The topic of urban waste management frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, especially in recent years as environmental concerns become increasingly prominent. Based on analysis of past IELTS exams, questions about waste management in cities have appeared approximately 3-4 times annually since 2019, suggesting high probability of encountering similar topics in future tests.
The importance of waste management in cities has become a critical discussion point in IELTS writing tasks, particularly as it relates to sustainable urban development.
Let’s examine one common question type:
Some people believe that the responsibility for managing urban waste lies primarily with city governments, while others think individual citizens should take more responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Urban waste management responsibility
- Task: Discuss both views + give opinion
- Key elements to address:
- Government responsibility perspective
- Individual responsibility perspective
- Personal stance with justification
IELTS writing task analysis for urban waste management topic
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In the debate over urban waste management responsibilities, some argue that municipal authorities should take the lead, while others emphasize individual accountability. I believe that while government leadership is crucial, effective waste management requires active participation from both parties.
City governments possess the resources and authority to implement comprehensive waste management systems. They can establish infrastructure for waste collection, enforce regulations, and implement recycling programs. For instance, local authorities can install segregated waste bins, organize regular collection schedules, and operate treatment facilities. Additionally, they can create incentives for proper waste disposal and impose penalties for violations.
However, individual citizens play an equally vital role in waste management success. Their daily choices and behaviors directly impact waste generation and disposal. When citizens conscientiously separate their waste, reduce consumption, and follow disposal guidelines, it significantly enhances the efficiency of municipal waste management systems. The challenges of reducing electronic waste demonstrate how individual actions can contribute to broader environmental solutions.
In my view, the most effective approach combines strong governmental framework with active citizen participation. Governments should provide infrastructure and guidelines, while citizens must take responsibility for their waste-related decisions. This collaborative approach has proven successful in cities like Singapore, where strict government policies work in tandem with high levels of public compliance.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
These days, people have different opinions about who should be responsible for managing city waste. Some think it’s the government’s job, while others say citizens should do more. I think both sides need to work together.
The government has many important jobs in waste management. They must collect garbage, clean streets, and make rules about throwing away trash. They also need to build places to process waste and teach people about recycling. Without government help, cities would be very dirty.
Citizens also need to help with waste management. They should put their garbage in the right places and try to make less waste. When people throw trash on streets or don’t separate recyclables, it makes the city dirty and creates problems. The benefits of sustainable waste management show why everyone needs to participate.
I believe both government and citizens must work together. The government should make good systems, and people should follow them. This way, cities can stay clean and healthy for everyone.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Cohesion: Excellent paragraph organization
- Vocabulary: Sophisticated lexical resource (comprehensive, infrastructure, conscientiously)
- Grammar: Complex structures with minimal errors
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with clear position
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Cohesion: Basic but clear organization
- Vocabulary: More basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Grammar: Simpler structures, occasional errors
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
Key Vocabulary
- municipal (adj) /mjuːˈnɪsɪpl/ – relating to a city or town
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic systems and facilities
- conscientiously (adv) /ˌkɒnʃiˈenʃəsli/ – thoroughly and carefully
- compliance (n) /kəmˈplaɪəns/ – following rules or standards
- segregated (adj) /ˈseɡrɪɡeɪtɪd/ – separated or divided
Advanced Sentence Patterns
- Complex conditional: “When citizens conscientiously separate their waste, it significantly enhances efficiency.”
- Parallel structure: “Governments should provide infrastructure and guidelines, while citizens must take responsibility.”
- Complex causative: “Their daily choices and behaviors directly impact waste generation and disposal.”
Consider practicing with this topic and sharing your essay in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
