Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Reduce Air Pollution in Urban Areas – Sample Essays and Expert Analysis

Air pollution in urban areas is a pressing environmental issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on past exam trends and the growing global concern for air quality, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to be a recurring theme in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this important subject.

Some people believe that the best way to reduce air pollution in cities is to restrict the use of private cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on a specific solution to urban air pollution. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is reducing air pollution in cities.
2. The proposed solution is restricting private car use.
3. You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement.
4. You should provide reasons and examples to support your stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Air pollution is a significant problem in many urban areas, and the suggestion to limit private car usage as a primary solution is gaining traction. While I agree that this approach could be effective to some extent, I believe that a more comprehensive strategy is necessary to tackle this complex issue.

Restricting private car use can indeed have a positive impact on urban air quality. Cars are a major source of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which contribute to smog and respiratory problems. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, cities can significantly decrease these emissions. For example, London’s implementation of a congestion charge has led to a noticeable improvement in air quality within the city center.

However, focusing solely on private cars may not be sufficient to address the full scope of urban air pollution. There are other significant contributors to poor air quality in cities, such as industrial emissions, construction activities, and energy production. A holistic approach that tackles multiple sources of pollution is likely to be more effective. For instance, Beijing has made substantial progress in improving its air quality by not only restricting car use but also relocating heavy industries and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Moreover, simply restricting car use without providing viable alternatives could lead to unintended consequences. If adequate public transportation options are not available, it could result in economic disruption and public dissatisfaction. Therefore, any policy to limit private cars should be accompanied by investments in efficient, clean public transport systems and infrastructure for alternative modes of travel such as cycling and walking.

In conclusion, while restricting private car use can be a valuable component of an air pollution reduction strategy, it should not be considered the sole solution. A multi-faceted approach that addresses various pollution sources and provides sustainable alternatives is more likely to succeed in improving urban air quality. Cities should strive for a balanced policy that combines traffic reduction measures with broader environmental initiatives to create cleaner, more livable urban environments.

(Word count: 309)

Urban Air Pollution Reduction Strategies

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Air pollution is a big problem in many cities, and some people think that limiting the use of private cars is the best way to solve it. I partially agree with this idea, but I also think there are other important things we should do to reduce air pollution.

Restricting private cars can help reduce air pollution in cities. Cars produce a lot of harmful gases that make the air dirty and unhealthy to breathe. If fewer people use cars, there will be less pollution. For example, in some cities, they have made rules to stop cars from entering certain areas, and this has helped to make the air cleaner.

However, I don’t think this is the only solution to the problem. There are other things that cause air pollution in cities, like factories and construction work. We need to look at all these sources of pollution and find ways to reduce them. Also, if we just stop people from using cars without giving them other ways to travel, it could cause problems for many people who need to go to work or school.

I think we need to do more than just restrict cars. We should improve public transportation so that people have good alternatives to using their cars. We can also encourage people to use bicycles or walk for short trips. Another important thing is to make stricter rules for factories and construction sites to reduce the pollution they produce.

In conclusion, while limiting private car use can help reduce air pollution in cities, it’s not the only thing we should do. We need a plan that deals with all the different causes of pollution and provides people with good alternatives for getting around the city. This way, we can make our cities cleaner and healthier for everyone.

(Word count: 292)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases, such as “gaining traction,” “comprehensive strategy,” and “unintended consequences.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates the main ideas.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but maintains grammatical accuracy.

4. Task Response: Both essays address the question directly, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more balanced and in-depth analysis of the issue.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay shows better use of linking words and a more logical flow of ideas, while the Band 6-7 essay is still coherent but with less sophisticated connections between ideas.

Essential Vocabulary

1. Air pollution (noun) /eə pəˈluːʃən/ – contamination of the air by harmful substances
2. Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
3. Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of being overcrowded, especially with traffic
4. Particulate matter (noun) /pɑːˈtɪkjʊlət ˈmætə/ – tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in the air
5. Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
6. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
7. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
8. Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃən/ – the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another

In conclusion, the topic of reducing air pollution in urban areas is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that discuss various environmental solutions, their effectiveness, and potential drawbacks. Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

• The role of green spaces in improving urban air quality
• The impact of urban planning on environmental sustainability
• Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in cities

We encourage you to write your own essay on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.