The topic of electric vehicles and their role in tackling pollution has become increasingly relevant in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on an analysis of past exam trends and current environmental concerns, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays for different band scores to help you prepare effectively.
Electric vehicles reducing air pollution in a city
Analyzing the Question
Let’s focus on the following question, which is representative of the type you might encounter in the IELTS Writing Task 2:
Some people believe that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is crucial for reducing air pollution in cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Question Analysis:
This question requires you to:
- Express your opinion on the importance of electric vehicles in reducing urban air pollution.
- Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint.
- Consider potential counterarguments or limitations.
- Structure your essay logically, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
In recent years, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has been touted as a potential solution to the pressing issue of urban air pollution. While I largely agree that EVs can play a crucial role in improving air quality in cities, I believe their effectiveness depends on several factors and should be part of a more comprehensive approach to pollution reduction.
Electric vehicles undoubtedly offer significant advantages in terms of reducing direct emissions. Unlike conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which can substantially decrease the concentration of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter in urban areas. This is particularly crucial in densely populated cities where traffic congestion exacerbates air quality issues. Moreover, as electricity grids increasingly transition to renewable energy sources, the overall carbon footprint of EVs will continue to diminish, further enhancing their environmental benefits.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles alone may not be sufficient to completely solve urban air pollution problems. The production of EVs, particularly their batteries, still involves significant environmental impacts. Additionally, the source of electricity used to charge these vehicles is a critical factor. If the power grid relies heavily on fossil fuels, the environmental benefits of EVs may be partially offset. Therefore, the transition to electric vehicles must be accompanied by a concurrent shift towards cleaner energy production to maximize their positive impact on air quality.
Furthermore, a holistic approach to urban air pollution should encompass other strategies alongside the promotion of electric vehicles. This could include improving public transportation systems, encouraging cycling and walking, implementing stricter emissions standards for industries, and enhancing urban green spaces. These complementary measures can work in synergy with EV adoption to create more substantial and lasting improvements in urban air quality.
In conclusion, while I strongly believe that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles is a crucial component in tackling urban air pollution, it should not be viewed as a panacea. The effectiveness of EVs in reducing pollution depends on clean energy production and should be part of a multifaceted approach to creating sustainable, breathable cities. By combining EV adoption with other environmental initiatives, we can work towards a more comprehensive solution to the complex challenge of urban air pollution.
(Word count: 365)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
In recent years, many people have started to believe that using more electric cars can help reduce air pollution in cities. I mostly agree with this idea because electric vehicles have some important advantages, but I also think there are some challenges we need to consider.
Electric cars are good for reducing air pollution for several reasons. Firstly, they don’t produce exhaust fumes like normal cars do. This means they don’t release harmful gases and particles into the air when they are being driven. In big cities where there are lots of cars, this can make a big difference to the air quality. Also, electric cars are becoming more efficient and can travel longer distances, which makes them more practical for everyday use.
However, there are some problems with relying only on electric cars to solve air pollution. One issue is that making electric cars, especially their batteries, can cause pollution in factories. Another problem is that the electricity used to charge these cars might come from power plants that burn coal or oil, which also causes pollution. So, if we want electric cars to really help reduce pollution, we need to make sure the electricity comes from clean sources like wind or solar power.
I think that to really tackle air pollution in cities, we need to do more than just use electric cars. We should also improve public transport, encourage people to cycle or walk for short trips, and plant more trees in urban areas. All these things together can help make the air cleaner.
In conclusion, I believe that electric vehicles are an important part of reducing air pollution in cities, but they are not the only solution. We need to combine the use of electric cars with other methods to make our cities cleaner and healthier places to live.
(Word count: 296)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Many people think electric cars are very important to reduce air pollution in cities. I agree with this idea because electric cars are better for the environment.
Electric cars do not make smoke like normal cars. This is good for the air in cities. When there are many cars on the road, electric cars can help keep the air clean. Also, electric cars are quiet, so they reduce noise pollution too.
But there are some problems with electric cars. They can be expensive to buy, so not everyone can afford them. Also, we need more places to charge electric cars in cities. If there are not enough charging stations, people might not want to buy electric cars.
I think governments should help people buy electric cars. They can give money to people who want to buy them. Also, cities should build more charging stations for electric cars.
However, electric cars are not the only way to reduce pollution. We should also use buses and trains more. Walking and riding bicycles are good too. These things can also help make the air cleaner in cities.
In conclusion, I believe electric cars are important for reducing air pollution, but we need to do other things too. If we use electric cars and other ways to travel, we can make cities cleaner and healthier.
(Word count: 213)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a fully developed response. It considers multiple aspects of the issue, including the benefits of EVs and their limitations.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise. Examples include “exacerbates,” “concurrent shift,” and “multifaceted approach.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of grammatical structures accurately. It demonstrates command of complex sentences without noticeable errors.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good control of language but with some limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a relevant position, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some of the cohesive devices are overused (e.g., repeated use of “also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words, but it lacks the sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control, though without the variety seen in higher band scores.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at the task:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a basic way, presenting a relevant but underdeveloped position.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but the progression of ideas is not always clear, and cohesive devices are limited.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for the task. There are few attempts at less common words.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with limited complexity. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Widespread adoption (noun phrase) – /ˈwaɪdspred əˈdɒpʃən/ – extensive use or application of something
- Crucial (adjective) – /ˈkruːʃəl/ – decisive or critical, especially in the success or failure of something
- Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
- Tailpipe emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈteɪlpaɪp ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – pollutants emitted from a vehicle’s exhaust pipe
- Carbon footprint (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities of an individual, organization, or community
- Holistic approach (noun phrase) – /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole
- Synergy (noun) – /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects
- Panacea (noun) – /ˌpænəˈsiːə/ – a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
- Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
In conclusion, the topic of electric vehicles and their role in reducing urban air pollution is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in promoting clean transportation
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
- The future of urban mobility and its impact on air quality
- Comparing different strategies for reducing urban pollution
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.
