IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering the Art of Disaster Preparedness Essays

The topic of disaster preparedness in cities is increasingly relevant in today’s IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This theme has appeared multiple times in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its global significance. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft compelling essays on this crucial topic.

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that governments should focus on preventing natural disasters, while others believe that governments should focus on preparing for natural disasters when they occur. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question presents two contrasting approaches to dealing with natural disasters: prevention and preparation. It requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that governments should focus on prevention
2. Discuss the view that governments should focus on preparation
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Let’s examine two sample essays addressing this topic – one aiming for a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Natural disasters pose significant threats to urban areas worldwide, and there is ongoing debate about whether governments should prioritize prevention or preparation. While both approaches have merit, I believe a balanced strategy incorporating elements of both is most effective.

Those who advocate for prevention argue that proactive measures can mitigate the impact of natural disasters or even prevent them entirely. For instance, implementing stringent building codes and reinforcing existing infrastructure can make cities more resilient to earthquakes. Similarly, developing advanced weather prediction systems and investing in flood control measures like levees and drainage systems can help minimize the damage caused by storms and floods. Proponents of this view contend that prevention is not only more cost-effective in the long run but also saves lives by reducing the severity of disasters.

On the other hand, those who emphasize preparation argue that some natural disasters are inevitable and impossible to prevent entirely. They believe governments should focus on developing comprehensive emergency response plans, training first responders, and educating the public on how to react during a crisis. This approach includes creating early warning systems, designating evacuation routes, and establishing emergency shelters. Advocates of this view argue that well-prepared communities can significantly reduce casualties and recover more quickly from disasters when they occur.

In my opinion, the most effective approach is to combine elements of both prevention and preparation. While it is crucial to implement preventive measures where possible, it is equally important to be prepared for the unexpected. A holistic disaster management strategy should include both structural improvements to reduce vulnerability and comprehensive plans for rapid response and recovery. This balanced approach ensures that cities are not only more resilient to potential disasters but also better equipped to handle them when they do occur.

In conclusion, while the debate between prevention and preparation is ongoing, the reality is that both are essential components of effective disaster management. By investing in prevention measures while simultaneously preparing for the worst, governments can create safer, more resilient urban environments capable of withstanding the challenges posed by natural disasters.

(Word count: 329)

Urban disaster preparedness

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Natural disasters are a big problem for cities, and people have different ideas about how governments should deal with them. Some think prevention is most important, while others say preparation is key. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

People who support prevention say that governments should try to stop disasters before they happen. For example, they can make buildings stronger to resist earthquakes or build walls to stop floods. They think this is better because it can save money and lives in the long run. If we prevent disasters, we don’t have to spend as much on cleaning up afterwards.

On the other hand, those who favor preparation argue that we can’t stop all disasters, so we need to be ready for them. They want governments to make good plans for emergencies, train people to help during disasters, and teach everyone what to do when a disaster happens. This includes things like having warning systems and safe places for people to go. They believe that being well-prepared can help save lives and help cities recover faster.

In my opinion, both prevention and preparation are important. We should try to prevent disasters when we can, but we also need to be ready for ones we can’t stop. I think governments should do both: make cities stronger to resist disasters and also have good plans for when disasters do happen. This way, we can be as safe as possible.

To conclude, while some people prefer prevention and others prefer preparation, I believe a mix of both is the best way to protect cities from natural disasters. By doing both, we can make our cities safer and better able to handle any disasters that might happen.

(Word count: 276)

Key Writing Tips

When addressing topics related to disaster preparedness in cities, consider the following tips to enhance your essay:

1. Structure: Ensure a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, and a conclusion that summarizes your opinion.

2. Vocabulary: Use topic-specific vocabulary to demonstrate your understanding. For higher band scores, incorporate more sophisticated terms and phrases.

3. Examples: Provide concrete examples to support your arguments. This shows critical thinking and real-world awareness.

4. Balance: Present both sides of the argument fairly before stating your opinion.

5. Coherence: Use appropriate linking words to ensure smooth transitions between ideas and paragraphs.

Essential Vocabulary

Here are some key terms to remember when writing about disaster preparedness:

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

2. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

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

4. Vulnerability (noun) /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/: The quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.

5. Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: Creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.

6. Contingency plan (noun) /kənˈtɪndʒənsi plæn/: A plan designed to take a possible future event or circumstance into account.

7. Early warning system (noun) /ˈɜːli ˈwɔːnɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/: A system designed to predict and provide advance notice of impending disasters.

8. Evacuation (noun) /ɪˌvækjuˈeɪʃn/: The action of evacuating a person or a place.

9. Hazard mapping (noun) /ˈhæzəd ˈmæpɪŋ/: The process of identifying areas at risk from specific hazards.

10. Disaster response (noun) /dɪˈzɑːstə rɪˈspɒns/: The aggregate of decisions and measures to contain or mitigate the effects of a disaster.

Conclusion

Mastering essays on disaster preparedness in cities requires a good understanding of both prevention and preparation strategies. As you practice, remember to balance your arguments, use relevant examples, and incorporate appropriate vocabulary. To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. Additionally, you might want to explore related topics such as the importance of disaster resilience or the challenges of disaster management in urban areas to broaden your knowledge and prepare for potential variations of this theme in future IELTS exams.