Water scarcity is a pressing global issue that has been increasingly featured in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve noticed a growing trend of questions related to water conservation and management in recent years. This topic is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to its global significance. Let’s explore a common IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on water scarcity:
Global water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. What do you think are the main causes of this problem, and what measures can governments and individuals take to address it?
This question follows a common IELTS Writing Task 2 format, asking for causes and solutions. It requires you to:
- Identify the main causes of global water scarcity
- Suggest measures that both governments and individuals can take to address the issue
To effectively answer this question, you’ll need to structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing causes and solutions, and a conclusion.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses the question comprehensively:
Water scarcity has emerged as one of the most critical challenges of the 21st century, threatening ecosystems, economies, and human lives across the globe. This essay will explore the primary factors contributing to this crisis and propose potential solutions at both governmental and individual levels.
The main causes of global water scarcity are multifaceted and interconnected. Firstly, climate change has significantly altered precipitation patterns, leading to prolonged droughts in many regions. Additionally, rapid population growth and urbanization have placed unprecedented demands on water resources, often outpacing natural replenishment rates. Moreover, inefficient agricultural practices, which account for approximately 70% of global freshwater usage, exacerbate the problem through wasteful irrigation methods and water-intensive crop cultivation.
To address these challenges, governments must implement comprehensive strategies. One crucial measure is investing in water infrastructure, including the development of desalination plants and the improvement of water distribution systems to minimize leakage. Policymakers should also introduce stricter regulations on industrial water use and incentivize water-efficient technologies. Furthermore, international cooperation is essential, particularly in managing transboundary water resources and sharing best practices in water conservation.
Individuals also play a vital role in combating water scarcity. On a personal level, adopting water-saving habits such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, and using water-efficient appliances can significantly reduce household water consumption. Educating oneself and others about the importance of water conservation is equally crucial. Additionally, supporting local initiatives for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling can contribute to community-level water sustainability.
In conclusion, addressing global water scarcity requires a concerted effort from both governments and individuals. By tackling the root causes through policy changes, technological advancements, and personal behavioral shifts, we can work towards ensuring water security for future generations. The urgency of this issue demands immediate and sustained action from all sectors of society.
(Word count: 298)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both causes and solutions at governmental and individual levels.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-structured with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly”, “Additionally”, “Moreover”).
-
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “unprecedented demands”, “exacerbate”, “incentivize”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex structures with minimal errors (e.g., “By tackling the root causes through policy changes…”).
-
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
Water scarcity is becoming a big problem all over the world. This essay will discuss the main reasons for this issue and suggest some ways that governments and people can help solve it.
There are several causes of water scarcity. One important reason is climate change, which is making some places very dry. Another cause is that there are more people in the world, and they need more water for drinking, farming, and industry. Also, many countries waste a lot of water because of old pipes and bad farming methods.
Governments can do many things to help with water scarcity. They can build new water treatment plants and fix old water pipes to stop leaks. They can also make laws to stop companies from polluting water and encourage people to use less water. Another good idea is to teach farmers how to use water more efficiently when growing crops.
Individuals can also help save water in their daily lives. People can take shorter showers, turn off the tap when brushing teeth, and use water-saving machines for washing clothes and dishes. They can also learn about the problem of water scarcity and tell their friends and family about it. Some people might even collect rainwater to use in their gardens.
In conclusion, water scarcity is caused by things like climate change and population growth, but there are ways to solve it. If governments and individuals work together to save water and use it more wisely, we can make sure there is enough water for everyone in the future.
(Word count: 253)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities but has some limitations:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “also”).
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some minor errors that don’t impede communication.
-
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be more fully explained and supported with specific examples.
Key Vocabulary for Water Scarcity Essays
Here are some important terms to remember when writing about water scarcity:
-
Desalination (noun) /diːˌsælɪˈneɪʃn/: The process of removing salt from seawater to make it drinkable.
-
Drought (noun) /draʊt/: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
-
Water-intensive (adjective) /ˈwɔːtər ɪnˈtensɪv/: Requiring or using large amounts of water.
-
Irrigation (noun) /ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The supply of water to land or crops to help growth, typically by artificial means.
-
Groundwater depletion (noun phrase) /ˈɡraʊndwɔːtər dɪˈpliːʃn/: The reduction of water in underground aquifers due to overuse.
-
Water conservation (noun phrase) /ˈwɔːtər ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage.
-
Greywater recycling (noun phrase) /ˈɡreɪwɔːtər ˌriːˈsaɪklɪŋ/: The reuse of wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines for purposes such as irrigation.
-
Sustainable water management (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈwɔːtər ˈmænɪdʒmənt/: Practices aimed at meeting current water needs without compromising future water availability.
Conclusion
Water scarcity is a complex and critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By understanding the causes and potential solutions, and by using appropriate vocabulary and structure, you can effectively address this topic in your essays.
To further prepare, consider practicing with these related topics:
- The impact of water scarcity on global food security
- The role of technology in addressing water shortages
- Ethical considerations in water distribution during scarcity
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your skills and prepare for success in your IELTS exam.