GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 335
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
The key to solving environmental problems is for the present generation to sacrifice their convenient lifestyle for the sake of future generations.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Tackling environmental issues creates an intergenerational dilemma, and this is why many environmentalists argue that the current generation should sacrifice their comfortable lifestyle to ensure that the planet is left in good condition for coming generations. I completely agree with this opinion because the present generation is increasing emissions of greenhouse gases so as to maintain a convenient way of life.
People today use many appliances to make life easier, causing harm to the environment. Appliances, like pressure cookers, refrigerators and freezers, are manufactured by using energy in form of electricity or natural gas. And electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels, which contributes to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases; thereby melting glaciers, increasing temperatures, and deteriorating air and edible water quality. Besides, running these domestic appliances also causes environmental damage. For instance, residential electricity consumption, largely from household appliances, accounts for one-fourth of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, it seems clear that the coming generation may not have fresh air to breathe or clean drinking water to drink. Thus, the present generation has to compromise its convenient way of life to ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.
Furthermore, the mode of transport modern people use contributes to the rise of greenhouse gas emissions. Put simply, most people now use their private cars even for travelling a short distance because it is convenient and comfortable, and therefore causing harm to the environment. Each vehicle, for example, releases about 5.2 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is extremely harmful to the atmosphere. Likewise, the present generation uses a wide range of disposable products, such as paper towels and napkins, disposable diapers, cheap plasticware, plastic plates and utensils, for the sake of convenience. Consequently, producing all these non-durable goods generates greenhouse gases that cause global warming.
From what has been discussed above, we can draw the conclusion that the fight against environmental catastrophes is the present generation’s responsibility and only it will ensure a better and greener future for the coming generations.