IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Rising Sea Levels – Sample Band 8 and Band 6 Essays

Rising sea levels have become a pressing global concern, and it’s no surprise that this topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve observed an increasing trend of questions related to climate change and its effects, particularly on coastal areas. In this article, we’ll explore a sample IELTS Writing Task 2 question on managing the impact of rising sea levels, provide two sample essays (Band 8 and Band 6), and offer valuable insights to help you excel in your IELTS writing test.

Analyzing the Question

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:

Rising sea levels are threatening many coastal cities around the world. What problems does this cause? What measures can be taken to address these problems?

This question is a classic example of a problem-solution essay. It requires you to:

1. Identify the problems caused by rising sea levels in coastal cities
2. Propose measures to address these problems

Now, let’s break down the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay – Band 8

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8 range:

Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to coastal cities worldwide, causing a myriad of problems that require urgent attention and innovative solutions. This essay will discuss the primary issues arising from this phenomenon and propose measures to mitigate its impact.

The most pressing problem caused by rising sea levels is the increased risk of flooding and erosion in coastal areas. As water levels rise, low-lying urban areas become more susceptible to inundation during storms and high tides, potentially displacing millions of residents and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. For instance, cities like Venice, Italy, and Miami, USA, already experience regular flooding, which is expected to worsen in the coming years. Additionally, erosion of coastlines can lead to the loss of valuable land and natural habitats, further exacerbating the environmental and economic impact.

Another significant issue is the contamination of freshwater sources due to saltwater intrusion. As sea levels rise, saltwater can seep into underground aquifers and rivers, rendering them unsuitable for drinking and agriculture. This problem is particularly acute in small island nations and delta regions, where access to fresh water is already limited.

To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. One crucial measure is the implementation of robust coastal defense systems. This can include the construction of sea walls, levees, and storm surge barriers to protect vulnerable areas from flooding. The Netherlands, for example, has successfully employed an extensive network of dikes and flood control structures to safeguard its low-lying territories.

Furthermore, urban planning and infrastructure adaptation are essential. Cities should revise their building codes to ensure new developments are resilient to flooding and incorporate features such as elevated structures and permeable surfaces to manage excess water. Additionally, the creation of “green infrastructure” like urban wetlands and rain gardens can help absorb excess water and reduce the strain on drainage systems.

Long-term strategies should focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the rate of sea level rise. This requires a global effort to transition to renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and implement carbon capture technologies. Simultaneously, investing in research and development of innovative solutions, such as floating cities or amphibious architecture, could provide alternative ways for coastal communities to adapt to rising waters.

In conclusion, rising sea levels present complex challenges for coastal cities, ranging from increased flooding risks to freshwater contamination. Addressing these issues requires a combination of immediate protective measures, urban adaptation strategies, and long-term efforts to mitigate climate change. By implementing these solutions, we can hope to preserve our coastal communities and protect them from the growing threat of rising seas.

(Word count: 413)

Sample Essay – Band 6

Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6 range:

Rising sea levels are becoming a big problem for many cities near the coast. This essay will talk about the problems this causes and some ways to deal with them.

One of the main problems of rising sea levels is flooding. When the sea gets higher, it’s easier for water to come into the city during storms or high tides. This can damage houses, roads, and other important buildings. For example, some parts of Bangkok in Thailand already have problems with flooding, and it’s getting worse because of higher sea levels.

Another problem is that the sea can make the drinking water salty. When sea levels rise, salt water can mix with the fresh water that people use for drinking and farming. This is very bad for people’s health and for growing food.

To solve these problems, there are several things we can do. First, we can build walls and barriers to keep the sea out of cities. Many places are already doing this, like in the Netherlands where they have big walls called dikes to stop flooding.

We can also change the way we build things in cities near the sea. For example, we can make new houses and buildings higher off the ground, so they don’t get flooded so easily. We can also plant more trees and make parks that can soak up extra water when it rains a lot.

Another important thing is to try to stop the sea levels from rising so fast. This means we need to use less energy from things like coal and oil, and use more energy from the sun and wind instead. This is a big job that everyone in the world needs to help with.

In conclusion, rising sea levels cause problems like flooding and making water salty in coastal cities. We can try to stop these problems by building sea walls, changing how we build things, and using cleaner energy. If we do these things, we can help protect cities near the sea from the dangers of rising water.

(Word count: 323)

Key Writing Tips for This Topic

When writing about rising sea levels and coastal cities, keep these points in mind:

1. Vocabulary: Use a range of topic-specific vocabulary. For higher band scores, incorporate more sophisticated terms and phrases. For example:

   • Band 8-9: inundation, erosion, saltwater intrusion, coastal defense systems, urban adaptation
   • Band 6-7: flooding, damage, salt water, sea walls, clean energy

2. Grammar: Utilize a variety of sentence structures and tenses. Higher band essays should demonstrate more complex structures:

   • Band 8-9: Use of passive voice, conditional sentences, and relative clauses
   • Band 6-7: Mainly simple and compound sentences, with some complex sentences

3. Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure your essay flows logically:

   • Band 8-9: Use advanced linking words and phrases, maintain clear paragraph structure
   • Band 6-7: Use basic linking words, have clear paragraphs but may lack sophisticated transitions

4. Task Response: Address all parts of the question thoroughly:

   • Band 8-9: Fully explore problems and solutions with specific examples
   • Band 6-7: Cover main points but may lack depth or specific examples

Rising sea levels impacting coastal cities

Key Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some important vocabulary items related to this topic:

1. Coastal erosion (noun) /ˈkəʊstl ɪˈrəʊʒn/: The wearing away of land by the sea.

2. Storm surge (noun) /stɔːm sɜːdʒ/: An abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm.

3. Inundation (noun) /ˌɪnʌnˈdeɪʃn/: The action of flooding or being flooded.

4. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.

5. Aquifer (noun) /ˈækwɪfə(r)/: An underground layer of water-bearing rock.

6. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

7. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

8. Permeable (adjective) /ˈpɜːmiəbl/: Allowing liquids or gases to pass through.

9. Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

10. Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/: The process of changing to suit different conditions.

Conclusion

Rising sea levels and their impact on coastal cities is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key issues, using appropriate vocabulary, and structuring your essay effectively, you can craft a compelling response. Remember to practice writing essays on this topic and related themes, such as climate change and food security or the economic impact of climate change. These topics are interconnected and understanding them will help you build a comprehensive knowledge base for your IELTS preparation.

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS test. Good luck with your IELTS journey!