The rapid pace of development is damaging our environment

IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The rapid pace of development is damaging our environment. Some people say the answer is for all of us to lead a simpler life, but others say that technology can help solve our environmental problems. What do you think?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:
The rapid pace of development is damaging our environment. Some people say the answer is for all of us to lead a simpler life, but others say that technology can help solve our environmental problems. What do you think?
The rapid pace of development is clearly taking a toll on environment constantly. Many people seem to believe that leading a simpler life can help to current environmental issues, while others contend that environmental problems can be solved by sophisticated technology. However, I am of the opinion that we have no option but devising advanced technology to fight the problem.

Of course, if we decrease our developmental level to that of stone age and in the process influenced mortality epidemically, life-expectancy to be halved, and all the horrors we frequently suffered back then to return, then, yes, this would be the silver bullet to the problem, but that would be a remedy much worse than the disease. That is to say that although simpler life is conducive to solve today’s environmental problems, the reality does not permit us to lead that simple life.

To the contrary, a much better solution is to maintain or improve our current standard of lifestyle, while using advanced technology to keep environment healthy. For example, a very simple oven for cooking can substantially reduce the amount of wood needed for cooking. However, the fossil fuels are responsible for global warming to the great extent. If we can improve the present technologies such as, solar, recycle, geothermal technology etc. then we will be able to replace fossil fuels with alternative eco-friendly sources. Consequently, it is seen that advanced technologies will be our ultimate saviour which can fix ecological problems effectively and efficiently.

Almost every day is presented new technologies being proposed to fix old problems. As a matter of fact, technology is our best hope that it will avert harm to environment. It would be unrealistic to urge people to adjust a simple lifestyle.