The question below is one that occasionally pops up in the IELTS test—and you will not be fully prepared without considering how to answer it. It usually appears as a table with two sets of opinions or answers given by two distinct groups…
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The table below shows the top five methods experts and the general public believe will help reduce global warming.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
| Experts | The General Public |
| Use Cleaner Energy | Choose Cars that Use Less Petrol |
| Grow More Trees | Make Homes Leak Less Air |
| Capture and Store Carbon | Use Cleaner Energy |
| Help the Oceans Grow More Algae | Eat Less Meat |
| Reflect Sunlight Away from Earth | Turn Off Electronics When Not in Use |
Analysis:
The table comparing the methods for reducing global warming as perceived by experts and the general public reveals distinct approaches towards environmental action. Experts propose large-scale interventions, emphasising ecological and technological solutions like carbon capture and solar radiation management.
In contrast, the public opts for practical, everyday measures such as energy-efficient vehicles and reducing meat consumption. This juxtaposition highlights the varied scales at which climate change can be addressed, reflecting a broader narrative of global versus individual responsibilities in environmental preservation.
Structure:
In structuring a response to this table, one could begin with an introduction that outlines the differing viewpoints of experts and the general public on global warming solutions. The main body would then delve into two distinct paragraphs: the first detailing the experts’ recommendations, emphasising their focus on broad ecological and technological strategies, and the second exploring the public’s preference for personal lifestyle adjustments.
As always, it is important to include an overview, and this is achieved in the second sentence of the introduction. It is not necessary to use the word overall for it to be considered an overview.
The Model Task 1 Answer
The table presents a contrast between the methods experts and the general public believe are effective in reducing global warming. The expert opinion leans towards larger-scale environmental strategies, whereas the public focuses on individual lifestyle changes.
Both groups acknowledge the importance of using cleaner energy, indicating a common understanding of its significance in combating climate change. The divergence in other methods suggests a difference in perspective regarding the scope and approach to addressing global warming. The experts’ recommendations are more globally oriented, encompassing broader ecological interventions such as planting more trees and creating an environment which would facilitate the growth of ocean algae. Their remaining solutions utilise technology to capture and offset carbon emissions and reflect sunlight away from our planet.
The public’s choices reflect a more personal, day-to-day approach to environmental responsibility. Their choices involve some element of personal sacrifice, such as choosing cars that use less petrol and eating less meat. They also believe in using cleaner energy and being more vigilant in turning off devices that drain energy when left on standby or not in use.
How to Continue Your IELTS Study
If you would like to get some IELTS practice, answer the same question and purchase one of our Writing Correction Packages to get feedback.
If you would like to watch a video about how to write IELTS Academic Task 1 letters, visit this page.