The topic of eco-friendly transportation has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on recent trends and the growing global emphasis on environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a real IELTS question related to this topic and analyze sample essays at different band levels.
Some people think that governments should focus on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems in cities by moving large companies and factories and their employees to the countryside. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses the issue of urban environmental challenges and potential solutions. It requires candidates to discuss the pros and cons of relocating large companies and factories to rural areas as a means of reducing pollution and housing problems in cities. The task is to express your opinion on this proposed solution and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental pollution and housing shortages are two of the most pressing issues facing urban areas today. While some argue that relocating large companies and factories to rural regions could alleviate these problems, I believe this solution is oversimplified and potentially counterproductive.
Firstly, moving businesses and industries to the countryside may simply shift the problem rather than solve it. Rural areas often lack the infrastructure to support large-scale industrial activities, which could lead to environmental degradation in these regions. For instance, the construction of new roads and facilities to accommodate relocated businesses might result in deforestation and habitat destruction. Moreover, the increased traffic from commuting employees could contribute to air pollution in previously unpolluted areas.
Secondly, this approach fails to address the root causes of urban environmental issues. Instead of relocating polluting industries, governments should focus on implementing stricter environmental regulations and incentivizing the adoption of cleaner technologies. For example, offering tax breaks to companies that invest in renewable energy or waste reduction initiatives could be more effective in reducing pollution while maintaining economic growth in cities.
Furthermore, the proposed solution may exacerbate social and economic disparities. Forcing employees to relocate or commute long distances could disrupt communities and increase economic stress on workers. It may also lead to a brain drain in urban areas, as skilled professionals might seek opportunities elsewhere rather than relocate.
Instead of relocation, governments should prioritize sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly transportation solutions. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, promoting cycling and walking, and encouraging the use of electric vehicles can significantly reduce urban pollution. Additionally, implementing green building practices and creating more urban green spaces can help address both environmental and housing concerns.
In conclusion, while the intention behind moving large companies and factories to rural areas is understandable, it is not a comprehensive or sustainable solution to urban environmental and housing problems. A more holistic approach that focuses on sustainable urban development, clean technologies, and eco-friendly transportation is necessary to create livable, environmentally responsible cities for the future.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, warranting a high band score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and supporting it with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is logically organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific idea, and linking words (e.g., “Firstly,” “Moreover,” “Furthermore”) are used effectively to connect ideas.
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Lexical Resource: The essay showcases a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “counterproductive,” “exacerbate,” “brain drain,” “holistic approach”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.
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Critical Thinking: The essay presents a nuanced argument, considering multiple aspects of the issue and proposing alternative solutions.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many cities today face problems with pollution and housing. Some people think that moving big companies and factories to the countryside is a good solution. However, I disagree with this idea for several reasons.
Firstly, moving businesses to rural areas might cause new problems. The countryside often doesn’t have good roads or services for big companies. Building these things could harm the natural environment. Also, workers might have to drive long distances to work, which could cause more pollution.
Secondly, this plan doesn’t fix the main causes of pollution in cities. Instead of moving polluting companies, the government should make stricter rules about pollution and help companies use cleaner technology. For example, they could give tax benefits to companies that use renewable energy.
Another problem is that moving companies could be bad for workers and their families. People might have to move away from their homes or spend a lot of time traveling to work. This could make their lives harder and more stressful.
I think there are better ways to solve these problems. Governments should improve public transportation in cities and encourage people to use bicycles or walk. They should also build more parks and green spaces in cities. These ideas can help reduce pollution and make cities better places to live.
In conclusion, I don’t agree that moving companies to the countryside is a good solution for urban pollution and housing problems. Instead, governments should focus on making cities more environmentally friendly and livable for everyone.
(Word count: 253)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good coherence and a reasonable range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, suitable for a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific idea. However, the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the higher band essay.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a good range of vocabulary, though less advanced than the Band 8-9 essay. Some attempts at more complex vocabulary are present (e.g., “renewable energy”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there is less variety in structures compared to the higher band essay.
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Critical Thinking: The essay presents clear arguments against the proposed solution and offers alternative ideas, though the analysis is less in-depth than the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Environmental degradation (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/: The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources.
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Counterproductive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntərprəˈdʌktɪv/: Having the opposite of the desired effect.
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Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/: To make a problem or situation worse.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
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Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/: Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
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Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/: To motivate or encourage someone to do something.
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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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Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Urban planning (noun) /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/: The process of designing and organizing urban areas.
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Livable (adjective) /ˈlɪvəbl/: Suitable for living in; comfortable and convenient.
In conclusion, the topic of eco-friendly transportation and urban environmental challenges is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as sustainable urban development, renewable energy adoption, and public transportation improvements. Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.