IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt
In many cities, air pollution has become a serious problem. What are the main causes of air pollution in urban areas, and what solutions can be used to address it?
Source practice test: IELTS Writing Test 2
Band 9 model answer
Expert-level response
Air pollution in cities is rarely caused by a single source. It is usually the result of transport habits, industrial activity and weak urban planning. The most effective solutions, therefore, must combine cleaner technology with policies that reduce unnecessary emissions.
The first major cause is road traffic. As cities expand, many residents depend on private cars or motorcycles because public transport is unreliable, crowded or unsafe. This creates constant exhaust emissions, especially during peak hours. A second cause is industry located too close to residential areas. Factories, construction sites and power plants release dust and chemicals, and local authorities sometimes fail to monitor them strictly. Finally, poor planning contributes to the problem when cities remove green spaces and allow long commutes between homes and workplaces, which keeps vehicles on the road for longer every day.
Several measures can address these causes. Governments should invest in frequent, affordable public transport and safe cycling routes so that people have a practical alternative to driving. They should also set strict emission limits for factories and enforce penalties when companies exceed them. At the planning level, mixed-use neighbourhoods can reduce the distance people need to travel each day. Technology also has a role, but electric vehicles and cleaner fuels will only help if electricity generation and industrial standards improve at the same time.
In short, urban air pollution comes mainly from transport, industry and badly planned growth. Cities can reduce it through cleaner mobility, stronger enforcement and planning that makes low-emission choices convenient daily.
Why this meets Band 9
- The answer covers both required parts: causes and solutions.
- The paragraph structure mirrors the prompt, which keeps the response focused and complete.
- Vocabulary is natural and specific: 'exhaust emissions', 'mixed-use neighbourhoods', 'emission limits'.
- The final sentence synthesises the argument rather than simply repeating the introduction.
Band 6 sample answer
Competent but limited response
Air pollution is a big problem in many large cities. There are several reasons for this issue, and governments can do many things to solve it.
The main cause is traffic. Many people use cars to go to work because buses and trains are not always good. When there are too many cars on the road, the air becomes dirty and people can have health problems. Another cause is factories. Some factories make smoke and chemicals, especially when they are near the city. Building work also creates dust, so the air quality becomes worse. In some cities, people burn rubbish in open places, which adds more smoke.
There are some useful solutions. Firstly, governments should improve public transport, so people will use buses and trains instead of private cars. They can also make cycle lanes and plant more trees in the city. Secondly, factories should follow stricter rules, and if they pollute too much, they should pay a fine. People should also try to use less cars and walk for short journeys. Schools and media can teach citizens why clean air is important, but rules are still more powerful than advice alone.
In conclusion, traffic and factories are the biggest causes of air pollution in cities. Better transport, more rules and public awareness can reduce this problem, although it may take a long time. The most important point is that cities must make cleaner choices easier for ordinary people. If not, many residents will continue using the old habits every day.
Why this sits around Band 6
- The essay answers the question directly, but causes and solutions are explained in a fairly predictable way.
- Organisation is clear, although cohesive devices are simple and sometimes repeated.
- Vocabulary is accurate enough, but phrases like 'use less cars' and 'big problem' limit lexical score.
- Grammar errors are noticeable but meaning remains clear.
Should I include statistics in an air pollution essay?
You do not need statistics in IELTS Writing Task 2. A precise causal example, such as private-car dependence or weak factory enforcement, is usually safer than inventing data.