Air pollution and its effects on respiratory health is a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current environmental concerns, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that air pollution is the main environmental problem facing cities today. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether air pollution is the primary environmental issue in urban areas. To answer effectively, you should:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your view
3. Consider counterarguments
4. Conclude by summarizing your main points

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Air pollution has undeniably emerged as a critical environmental challenge for cities worldwide, and I strongly agree that it is indeed the foremost problem facing urban areas today. The pervasive nature of air pollution, coupled with its severe impacts on human health and quality of life, makes it a paramount concern that overshadows other environmental issues.

Firstly, the ubiquity of air pollution in cities is unparalleled. Unlike localized problems such as water contamination or soil erosion, air pollution affects entire urban populations indiscriminately. The invisible mix of particulate matter, ozone, and other pollutants blankets cities, infiltrating homes, schools, and workplaces, leaving no refuge for residents. This omnipresence makes air pollution a uniquely pressing issue that demands immediate attention.

Moreover, the health implications of air pollution are staggering. Respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even cognitive decline have been linked to prolonged exposure to polluted air. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes millions of premature deaths annually, with the majority occurring in urban areas. This direct and severe impact on human life elevates air pollution above other environmental concerns in terms of urgency and significance.

Furthermore, air pollution acts as a catalyst for other environmental problems. It contributes to climate change, acid rain, and the degradation of ecosystems, amplifying its detrimental effects beyond the immediate urban environment. This multiplicative impact underscores its position as the primary environmental challenge cities face.

However, it is important to acknowledge that other environmental issues, such as waste management and urban heat islands, also pose significant challenges to cities. These problems are indeed serious and require attention. Nevertheless, the scale, pervasiveness, and direct health impacts of air pollution render it the most pressing environmental concern for urban areas.

In conclusion, while cities grapple with various environmental challenges, air pollution stands out as the most critical due to its widespread presence, severe health consequences, and cascading effects on other environmental issues. Addressing air pollution should therefore be the top priority for urban environmental policies and initiatives.

Impact of air pollution on respiratory health in urban areas

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I agree that air pollution is a major environmental problem in cities today, but I’m not sure if it’s the main one. There are other important issues too, like waste management and water pollution.

Air pollution is definitely a big problem in cities. It comes from cars, factories, and other sources, and it can make people sick. Many people in cities suffer from breathing problems because of the dirty air. This is especially bad for children and old people. Also, air pollution can make buildings dirty and damage plants.

However, there are other environmental problems in cities that are also very serious. For example, waste management is a big issue. Many cities produce too much garbage and don’t know how to deal with it properly. This can lead to dirty streets and bad smells. Another problem is water pollution. Some cities have rivers and lakes that are very polluted, which is bad for people and animals.

On the other hand, air pollution might be considered the main problem because it affects everyone in the city. You can’t escape from the air you breathe. Also, air pollution can contribute to global warming, which is a worldwide problem.

In conclusion, while air pollution is definitely a major environmental problem in cities, it’s hard to say if it’s the main one. Other issues like waste management and water pollution are also very important. I think cities need to work on solving all of these problems to improve the environment for everyone.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

I think air pollution is a very big problem in cities today. Many cities have a lot of air pollution and it is bad for people’s health. I agree that it is the main environmental problem.

Air pollution comes from many things in cities. Cars and buses make a lot of pollution. Factories also make the air dirty. When people breathe this dirty air, they can get sick. Many people in cities have breathing problems because of air pollution. This is very bad for children and old people.

But there are other environmental problems in cities too. For example, there is too much trash in some cities. This can make the streets dirty and smell bad. Also, some cities have problems with water pollution. The rivers and lakes in these cities are very dirty.

However, I think air pollution is the biggest problem because everyone in the city has to breathe the air. You can’t avoid it. Also, air pollution can make other problems worse. For example, it can make the weather change and cause more pollution.

In conclusion, I agree that air pollution is the main environmental problem in cities today. It is very bad for people’s health and affects everyone in the city. Cities should try to reduce air pollution to make life better for people.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
• Presents well-developed ideas with logical organization
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures accurately
• Demonstrates sophisticated use of cohesive devices
• Shows awareness of style and tone appropriate for an academic essay

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task but with less depth
• Presents relevant ideas but some may be underdeveloped
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary and mix of simple and complex sentences
• Uses cohesive devices but with some overuse or under-use
• Shows some awareness of style but may be inconsistent

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task but may miss some points or lack focus
• Presents some relevant ideas but with limited development
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some errors
• Uses basic sentence structures with limited complexity
• Uses cohesive devices but with noticeable errors
• Shows limited awareness of style appropriate for the task

Comparison of air quality in different cities worldwide

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Pervasive (adjective) /pəˈveɪsɪv/ – spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
2. Ubiquity (noun) /juːˈbɪkwəti/ – the state of being everywhere
3. Particulate matter (noun) /pɑːˈtɪkjʊlət ˈmætə(r)/ – tiny particles or droplets in the air that can cause health problems
4. Omnipresence (noun) /ˌɒmnɪˈprezəns/ – the state of being present everywhere at the same time
5. Staggering (adjective) /ˈstæɡərɪŋ/ – astonishing or deeply shocking
6. Premature (adjective) /ˈpreməˌtʃʊr/ – occurring or done before the usual or proper time
7. Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes or accelerates a change or action
8. Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – tending to cause harm
9. Pervasiveness (noun) /pəˈveɪsɪvnəs/ – the quality of being present or noticeable in every part of something
10. Cascading (adjective) /kæˈskeɪdɪŋ/ – (of a process or series of events) occurring in a sequence

In conclusion, the impact of air pollution on respiratory health is a critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The role of government in reducing air pollution
• Individual actions to improve air quality
• The economic impact of air pollution on cities
• Technological solutions for combating urban air pollution

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion.

How does climate change impact global health? This topic is closely related to air pollution and respiratory health, as climate change can exacerbate air quality issues and their health impacts. Understanding the broader context of environmental health challenges can enhance your ability to write comprehensively on this subject in your IELTS essays.