Light pollution has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms across recent test papers. Based on analysis of past exams and current environmental trends, this issue is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a recent Task 2 question that addresses this important environmental concern.
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people believe that artificial light at night has negative effects on both human health and ecosystems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their position on the impact of artificial light pollution
- Support their arguments with relevant examples
- Organize ideas coherently
- Provide a balanced discussion
Band 8 Model Answer (290 words)
I completely agree that excessive artificial lighting during nighttime hours poses significant threats to both human wellbeing and natural ecosystems. This essay will explore the substantial evidence supporting this position.
The adverse effects of artificial light on human health are well-documented. Exposure to artificial light at night disrupts our natural circadian rhythms, which regulate essential biological processes including sleep patterns, hormone production, and metabolism. For instance, research has shown that individuals working night shifts under bright artificial lighting face higher risks of developing various health conditions, including sleep disorders, depression, and even certain types of cancer. Moreover, the blue light emitted by electronic devices and LED street lights has been linked to reduced melatonin production, further compromising sleep quality and overall health.
The impact on ecosystems is equally concerning. Artificial light pollution severely disrupts natural behaviors and survival patterns of numerous species. For example, sea turtle hatchlings, which naturally navigate toward moonlight reflected on the ocean, often become disoriented by coastal lighting and head inland instead, leading to increased mortality rates. Similarly, nocturnal pollinators like moths are attracted to artificial lights rather than flowers, resulting in reduced pollination rates and potential long-term effects on plant biodiversity. Additionally, migratory birds frequently become disoriented by city lights, causing them to collide with buildings or deplete their energy reserves by flying off course.
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the negative impacts of artificial light pollution on both human health and ecological systems. To address these issues, it is crucial to implement more thoughtful lighting policies, such as using motion-sensitive lights, reducing unnecessary illumination, and adopting lighting technologies that minimize harmful effects on both humans and wildlife.
Band 6.5 Model Answer (275 words)
I agree that artificial light during nighttime has many bad effects on people’s health and the environment. This essay will discuss these problems and their impacts.
Firstly, too much artificial light at night can make people sick. When people are exposed to bright lights at night, they cannot sleep well because their body clock gets confused. For example, many people who work at night under bright lights have trouble sleeping during the day and often feel tired all the time. Also, looking at bright screens from phones and computers before bedtime makes it harder to fall asleep because the light tricks our brain into thinking it’s still daytime.
The environment also suffers from too much artificial light. Many animals that are active at night get confused by bright city lights. Birds often crash into tall buildings because they get confused by the lights. Also, some insects like fireflies can’t find mates because artificial lights make it hard for them to see each other’s natural light signals. In my country, I have noticed that there are fewer fireflies in areas with lots of street lights compared to darker areas in the countryside.
To fix these problems, we should try to use less artificial light at night. We can use special lights that are not so bright and turn off unnecessary lights when they’re not needed. Some cities are already doing this by using street lights that automatically dim when no one is around.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that too much artificial light at night is bad for both people and nature. We need to be more careful about how we use artificial light to protect our health and the environment.
Key Vocabulary
- Circadian rhythms (n) /sərˈkeɪdiən/ – The body’s natural internal clock
- Melatonin (n) /ˌmeləˈtoʊnɪn/ – A hormone that regulates sleep
- Disoriented (adj) /dɪsˈɔːrientɪd/ – Lost or confused about direction
- Pollinator (n) /ˈpɒlɪneɪtər/ – An animal that helps plants reproduce
- Biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – Variety of life in an ecosystem
- Illuminate (v) /ɪˈluːmɪneɪt/ – To light up or brighten
- Motion-sensitive (adj) /ˈmoʊʃən ˈsensətɪv/ – Responding to movement
Practice Exercise
Try writing your own essay on this related topic:
Some people suggest that cities should turn off all non-essential lighting after midnight to reduce energy consumption and light pollution. Do you agree or disagree?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.