ielts essay topics on pollution

50 Latest Environment IELTS Topics

• Unlimited Task 1 checks Get all the feedback you need to keep improving your charts and letters.
• Unlimited Task 2 checks Practice and perfect your skills with essays.
• Personalized suggestions Know how to boost your score.
• Detailed mistakes analysis Get instant feedback. Spot every mistake.
• Topic ideas generator Get topic-specific ideas to enhance your writing.
• Vocabulary helper Get the right words for any topic.
• Progress tracking Track your writing improvements.

• Skip to main content

IELTS Podcast

Pass IELTS with expert help.

Pollution: IELTS Topic Ideas, Grammar, Vocabulary and Sample Answers

July 20, 2023 By Ben W

Listen to the audio version here

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

In this tutorial, we discuss Pollution IELTS Topic Ideas, grammar, vocabulary and sample answers.

Table of Contents

Introduction, grammar point covered, pros and cons regarding pollution, topic specific vocabulary collocations and phrases.

• Model Sentences Using Pollution Phrases and Grammar Point

Model Essay About Pollution

Speaking part 3 questions and model answers, further reading.

Pollution, a pressing issue affecting our planet, requires immediate and extensive action. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of pollution, its impacts on society, a critical grammar point and related vocabulary, as well as model answers for IELTS writing and speaking tasks.

The focus of our grammar is on writing sentences that imply a position on a topic rather than explicitly outline the position. This indirect method allows for nuanced expression and can demonstrate a higher level of language ability. Here are some example sentences about pollution:

• Given the alarming rate of climate change, one might surmise that stricter pollution controls are needed.
• The increasing incidence of asthma suggests a link to pollution.
• The declining bird population could be seen as an indictment of our pollution practices.
• From the smog hovering over cities, it would not be unreasonable to deduce a pressing need for cleaner technologies.
• Considering the rise in oceanic dead zones, perhaps we ought to examine the role of pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Please note that no argument can genuinely be in favour of pollution. However, some arguments might downplay the urgency of addressing pollution, highlighting potential challenges or costs of intervention.

• Pollution often correlates with industrial growth and development.
• Overcoming pollution requires a significant investment in research and development.
• Allowing pollution via loser regulations may encourage economic growth.
• Pollution contributes significantly to global warming.
• Various forms of pollution lead to health problems, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Pollution negatively impacts biodiversity.
• Pollution can harm local economies that depend on clean environments, such as tourism and fishing.
• Pollution affects the aesthetic appeal and quality of life in residential areas.
• Air Quality Index
• Carbon footprint
• Eco-friendly practices
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Non-renewable resources
• Ozone layer depletion
• Renewable energy
• Wastemanagement
• Water contamination
• Wildlife conservation

Model Sentences Using the Pollution Phrases and Grammar Point

• Considering the rapid ozone layer depletion , one might argue that more emphasis should be placed on eco-friendly practices .
• Air Quality Index readings in many cities suggest an urgent need for better waste management practices.
• The rise in greenhouse gas emissions could potentially be curbed by a global shift towards renewable energy .
• The increasing use of non-renewable resources hints at a need for greater innovation in sustainable technologies.
• The state of our rivers and oceans, marred by water contamination , might prompt a call for improved regulation of industrial waste.

One of the most alarming threats humanity faces today is the overwhelming degree of pollution . This essay will discuss the detrimental impacts of pollution on our planet and suggest possible solutions to this pressing issue.

Body Paragraph 1

Pollution , manifesting in several forms such as air, water, and soil pollution, has detrimental impacts on both human health and the broader ecosystem. The Air Quality Index of many urban areas, for example, implies the severe health risks posed by polluted air. Besides human health, wildlife is also adversely affected, with water contamination leading to a reduction in aquatic biodiversity.

Body Paragraph 2

In light of these issues, it becomes evident that robust measures are needed to curb pollution. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing stricter waste management policies, and promoting eco-friendly practices can substantially reduce the harmful impacts of pollution. Though these changes might require considerable effort and investment, the potential benefits to our environment and future generations are undeniable.

In conclusion, pollution is a severe issue that requires immediate and comprehensive action. As stewards of the earth, it is our responsibility to adopt sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of our planet.

Why do you think pollution has become such a significant problem in the modern world?

Well, to be honest, I think it’s largely down to industrialisation and the consumer-driven society we live in. We’re using non-renewable resources at an alarming rate, which contributes significantly to pollution. It’s like we’re on a runaway train* , and we need to find a way to apply the brakes.

* runaway train : A situation that’s out of control and will probably lead to trouble.

Should governments be held responsible for addressing pollution?

I believe so, yes. Governments have the power and resources to enforce regulations on industries contributing to pollution . For instance, they could incentivise eco-friendly practices and invest in renewable energy .

What are some measures individuals can

take to reduce pollution?

I’m not an expert on this, but I guess reducing, reusing, and recycling waste is a good place to start. Also, switching to renewable energy sources and reducing our carbon footprint can make a significant difference. As the saying goes, “every little helps.”

How has the situation regarding pollution changed from the past, and what do you foresee for the future?

In the past, the effects of pollution were not as widespread as they are today. As far as I know, if we continue down this path, the future seems quite bleak. But I’m optimistic that if we act now and embrace sustainable practices, we can improve the air quality index and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

Is pollution a significant issue in your country?

Yes, unfortunately, pollution is a considerable problem in my country. Water contamination is particularly concerning due to improper waste management practices. However, there have been initiatives promoting wildlife conservation and environmental cleanliness, which is a positive step forward.

• BBC News: What is pollution?
• National Geographic: Pollution
• Wikipedia: Pollution
• US Environmental Protection Agency: Pollution
• World Health Organisation: Air Pollution

Why don’t scientists trust atoms?

Because they make up everything, even pollution!

Join many other students who have achieved IELTS success with our online course or get instant writing feedback with our online IELTS essay checker . 

You can download or listen to the full tutorial here:

| Direct Download Here | Stitcher | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Study Abroad

Scholarships

Environment Essay Topics with Samples: Writing Task 2

Updated on Mar 08, 2024, 11:06

The  environmental essay topics  are part of the IELTS writing task 2. They cover the vast areas related to environmental challenges we face in our everyday lives.   

For example, they might ask you about a significant environmental problem and discuss possible solutions to the prevailing issues. They can also discuss the environmental threats caused by global warming. So, what measures can the government take to reduce the impact of global warming? 

Now, how do you tackle these essays? It’s pretty easy. All you have to do is follow a standard approach that can focus on your topic's vital area and provide enriching ideas and solutions. This guide will show how to deal with the  environmental issues essay and secure good marks. 

On This Page

1. Environment Essay Topics: How to Answer

The IELTS  environment topic essay follows a standard framework depending on the type of question. 

2. Environment Essay Topics: Sample Answer

Find the Sample Questions & Answers for the Environment IELTS Writing Essay here.

More for you

Boost your IELTS Writing score

See how to score 8+ in Listening. 

Get proven strategies to ace your IELTS Listening test.

Environment Essay Topics: How to Answer

Topics can revolve around different themes and situations. For example, you may get questions like an environment conservation essay, which will present a problem and ask about possible solutions. There can also be opinion-based questions that ask for your opinions based on any situation. 

Although the contexts of all these questions might vary, the basic layout will remain the same.   

Here is a standard format for the environment essay topics:  

Introduction (2-3 Sentences):  

• You can begin your essay by highlighting the key theme of the question. 
• Give some context to it and describe what your focus areas are in the essay.   

Example: ‘ Environment degradation has become a global problem with rising industrialisation. Deforestation rates have increased worldwide, creating challenges for many lives. In this essay, I will discuss the key reasons behind this situation and some possible measures to solve this issue.’   

Body Section (2-3 Paragraphs):  

• You can break this section into 2-3 paragraphs addressing a specific topic. For example, in problem-solving questions, one paragraph will deal with the problem and the other with solutions. 
• Focus on a balanced approach. It should not sound like being biased towards any particular stand. 
• Constantly enrich your ideas with supporting facts and evidence, such as data and examples. 
• And most importantly, organise your thoughts and ideas clearly to create a sense for the reader.  

Example: ‘ The excessive use of fossil fuels is one of the primary reasons behind environmental degradation. For example, the burning of oils releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Switching to renewable energy alternatives like solar, wind and water can reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change.’   

Opinion (Optional)  

• If the question asks you to share your opinion, clearly present your personal views in this paragraph. 
• Weigh your opinion with the relevant evidence, citing stats and personal experiences. 
• Avoid being highly emotional in presenting your arguments. Instead, be more logical and to the point.   

Example: ‘In my opinion, individuals play a vital role in reducing environmental degradation. By adopting eco-friendly habits, we can carefully use resources and take alternative measures wherever possible.’    

Conclusion (2-3 Sentences)  

• Summarise the whole crux of your essay in 2-3 lines. 
• Also, provide some positive suggestions related to your topic.   

For example, ‘Handling environmental challenges requires combined efforts at both individual and societal levels. Adopting sustainable practices, using renewable energy sources, and raising awareness of careful resource management can help us tackle these challenges. So let us come together and create a sustainable future for all.’

Environment Essay Topics: Sample Answer

Question 1:   Environmental Problems Essay Topic  

Write an essay on the following topic: 

Some say industrial growth is necessary to solve poverty, while others say it creates environmental problems. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.  

Sample Answer 1:  

Whether industrial growth contributes to poverty alleviation or harms our environment is a matter of discussion. Some say it has provided significant employment opportunities, while others highlight the environmental impacts. This essay will focus on these varied perspectives and my opinion.   

On one hand, growth enthusiasts believe that industries contribute a lot to poverty alleviation and raising the standard of living. They provide the people with various job opportunities and contribute to the economic growth. Once people have jobs, they consume more; thus, the demand for products/services increases. This income generation will boost production and require more people to do the jobs, creating more employment opportunities. This cycle helps stimulate the economy as a whole, thereby reducing poverty.   

On the other hand, individuals concerned about the environment often highlight the damages caused by industrialisation. We cannot deny that these factories release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. This release of chemicals pollutes our surroundings and raises health problems. Moreover, industrialisation creates the need for more resources like land and water, accelerating their depletion. 

Considering both these perspectives, the industries are helping the economy grow while creating environmental challenges. Therefore, we must find a way to balance economic growth and environmental protection.  

The government can play a broader role here. It should establish strict rules and regulations for organisations to reduce their environmental impacts. The government can also invest in renewable resources and monitor the effects of industrialisation to protect our environment.  

Industries can potentially reduce poverty; however, protecting the environment is also essential. Therefore, we should adopt the right strategies and require industries to follow these procedures. In this way, we balance economic growth and environmental protection. 

IELTS Reading Practice Test

IELTS Speaking Practice Test

IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Writing Practice Test

IELTS Listening Practice Test

IELTS Important Information

IELTS Exam Date

IELTS Exam Fee

IELTS Modules

IELTS Test Centres

IELTS Results

Types of IELTS

IELTS Pattern

IELTS Exam Eligibilty

IELTS Slot Booking

IELTS Band Score

IELTS Registration

IELTS Books

IELTS Preparation

IELTS Accepting Countries

Study In USA

Study In Canada

Study In UK

Study In Australia

Study In Ireland

IELTS Accepting Universities

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology

The University Of British Columbia

Harvard University

University Of Toronto

Conestoga College

University Of East London

Stanford University

University Of Alberta

Coventry University

New York University

Read More about IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Speaking Cue Card

IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 2

Task 1 Pie Chart

Task 1 Table Chart

Task 1 Bar Graph

Task 1 Line Graph

Task 1 Diagram

Top Writing Sample with Answers

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay with Sample Answers

Agree and Disagree Essay with Sample Answers

Problem Solution Essay Topic with Sample Answers

Every Year Several Languages Die Out

Positive or Negative Development Essay with Sample Answers

Honesty is the Best Policy Essay

Online Shopping Essay

Environment Essay Topics

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Hyderabad

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Bangalore

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Chennai

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Amritsar

IELTS Centre and Dates in Ludhiana

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Mumbai

IELTS Test Centres and Dates in Ahmedabad

IELTS Centre and Dates in Delhi

IELTS Test Centres and Dates in Chandigarh

IELTS Center and Dates in Pune

Related Articles

Agree and Disagree Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

Problem Solution Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2

Q. How can we write an essay in IELTS?

A. The IELTS brings forward topics like  environmental consciousness essay questions and prevention or conservation essays. All these topics will require you to follow a standard approach as follows:  

• First of all, analyse the question and understand it correctly. 
• Then, create a mindmap and describe which pointers you will focus on in each essay section. For example, what problems/solutions would you like to highlight in the essay?
• After this, start writing the essay and use evidence, facts and examples to make it more convincing. 
• And lastly, proofread your essay and ensure that it is factually correct and has no grammatical errors.   

Remember that the proofreading is the most crucial part. You need to ensure that your essay is error-free and easy to understand. 

Q. Why is IELTS writing difficult?

A. Many students need help in the IELTS writing section at the initial level of preparation. However, the topics asked in the exam could be more moderate. For example,  environmental pollution essay questions are relatively easy to write. However, you might face a time crisis while writing it. To overcome this problem, you can attend the  free masterclass that provides the proper knowledge and direction for IELTS. 

Q. How can I practice my IELTS essay?

A. It’s great that you have decided to practice the IELTS questions. You just need to take a  practice test , which can help you gain experience with them. This experience will help you manage your time effectively and write practical answers in a limited time. Thus, your score will increase significantly and help you secure a good admission. 

Q. What are the four types of IELTS essays?

A. There are many types of IELTS essays. The major ones are as follows:  

• Opinion-Based: These questions ask for your opinion based on a topic/situation.
• Advantages-Disadvantages: Here, you need to deal with both the advantages and disadvantages of the given statement and then add your values to it. 
• Problem-Solution: In these questions, you need to dive into the problem and then provide a sound solution that can help solve the problem. 
• Discussion Type: You must discuss both views and then take your stand by stating facts and data. 

Q. Is there any format I should follow to write essays in IELTS?

A. Yes, there is a standard format which you should follow to write the IELTS essay. It should include the following:   

• An introduction that can give insight into what you are going to talk about in the essay. It is just a short overview of 2-3 lines. 
• A body section deals with the main focus area of your essay. If it has advantages and disadvantages, then one paragraph is for advantages and disadvantages.
• The conclusion is the last part of the essay, where you must highlight the crux of your essay and end it with a positive note. 

Q. What is the most common essay in IELTS?

A. The common essay in the IELTS is an opinion—and problem-solution-based essay. In opinion-based essays, there will be two sides; you need to agree with either one and provide your input. The problem-solution essay is self-explanatory in itself. You just need to discuss the problem in detail and provide your solutions. 

Q. How are the IELTS Writing tasks scored?

A. The IELTS writing scores depend on many factors deciding the score. It ranges from a scale of 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest). You can take care of the following factors to get a good score:

• Ensure proper consistency in the grammar and punctuation.
• Make sure that there is a logical flow of information in the essay.
• The ideas and thoughts presented in the essay should be relevant to the topic.
• Writing should be crystal clear enough to impress the examiner. 

Q. Are IELTS essay questions repeated?

A. The IELTS essay questions are not repeated. Although a few questions seem similar, they are not 100% related. But yes, there are some topics from which many questions have come in the past. These topics are usually around education, technology, and environmental problems essay types. And remember, these are vast topics that can have many questions around them. 

Q. Can I write Task 2 first in IELTS writing?

A. Yes, you can start writing the Task 2 before the Task 1. There is no hard and fast rule that you have to follow. So it is better to cover Task 2 before; it carries double the weight of Task 1. But please ensure you invest at most 40 minutes in Task 2. So, only do that if it is within the prescribed time limit. 

Q. How many words should I write for IELTS Writing Task 2?

A. You can cover essay writing task 2 in 250 words. Stay within this limit because it's enough to get a decent score. Doing more than that will not add value but make you fall short of time. Try to make things perfect and follow a proper sequence of writing the essay to make the reader feel easy while writing. 

Q. How can we plan the problem-solution essay in writing task 2 in the IELTS to get a good band score?

A. You must make your essay exciting and convincing enough to read to get a good band score. So, to ensure it, you must first understand the problem statement. Then, you can dive into creating the introduction. You can then divide the body of your essay into two parts: One will deal with the problems, and the second will deal with the solution. And just summarise your whole blog in the conclusion part. 

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

Solving Traffic and Pollution Problems: Essay Ideas

Below are some ideas for the following IELTS writing task 2 essay question.

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?

There are two questions to answer:

• Do you think increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems?
• What other measures do you think might be effective to solve traffic and pollution problems?

Increasing the price of petrol:

• if the price is increased, less people will be able to afford it
• if less people can afford petrol, less people will drive cars
• if less people drive cars, there will be less congestion on the roads
• if less people drive, there will be less air pollution

Other ways to solve traffic and pollution problems:

• traffic problems can be solved by improving public transport to encourage more people to use it rather than to use their own cars
• public transport can be improved by having more public transport available, making it more punctual and reducing the price of tickets to make it more affordable to the average person
• another measure is to have no traffic zones in city centers which will  reduce both congestion and pollution in urban centers.

Get my free lessons by email

Subscribe for free to get my new IELTS lessons sent to your email inbox.

Email Address

Hi Liz. I have a question, please , if possible, instruct me the best way to do it. So, in some essay has two questions. To be specific, in the agree and disagree essay I don’t know how I should approach. Like this: To what extent do you agree or disagree, and next question in the same essay : ‘What other measures do you think might be effective’. Please, enlight me if I construct the essey: introduction, the first paragraph- the first side(which I don’t agree, the second- which I agree, third paragraph-solution? Or the first-my side, senond-solutions?

You are over thinking. Try to take a very simple, logical approach. IELTS is testing you on logical organisation. One body paragraphs contains your opinion (whatever it is) and the other body paragraph contains the solutions. Simple, clear, logical = high band score for Coherence & Cohesion.

Is it okay to use “this essay will discuss/ this essay discussed?? I’ve seen many teachers teach this . Thank you!

If the instructions ask for your opinion, the words “this essay will” does not express your opinion.

Dear ma’am , How can i improve my sentense formation ………. My teacher said that ” mostly, i make incorrect sentense ” please give the instruction to make correct sentense ………. Thankyou…

You need an English language teacher and an English language website. This website is for IELTS skills. Start developing your English first.

Hi Liz, this topic popped up on 25 Mar IELTS in Australia.

Yes, sometimes the topics and questions can re-appear in the test 🙂

hai liz please suggest what type of essay is the below mentioned one.

Some companies have uniform for their staffs which must be worn at all times

What are the advantages for a company of having a uniform?

Are there any benefits of having a uniform for the staff ? tnq kalaivanan

This is Direct Question Essay. You have two questions to answer.

hi Liz, i’m not clear about what type of question is this?is it opinion essay,cause/solution or direct question essay????

It is a mixed type. It contains an opinion with solutions.

Please have a look at this one. Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree. What other measures do you think might be effective.

Growing traffic is considered to be a major issue to the world. More cars are hitting the road day by day, which lead to serious pollution problems. In order to tackle this ongoing issue, countries decide to increase the price of petrol, as they think it is the most convenient approach and use some alternatives to petrol like wind and solar power that might be effective. I personally feel that increasing petrol price is not necessary to cut down pollution problems.

To begin with, we can classify people into three categories based on their income such as low income, middle income and rich. When the country increases the petrol price, the first two of these categories will be affected. With regards to low paid people, they suffer from paying petrol’s normal price, but when it is increased, they will not be able to afford it. It is likely to be the same with middle-income people, the money they get is only sufficient for their hand and mouth, so they spend their money consciously. Most of their money goes for household appliances, children education, electricity, and petrol. When petrol price increases, they will suffer a lot and think twice before paying for petrol. On the other hand, this will not majorly affect rich people, as they can afford petrol because of their extra allowances.

However, the country should encourage people to reduce the usage of cars by advertising the consequences of the traffic congestion on the society. Having said that, carpooling is another environmentally friendly solution, as it reduces the carbon footprint of each individual by going to work in groups. In addition to that, we as individuals play a major role in this process. We should be aware of keeping our body fit by cycling or walking instead of using cars for short distances. This will help us to be physically active and healthy, as well as reduce the consumption of petrol. Furthermore, Government could also reserve separate lanes for carpoolers, bicyclers and pedestrians so that they can reach their destination faster which will encourage other people to follow them.

To conclude, traffic is one of the main causes of pollution as it produces harmful gasses and we should be aware of this catastrophic problem. The Government should raise awareness among people on limiting the usage of petrol and use public transportation to keep our atmosphere safe and clean. In this regard, I feel that the government should focus on educating the people instead of increasing the price of petrol. Government and people are the two sides of a coin, so not only the Government always plays a role in saving our earth, but also we should work along with the Government in order to restrict the pollution problem due to the large consumption of petrol.

I don’t usually comment. However, I will say that your conclusion should be either one or two sentences long – no more.

It is believed that the most effective solution to rapidly increasing traffic and pollution problems is to make petrol expensive. In my opinion, I agree that, by doing so, it will help to bring down the traffic congestion but there are also other ways to curb the exploding traffic and pollution menace.

Hi Liz How can I write a thesis statement for a cause and effect essay?

The percentage of overweight children in western society has increased by almost 20% in the last ten years.

What are the causes and effects ?

https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/

Hi Liz…i am confused with the use of the verb ‘increase’…I thought that it is a passive verb which means that we do not use it in Passive voice as it has a passive meaning..However you used the phrase ‘if the price is increased’or …’need to be increased’…please could you explain me this grammatic phenomenon?…thanks a lot

This verb can be used in all forms. Please check your dictionary. All the best Liz

I noticed that the question states “pollution problem”. Would I be deviating from the topic if I state that increasing fuel cost will not be the optimal solution for mitigating pollution issues since other factors unrelated to car use may pollute the air, such as improper waste disposal?

I am looking forward to your response. thank you very much.

For this essay question, the subject is both traffic and pollution together which means you can separate them. The pollution in the essay question relates to traffic pollution only so it wouldn’t be advisable to start writing about other sources of pollution. Liz

Hi Liz sorry for disturbing.Could you assess my essay and give some advices.

Nowadays,increasing number of cars on roads,one of the big issues for the environment and growthing amount of people.Owing to,vehicles emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,which able to create greenhouse effect in the atmosphere.Simultaneously,greenhouse gases cause to raise average ambient temperature. In my opinion,increasing the price of petrol isn’t the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems.Due to,the people who has afford to drive a car,although increasing price of petrol,ongoing driving,by connecting it with their needing.Meanwhille,increasing price of petrol can influence to the price of other manufactures trade,makes it raise.That is why,I can’t go along this opinion.In addition,the increasing price of petrol also can lead to protest and demonstrations,which aren’t good for goverment policy. I suggest that the solution start mass to make vehicles which use alternative types of fuel instead of petrol and that is can mitigate the pollution of environment.Furthermore,for reducing traffic congestion I reckon that,some rich people need change their opinion about cars psychologically.They should look to cars as transport method don’t as luxurious.Because,many rich families have more cars than they need.To conclude,I’d like to mention about that,todays many entrepreneurs at the world are interesting about mass producing cars which use alternative types of fuel (hybrid,hydrogen e.t.c.)

Please read my notice about posting writing: https://ieltsliz.com/posting-writing/ Thanks Liz

Speak Your Mind Cancel reply

Notify me of new posts by email.

Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books

Recent Lessons

Ielts liz personal update 2024, ielts model essay -two questions essay type, ielts bar chart of age groups 2024, ielts topic: urban planning, ielts listening transcripts: when and how to use them, 2024 ielts speaking part 1 topics.

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

• Click here:  Privacy Policy 
• Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

IELTS Charlie

Your Guide to IELTS Band 7

Traffic Congestion and Pollution: 2 Part Question

This IELTS model essay is on the topic of traffic congestion and pollution. It’s a 2-part, or IELTS direct question essay .  It is taken from Cambridge IELTS 8 .

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?

(Cambridge IELTS 8 Academic Test 3)

Overall Opinion: disagree – more effective solutions

• workers rely on cars – would be too expensive if petrol prices rose

Other measures

• e.g. light rail, underground (Bangkok Skytrain)
• e.g. London

Many cities around the world have seen a rapid rise in the number of private vehicles on the road, and this has led to serious problems related to traffic congestion, as well as pollution from exhaust fumes. Some feel that the best way to deal with this problem is by increasing fuel prices, but I disagree and think that there are more effective options.

Raising petrol prices is an overly simplistic solution to a rather complicated situation. It may have worked 30 years ago, but today many people live some distance from their workplace, often so they can live somewhere more cheaply, and have come to rely on their cars to get to work. If they are suddenly forced to spend more money on petrol, these people would find it a lot harder to make ends meet. So what can be done instead?

One obvious solution would be to improve public transport so that workers have more choice over how to get to work. Many cities have invested heavily in light rail and underground systems, meaning many commuters no longer need to drive, and this has helped to alleviate road congestion. For example, Bangkok has recently expanded its Skytrain network, enabling people living in the suburbs to quickly get to work in the centre of the city.

However, this alone is not enough. Perhaps the best solution would be to target the parts of the road network most susceptible to congestion and charge motorists a fee for using those stretches of road. Such a solution is known as a congestion charge and it has been used to good effect in many major cities including London.

To conclude, traffic congestion and the resultant pollution is a growing and complicated problem which needs to be approached in a more sophisticated manner than simply increasing petrol prices. Investing in public transport and congestion charges are perhaps two more effective solutions.

(317 words)

Vocabulary: Less Common and Uncommon Lexical Items

A good way of studying this essay is to look at the language in my essay. Here is a list of some of the complex noun phrases that I used in this essay. These are the kinds of phrases that IELTS Examiners are looking for at Band 7 and above for Lexical Resource. (Note: there are very few “rare” words in this list – they are mostly combinations of very common words – it is the combinations, or collocations, that are uncommon.)

• a rapid rise in the number of private vehicles on the road
• serious problems related to traffic congestion
• pollution from exhaust fumes
• the best way to deal with this problem
• more effective options
• raising petrol prices
• an overly simplistic solution
• a rather complicated situation
• some distance from their workplace
• one obvious solution
• light rail and underground systems
• Skytrain network
• people living in the suburbs
• the parts of the road network most susceptible to congestion
• a congestion charge
• many major cities
• the resultant pollution
• a growing and complicated problem
• a more sophisticated manner

Now, without looking at the essay again, try to complete the missing words from the essay. Many of the missing words are parts of collocations, so this activity will help you develop an understanding of collocation. Good luck! (The activity is best done on a desktop or laptop computer).

Paragraph 1

Paragraph 2, paragraph 3, paragraph 4, paragraph 5, share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Related Posts

About the author

Charlie is a former IELTS Examiner with 25 years' teaching experience all over the world. His courses, for both English language learners and teachers, have been taken by over 100,000 students in over 160 countries around the world.

3 thoughts on “Traffic Congestion and Pollution: 2 Part Question”

Thanks for this practice!

When I left a comment, the activities appeared. Thank you on behalf of my students. They are very helpful and beneficial.

I am an English teacher from Istanbul, Turkiye. I teach ESL classes to Turkish and international students in a private university English Prep School. I always search for resources for my students. I recommended the coherence and cohesion activity to all my students and colleagues but in this part, I could not find the mentioned activity. When you scroll over the Paragraphs above, I was expecting to see them.

Comments are closed.

IELTS® is a registered trademark of Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. By using this website, you agree that you fully understand that ieltscharlie.com is not affiliated, approved or endorsed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council, or IDP Education Australia.

Unit 22489, PO Box 6945, London, W1A 6US, United Kingdom

© IELTSCharlie

Privacy Overview

Discover the 7 STEPS to BAND 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

• IELTS Scores
• Life Skills Test
• Find a Test Centre
• Alternatives to IELTS
• General Training
• Academic Word List
• Topic Vocabulary
• Collocation
• Phrasal Verbs
• Writing eBooks
• Reading eBook
• All eBooks & Courses

IELTS Sample Writing: International Pollution Issues

by sammy (China)

Brainstorming and Planning

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Writing Submissions - Task 2.

Before you go...

Check out the ielts buddy band 7+ ebooks & courses.

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

• Click on the HTML link code below.
• Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

IELTS Modules:

Other resources:.

• All Lessons
• Band Score Calculator
• Writing Feedback
• Speaking Feedback
• Teacher Resources
• Free Downloads
• Recent Essay Exam Questions
• Books for IELTS Prep
• Useful Links

Recent Articles

Decreasing House Sizes Essay

Apr 06, 24 10:22 AM

Latest IELTS Writing Topics - Recent Exam Questions

Apr 04, 24 02:36 AM

IELTS Essay: English as a Global Language

Apr 03, 24 03:49 PM

Important pages

IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening   IELTS Reading All Lessons Vocabulary Academic Task 1 Academic Task 2 Practice Tests

Connect with us

Copyright © 2022- IELTSbuddy All Rights Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

• Practice Test
• Useful Tips – Tricks
• Full Writing Review
• General Writing Task
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Writing Exercises
• Writing Sample – Topics
• Writing Vocabulary
• Speaking Vocabulary
• Intro Question
• Speaking Part 1
• Speaking Part 2
• Speaking Part 2 – Audio
• Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Books
• Recent Exams
• IELTS Vocabulary
• Essay from Examiners
• IELTS Ideas

LATEST POSTS

Writing task 2: government| health care vs tax-payers, writing task 2: animal species become extinct, writing task 2: the government should spend money putting more works of art.

IELTS App - For Mobile

Ready for the IELTS exam with our IELTS app. Over 2 million downloads

Popular Last 24h

Describe a person whom you met for the first time and made you happy, in many countries，today there are many highly qualified graduates without employment., topic: experience is the best teacher, ielts writing task 1: the table below shows the salaries of secondary/high school teachers in 2009., describe a prize you have won, essay:a bad workman always blames his tools, ielts speaking part 1 : introduction (question-answer).

• IELTS Test/Skills FAQs
• IELTS Scoring in Detail
• Forecast Speaking – 2023
• List IELTS Speaking Part 3
• List IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Writing 2023 – Actual Test

Our Telegram

Join our community for IELTS preparation and share and download materials.

The information on this site is for informational purposes only. IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, or IDP Education Australia.

Latest Articles

Writing task 1: languages learned by two genders, describe an event | ielts speaking part 2, ielts speaking part 3: topic relax, describe a place | where you go to relax, most popular, describe a film that made you laugh, describe something difficult you would like to succeed in doing.

ieltspracticeonline All Rights Reserved

• Writing Correction
• Online Prep Platform
• Online Course
• Speaking Assessment
• Ace The IELTS
• Target Band 7
• Practice Tests Downloads
• IELTS Success Formula
• Essays Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 2 samples – IELTS Band 9 essays
• Essays Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 8
• Essays Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 7
• Essays Band 6 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 6
• Essays Band 5 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS essays of Band 5
• Reports Band 9 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 9 (Academic Writing Task 1)
• Reports Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 8
• Reports Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS reports of Band 7
• Letters Band 9 IELTS Writing Task 1 – samples of IELTS letters of Band 9
• Letters Band 8 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 8
• Letters Band 7 IELTS Writing – samples of IELTS letters of Band 7
• Speaking Samples
• Tests Samples
• 2023, 2024 IELTS questions
• 2022 IELTS questions
• 2021 IELTS questions
• 2020 IELTS questions
• High Scorer’s Advice IELTS high achievers share their secrets
• IELTS Results Competition
• IELTS-Blog App

IELTS essay, topic: Transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution (discuss + opinion)

• IELTS Essays - Band 8

This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in Romania .

Research has shown that the transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution. Some people believe the government should be in charge of this, while others believe it is the fault of individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The increasing problem of pollution, primarily from the transportation of goods and individuals, raises the question of whether the government or the public should be responsible for addressing this issue. In my opinion, both the government and individuals play crucial roles in tackling this issue.

Supporters of government intervention argue that pollution, being a large-scale issue, requires comprehensive and wide-ranging solutions that are beyond the scope of individual capabilities. Governments have the power to enforce laws like stringent emission standards for vehicles, which can significantly influence both corporate and personal behaviors. Furthermore, state investment in sustainable public transportation systems can promote a shift towards environmentally friendly travel. For example, similar government policies in Sweden have successfully reduced transportation pollution, proving how impactful government action can be.

On the other hand, many believe individual actions are the key to solving the issue of pollution. Our personal transport choices greatly affect pollution levels, and if more people chose the eco-friendly options like carpooling, cycling, or public transport over their private vehicles, there would be a significant reduction in pollution levels. It is also equally important for the public to show support for policies and technologies aimed at reducing transport emissions. Advocating for and adopting cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles, and supporting government policies that encourage sustainable practices, can also lead to substantial reductions in pollution.

While both perspectives are valid, I believe that an integrated approach is essential. Governments can create policies and infrastructure for major change, but individual choices are just as important in supporting these efforts. Both entities must work together for effective pollution control.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, this essay would likely achieve a Band 8.

Task Response: Band 8 The essay addresses the task fully, presenting a clear opinion and discussing both views comprehensively. Each viewpoint is supported by relevant examples, such as the reference to Sweden’s policies. The conclusion effectively summarises the essay by reiterating the need for an integrated approach.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8 The essay is well-organised and logically structured. Ideas are clearly laid out and easy to follow. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as “On the other hand” and “Furthermore.” The conclusion ties back to the introduction, enhancing the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 8 The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately. Terms like “comprehensive,” “sustainable public transportation systems,” and “integrated approach” demonstrate a strong command of language. The vocabulary is used precisely, enhancing the clarity of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8 The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures with high accuracy. Examples include: “Governments have the power to enforce laws like stringent emission standards for vehicles, which can significantly influence both corporate and personal behaviors.” The grammatical accuracy is consistently high, contributing to the clarity and sophistication of the essay.

Submit your essay for correction and find out how to improve your Writing score.

Click here to see more IELTS essays of Band 8

Related posts:

• IELTS essay, topic: The purpose of education is to make individuals useful to society, not help people pursue personal ambitions (discuss + opinion) This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in...
• IELTS essay, topic: Some people think it is better to make more money rather than have free time (discuss + opinion) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...
• IELTS essay, topic: Some people argue that sports are essential, while others view sports as a leisure time activity (discuss + opinion) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...
• IELTS essay, topic: Some people tend to buy products or get services instantly (reasons and effects) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...
• IELTS essay, topic: Who should discipline the children, parents or the government? (discuss + opinion) This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

IELTS TOPIC: A Place That Had Air Pollution

03/28/2023 03:27 PM

Things to consider:

• It can be difficult or easy to define "air pollution" , depending on where to live. For example, I haven't experienced any heavy air pollution in my life, at all. But I have seen it on TV and in articles. I've probably had it in my city but I didn't pay attention . So you need to talk about reasons why cities can have air pollution . It becomes clear after that.
• You can make up a story by stating things like:
• I once visited a town/city...(where/when/what?)
• At first, It looked... (positive)
• After a while, I realized that... (pollution)
• The reason why it was polluted was... (reason 1, reason 2)
• At that time I felt... (feeling 1, feeling 2)
• Eventually, I thought...
• Focus on your feelings about air pollution. You can talk in general. For instance:
• I felt worried and afraid...
• I felt disappointed about...
• I felt a little angry about...
• I felt neutral, without any specific feelings because...
• I felt something was off, but I didn't react in any way because...

Part 2: Sample Answer

Although air pollution has been a big discussion in my lifetime , I have to admit that I haven’t seen so much of it, or at least I’m not sure I’ve seen it. Perhaps the reason is that I can’t recognize if a place has polluted air . I’m definitely sure what clean air is, as I’ve been in the countryside and I know the difference in the “ taste ” of the air over there. However, that’s a characteristic of the mountains and the countryside . Can we say that everything except mountain-fresh air is polluted? Probably, especially in the cities.

I talk about the meaning of polluted air in conection to my life.

I’ve definitely seen smog and heavily contaminated air once or twice. Even in the city I live in, we are not safe from this phenomenon . I live in a seaside city that is quite small and compact . On the outskirts of the city, there is a big industrial free-trade zone with many factories and large facilities . Now there is a reason why that zone is far outside of the city – and that is to protect the citizen from pollution. Well, every now or then, the wind will blow in direction of the city and that pollution will land directly at us.

I introduce the place (my city) and the reason for the pollution.

I remember 2 or 3 times last year when the air in the city was heavy , yellowish and it felt contaminated . But even then, I was not sure if that was something I am supposed to stay protected from , or if I should just take it . You see, the problem is that those of us who live in the city, are used to this air. We lived at times when all cars were gasoline or diesel . We simply walked around, breathing all this air without any regret or consideration .

I describe a problem of knowing what "polluted" means.

If I think about it for more than a minute, of course, I agree that we deserve better . I mean there are places covered in smog all year round and that’s awful . I’ve heard about the negative consequences of all this pollution – carcinogens building up in our bodies over time. Don’t forget that the food we eat absorbs all this pollution too. All of this leads to an increase in cancers and other diseases . Well… I hope we make our living environment safer… at least for the next generations .

I finish with my feelings about the topic and air pollution.

Idioms and Phrases

Sentence starters and linking words, vocabulary related to the topic, business phrases, part 3 questions.

In Part 3 we continue to talk about air pollution  and further discuss the effect of this pollution on our society. We then move on to talk about solutions to fight this problem.

Examiner:   I s there more pollution now than in the past?

A case for yes.

• We all know about climate change and the pollution development and industrialization have brought. Many countries, while trying to grow and progress , disrespect their environment for economic growth . This means that, yes, there is much more pollution now than 30, or even 20 years ago.  

A Case for No

• At the same time , many countries have realized that pollution has become a danger to their citizen's life , and have begun taking measures. There are cities and countries that have achieved a lot of progress in fighting pollution and may have actually improved their environment's condition compared to 10 or 20 years ago.

Examiner:   Do you think the city is cleaner or dirtier than the countryside? Why?

Cities and pollution.

• Of course , the cities are more polluted and dirtier than the country. There are many reasons for that, but probably the main one is the high population and the concentration of industry in the cities. Many people moving to cities means high demand for jobs, products, and services, and making all of those requires a ton of resources and energy to create. That causes pollution.

The Country

• The countryside is cleaner mainly because there are fewer people , less industry , and less transportation over there. What's more , people in the countryside tend to care more about the environment and their surroundings , while people in cities tend to be a bit more  selfish and care mostly about themselves, carrying on with their lives. 

Examiner:   What can factories and power plants do to reduce pollutants?

• Plants and factories have to invest in renovation and replacement of their outdated technologies for production. This will help them to reduce the amounts of waste they create dramatically . The problem is quite often that these companies do not invest much or at all in that, and use old, inefficient equipment for many years.

Societal Impact

• Big corporations and producers have to embrace and accept their moral responsibilities to protect society. This means that they should go above and beyond to improve society and invest further in projects that are environmentally-friendly and green . Sadly , very few of them would do what is morally right , as that means higher costs.

Accept responsibility . No seriously, some of the environmental problems we have in our society stem from this very reason. Companies simply refuse to invest in new equipment or fail to update their equipment frequently enough , and by using old outdated technologies they do more pollution. We have a ton of people lecturing us, individuals , to reduce our carbon footprint , but what about those who create the products themselves? Are we supposed to stop buying just so we can force companies to change? That is an ineffective strategy and it’s a waste of time . Companies need to take responsibility and update their machines regularly, or in other words invest in their own business, not the stock market .

Examiner:   Do you think the wind has any effect on pollution? How?

• The wind blowing can bring in a lot of air pollution from other areas of a country or even from another country. A lot of cities move out their manufacturing and industry outside of the larger cities, but then once the wind blows, it brings back all that pollution right back into the cities.
• In areas that have a dry climate , are near a desert , or are being desertified because of logging or other natural reasons , the wind can blow and bring up a lot of dust and sand particles . If the wind is powerful enough, it can carry those particles many kilometers away and cause sand or dust pollution in cities or other areas.

Well, the wind can blow pollution into the cities, even if those cities have removed heavy manufacturing away. I’ve seen this in a few examples around the world but I believe this is what happens regularly in Beijing. The capital of China has been trying to reduce pollution, but often, especially in the winter when it’s coal-burning season , the wind brings all the heavy smog back to town. Another type of air pollution is actually sand and dust which comes from dry areas or deserts , and that can be brought by the wind across large distances as well .

Examiner:  Do you think many companies have been forced to reduce pollutants?

Not exactly....

• To a large extent , many companies have been left to do as they please, because they add too much economic growth , and so governments and politicians have stayed away from heavy punishments and scrutiny . Many companies have received tiny , minor fines that do not force them to change their ways.
• While so far the government hasn't pushed for much regulation , there is increasing public anger towards companies and pollution, and that created the occasional higher push for justice . Perhaps we will see high fines and tough regulations in the near future if we want to restore our planet back to normal.

Some of them have been working on this problem, and some have done close to nothing about it. The reality is that a small number of companies with a large market share are responsible for the largest amount of pollution, be it plastic pollution , air pollution , or water pollution . Many of these large corporations put profits and money above dignity and the environment . Some governments around the world have become increasingly aware of the problem, but unfortunately , they act too slowly and do not punish those companies enough to make them change their attitudes . I hope that in the near future , people start taking this problem seriously .

Examiner:   What can be done by an individual to reduce air pollution?

As an ordinary person.

• For a single person, it can be very difficult to impact the environment alone, but we can take some steps to reduce our carbon footprint . We can drive less, we can cycle more, we can buy less plastic , and opt out of food delivery . We can make better choices when buying clothes and generally shop less online. There are a lot of actions we could take.

As Someone with Power

• People in positions of power are better suited to affect society in one way or another. In terms of air pollution, they can try to run for government , invest money in renewable energy , or even start a green business that can improve society in some way. 

It is very difficult for one person to impact the whole planet, but let’s assume that it is possible. As an ordinary citizen , this person should find ways to reduce his carbon footprint . The person can replace his fossil fuel car with an electric vehicle at first. Then he can make better choices when buying clothes, purchasing l onger-term items rather than fast fashion pieces which are a high polluter in the world. The person should buy less plastic and avoid ordering takeaway as much as possible. Now, if the person is in a position of power , he is much better suited to impact society for the better. He should invest in green technologies and support environmentally-friendly political decisions .

IELTS Practice.Org

IELTS Practice Tests and Preparation Tips

• Band 9 IELTS Essays

Band 9 IELTS Essay Sample About Air Travel And Air Pollution

by Manjusha Nambiar · October 5, 2017

The following essay topic appeared in a recently held IELTS writing exam.

Restricting air travel is the only way to prevent air pollution. Do you agree?

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.

Band 9 IELTS essay sample

Some people believe that the only way to reduce air pollution is to limit the number of flights. I do not agree with this view. In my opinion, restricting air travel is unlikely to have any real impact on air quality. At the same time, it may adversely affect the economy of the nation.

There is no denying the fact that aeroplanes cause air and noise pollution. They produce too much noise and emit harmful gases. While it is possible to control this pollution by reducing the number of flights, it will not fully solve the problem because the majority of pollutants in the air do not come from aircrafts. It is true that air travel has become more affordable and popular recently. However, aeroplanes still are not the primary mode of transport for the majority of people and as such they cannot be considered the number one cause of air pollution. In fact, cars and buses cause more pollution than flights because there are too many of them on the road.

What’s more, restricting air travel can have disastrous consequences for the economy. The tourism industry will be the worst hit because limited availability of flights will discourage tourists from visiting foreign countries. Import and export of goods will also be affected. Since both of these factors will affect the financial growth of the country, I do not believe that governments will want to limit air travel.

To conclude, restricting air travel is unlikely to improve air quality much because aeroplanes are not the biggest polluters on the planet. What’s more, any such move will have serious economic consequences.

Tags: band 9 essay samples

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

• Next story  Band 8.5 Essay Sample About Fixed Retirement Age
• Previous story  IELTS Band 9 Essay Sample About Girls Choosing Arts And Boys Choosing Science

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Academic Writing Task 1
• Agree Or Disagree
• Band 7 essay samples
• Band 8 Essay Samples
• Band 8 letter samples
• Discuss Both Views
• Grammar exercises
• IELTS Writing
• Learn English
• OET Letters
• Sample Essays
• Sample Letters
• Writing Tips

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

IELTS Practice

IELTS Mentor "IELTS Preparation & Sample Answer"

• Skip to content
• Jump to main navigation and login

Nav view search

• IELTS Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts essay # 1321 - water pollution has become an increasing problem, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, water pollution has become an increasing problem over the past few decades., what causes water pollution how can we prevent this problem.

• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Essay Sample
• Direct Questions Essay
• Double Questions Essay

IELTS Materials

• IELTS Bar Graph
• IELTS Line Graph
• IELTS Table Chart
• IELTS Flow Chart
• IELTS Pie Chart
• IELTS Letter Writing
• IELTS Essay
• Academic Reading

Useful Links

• IELTS Secrets
• Band Score Calculator
• Exam Specific Tips
• Useful Websites
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• Academic Reading Tips
• Academic Writing Tips
• GT Writing Tips
• Listening Tips
• Speaking Tips
• IELTS Grammar Review
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Cue Cards
• IELTS Life Skills
• Letter Types

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• HTML Sitemap

Welcome Guest!

• IELTS Listening
• IELTS Reading
• IELTS Writing
• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Speaking Part 2
• IELTS Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Practice Tests
• IELTS Listening Practice Tests
• IELTS Reading Practice Tests
• IELTS Writing Practice Tests
• IELTS Speaking Practice Tests
• All Courses
• IELTS Online Classes
• OET Online Classes
• PTE Online Classes
• CELPIP Online Classes
• Free Live Classes
• Australia PR
• Germany Job Seeker Visa
• Austria Job Seeker Visa
• Sweden Job Seeker Visa
• Study Abroad
• Student Testimonials
• Our Trainers
• IELTS Webinar
• Immigration Webinar

People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives – IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Dec 28, 2023

Share on Whatsapp

Share on Email

Share on Linkedin

Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!

It is important to practise Agree Disagree essays, like ‘People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives’ as they are one of the most common types of questions in  IELTS Writing Task 2 .

‘To what extent do you agree or disagree’ questions have one major difference from the classic  Agree Disagree essays . The former type does not specifically ask you to declare your level of agreement or disagreement with the statement. You can either say for or against the notion or you can partly agree or disagree with it. Once you’ve made up your mind, come up with two or three arguments in favor of it.

Since Writing Task 2 can be challenging for many IELTS candidates, practising topics like ‘People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives’ will help you acquaint yourself with the format of structuring an IELTS Agree Disagree essays. Also, if you want to practise regularly, check out the  Writing Task 2 practice tests .

Let’s have a look at the Agree Disagree essay – People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives – with three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Public transports in many countries have improved. people should use public transport to support pollution control initiatives. to what extent do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint, give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge., you should write at least 250 words..

Check Out –  6 Secrets to have a Great Writing Essay

Band 7 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives

The evolution of infrastructure and technology has revolutionised human living, and public transport is no exception. I believe that people should not drive their own automobiles because there are excellent transport systems all throughout the world, and the reasons I’ve mentioned below back up this belief.

First, as a result of “global warming” warnings, a number of countries have created a strong transport infrastructure to lower the number of private cars on the road and, in turn, lower greenhouse gas emissions. The Indian report from the environmental department attests to that. According to the report’s statistics, in metropolitan areas, pollution would drop to 40% if people only used 60% of public transit. Citizens must therefore use public transit to support these programmes.

Again, public transportation is generally more energy-efficient than private vehicles. Trains, for example, are known for their high energy efficiency. The energy required to move a single person by train is significantly lower than that needed for a personal car. Additionally, general dustbins are provided by public transportation to support trash throughout travel, something that may not be achievable in private vehicles. For instance, if individuals commute in their own cars, they frequently discard trash outdoors on the road, contributing to pollution and occasionally even clogging the city’s sewage system.

In summary, people need to use public transportation to reduce their carbon footprint and improve the quality of life on Earth by reducing the amount of trash on the roads and contributing to global warming. (247 words)

Band 7 Vocabulary 

• Infrastructure (Noun)

Meaning: the basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively

Example: The development of infrastructure is important to draw in more investors.

• Emission (Noun)

Meaning: an amount of a substance that is produced and sent out into the air that is harmful to the environment

Example: The emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere should be regulated by the government.

• Attest (Verb)

Meaning: provide or serve as clear evidence of

Example: The waiter will attest to the fact that he was present at the restaurant till midnight.

• Transit (Noun)

Meaning: the act or fact of passing across or through; passage from one place to another

Example: The parcel carrying your gift was lost in transit.

• Commute (Verb)

Meaning: to travel regularly a distance between work and home

Example: Marie commutes daily in order to meet her family at day end.

• Clogging (Verb)

Meaning: to hinder or obstruct with

Example: Please remove the waste as it is clogging the drain.

• Carbon footprint (Phrase)

Meaning: the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions

Example: We should be careful about the carbon footprint that is being created by every action.

Let us answer your IELTS questions!  Book a free trial & talk to our Experts !

Band 8 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives

In many nations, public transport has improved. In order to assist in pollution control activities, people should take public transit. In general, I agree with the idea that using public transit will help support efforts to reduce pollution. I hold this position for many reasons, which will be discussed in the following paragraphs.

To begin with, public transport, such as buses and trains, typically have lower carbon emissions per passenger compared to individual vehicles. By using public transport, people can contribute to reducing overall carbon footprints and combating climate change. Also, public transport can be more cost-effective for individuals. Maintaining a personal vehicle involves expenses such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, and parking fees. Using public transport can be a more economical option for many people.

Moreover, public transport helps alleviate traffic congestion, leading to smoother traffic flow and reduced idling time for vehicles. It contributes to lower overall emissions and fuel consumption. Cities like Tokyo and London have implemented efficient public transport systems to address congestion. Then, governments worldwide are offering reasons to promote public transport usage. Examples include subsidized fares, tax benefits for companies supporting public transport for their employees, and investments in infrastructure development.

In conclusion, the improvement of public transport is a positive step towards pollution control. Encouraging its use not only benefits the environment but also offers economic advantages to individuals. By making public transport more convenient and accessible, we can collectively contribute to a greener and cleaner future. (243 words)

Band 8 Vocabulary 

• Combating (Verb)

Meaning: take action to reduce or prevent (something bad or undesirable)

Example: The man is combating the mismanagement for a long time.

• Cost-effective (Adjective)

Meaning: good value for the amount of money paid

Example: The company added some cost-effective steps in the project to maximize profit.

• Expenses (Noun)

Meaning: cost or charge of something

Example: He has no idea of his expenses and spent all the earnings of his parents within a few years.

• Alleviate (Verb)

Meaning: to make less hard to bear; lighten or relieve

Example: The medicine is made to alleviate the pain of the patient.

• Idling (Verb)

Meaning: to spend time doing nothing

Example: While Jack was idling on the sofa, Bruno escaped his confinement.

• Congestion (Noun)

Meaning: a situation in which there is too much traffic and movement is difficult

Example: I am sorry I am late due to the traffic congestion in the city.

• Accessible (Noun)

Meaning: (of a place) able to be reached or entered

Example: The palace is easily accessible by roads.

Waiting for an Exclusive Study Material on IELTS Writing Task 2?

Get Your Copy Now !

Band 9 Sample Answer for Writing Task 2 Question – People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives

Unlock Answers

Many countries have made improvements in their public transportation systems, and encouraging people to choose buses, trains, or subways can have significant positive effects on the environment. As a result, I strongly agree that using public transport is vital to help control pollution and will discuss the reasons in the following paragraphs.

Firstly, mass transit produces fewer pollutants per person compared to private cars. For instance, a fully loaded bus produces fewer emissions per person than the equivalent number of individual cars. Therefore, it helps mitigate air pollution and contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment. Secondly, relying on collective transit can ease traffic obstructions in cities. Less traffic means fewer cars idling in jams, emitting harmful gasses. I experienced this first hand in my city when more people started using buses and the subway. The streets became less crowded, and the air felt fresher.

Thirdly, this mode of communication often costs less than owning and maintaining a private vehicle. By choosing buses or trains, people can save money on fuel, parking, and maintenance. This economic advantage can be a strong incentive for individuals to switch to public transport. Lastly, cities like Copenhagen and Singapore have successfully implemented comprehensive shared mobility systems, leading to a significant reduction in individual car usage and associated pollution. Consequently, these examples serve as models for other cities aspiring to control pollution through public transport campaigns.

Band 9 Vocabulary 

• Subways (Noun)

Meaning: a railway system in which electric trains travel through tunnels below ground

Example: Meera takes the subway to reach her workplace.

• Mitigate (Verb)

Meaning: to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad

Example: Mr. Figgs is trying to mitigate the problems among the team members.

• Incentive (Noun)

Meaning: something, especially money, that encourages a person or organization to do something

Example: The government should provide incentives to every taxpayer of the country.

• Campaigns (Noun)

Meaning: organized course of action to achieve a goal

Example: Lot of campaigns are being carried out against the government’s decision to drive away the farmers.

• Advocating (Verb)

Meaning: to support or argue for (a cause, policy, etc.) : to plead in favor of

Example: No one believes in advocating for the rights of the poor.

• Conveyance (Noun)

Meaning: the action or process of transporting or carrying someone or something from one place to another

Example: Yesterday, conveyance from Chicago tried me out completely.

• Sustainable (Adjective)

Meaning: able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

Example: My grandmother initiated some sustainable methods of cooking in the family.

Join our IELTS webinars to learn master tips to ace your IELTS Writing exam!  Click here to explore !

IELTS Writing Task 2 Connectors Used in the Sample Answers for People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives

Check out the list of  connectors  used in the above-given sample answers that will help you add coherence to your writing and earn points for your IELTS Writing Task 2 – People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives.

• First/Firstly
• Secondly…Thirdly…Lastly
• Additionally/Moreover
• In summary/In conclusion/To sum up
• To begin with
• As a result/Therefore/Consequently
• For instance/For example

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – People Should Use Public Transport to Support Pollution Control Initiatives – it is time for you to try writing on your own. For that, leave your answers as a comment below or you can use our  FREE evaluation service !

Additional Resources

• Pollution of Rivers, Lakes and Seas is a Major Concern for People- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some people believe that air travel should be restricted Sample Essay
• Increase your Speaking & Writing Score with Synonyms and Antonyms
• Pollution due to Urbanization – IELTS Writing Task 2
• The best way to solve the world’s environmental problems is to increase the cost of fuel Sample Essay
• How to Plan an IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay (Best Strategy)
• Water Pollution Has Been an Increasing Problem Over the Last Few Decades- IELTS Writing Task 2
• Some People Think An International Car-Free Day Is An Effective Way Of Reducing Air Pollution- IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Band 9 Essay Samples: Writing Task 2 Insights for IELTS Learners
• IELTS Writing 2 Topic: Environmental problems are too big to be managed by individual person or individual country
• Some people think that there should be some strict controls about noise – IELTS Writing Task 2 Discursive Essays

Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!

Kasturika Samanta

Kasturika is a professional Content Writer with over three years of experience as an English language teacher. Her understanding of English language requirements, as set by foreign universities, is enriched by her interactions with students and educators. Her work is a fusion of extensive knowledge of SEO practices and up-to-date guidelines. This enables her to produce content that not only informs but also engages IELTS aspirants. Her passion for exploring new horizons has driven her to achieve new heights in her learning journey.

Explore other IELTS Articles

Raajdeep Saha

Janice Thompson

Post your Comments

Recent articles.

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

Our Offices

Gurgaon city scape, gurgaon bptp.

Step 1 of 3

Great going .

Get a free session from trainer

Have you taken test before?

Please select any option

Get free eBook to excel in test

Please enter Email ID

Get support from an Band 9 trainer

Please enter phone number

Already Registered?

Select a date

Please select a date

Select a time (IST Time Zone)

Please select a time

Mark Your Calendar: Free Session with Expert on

Which exam are you preparing?

Great Going!

IELTS Essay Topic Pollution

Sample Model Answers for IELTS Essay Topic Pollution. Practice from these ielts essay on topic Pollution. IELTS Pollution Essays.

Air Travel should be Restricted IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay

Some people believe that air travel should be restricted because it causes serious pollution and uses up the world’s fuel resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Air Travel should be Restricted IELTS Agree/Disagree Essay Read More »

Start typing and press enter to search

• General Reading
• Academic Reading
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 1

Essay#10 | Pollution

Important tips.

For  IELTS Writing Task 2 , you may be asked to discuss a problem and possible solutions to it. For this type of question, you should explain exactly what the problem is (its causes and effects) and then consider the merits and drawbacks of various solutions.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

As the number of private cars has increased, so too has the level of pollution in many cities.

What can be done to tackle this increasingly common problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model answer.

As the number of private cars has increased, so has the level of pollution. Overreliance on cars at the expense of public transport has made this problem even worse, causing many concerned citizens to look for a solution to the problem.

One potential solution to this problem is to discourage the use of private cars by raising taxes. If the cost of petrol was increased, then many people would consider using alternative forms of transport or even walking. Admittedly, there would be a number of complaints from car drivers, but these would not be of much importance when balanced against the environmental benefits.

Another solution could be to look at more specific causes of the problem. Modern cars are fitted with cleaner-burning engines and catalytic converters. Accordingly, they do not cause as much of an environmental hazard as some older cars. In Japan, for example, cars are heavily taxed once they have been on the road for three years or more, encouraging people to buy new cars which pollute less. By heavily taxing older vehicles from the road, some of the worst polluting vehicles would be taken off the road. However, this would not really be fair to those who cannot afford a new car with such regularity.

An improvement in the quality and efficiency of public transport would also encourage people to use their cars less. In London, for example, a system has been operating for some time in which people are allocated days of the week when they can use their cars. On days that they are not allowed to drive, public transport is taken.

Although these are potential solutions to the problem, none of them are perfect. Only by a concerted effort by both the government and the public can this situation truly be resolved.

(298 words)

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)

Related items

Table#8 | Worldwide Market Share of the Notebook Computer

The table below shows the worldwide market share of the notebook computer market for manufacturers in the years 2006 and 2007.

Table#7 | Teacher Training Qualifications

The table below shows the number of students living in the UK gaining English language teacher training qualifications in 2007/8 and 2008/9, and the proportion of male qualifiers.