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Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities

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Coastal Defense System

Coastal Defense System

Climate change and its effects on coastal areas have become increasingly prominent topics in recent years. As an IELTS examiner and experienced teacher, I’ve noticed a growing trend of questions related to this subject appearing in Writing Task 2. Let’s explore this theme in-depth, providing you with valuable insights and practical examples to excel in your IELTS writing test.

Analyzing the Topic: Climate Change and Coastal Cities

The impact of climate change on coastal cities is a multifaceted issue that combines environmental, social, and economic aspects. This topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant due to its global significance. Based on my research of past papers and current trends, I predict a high probability of encountering questions related to this theme in future IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts.

Let’s examine a sample question that encapsulates this topic:

Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, threatening many coastal cities around the world. What problems does this cause, and what measures can be taken to address this issue?

Breaking Down the Question

This question consists of two main parts:

  1. Identifying the problems caused by rising sea levels in coastal cities
  2. Suggesting measures to address these problems

To answer this effectively, you’ll need to:

Now, let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question, targeting different band scores.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Rising sea levels, a consequence of global climate change, pose significant threats to coastal cities worldwide. This essay will explore the problems this phenomenon creates and suggest potential measures to mitigate its impact.

The primary issue facing coastal urban areas is the increased risk of flooding and erosion. As sea levels rise, low-lying areas become more susceptible to inundation during storms and high tides, potentially causing widespread damage to infrastructure and property. For instance, cities like Venice, Italy, are already experiencing more frequent flooding events, disrupting daily life and threatening historical landmarks. Additionally, saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers can contaminate drinking water supplies, creating health hazards and water scarcity issues for coastal populations.

Furthermore, rising seas can lead to the displacement of communities, as some areas may become uninhabitable. This forced migration can result in social and economic upheaval, straining resources in other regions and potentially leading to conflicts. The Maldives, for example, is at risk of becoming entirely submerged, which would result in the relocation of its entire population.

To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, investing in robust coastal defense systems, such as sea walls and levees, can help protect urban areas from flooding. The Netherlands’ extensive system of dikes and storm surge barriers serves as a prime example of effective coastal protection.

Secondly, implementing stricter building codes and urban planning regulations in coastal zones can ensure that new developments are more resilient to sea-level rise. This might include elevating structures, creating buffer zones, and incorporating natural flood defenses like mangrove forests.

Lastly, on a global scale, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to slowing the rate of sea-level rise. This requires international cooperation and a shift towards renewable energy sources and sustainable practices across all sectors.

In conclusion, while the rising sea levels pose substantial threats to coastal cities, a combination of protective infrastructure, adaptive urban planning, and global climate action can help mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term viability of coastal urban areas.

(Word count: 329)

Coastal Defense System

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Climate change is causing sea levels to rise, which is a big problem for many coastal cities around the world. This essay will discuss the problems this causes and some ways to deal with it.

One of the main problems is flooding. When the sea level goes up, it’s easier for water to come into the city during storms or high tides. This can damage buildings, roads, and other important things in the city. For example, in some parts of Bangladesh, people often have to leave their homes because of flooding.

Another problem is that salty seawater can get into the fresh water that people drink. This makes the water taste bad and can be unhealthy. It’s also bad for farming near the coast because crops don’t grow well in salty soil.

Rising sea levels can also force people to move away from their homes. This is very difficult for people and can cause problems in other places where they move to. Some small island countries might even disappear completely under the water.

To deal with these problems, there are several things we can do. First, we can build walls and barriers to keep the sea out. Many cities are already doing this. For example, Venice in Italy has a big project to build flood gates.

We can also change the way we build things in coastal areas. This means making buildings that can handle some flooding and not building too close to the sea. Planting more trees and plants near the coast can also help stop erosion.

Lastly, it’s important to try to stop climate change from getting worse. This means using less energy from fossil fuels and more from clean sources like solar and wind power. Everyone needs to work together on this, not just people in coastal cities.

In conclusion, rising sea levels cause serious problems for coastal cities, but there are ways to protect these places and the people who live there. It’s important to act now to prevent these problems from getting worse in the future.

(Word count: 329)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

  1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing problems and solutions, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced approach to the topic.

  2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases (e.g., “inundation,” “saltwater intrusion,” “multi-faceted approach”) compared to the simpler language in the Band 6-7 essay.

  3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler sentence structures but still maintains accuracy.

  4. Ideas and Examples: Both essays provide relevant ideas and examples, but the Band 8-9 essay offers more specific and detailed illustrations.

  5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay shows better use of linking words and a more logical flow of ideas.

Essential Vocabulary for This Topic

  1. Sea-level rise (noun) /ˈsiː ˌlevl raɪz/ – The increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to climate change
  2. Coastal erosion (noun) /ˈkəʊstl ɪˈrəʊʒn/ – The wearing away of land by the action of the sea
  3. Storm surge (noun) /stɔːm sɜːdʒ/ – An abnormal rise of water generated by a storm
  4. Inundation (noun) /ˌɪnʌnˈdeɪʃn/ – Flooding or submersion by water
  5. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something
  6. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
  7. Aquifer (noun) /ˈækwɪfə(r)/ – An underground layer of water-bearing rock
  8. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
  9. Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The act of moving someone or something from its usual place
  10. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources

Conclusion

The impact of climate change on coastal cities is a critical topic that is likely to appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key issues, having a range of relevant vocabulary, and being able to structure your ideas clearly, you can approach this topic with confidence.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

Remember, practice makes perfect. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning will significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.

For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

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