the garden. They laughed, whispered secrets, and made plans for the next picnic.

While they talked, Sid, Tom’s half-brother, listened from the window. Sid was quiet and obedient, but he enjoyed telling on Tom. When she came home, he ran to Aunt Polly and said, “Tom wasn’t at home! He was with Becky all evening.”

Aunt Polly frowned. “Tom Sawyer! Come here this instant.”

Tom came slowly, his head hanging. “Yes, Aunt Polly?”

“Did you stay home, as you promised?” she asked.

Tom hesitated. His first thought was to lie. But then he remembered Becky’s admiration when he had bravely told the truth at school. He lifted his eyes and said, “No, Aunt Polly. I went out to see Becky.”

Aunt Polly’s face softened momentarily, but then she said sternly, “You’ve broken your word again, Tom. I don’t know what to do with you.”

Tom’s heart ached. “Aunt Polly,” he said quietly, “I do try to be good, truly I do. I know I make you sad, but I don’t mean to. You’re always kind to me, and I love you.”

Aunt Polly’s eyes filled with tears. She turned away so Tom would not see them. “Oh, Tom,” she whispered, “you’re a bad boy, but you have a good heart.”

Sid tried to interrupt, but Aunt Polly waved him off. For once, she chose to believe Tom.

That night, Tom went to bed with a lighter heart. He felt that, at least for a moment, Aunt Polly had understood him. And for Tom, that was as precious as treasure.

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📘 Glossary

• Ups and downs – times of happiness and sadness

• Strict – expecting rules to be followed carefully

• Soft heart – kind and loving nature

• Quarrel – an argument or fight

• Obedient – always doing what you’re told.

• Telling on (someone) – reporting their bad behaviour to an adult

• Hesitated – paused before speaking or acting

• Sternly – in a serious, strict way

• Ached – felt intense emotional pain

• Precious – very valuable or deeply loved

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What did Tom do after Aunt Polly left to visit a neighbour?

2. Who overheard Tom and Becky in the garden?

3. What did Sid do when Aunt Polly came home?

4. How did Aunt Polly react when she first heard Sid’s report?

5. What did Tom do when Aunt Polly asked if he had stayed home?

6. Why did Tom decide not to lie?

7. How did Aunt Polly feel when Tom told the truth?

8. What did Tom say to show his love for Aunt Polly?

9. How did Aunt Polly respond to Tom’s words?

10. How did Tom feel when he went to bed that night?

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✅ Answers

1. He went out to meet Becky in the garden.

2. Sid.

3. He told Aunt Polly that Tom had not stayed home.

4. She frowned and called Tom to her.

5. He admitted that he had gone out to see Becky.

6. He remembered how brave and admired he felt when he told the truth at school.

7. Her face softened, and she became emotional.

8. He said he tried to be good, didn’t want to make her sad, and loved her.

9. She had tears in her eyes and said Tom had a good heart.

10. He felt lighter and happier that Aunt Polly understood him.