Noise pollution has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent years. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this environmental issue is likely to remain prominent, particularly given its increasing relevance to urban development and public health concerns.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS question that exemplifies this topic:
Some people believe that governments should focus on reducing noise in cities, while others think there are more important environmental issues to address. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss multiple perspectives on noise pollution priorities
- Compare noise pollution with other environmental challenges
- Present and justify a personal viewpoint
- Provide relevant examples and supporting evidence
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over prioritizing noise reduction versus other environmental concerns in urban areas has gained significant attention. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that addressing noise pollution should be considered alongside other crucial environmental issues rather than in isolation.
Those advocating for immediate noise reduction argue that excessive urban noise has profound impacts on public health and quality of life. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to high decibel levels can lead to various health issues, including stress, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular problems. For instance, studies in major Asian cities like Mumbai and Shanghai have demonstrated that continuous traffic noise exceeding 85 decibels has led to a 20% increase in stress-related health issues among residents.
However, proponents of addressing other environmental challenges argue that issues like impact of noise pollution on mental health are secondary to more pressing concerns such as air pollution and climate change. They contend that these problems pose more immediate threats to human survival and ecosystem stability. The recent environmental assessment in Beijing, for example, revealed that air pollution causes significantly more premature deaths than noise pollution.
In my opinion, environmental challenges should be addressed holistically rather than hierarchically. Noise pollution often intersects with other environmental issues – for instance, the role of public transport in reducing traffic-related pollution can simultaneously reduce both noise and air pollution. Similarly, importance of electric vehicles in tackling pollution demonstrates how solutions can address multiple environmental concerns simultaneously.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, there is a discussion about whether governments should make reducing noise their main environmental priority. While some people think noise is the biggest problem, others believe there are more important environmental issues to solve. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one side, people think noise is a serious problem in cities. There is too much noise from traffic, construction, and people, which can make people stressed and unable to sleep well. For example, in my city, many people complain about noise from traffic and construction sites, especially at night.
However, other people think there are bigger environmental problems to worry about. They say things like air pollution and global warming are more dangerous because they affect everyone’s health and the planet’s future. For instance, air pollution in big cities can make people very sick and cause breathing problems.
In my opinion, I think both noise and other environmental problems are important, but we should focus more on bigger issues like air pollution and climate change first. These problems can harm more people and have longer-lasting effects on our planet. However, governments should still try to reduce noise when they can.
Effective solutions for reducing urban noise pollution implemented worldwide
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with well-developed arguments
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural and precise usage
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less fully developed
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization with some logical progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary with occasional errors
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- Decibel (n) /ˈdesɪbel/ – unit of sound measurement
- Cardiovascular (adj) /ˌkɑːdɪəʊˈvæskjʊlə/ – relating to heart and blood vessels
- Holistically (adv) /həʊˈlɪstɪkli/ – comprehensively, as a whole
- Hierarchically (adv) /ˌhaɪəˈrɑːkɪkli/ – in order of importance
- Prolonged (adj) /prəˈlɒŋd/ – continuing for a long time
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. Future questions might address specific aspects of noise pollution such as airport noise regulations or industrial noise control measures.
