Some believe that protecting the environment should be the responsibility of individuals, while others think it is the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Question:

Some believe that protecting the environment should be the responsibility of individuals, while others think it is the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Structure Breakdown for Discussion Essay

This essay type requires a balanced discussion of both views followed by your personal opinion. Below is a suggested structure:

Band 9 Answer

Debates surrounding environmental protection often center on whether the onus lies with governments or individuals. Many contend that governments, with their legislative powers and resource mobilization capabilities, are best suited to enact far-reaching policies that address environmental degradation. By implementing stringent regulations, such as emission controls and waste management protocols, governments can systematically curb pollution and promote sustainable development.

Conversely, there is a strong argument that individuals must shoulder a portion of this responsibility. Personal choices—ranging from reducing energy consumption to practicing recycling—play a pivotal role in mitigating environmental harm. When citizens adopt eco-friendly habits, the cumulative effect can lead to significant improvements in air quality and resource conservation. Moreover, an environmentally conscious public can drive political will, urging governments to act more decisively.

In my view, a collaborative approach is indispensable. Governments should set the framework for environmental protection, but individuals must actively participate in sustaining these efforts. The synergy between top-down policy initiatives and grassroots actions is what ultimately leads to enduring environmental progress.

Vocabulary

• Environmental degradation
• Legislative powers
• Resource mobilization
• Sustainable development
• Emission controls
• Waste management protocols
• Eco-friendly
• Mitigating
• Cumulative
• Grassroots

Band 8 Answer

There is an ongoing debate about whether protecting the environment should be mainly the government’s responsibility or that of individuals. Those in favor of government responsibility argue that only a centralized authority can create and enforce laws that effectively address environmental issues. Governments have the capacity to introduce policies like pollution controls, conservation projects, and renewable energy incentives that can make a large-scale difference.

On the other hand, many believe that individuals play an important role by making daily choices that are environmentally friendly. Simple actions such as recycling, reducing energy use, and choosing sustainable products can add up to a significant impact when practiced by many people. Furthermore, when citizens take the initiative, it often encourages governments to implement even better environmental policies.

Personally, I feel that both parties must contribute to protecting the environment. Governments should establish the necessary frameworks and regulations, while individuals need to adopt eco-friendly habits. A joint effort from both sides is essential for achieving real and lasting improvements.

Vocabulary

• Centralized authority
• Enforce
• Pollution controls
• Conservation projects
• Renewable energy
• Environmentally friendly
• Sustainable
• Initiative
• Frameworks
• Lasting improvements

Band 7 Answer

People have different views on who should take care of the environment. Some think that it is the job of the government because it can make laws and control industries that pollute. Governments can also plan and invest in renewable energy and waste management systems, which help to protect nature on a large scale.

Others believe that each individual has a role to play. By recycling, saving energy, and reducing waste, people can help to lessen the harmful effects on the environment. When many individuals work together, these small actions can lead to big changes over time.

I believe that both the government and individuals need to work together. Governments should provide the rules and support, while people should follow these rules and make green choices in their daily lives. This joint effort is the best way to protect our environment.

Vocabulary

• Pollute
• Renewable energy
• Waste management
• Recycle
• Harmful effects
• Lessens
• Green choices
• Joint effort
• Protect
• Environment

Connectors Used

• Conversely
• Moreover
• On the other hand
• Furthermore
• In my view
• When
• Such as
• Additionally
• Because
• Overall