IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Address the Challenges of Water Scarcity (Band 8-9 Sample Essay)

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue that has been increasingly featured in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Given its relevance to environmental sustainability and human development, this topic is likely to appear more frequently in future exams. Let’s explore a recent IELTS question on this subject and analyze how to craft a high-scoring response.

Water scarcity solutions

Analyzing the Question

Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:

Water scarcity is becoming an increasingly serious problem in many parts of the world. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures can governments and individuals take to address it?

This question is a typical problem-solution essay that requires you to discuss both the causes of water scarcity and potential solutions at the government and individual levels. To score well, you need to:

1. Identify multiple causes of water scarcity
2. Suggest measures that governments can implement
3. Propose actions that individuals can take
4. Organize your ideas logically and coherently
5. Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures relevant to the topic

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Water scarcity has emerged as a critical global challenge, affecting millions of people worldwide. This essay will examine the root causes of this issue and propose measures that both governments and individuals can adopt to mitigate its impact.

The primary causes of water scarcity are multifaceted. Climate change has led to erratic weather patterns, resulting in prolonged droughts in many regions. Additionally, rapid population growth and urbanization have dramatically increased water demand, straining existing resources. Furthermore, inefficient agricultural practices, which account for the majority of global water consumption, exacerbate the problem through wasteful irrigation methods and water-intensive crop cultivation.

To address these challenges, governments must implement comprehensive strategies. Investing in water infrastructure, such as modern distribution systems and desalination plants, can increase water availability and reduce losses. Governments should also enforce stricter regulations on industrial water use and incentivize water-efficient technologies. Moreover, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, like drip irrigation and drought-resistant crops, can significantly reduce water consumption in the farming sector.

Individuals also play a crucial role in combating water scarcity. Adopting water-saving habits in daily life, such as taking shorter showers and fixing leaky faucets, can collectively make a substantial impact. Rainwater harvesting at the household level can provide an alternative water source for non-potable uses. Additionally, making informed consumer choices, such as purchasing products with a lower water footprint, can indirectly contribute to water conservation efforts.

In conclusion, addressing water scarcity requires a concerted effort from both governments and individuals. By implementing systemic changes and fostering a culture of water conservation, we can work towards ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations.

(Word count: 275)

Analysis of the Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:

1. Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing causes and solutions, and a concise conclusion.

2. Comprehensive answer: It addresses all parts of the question, discussing causes and proposing measures for both governments and individuals.

3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly with appropriate use of linking words and phrases.

4. Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of topic-specific vocabulary and collocations, such as “erratic weather patterns,” “water-intensive crop cultivation,” and “water footprint.”

5. Grammatical range and accuracy: It uses a variety of complex structures accurately, including conditionals and passive voice.

6. Task achievement: The response fully addresses the task, providing relevant, well-developed ideas supported by examples.

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

Water scarcity is becoming a big problem in many countries. This essay will discuss the reasons for this issue and suggest some solutions that governments and people can do.

There are several causes of water scarcity. First, climate change is making some areas very dry, so there is less rain. Second, as the population grows, more people need water for drinking, washing, and other uses. Also, some farmers use too much water for their crops, which wastes a lot of water.

Governments can do some things to help solve this problem. They can build better water systems to bring water to more people. They can also make rules to stop companies from using too much water or polluting it. Another idea is to teach farmers how to use less water for their crops.

People can also help save water in their daily lives. They can take shorter showers and turn off the tap when brushing their teeth. Some people can collect rainwater to use in their gardens. It’s also good to buy things that don’t need a lot of water to make.

In conclusion, water scarcity is caused by climate change, population growth, and wasteful practices. Both governments and individuals need to work together to save water and make sure there is enough for everyone in the future.

(Word count: 218)

Analysis of the Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates several features typical of a Band 6-7 response:

1. Addresses the task: The essay covers the main points required by the question, discussing causes and solutions for both governments and individuals.

2. Basic structure: It has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, though the development of ideas is simpler compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

3. Cohesion: Uses basic linking words like “First,” “Second,” and “Also” to connect ideas, but lacks the sophistication of higher-band essays.

4. Vocabulary: Uses some topic-specific words but relies more on general vocabulary. The range is adequate but not extensive.

5. Grammar: Mostly uses simple and compound sentences correctly, with some attempts at complex structures.

6. Task achievement: Presents relevant ideas but lacks the depth and detail of a higher-band response.

Key Vocabulary for Water Scarcity Essays

1. Water scarcity (noun) /ˈwɔːtə ˈskeəsɪti/ – The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet water needs within a region.

2. Drought (noun) /draʊt/ – A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.

3. Desalination (noun) /diːˌsælɪˈneɪʃn/ – The process of removing salt from seawater to make it suitable for human consumption or irrigation.

4. Irrigation (noun) /ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The supply of water to land or crops to help growth, typically by artificial means.

5. Water conservation (noun) /ˈwɔːtə ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage.

6. Groundwater depletion (noun) /ˈɡraʊndwɔːtə dɪˈpliːʃn/ – The reduction in the amount of water in underground aquifers due to overuse.

7. Water-intensive (adjective) /ˈwɔːtər ɪnˈtensɪv/ – Requiring or consuming a large amount of water.

8. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

9. Rainwater harvesting (noun) /ˈreɪnwɔːtə ˈhɑːvɪstɪŋ/ – The collection and storage of rainwater for reuse.

10. Water footprint (noun) /ˈwɔːtə ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of fresh water used in the production or supply of goods and services used by a person or group.

Conclusion

Water scarcity is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its importance in global environmental and social issues. To excel in essays on this subject, focus on presenting a balanced discussion of causes and solutions, using specific examples and relevant vocabulary. Practice writing essays on related topics such as climate change impacts on water resources, sustainable urban development, and government policies for ensuring access to clean water.

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.