Air pollution is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15-20% of environment-related questions. Based on analysis of past exam papers, this topic frequently emerges in various forms, particularly focusing on urban air quality, industrial emissions, and potential solutions. Let’s examine one common question format that has appeared multiple times in recent years.
Similar challenges are discussed in The challenges of reducing noise pollution, as both environmental issues significantly impact urban life.
Some people believe that governments should spend more money on reducing environmental pollution, while others think they should spend on other areas. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for prioritizing pollution reduction
- Present opposing views favoring other spending areas
- Provide a balanced personal opinion
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Government spending priorities debate environmental protection versus other sectors
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental protection and air quality improvement are crucial aspects of The challenges of sustainable urban planning. While some advocate for increased government spending on pollution reduction, others argue for prioritizing different sectors. Both perspectives merit careful consideration.
Those supporting enhanced environmental spending present compelling arguments. Firstly, air pollution directly impacts public health, causing respiratory diseases and premature deaths, which ultimately strain healthcare systems. Moreover, environmental degradation affects economic productivity through reduced worker efficiency and increased sick leave. Cities like Beijing have demonstrated how substantial investment in air quality control can significantly improve living conditions.
However, proponents of alternative spending priorities raise valid points. They argue that immediate social needs like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development cannot be neglected. Developing nations, in particular, face pressing challenges in providing basic services to their populations. For instance, many Southeast Asian countries struggle to balance environmental protection with essential infrastructure development.
The role of public transportation in reducing pollution demonstrates how governments can address multiple priorities simultaneously. In my opinion, environmental protection and other vital sectors should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. Governments should adopt an integrated approach, recognizing that environmental health underpins societal well-being. For example, investing in green technology can create jobs while reducing pollution.
Therefore, while both arguments have merit, the most effective solution lies in balanced allocation that recognizes the interconnected nature of environmental and social challenges.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Some people think governments should spend more money to reduce pollution, while others believe other areas need more funding. This essay will discuss both views and provide my opinion.
On one side, spending money on pollution reduction is important because it affects everyone’s health. When air quality is poor, people get sick more often, especially children and elderly people. For example, in many Asian cities, bad air quality makes people wear masks and stay inside their homes. This shows why governments should invest in clean air.
However, other people say governments have many other important things to spend money on. They need to build schools, hospitals, and roads. In developing countries, many people don’t have access to good education or healthcare. These basic needs cannot be ignored.
The importance of public transport in reducing traffic congestion shows how some solutions can help multiple problems at once. In my opinion, governments should try to balance both environmental and other needs. They can find ways to solve problems that help both the environment and people’s daily lives.
In conclusion, while both views are important, I think governments should carefully plan their spending to address both environmental and social needs.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Cohesive devices used naturally
- Precise language control
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Good vocabulary with some range
- Clear basic argument
- Some development of ideas
- Basic cohesive devices
- Occasional errors but meaning clear
Key Vocabulary
- Environmental degradation (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment
- Infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – Basic physical systems of a country
- Mutually exclusive (adj) /ˈmjuːtʃuəli ɪkˈskluːsɪv/ – Unable to occur together
- Integrated approach (n) /ˈɪntɪˌɡreɪtɪd əˈproʊtʃ/ – Comprehensive method combining multiple aspects
- Allocation (n) /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – Distribution of resources
A deeper understanding of renewable energy’s role in reducing air pollution can be found in What are environmental benefits and challenges of renewable energy.
