Water scarcity has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent tests. This reflects growing global concerns about how climate change is impacting water resources. Let’s examine a frequently tested question format and analyze sample responses across different band scores.
IELTS Writing Task 2 essay about global water scarcity challenges
Question Analysis
Some people believe that governments alone cannot solve water scarcity issues and that individuals must take primary responsibility for reducing water consumption. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their position on water conservation responsibility
- Evaluate the roles of both government and individuals
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Provide a balanced discussion
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Understanding the impact of climate change on global water resources requires both institutional and individual action. While governments play a crucial role, I firmly believe that individual responsibility is equally important in addressing water scarcity.
Governments possess unique capabilities to implement large-scale water management solutions. They can develop infrastructure, enforce regulations, and coordinate national conservation efforts. For instance, Singapore’s government has successfully implemented comprehensive water management systems, including advanced recycling facilities and strict industrial usage guidelines.
However, individual actions are fundamental to achieving sustainable water consumption. Daily choices in household water usage, such as shorter showers, fixing leaks promptly, and using water-efficient appliances, collectively create significant impact. Studies show that personal water conservation efforts can reduce household consumption by up to 30%.
Effective methods for individual water conservation in daily life
Furthermore, the success of government initiatives often depends on public cooperation. The most sophisticated water management systems will fail without individual commitment to conservation. For example, How to address the global water scarcity crisis demonstrates that educational campaigns are most effective when citizens actively participate in conservation efforts.
In conclusion, while government action is essential, individual responsibility is equally crucial. The most effective approach combines robust government policies with committed individual participation in water conservation efforts.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I think both government and people have important roles in solving water scarcity problems. This essay will discuss why we need both sides to work together.
Governments can do many things that normal people cannot do. They can make laws about water use and build big water systems. For example, in my country, the government has made rules about how factories can use water and has built new water treatment plants.
Regular people also need to help save water. We can use less water at home by taking shorter showers and fixing water leaks. When many people do these small things, it makes a big difference.
Sometimes government programs don’t work well because people don’t follow them. If people waste water, even good government plans will fail. We need everyone to understand why saving water is important.
In conclusion, I think both government and individuals must work together to solve water problems. Neither can solve the problem alone.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “infrastructure,” “conservation efforts,” “sustainable”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization and cohesion
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Appropriate academic tone
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Simple sentence structures
- Clear but simple organization
- Basic examples
- Less sophisticated expression
Key Vocabulary
- Scarcity (n) /ˈskeəsəti/ – shortage, insufficiency
- Infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical structures needed for operation
- Conservation (n) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/ – preservation and protection
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to maintain at a certain level
- Implementation (n) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – execution, putting into effect
Consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- Water management in urban areas
- Technology’s role in water conservation
- International cooperation in water resource management
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
