The global water shortage crisis is a pressing issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Its relevance to current environmental challenges and its potential impact on various aspects of society make it a popular topic for examiners. Based on past exam trends and the increasing importance of water scarcity worldwide, we can expect this theme to continue appearing in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring essays to help you prepare for this crucial topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that the best way to solve the global water shortage crisis is through international cooperation and water-sharing agreements. Others argue that individual countries should focus on their own water conservation methods. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question presents two contrasting approaches to addressing the global water shortage crisis:
- International cooperation and water-sharing agreements
- Individual countries focusing on their own water conservation methods
The task requires you to discuss both viewpoints and provide your personal opinion. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores to understand how to tackle this question effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The global water shortage crisis is an increasingly pressing issue that demands urgent attention. While some advocate for international cooperation and water-sharing agreements as the optimal solution, others argue that individual countries should prioritize their own water conservation methods. In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is necessary to effectively address this complex problem.
Proponents of international cooperation argue that water scarcity is a global issue that transcends national borders. They believe that through collaborative efforts and water-sharing agreements, countries can more efficiently manage and distribute water resources. For instance, transboundary river basins, which account for 60% of global freshwater flow, require coordinated management to ensure equitable access and prevent conflicts. The Nile Basin Initiative, involving 10 African countries, exemplifies how international cooperation can lead to more sustainable water management practices across regions.
On the other hand, those who support individual country initiatives contend that each nation has unique geographical, climatic, and socio-economic conditions that require tailored approaches to water conservation. They argue that local solutions are more likely to be effective and sustainable in the long term. For example, Israel has successfully implemented innovative water conservation techniques, such as drip irrigation and wastewater recycling, which are specifically adapted to its arid climate and agricultural needs.
In my view, the most effective approach to solving the global water shortage crisis involves a combination of international cooperation and country-specific initiatives. While international agreements can provide a framework for shared water resources and facilitate knowledge exchange, individual countries must also take responsibility for implementing conservation measures suited to their specific contexts. This dual approach ensures that global efforts are complemented by localized actions, maximizing the potential for sustainable water management.
To truly address the water crisis, we need a multi-faceted strategy that leverages both global collaboration and local innovation. International bodies like the United Nations can play a crucial role in fostering cooperation and setting global standards, while individual countries can focus on developing and implementing tailored conservation techniques. By combining these approaches, we can create a more resilient and sustainable global water management system that benefits all nations and future generations.
(Word count: 345)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a Band 8-9 score:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “transboundary river basins” and “drip irrigation”.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The global water shortage is a big problem that many countries are facing. Some people think that the best way to solve this issue is through international cooperation and agreements to share water. Others believe that each country should focus on its own ways to save water. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support international cooperation say that water problems are not limited to one country. They think that if countries work together and agree to share water, it can help solve the problem. For example, countries that share a river can make agreements about how to use the water fairly. This can prevent fights over water and help everyone have enough.
On the other hand, people who think countries should focus on their own methods say that each place has different water problems. They believe that local solutions work better because they fit the specific needs of each country. For instance, a country with little rain might focus on saving rainwater, while another might work on cleaning polluted rivers.
In my opinion, both approaches are important to solve the water shortage crisis. International cooperation is necessary because water doesn’t stop at borders, and some problems are too big for one country to solve alone. However, each country also needs to find its own ways to save water that work best for its situation.
I think the best solution is to combine both methods. Countries should work together on big water issues and share ideas, but they should also develop their own water-saving techniques. This way, we can address the problem on both a global and local level, which is more likely to be effective in solving the water shortage crisis.
(Word count: 292)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that justify a Band 6-7 score:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there is less variety compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are developed logically, but the examples and explanations are less specific and detailed compared to the higher band essay.
Global water crisis illustration
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing on Water Scarcity
Water scarcity (noun) /ˈwɔːtə ˈskeəsɪti/: The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet water needs within a region.
Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The act of using and managing resources, especially natural resources, carefully and not wastefully.
Transboundary (adjective) /trænzˈbaʊndəri/: Existing or occurring across national boundaries.
Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.
Drought (noun) /draʊt/: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
Desalination (noun) /diːˌsælɪˈneɪʃn/: The process of removing salt from seawater to make it suitable for human consumption or irrigation.
Aquifer (noun) /ˈækwɪfə(r)/: An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures or unconsolidated materials.
Irrigation (noun) /ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The supply of water to land or crops to help growth, typically by means of channels.
Water stress (noun) /ˈwɔːtə stres/: The situation when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use.
Conclusion
The global water shortage crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. As we’ve seen in the sample essays, addressing this problem effectively involves both international cooperation and country-specific initiatives. By understanding different perspectives and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft compelling essays on this topic for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
To further prepare, consider practicing with these potential questions:
- How can technology contribute to solving the global water shortage crisis?
- Discuss the impact of climate change on water scarcity and potential solutions.
- Some argue that privatization of water resources is necessary to address water scarcity. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures in your essay. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!