Introduction In recent decades, environmental problems such as global warming, deforestation, air pollution, and ocean contamination have grown into global crises. Many people believe that these problems are now too...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
This guide provides a detailed analysis of the essay question, "Are environmental problems too big for individual countries to handle?", offering a model essay and expert commentary to help you structure a nuanced, high-scoring argumentative text for your English exam.
Why this matters on the exam
In the Norwegian curriculum (LK20), a core aim in English is to "acquire knowledge about social conditions and values in the English-speaking world and reflect on these". This essay topic directly addresses this by exploring a major global issue that requires critical thinking and argumentation. Exam tasks, particularly in the long-form writing section, often ask you to discuss complex societal problems, weigh different perspectives, and support your own standpoint with evidence. This question tests your ability to move beyond simple statements and engage with concepts like international relations, economic disparity, and scientific reality, all while demonstrating strong language skills.
For example, a past exam might ask you to "Discuss the claim that global challenges like climate change can only be solved through international cooperation." Your ability to provide specific examples of both successful and failed agreements, and to analyse the tension between national sovereignty and global responsibility, will be what separates a mediocre response from an excellent one. Another potential exam task could be, "To what extent should national economic interests be prioritised over international environmental commitments?" This guide's model essay and analysis provide a clear blueprint for tackling such complex questions with depth and precision.
Core Concepts Explained
To write with precision about this topic, you need to master the key terminology. Using these terms correctly demonstrates a higher level of subject knowledge and analytical skill. …