There are no longer enough natural resources to sustain current levels of economic growth- IELTS Writing Task 2

There are no longer enough natural resources to sustain current levels of economic growth. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Mention that this topic has both aspects to discuss using synonyms to create a basic understanding.

Sentence 3 – Mention your stand on the topic.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Talk about the inadequacy of natural resources.

Paragraph 2 – Mention that absolute scarcity will still exist because the amount of non-renewable resources available will decline with use.

Paragraph 3 – Acknowledge the flip side of the argument.

Conclusion

Restate your views.

Sample Essay

Recently, the demand for natural resources has risen dramatically worldwide due to population growth. Some people state that there is a lack of sufficient resources. However, some individuals disagree with this opinion and believe that ways to preserve natural resources will emerge with the advancement in technology. This essay will discuss the issues behind this phenomenon.

Firstly, continued economic development is negatively seen as a destroyer and corrupter of the natural environment and, consequently, the inadequacy of natural resources. While resource-augmenting technological improvements enhance productivity and result in fewer resource inputs, it is crucial to recognize that technology alone cannot be seen as a key to avoiding a resource crisis. It is stressed and agreed that the extraction of a unit of non-renewable resources damages resource availability, ultimately leading to exhaustion.

Additionally, absolute scarcity still exists because the amount of non-renewable resources available will decline with use. It has been concurred that the maintenance of the natural capital stock through renewable resource regeneration and waste assimilation is unlikely. It is due to this reason that manufactured capital is made from and operates on flows of energy and materials that limit substitution possibilities.

On the other hand, some individuals disagree with the perception mentioned above. The demands on natural resources will be lessened owing to improving technology. For instance, the developments of technology, such as electric cars, positively impact society. By using this, the consumption of natural resources can be lessened, eventually reducing the consumption of natural fuel. In my opinion, decreasing natural resources is a crisis. It harms society because even the human race won’t have a comfortable life anymore.

Overall, levels of natural resources are indeed going down. Still, it is no doubt that with advancements in technology, alternative methods will be used more effectively soon in the future, improving the economic and environmental standards.

Vocabulary

• Scarcity

Meaning – the state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.
Example – Currently, there is a global scarcity of water.

• Concurred

Meaning – be of the same opinion; agree.
Example – Everything concurred to produce the desired result for Henry.

• Crisis

Meaning – a time of intense difficulty or danger.
Example – Jack’s presence during the crisis had a calming effect on Rose.

• Consumption

Meaning – the action of using up a resource.
Example – Anna had no control over her consumption of wine.

• Perception

Meaning – the way in which something is regarded, understood, or interpreted.
Example – It is my perception that Charlie can be wrong sometimes.

• Assimilation

Meaning – the process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas.
Example – It took a while to understand that not all actions result in assimilation and accommodation.

• Impact

Meaning – a marked effect or influence.
Example – Hannah’s mom’s death had a huge impact on her.

• Crucial

Meaning – of great importance.
Example – Money will always be crucial in the heart of so many lives.

• Enhance

Meaning – intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of.
Example – I want to learn to enhance my inner beauty this summer vacation.

• Extraction

Meaning – the action of extracting something, especially using effort or force.
Example – The extraction of gold from the mine is a very tedious job.