Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - IELTS Writing Task 2
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Learn how to tackle IELTS Opinion essays with sample answers and vocabulary. Use the topic ‘Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment- IELTS Writing Task 2’ to practice writing clear, Band 7+ responses.
Table of Contents
- Question
- Outline
- Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - Sample Answer 1
- Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - Sample Answer 2
- Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - Sample Answer 3
- Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - IELTS Vocabulary
- Connectors to Use in the Sample Answers for ‘Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment’


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In the IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay, candidates are expected to clearly express their viewpoint on a given issue and support it with relevant arguments and examples. This type of essay tests your ability to take a stance and justify it logically and coherently.
One such topic in the IELTS Writing Task 2 is: “Individuals can do nothing to improve the environment; only governments and large companies can make a difference.” In this blog, you’ll find three Band 9 sample answers for the IELTS Opinion Essay topic along with high-level vocabulary to boost your writing skills and help you achieve a higher IELTS score. To prepare effectively, it's best to practice with different types of essay questions. At IELTSMaterial.com, you’ll find a wide range of IELTS writing task 2 practice tests to help you improve your skills and aim for a high band score.
Question
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Individuals can do nothing to improve the environment; only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Outline
Essay Type
- Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)
Introduction
- Sentence 1: Many people argue that the environment can be protected only by the government and business organizations. They feel that individuals don’t have any impact on the environment.
- Sentence 2:However, I strongly disagree with this assertion because individuals play a significant part in environmental changes.
Body
- Paragraph 1: It is undoubtedly true that human actions have deteriorated the environment and it’s facing some serious threat.
- Paragraph 2: However, individuals can also make efforts and be responsible for preserving the environment.
Conclusion
- Restate your views.
Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - Sample Answer 1
In today’s globalised world, environmental protection has become a significant concern for everyone worldwide. However, it is argued that only the government and business conglomerates contribute to environment protection. For these people, an individual is roleless. However, I can’t entirely agree with this viewpoint because individuals can make substantial efforts to protect the environment.
It is undoubtedly true that human intervention to mother nature has led to the deterioration of the environment and has posed some serious threats. As a result, there is an urgent need to save the environment. People should realise it and make some significant contributions to protect the environment. For instance, they can save water by closing the faucet when not in use, save power by turning off the lights, and clean up the community garbage. In addition, a group of individuals can educate local people on pollution, set up campaigns to teach the conservation of water and trees, and so on.
Furthermore, individuals’ efforts will impact the environment positively. Despite the government’s efforts to safeguard the environment, every individual can make a habit of preserving the environment. Also, every individual has the right to make their own choices about protecting the environment. For example, individuals can make a difference by choosing public transportation for short distances. They can also follow the 3Rs, reduce, reuse, and recycle. The most effective way to protect the environment is to conserve energy, refrain from dumping wastes into the soil, and curbing plastics. Finally, they can attempt to plant as many trees as possible to maintain the ecological balance.
However, the government and business tycoons make a difference, where the government introduces environmental protection laws and implements strict regulations to address large-scale issues. The tycoons contribute donations to the government to carry out its strategy. Subsequently, they continue to cooperate and make full use of their powers to shield the environment.
To summarise, an individual’s input and efforts can significantly make the world a better place to live. As a result, I strongly oppose the claim that individual contributions are unimportant. They are just as important as the government’s and businesses’ contributions in making a difference in the environment.
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Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - Sample Answer 2
While it is undeniable that governments and large corporations possess the power and resources to implement large-scale environmental reforms, the idea that individuals can do nothing to improve the environment is fundamentally flawed. In my view, meaningful environmental change requires both institutional action and individual responsibility.
One of the most powerful tools individuals hold is consumer choice. By opting for sustainable products, reducing single-use plastics, or choosing public transport over private vehicles, individuals can significantly reduce their ecological footprint. When a large number of people make such conscious decisions, the cumulative impact becomes substantial. For instance, the global reduction in plastic bag usage is largely driven by individual efforts in response to awareness campaigns.
Furthermore, grassroots movements led by concerned individuals have often influenced national and global environmental policies. The climate strikes initiated by young activists have compelled governments to revisit their carbon policies. These examples illustrate how individual actions, when organized and persistent, can shape environmental discourse and policy-making.
In conclusion, although large institutions have a crucial role in environmental protection, individuals are far from powerless. Collective action at the individual level can drive sustainable change, making their contribution not only valid but vital.
Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - Sample Answer 3
Environmental degradation has reached alarming levels, and tackling it requires large-scale intervention. I agree with the statement that only governments and major corporations can bring about significant environmental improvements, as individuals alone lack the resources and regulatory authority to initiate wide-reaching change.
Governments are uniquely positioned to enact legislation, enforce environmental laws, and implement policies such as carbon taxes, renewable energy subsidies, and bans on harmful substances. These systemic interventions have far greater reach than individual efforts. For example, Norway’s government incentives for electric vehicles have drastically cut emissions nationwide—something individuals could not have achieved independently.
Likewise, large corporations hold considerable sway over resource consumption and pollution levels. Multinational companies are major contributors to carbon emissions and plastic waste. However, when these companies adopt eco-friendly technologies or commit to sustainable practices, the positive environmental impact is immediate and measurable. For instance, when Apple pledged to go carbon-neutral across its supply chain, it sent ripples across the tech industry.
While individual efforts are commendable, they are often limited in scale and effectiveness. Without structural changes led by powerful entities, environmental problems will persist. Therefore, real progress depends on the decisions and actions of governments and corporations.
In conclusion, individual initiatives are admirable but insufficient. Lasting environmental change requires the authority, scale, and financial power that only governments and large businesses can provide.
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Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - IELTS Vocabulary
Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary used in the sample answers for ‘Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment - IELTS Writing Task 2’.
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Concern
Meaning: relate to; be about.
Eg: Rose was concerned about their son’s health.
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Conglomerate
Meaning: a corporation that is made up of a number of different, sometimes unrelated businesses
Eg: John’s company turned into a conglomerate by acquiring the steel business.
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Influence
Meaning: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself.
Eg: Actors have a great influence on the people.
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Shield
Meaning: protect from a danger, risk, or unpleasant experience.
Eg: He wore a mask as a shield.
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Implement
Meaning: put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect.
Eg: The University implemented a new rule against the students who try to malpractice during the exam
Connectors to Use in the Sample Answers for ‘Individuals Can Do Nothing To Improve The Environment’
Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:
- Moreover
- However
- Additionally
- Furthermore
- In conclusion
- While
- Instead
- By
- Moreover
- In addition
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Mastering how to express your opinion effectively is essential for a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2. By exploring this environment-related topic from multiple perspectives, and using the sample Band 9 answers in this blog, you'll gain valuable insights into structuring strong arguments and enhancing your vocabulary for better performance in the exam. So, make a habit of taking up IELTS Writing practice tests regularly and create a strategy for yourself that will help you improve your writing skills for a Band 7+ score.
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