Introduction Environmental problems such as global warming, deforestation, and pollution are among the greatest challenges facing humanity. While some people believe that these issues should be addressed through...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
This guide on solving environmental problems breaks down how to structure a high-scoring essay, analysing the complexities of global versus national approaches with specific examples from international treaties and domestic policies.
Why this matters on the exam
The theme of solving environmental problems is a recurring and highly relevant topic in the English subject curriculum, particularly for written exams in VG1, VG2, and VG3. Examiners frequently use this topic to assess your ability to construct a balanced, well-reasoned argument on a complex contemporary issue. Tasks are often framed as "discuss both views" or "to what extent do you agree or disagree," requiring you to navigate multiple perspectives. This topic is interdisciplinary, connecting English with subjects like social studies and natural science, and demonstrating this breadth of knowledge is highly valued.
You might encounter prompts such as:
- "Some argue that environmental problems are too big for individual countries to handle and require a unified global response. To what extent do you agree?" This question directly targets the core tension between national sovereignty and international collaboration.
- "Developing nations should not be expected to meet the same environmental standards as developed nations. Discuss." This prompt forces you to consider the economic and ethical dimensions of global environmental policy, a key aspect of the debate.
- "Many people believe individuals can do little to help the environment. Only governments and large companies can make a real difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?” This question, included with the original essay, expands the scope from government action to include corporate and individual responsibility, testing your ability to synthesise different levels of action.
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