Urban heat islands and their impact on public health have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern for climate change and urbanization, we can expect this subject to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people say that urban areas are facing more problems with waste disposal and air pollution as their populations grow. What are the causes of this and what measures can be taken to solve this problem?
Analyzing the Question
This question focuses on two main environmental issues in urban areas: waste disposal and air pollution. It asks for both causes and solutions, making it a problem-solution essay. To effectively answer this question, candidates should:
- Identify causes of increased waste disposal and air pollution in growing urban areas
- Propose relevant measures to address these issues
- Organize the essay logically, discussing causes first, then solutions
- Use appropriate vocabulary related to urbanization and environmental issues
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Urban centers worldwide are grappling with mounting challenges in waste management and air quality as their populations continue to expand. This essay will explore the root causes of these issues and propose viable solutions to mitigate their impact.
The primary driver behind the escalating waste disposal problem is the sheer volume of consumption in densely populated areas. As cities grow, so does the demand for goods and services, resulting in an exponential increase in waste generation. Furthermore, inadequate infrastructure and outdated waste management systems struggle to keep pace with the rapid urbanization, exacerbating the situation. Concurrently, air pollution in urban areas is predominantly caused by the surge in vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and the urban heat island effect. The concentration of heat-absorbing surfaces in cities, coupled with reduced green spaces, creates a feedback loop that intensifies air pollution and energy consumption.
To address these pressing issues, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Firstly, implementing comprehensive recycling programs and promoting circular economy principles can significantly reduce waste generation. Cities should invest in modern waste processing facilities and educate residents on proper waste segregation and recycling practices. Secondly, to combat air pollution, governments must enforce stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries while simultaneously investing in public transportation and encouraging the use of electric vehicles. Additionally, urban planning should prioritize the creation of green spaces and the implementation of green building technologies to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
The effects of urban heat islands on public health can be profound, making it crucial for cities to adopt these measures. By integrating sustainable practices into urban development and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among citizens, cities can effectively manage waste and improve air quality, creating healthier and more livable urban environments for future generations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
As cities grow bigger, they face more problems with waste and air pollution. This essay will discuss why this happens and suggest some solutions.
One main reason for increased waste is that more people in cities means more trash. When many people live close together, they produce a lot of garbage from their daily lives. Also, cities often don’t have good systems to handle all this waste. For air pollution, the biggest cause is too many cars and factories. As cities get bigger, more people drive cars and more factories are built, which makes the air dirty.
To solve these problems, cities can do several things. First, they should make better recycling programs and teach people how to reduce waste. This can help decrease the amount of trash that needs to be thrown away. For air pollution, governments should make stricter rules for cars and factories to reduce their emissions. They should also encourage people to use public transportation or bicycles instead of cars.
How to reduce heat island effects in cities is another important topic related to this issue. Planting more trees and creating parks in cities can help clean the air and make the environment better. Cities should also use new technologies to process waste and clean the air.
In conclusion, growing cities face big challenges with waste and pollution, but there are ways to make things better. If city planners and people work together, they can create cleaner and healthier urban areas for everyone.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Cities are getting bigger and having more problems with trash and dirty air. I will talk about why this happens and how to fix it.
The main reason for more trash is because there are more people in cities. When lots of people live together, they make a lot of garbage. Also, cities don’t always have good ways to deal with all the trash. For dirty air, it’s mostly because of cars and factories. Big cities have many cars and factories that make the air bad.
To solve these problems, cities can do some things. They should make better ways to recycle and tell people how to make less trash. This can help reduce garbage. For dirty air, the government should make rules to stop cars and factories from polluting too much. They should also tell people to use buses or bikes instead of cars.
Climate resilience in urban areas is important too. Cities should plant more trees because trees can help clean the air. They should also use new ways to deal with trash and clean the air.
In the end, big cities have problems with trash and pollution, but they can be fixed. If city leaders and people work together, they can make cities cleaner and better for living.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Has excellent coherence and cohesion
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Has generally good coherence and cohesion
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- May lack overall progression; has some inadequate, inaccurate, or overuse of cohesive devices
Sources of urban air pollution
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Urban heat island (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd/ – A metropolitan area that’s significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities.
Waste management (noun) – /weɪst ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ – The collection, transportation, and disposal of garbage, sewage, and other waste products.
Air quality (noun) – /eər ˈkwɒlɪti/ – The degree to which the air is pollution-free, assessed by measuring a number of indicators of pollution.
Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
Recycling (noun) – /riːˈsaɪklɪŋ/ – The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects.
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.
Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Urbanization (noun) – /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more and more people begin living and working in central areas.
Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Green spaces (noun) – /ɡriːn speɪsɪz/ – Areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment.
In conclusion, the impact of urban heat islands on public health is a critical topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the causes and solutions related to waste management and air pollution in urban areas, test-takers can effectively address similar questions. Practice writing essays on related topics such as sustainable urban planning, the effects of climate change on cities, or strategies for improving urban air quality. Remember to structure your essay logically, use relevant vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments.
To further improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay based on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants. This active practice will help you refine your writing technique and boost your confidence for the actual test.