Urbanization and its impact on the environment is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its global relevance. In this article, we’ll explore a sample question related to urbanization and environmental degradation, providing essay samples for different band scores along with detailed analyses to help you improve your IELTS writing skills.
Urban sprawl and environmental impact
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Many cities around the world are growing in size, leading to increased environmental problems. What are the main environmental issues associated with urban growth? What solutions can you suggest to tackle these problems?
This question falls under the problem-solution essay type. It requires you to:
- Identify the main environmental issues caused by urban growth
- Propose solutions to address these problems
Let’s break down the question further:
- Key words: cities, growing, environmental problems, issues, urban growth, solutions
- Task: Discuss environmental issues and provide solutions
- Focus: Urban expansion and its environmental impact
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay addressing the question:
Urban expansion is a global phenomenon that brings with it a host of environmental challenges. This essay will discuss the primary environmental issues associated with urban growth and propose potential solutions to mitigate these problems.
The main environmental issues stemming from urban growth are air pollution, water contamination, and loss of green spaces. As cities expand, the number of vehicles on the roads increases dramatically, leading to higher levels of air pollution from exhaust emissions. Moreover, the construction of new buildings and infrastructure often results in the destruction of natural habitats and green areas, reducing biodiversity and eliminating crucial carbon sinks. Additionally, rapid urbanization puts immense pressure on water resources, with inadequate sewage treatment facilities often leading to the contamination of water bodies.
To address these issues, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, implementing stringent emission standards and promoting the use of electric vehicles can help reduce air pollution. Cities like Oslo and Amsterdam have successfully reduced their carbon footprint by incentivizing electric car usage and creating extensive networks of cycling lanes. Secondly, urban planning policies should prioritize the preservation and creation of green spaces. Singapore’s “City in a Garden” initiative is an excellent example of how urban development can coexist with nature, with the city boasting over 350 parks and 4 nature reserves despite its high population density. Lastly, investing in advanced water treatment technologies and promoting water conservation practices can help manage water resources more effectively. Cities like Singapore and Tel Aviv have implemented innovative water recycling systems that have significantly reduced their reliance on external water sources.
In conclusion, while urban growth presents significant environmental challenges, these issues can be mitigated through a combination of innovative policies, technological solutions, and public awareness campaigns. By addressing air pollution, preserving green spaces, and managing water resources effectively, cities can grow sustainably while minimizing their environmental impact.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing the main environmental issues and providing clear, relevant solutions.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “Lastly”, “Moreover”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “global phenomenon”, “mitigate”, “biodiversity”, “carbon sinks”, “multi-faceted approach”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditionals).
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with explanations and specific examples (e.g., Oslo, Amsterdam, Singapore, Tel Aviv).
Band 6-7 Essay
Here’s a mid-range sample essay addressing the same question:
In recent years, many cities have grown rapidly, which has led to various environmental problems. This essay will discuss the main environmental issues caused by urban growth and suggest some solutions to these problems.
One of the biggest environmental issues related to urban growth is air pollution. As cities get bigger, more people use cars and factories are built, which release harmful gases into the air. This pollution can cause health problems for people living in the city. Another issue is water pollution. When cities grow quickly, they often don’t have good systems to clean water, so dirty water ends up in rivers and lakes. Lastly, urban growth often leads to the destruction of natural habitats. As cities expand, trees are cut down and animals lose their homes.
To solve these problems, there are several things we can do. First, to reduce air pollution, cities should encourage people to use public transport instead of private cars. They could do this by making bus and train services better and cheaper. Second, to address water pollution, cities need to invest in better water treatment facilities. This will help clean the water before it goes back into the environment. Finally, to protect natural habitats, city planners should create more parks and green spaces in urban areas. This will provide homes for animals and plants, and also give people places to enjoy nature.
In conclusion, while urban growth causes serious environmental problems like air and water pollution and habitat loss, there are solutions available. By improving public transport, water treatment, and creating more green spaces, we can help cities grow in a more environmentally friendly way.
(Word count: 276)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, identifying environmental issues and proposing solutions. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses some cohesive devices, but less skillfully than the higher band essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. There’s less precision in word choice (e.g., “big” instead of “significant”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety than the higher band essay. There are no significant grammatical errors, but the structures are less complex.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is supported with some explanation, but the ideas are less fully elaborated and lack specific examples compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some important vocabulary items used in the essays, along with their definitions and pronunciations:
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Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process by which towns and cities grow larger as more and more people come to live and work in them.
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Environmental degradation (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/: The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources such as air, water, and soil.
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Contamination (noun) /kənˌtæmɪˈneɪʃn/: The action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.
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Emission (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃn/: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
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Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The action of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment, natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife.
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Urban sprawl (noun phrase) /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding countryside.
Conclusion
The topic of urbanization and its impact on the environment is a crucial one in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key issues and potential solutions, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle similar questions in your exam. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your ideas with specific examples.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- The impact of urbanization on public transportation systems
- How urban growth affects the availability of natural resources
- The challenges of waste management in rapidly growing cities
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
