Crisis management is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Given its relevance to modern business practices and global economic stability, it’s highly likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. Let’s examine a recent IELTS question on this theme and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that in order to prevent illness and disease, governments should make efforts to reduce environmental pollution and housing problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analysis of the Question
This question relates to crisis management in public health, touching on environmental and social factors. It requires candidates to:
- Understand the link between environmental pollution, housing issues, and health.
- Consider the role of government in addressing these problems.
- Formulate and express an opinion on the extent of agreement or disagreement.
- Provide relevant examples and explanations to support the argument.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental pollution and inadequate housing conditions are undeniably significant contributors to various health issues plaguing modern society. I strongly agree that governments should take decisive action to mitigate these problems as a means of preventing illness and disease.
Firstly, the detrimental effects of environmental pollution on public health are well-documented. Air pollution, for instance, has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and even certain types of cancer. By implementing stricter regulations on industrial emissions, promoting clean energy alternatives, and investing in public transportation, governments can significantly reduce air pollution levels. Similarly, water pollution can lead to waterborne diseases and contaminate food sources. Enforcing proper waste management practices and upgrading water treatment facilities are crucial steps that governments can take to ensure access to clean water, thereby preventing numerous illnesses.
Secondly, substandard housing conditions can have severe implications for public health. Overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and unsanitary living spaces facilitate the spread of infectious diseases and exacerbate existing health problems. Governments can address this issue by implementing and enforcing building codes that ensure adequate living standards, investing in affordable housing projects, and providing financial assistance for home improvements. These measures would not only improve living conditions but also reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, allergies, and mental health issues associated with poor housing.
Moreover, by addressing environmental pollution and housing problems, governments can create a ripple effect that positively impacts other areas of public health. For example, reducing air pollution can lead to increased outdoor physical activity, contributing to better cardiovascular health and reduced obesity rates. Similarly, improving housing conditions can enhance mental well-being and social cohesion within communities, further promoting overall public health.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that government intervention in reducing environmental pollution and addressing housing issues is crucial for preventing illness and disease. By taking a proactive approach to these interconnected problems, governments can create healthier, more resilient communities and significantly reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree to a large extent that governments should make efforts to reduce environmental pollution and housing problems to prevent illness and disease. These issues have a big impact on people’s health and well-being.
Environmental pollution is a major problem in many countries. Air pollution from factories and cars can cause breathing problems and other health issues. Water pollution can also make people sick if they drink contaminated water. Governments can help by making stricter laws to control pollution and by encouraging clean energy use. For example, they can give tax breaks to companies that use renewable energy or fine those that pollute too much.
Housing problems are also important for health. When people live in overcrowded or dirty houses, it’s easier for diseases to spread. Damp and moldy homes can cause breathing problems too. Governments can help by building more affordable houses and making sure that all homes meet basic health and safety standards. They can also give money to help people improve their homes.
By focusing on these problems, governments can prevent many illnesses. This is better than waiting for people to get sick and then trying to treat them. It’s also cheaper in the long run because prevention is usually less expensive than treatment.
However, it’s not just the government’s responsibility. People also need to do their part by recycling, using less energy, and keeping their homes clean. Companies should also be more responsible and try to pollute less.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that governments should work on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems to prevent illness. But it’s a job that everyone needs to help with, not just the government.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I agree that governments should try to reduce environmental pollution and housing problems to prevent illness and disease. These are big problems that affect many people’s health.
Firstly, environmental pollution is bad for health. Air pollution can make people cough and have trouble breathing. Water pollution can make people sick if they drink dirty water. Governments can make rules to stop companies from polluting too much. They can also encourage people to use cars less and public transport more.
Secondly, bad housing can also cause health problems. If houses are too crowded or dirty, diseases can spread easily. Damp houses can cause breathing problems. Governments can build more houses for people who don’t have much money. They can also check that houses are safe and healthy for people to live in.
By fixing these problems, governments can stop many illnesses before they start. This is better than waiting for people to get sick and then trying to make them better. It can also save money because stopping illness is cheaper than treating it.
But it’s not only the government’s job. People need to help too by not littering and keeping their homes clean. Companies should also try to pollute less.
In conclusion, I think governments should work on reducing pollution and housing problems to keep people healthy. But everyone needs to help to make it work.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout
- Presents a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Demonstrates high levels of grammatical accuracy with rare minor errors
- Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression throughout
- Uses cohesive devices effectively
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Has generally good control of grammar and punctuation but may make some errors
- Information and ideas are arranged coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear and ideas may be repetitive
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause strain for the reader
- Uses limited range of structures with some attempts to use complex sentences
- May make frequent grammatical errors; punctuation may be faulty
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or bad
- Detrimental (adjective) /ˌdetrɪˈmentl/ – causing harm or damage
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem or bad situation worse
- Substandard (adjective) /sʌbˈstændərd/ – below the usual or required standard
- Proactive (adjective) /proʊˈæktɪv/ – acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty
- Interconnected (adjective) /ˌɪntərkəˈnektɪd/ – having different parts or elements connected or related
- Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪljənt/ – able to recover quickly from difficulties
- Contaminate (verb) /kənˈtæmɪneɪt/ – to make something impure by exposure to or addition of a poisonous or polluting substance
In conclusion, the topic of crisis management in businesses, particularly in relation to environmental and housing issues, is a critical subject for IELTS Writing Task 2. By studying these sample essays and understanding the scoring criteria, you can improve your writing skills and approach similar questions with confidence. Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic and related themes such as how to prepare for economic crises in a globalized world or role of financial institutions in crisis recovery. You’re encouraged to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and further improvement.