Water conservation has become an increasingly crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to water conservation and its importance for future generations will continue to appear frequently in upcoming IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through a real IELTS question and analyze sample essays across different band scores.
Some people believe that it is important to save water for future generations, while others think that there is no need to do so as technology can solve water shortages in the future. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents two contrasting views on water conservation:
- The importance of saving water for future generations
- The belief that technology can solve future water shortages
The task requires you to:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide your own opinion
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Water scarcity is a growing concern worldwide, and opinions differ on how to address this issue for future generations. While some advocate for immediate water conservation efforts, others believe technological advancements will provide solutions. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Those who emphasize the importance of saving water argue that it is a finite resource that must be preserved. They contend that current consumption patterns are unsustainable and may lead to severe shortages in the future. For instance, many regions already face water stress due to overexploitation and climate change. Proponents of this view believe that adopting water-saving habits and implementing conservation policies now will ensure a more secure future for coming generations.
On the other hand, some people maintain that technological progress will render water conservation unnecessary. They argue that innovations such as desalination plants, water recycling systems, and more efficient irrigation methods will adequately address future water shortages. Supporters of this perspective point to countries like Singapore, which have successfully implemented advanced water treatment technologies to achieve water security despite limited natural resources.
In my opinion, while technological advancements play a crucial role in addressing water scarcity, they should not be seen as a substitute for conservation efforts. I believe a balanced approach that combines water-saving practices with innovative solutions is the most responsible and effective strategy. Conservation helps reduce immediate pressure on water resources and fosters a culture of environmental responsibility. Meanwhile, continued investment in water technologies can provide additional solutions and safeguards against future shortages.
In conclusion, both water conservation and technological innovation are essential components of ensuring water security for future generations. By adopting a comprehensive approach that values both strategies, we can better protect this vital resource and create a more sustainable future.
(Word count: 294)
Water conservation importance for future generations
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and meets all the criteria for a high band score:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as “While,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion.”
Lexical Resource: The essay showcases a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately. Examples include “finite resource,” “overexploitation,” “desalination plants,” and “environmental responsibility.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. It includes complex sentences and various tenses without noticeable errors.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Water is very important for life, and people have different ideas about how to make sure we have enough water in the future. Some think we should save water now, while others believe new technology will solve water problems later. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who want to save water now think it’s important because water is limited. They say we use too much water and this could cause problems in the future. For example, some places already don’t have enough water because of too much use and climate change. These people think if we save water now, it will help future generations have enough water.
Other people think technology will fix water shortages in the future. They believe new inventions like machines that clean sea water and better ways to use water for farming will solve the problem. They point to countries that use new technology to get enough water even when they don’t have much natural water.
I think both saving water and new technology are important. We should try to use less water in our daily lives, but also support new inventions that help with water problems. This way, we can do something now to help and also prepare for the future.
In conclusion, I believe we need to both save water and develop new technology to make sure we have enough water in the future. This combined approach is the best way to protect our water resources.
(Word count: 249)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations compared to the Band 8-9 essay:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and stating the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the higher band essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated. It uses simpler linking words like “For example” and “Other people think.”
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is generally appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the Band 8-9 essay. It uses more general terms like “new inventions” instead of specific examples like “desalination plants.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the higher band essay. There are no major grammatical errors, but the structures are less sophisticated.
Development of Ideas: The main points are supported with examples, but the explanations are less detailed and nuanced compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Water scarcity (noun) – /ˈwɔːtə ˈskeəsɪti/ – lack of sufficient available water resources
- Finite resource (noun phrase) – /ˈfaɪnaɪt rɪˈsɔːs/ – a limited supply of a particular material or product
- Overexploitation (noun) – /ˌəʊvərˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ – excessive use of a resource
- Desalination (noun) – /diːˌsælɪˈneɪʃn/ – the process of removing salt from seawater
- Irrigation (noun) – /ˌɪrɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the supply of water to land or crops to help growth
- Water recycling (noun phrase) – /ˈwɔːtə riːˈsaɪklɪŋ/ – the process of reusing treated wastewater
- Water stress (noun phrase) – /ˈwɔːtə stres/ – the difficulty of obtaining fresh water for use
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – prevention of wasteful use of a resource
- Environmental responsibility (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – the duty to take care of the environment
Balancing water conservation and technology for future water security
Conclusion
The topic of water conservation for future generations is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government vs. individual responsibility in water conservation
- The impact of climate change on water resources
- Balancing economic development with water resource management
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.