IELTS Writing Task 2: Air Pollution - Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
Some people think that air pollution is the most serious environmental problem we are facing today. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 6.5 Sample Answer
Air pollution is a significant issue that affects many countries around the world. I agree that it is one of the most serious environmental problems, and I will explain my reasons in this essay.
There are several reasons why air pollution is a critical issue. Firstly, it has a detrimental effect on human health. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution causes millions of deaths each year. It can lead to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and even cancer. Secondly, air pollution harms the environment. It contributes to climate change, damages ecosystems, and reduces agricultural productivity. For example, acid rain, which is caused by air pollution, can destroy forests and lakes.
However, some people argue that other environmental problems, such as water pollution or deforestation, are more serious. While these are indeed important issues, I believe that air pollution is more pressing. This is because it affects a larger number of people and has immediate health consequences. Moreover, reducing air pollution can also help address other environmental problems, such as climate change.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that air pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems we face today. It is crucial that governments and individuals take action to reduce air pollution and protect our health and the environment.
Scoring Breakdown
Task Response (TR): Band 6
- Presents a clear position but the arguments are not fully developed.
- Some relevant supporting ideas are presented but not sufficiently explained.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 6
- The argument is logically organized but the progression of ideas is not always clear.
- There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.
Lexical Resource (LR): Band 6
- Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary.
- Some attempts at less common vocabulary but with some errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 6
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.
- Some errors in tense and subject-verb agreement.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Detrimental: harmful or damaging (e.g., The detrimental effects of air pollution on health are well-documented.)
- Respiratory: relating to the lungs and breathing (e.g., Respiratory diseases are on the rise due to air pollution.)
- Agricultural: relating to farming or farming practices (e.g., Air pollution can reduce agricultural productivity.)
- Deforestation: the action of clearing or burning a forest (e.g., Deforestation is another serious environmental problem.)
- Immediate: happening or done without delay (e.g., Air pollution has immediate health consequences.)
- Pressing: requiring immediate action or attention (e.g., Air pollution is a pressing issue.)
- Consequences: results or effects of an action or situation (e.g., The consequences of air pollution are severe.)
- Crucial: of great importance (e.g., It is crucial to reduce air pollution.)
- Harm: cause damage or injury (e.g., Air pollution harms the environment.)
- Contributes: helps to cause or bring about (e.g., Air pollution contributes to climate change.)
- Damages: causes harm or injury to (e.g., Air pollution damages ecosystems.)
- Reduces: makes smaller or less (e.g., Air pollution reduces agricultural productivity.)
- Serious: important or significant (e.g., Air pollution is a serious issue.)
- Affects: has an effect on (e.g., Air pollution affects many countries.)
- Protect: keep safe from harm or damage (e.g., We must protect our environment.)
- Governments: the group of people who officially control a country (e.g., Governments must take action to reduce air pollution.)
- Individuals: single human beings (e.g., Individuals can also help reduce air pollution.)
- Action: the process of doing something (e.g., We must take action to reduce air pollution.)
- Health: the state of being free from illness or injury (e.g., Air pollution affects our health.)
- Environment: the natural world, as a whole or in a particular geographical area (e.g., Air pollution harms the environment.)
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Development: Many students present their ideas but do not explain them fully. Ensure each point is developed with examples and explanations.
- Vague Vocabulary: Using vague or imprecise vocabulary can lower your Lexical Resource score. Try to use more specific and appropriate vocabulary.
- Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical errors include subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and sentence structure. Proofread your essay to catch these errors.
- Poor Coherence: Ensure your essay is logically organized with clear progression of ideas. Use linking words to connect your ideas.
- Overgeneralization: Avoid making sweeping statements that are not supported by evidence. Always back up your arguments with examples and data.
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