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The response below was written on a recent IELTS topic from 2019. You can find more 2019
Writing topics and sample responses here.

IELTS Band 7 essay, topic: Some people say protecting the environment is the government’s
responsibility, others believe individuals should be responsible for it (opinion)

Some people say that protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility.
Others believe that every individual should be responsible for it. Discuss both views and
give your own opinion.

People hold different views about whether the government should shoulder the responsibility of
preserving the environment or each person is responsible one. From my standpoint, it will be more
beneficial if both the country’s authorities and individuals share the responsibility.

On the one hand, the government may play a pivotal role in maintaining the environment safe and
healthy. It is authorities that should introduce the legislation in order to mitigate environmental
problems, such as air pollution and more. To illustrate, there should be some laws encouraging
factories to move to the country sides rather than staying in cities. This could help urban areas to
be further protected from the poisonous fumes, which are always discharged from firms. Another
prominent role the government could play would be creating TV programs to educate citizens, and
to persuade them to care the nature more. Being informed of the consequences of their activities,
individuals may endeavor to alter their ways, to avoid harming the environment.

On the other hand, it is undeniable that each person can play an important role in protecting their
own neighborhood. Cars are considered to be a major source of air pollution. Their exhaust gases
contaminate the air, ranging from carbon dioxide to unburnt carbon. Therefore, by using their own
vehicles only in rare cases, people would be able to protect the environment. Another opportunity
available to individuals is recycling. By stopping plastic waste from entering and contaminating
waterways people are able to conserve drinkable water and its inhabitants.

In conclusion, due to the large amount of work involved, mobilising all the possible forces is a
more sensible approach. It is, therefore, likely that joint efforts of both the governments and their
citizens would result in the most effective way of preserving the environment.

The author of this essay has done a good job covering the task topic. He/she used one
body paragraph to discuss whether the government should be responsible for protecting
the environment, and the other body paragraph – to discuss whether individuals should be
protecting the environment, and how. The ideas are logically sequenced and connected
using linking words, making this essay easy to read. Some inaccuracy of expression is
evident and requires more work and attention (see corrections underlined in blue). The
range of vocabulary is impressive and grammatical errors are quite rare. Overall this essay
seems worthy of IELTS Band 7.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 7