Light pollution has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms across recent test versions. This environmental issue connects closely with Light pollution effects on ecosystems and health?, making it a highly relevant subject for examination.
Urban light pollution affecting night sky visibility in major metropolitan area
Here’s a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question that addresses this topic:
Some people believe that cities should implement strict policies to reduce light pollution from buildings and street lighting. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Task Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their opinion on urban light pollution policies
- Provide supporting arguments and examples
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Maintain a clear position throughout the essay
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In my opinion, I strongly agree that urban areas should enforce rigorous measures to combat light pollution, as this issue has significant environmental and health implications. This essay will explore the compelling reasons behind this stance.
Firstly, excessive artificial lighting in cities has severe environmental consequences, particularly for wildlife. Similar to how urbanization affects wildlife habitats, light pollution disrupts natural ecosystems by interfering with nocturnal animals’ breeding patterns and migration routes. For instance, sea turtle hatchlings often become disoriented by coastal city lights, leading them away from the ocean and reducing their survival rates dramatically.
Moreover, reducing light pollution has substantial health benefits for urban residents. Scientific research has consistently shown that exposure to artificial light at night disrupts human circadian rhythms, potentially leading to sleep disorders, increased stress levels, and even higher risks of certain cancers. By implementing strict lighting regulations, cities can help protect their residents’ well-being while simultaneously creating more sustainable urban environments.
From an economic perspective, limiting light pollution can result in significant energy savings, aligning with importance of promoting renewable energy in developing nations. Many cities that have adopted smart lighting systems and restricted unnecessary illumination have reported substantial reductions in their energy consumption and maintenance costs. For example, when Chicago replaced its traditional street lights with directional LED fixtures, it achieved both reduced light pollution and annual energy savings of millions of dollars.
Smart urban lighting system showcasing energy-efficient LED technology
In conclusion, implementing strict light pollution policies is crucial for creating sustainable, healthy urban environments. Cities should prioritize these regulations as part of their broader environmental protection strategies.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I agree that cities need to control light pollution because it causes many problems. This essay will discuss why this is important.
First, too much light at night is bad for animals and nature. Many animals get confused when there is too much light, and they cannot follow their normal patterns. For example, birds often crash into bright buildings at night because they get confused by the lights.
Second, bright lights can make people sick. When people cannot sleep properly because of bright lights outside their windows, they can get health problems. Also, it wastes a lot of electricity when buildings and streets are too bright at night.
However, some people think bright lights are important for safety. They say that dark streets can be dangerous and more crimes can happen. But we can still have enough light for safety without having too much light pollution.
In conclusion, I think cities should make rules about lights because it will help both nature and people. We can still have safe cities without too many bright lights.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “circadian rhythms,” “sustainable urban environments”
- Complex sentence structures with proper linking
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Clear paragraph organization
- Consistent position throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Simple sentence structures
- Basic arguments with limited development
- Adequate organization
- Position maintained but simply expressed
Key Vocabulary
- Light pollution (n) /laɪt pəˈluːʃən/ – excessive or inappropriate artificial light
- Circadian rhythm (n) /sɜːˈkeɪdiən ˈrɪðəm/ – natural internal process regulating sleep-wake cycle
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – environmentally sound
- Illuminate (v) /ɪˈluːmɪneɪt/ – to light up
- Nocturnal (adj) /nɒkˈtɜːnl/ – active at night
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. Consider exploring related topics like how climate science is reshaping global policies for additional perspective.
