Access to clean water is a fundamental human right and a crucial factor in public health and economic development. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, often framed as a discussion about government responsibilities or priorities. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see similar questions in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Some people believe that governments should invest more in providing clean water for all citizens, while others think there are more important priorities for spending public money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 structure, asking candidates to discuss two contrasting views and provide their own opinion. The key elements to address are:
- The view that governments should prioritize clean water access
- The opposing view that other spending priorities are more important
- Your personal stance on the issue
It’s crucial to discuss both perspectives equally before presenting your opinion in the conclusion or throughout the essay.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Access to clean water is undeniably vital for human survival and societal progress. While some argue that governments should prioritize investment in universal clean water provision, others contend that there are more pressing matters for public expenditure. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this critical issue.
Proponents of increased government spending on clean water access emphasize its fundamental importance to public health and economic development. Clean water is essential for preventing waterborne diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly children and the elderly. Moreover, reliable access to clean water can boost productivity by reducing time spent collecting water and minimizing work absences due to illness. These factors contribute to overall economic growth and social progress, making clean water infrastructure a wise long-term investment for any nation.
On the other hand, those who argue for alternative spending priorities often point to immediate concerns such as education, healthcare, or national security. They contend that these areas require urgent attention and substantial resources to address pressing societal needs. For instance, investing in education can yield significant returns by creating a skilled workforce and fostering innovation, while robust healthcare systems are crucial for managing public health crises and improving overall quality of life. From this perspective, allocating substantial funds to water infrastructure might divert resources from equally critical areas.
importance of access to clean energy
In my opinion, while other spending priorities are undoubtedly important, ensuring universal access to clean water should be a fundamental government responsibility. The far-reaching benefits of clean water access, including improved public health, increased productivity, and enhanced quality of life, create a strong foundation for addressing other societal needs. Furthermore, the lack of clean water can undermine progress in other areas, such as education and healthcare, as waterborne diseases and time spent collecting water hinder personal and community development.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for various spending priorities, I believe that investing in clean water access is a cornerstone of societal progress. Governments should view it not as a competing priority but as a complementary investment that supports and enhances other developmental goals. By ensuring this basic human right, nations can build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous future for all citizens.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should invest more in providing clean water for all citizens or focus on other priorities is a complex issue. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument and give my opinion.
On one hand, investing in clean water access is very important. Clean water is necessary for good health and prevents many diseases. When people have easy access to clean water, they don’t have to spend time collecting water from far away, which means they can work more or go to school. This can help the economy grow. Also, having clean water is a basic human right that all governments should try to provide for their citizens.
why universal access to clean water is essential
On the other hand, there are many other important things that governments need to spend money on. For example, education is very important for the future of a country. If people are well-educated, they can get better jobs and help the country develop. Healthcare is another important area, especially with the recent global health crisis. Some people might argue that these areas need more urgent attention than water infrastructure.
In my opinion, I think that providing clean water should be a top priority for governments. While education and healthcare are also very important, without clean water, people can get sick easily and may not be able to go to school or work. Clean water is the foundation for a healthy society, and investing in it can help solve other problems too.
To conclude, although there are many important areas for government spending, I believe that investing in clean water access is crucial. It is a basic need that affects all aspects of life and can lead to improvements in health, education, and the economy.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Clean water is important for everyone. Some people think governments should spend more money on clean water, but others think there are more important things. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, clean water is good for health. When people have clean water, they don’t get sick from dirty water. This is very important, especially for children. Also, when people have clean water at home, they don’t need to walk far to get water. This gives them more time to work or study.
But some people think other things are more important. For example, schools and hospitals need money too. Education helps people get good jobs, and hospitals help sick people. These are also important for a country.
how space technology can address global water scarcity
I think clean water is very important. If people don’t have clean water, they can get sick and can’t go to school or work. So, I believe governments should spend money on clean water first. This will help people be healthy and then they can study and work better.
In conclusion, while there are many important things for governments to spend money on, I think clean water should be the first priority. It helps people stay healthy and can make other areas of life better too.
Explaining the Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherent and there is 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 a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices but not always appropriately
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary; errors may occur when expressing complex ideas
- Uses a limited range of structures with some attempt to use complex sentences
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
why governments should invest more in space exploration
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
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Priority (noun) /praɪˈɒrəti/ – the fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important than others
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Allocation (noun) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – the action or process of distributing resources or duties for a particular purpose
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Fundamental (adjective) /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – forming a necessary base or core; of central importance
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Disproportionately (adverb) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – to a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
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Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – the state or quality of being productive; the effectiveness of productive effort
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Contend (verb) /kənˈtend/ – assert something as a position in an argument
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Cornerstone (noun) /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/ – an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based
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Complementary (adjective) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/ – combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another
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Far-reaching (adjective) /fɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ – having wide-ranging effects or implications
Conclusion
The topic of government investment in clean water access is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in solving water scarcity issues
- Balancing environmental conservation with economic development
- The impact of climate change on water resources and potential solutions
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Don’t forget to practice writing your own essays and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.