A Serious Problem Affecting Countries Right across the Globe is the lack of Water for Drinking - IELTS Writing Task 2 Cause/Solution Essay

In the IELTS Writing Task 2, a Problem-Solution essay, also called a problem-solution, asks you to discuss the reasons behind a problem and suggest possible ways to solve it. 

For example, you might be asked to address a topic like: "A Serious Problem Affecting Countries Right across the Globe is the lack of Water for Drinking." 

In such essays, it's important to clearly explain the causes behind the issue and give practical solutions to tackle the issue.

In this article on the 'IELTS Writing Task 2 Problem-Solution Essay: A Serious Problem Affecting Countries Right across the Globe is the lack of Water for Drinking,' we will explore 2 expert-written sample answers that will address the underlying issues behind this problem and discuss effective solutions to address the problem. 

So why wait? Let’s have a look at the IELTS Cause - Solution essay - A Serious Problem Affecting Countries Right across the Globe is the lack of Water for Drinking now!

Question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. 

A serious problem affecting countries right across the globe is the lack of water for drinking, washing and other household use. Why do many countries face water shortages? and what could be done to tackle the problem?

Write at least 250 words.

Structure Breakdown

Band 8 Sample Answer - A Serious Problem Affecting Countries Right across the Globe is the lack of Water for Drinking

Many countries all around the world are experiencing some serious water shortages that affect drinking, sanitation and even everyday household activities. This issue is caused by a combination of natural and human factors, but there are also practical solutions that governments and individuals can adopt to reduce this issue. All of these will be discussed in this essay. 

One of the major causes of water scarcity is population growth and rapid urbanization. As the population increases, the demand for clean water rises highly, putting a good amount of pressure on limited freshwater resources. In addition to this, climate change has made rainfall patterns even more unpredictable, leading to prolonged droughts in many of the regions. Human activities also worsen the situation like water pollution from industry and agriculture contaminates ground water and rivers, while inefficient irrigation and household wastage results in larger amounts of water being lost unnecessarily.

In order to reduce this issue, several solutions can be taken. Governments should be investing in modern water management systems, such as repairing leaking pipes, recycling the wastewater, and using desalination methods in coastal areas. Agriculture, which directly consumes the majority of freshwater, should adopt water-efficient irrigation methods like drip irrigation. Moreover, stricter laws are needed to prevent water pollution and protect the existing sources.

At an individual level, public awareness campaigns can encourage people to use water more properly and responsibly, for instance by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and reusing water wherever possible.

To conclude, water shortages are mainly caused by population growth, climatic changes, pollution and poor water management. However, through improved infrastructure, sustainable policies and proper behaviour, this global issue can be significantly reduced.

Band 9 Sample Answer - A Serious Problem Affecting Countries Right across the Globe is the lack of Water for Drinking

Since time immemorial, freshwater has always been a scarce natural resource in specific drier parts of the world. However, due to various reasons, scarcity of fresh water has become a global issue in the present time. There are several reasons behind this phenomenon, which will be discussed in the essay and the government and individuals should adopt several solutions to improve the situation.

The water crisis in the world is getting worse as demand for water increases while the availability of resources decreases. One of the most significant reasons is unwise water usage. For instance, it is common for people to leave the tap open while brushing their teeth or cleaning their face. Some people tend to wash their clothes and garments in river water, leaving the water soiled and filthy and of little use later. Secondly, increased pollution of natural freshwater reserves due to urbanisation and industrialisation has compounded this demand. In fact, since the beginning of mechanisation, freshwater from rivers and lakes has increasingly been used for manufacturing processes such as chemical reactions, cleaning toxic types of equipment, etc.

On the other hand, national authorities can control this surge by implementing public education schemes regarding controlled water usage. Strict federal legislation for preventing natural freshwater reserve pollution is also required. Additionally, the government should also set up infrastructure for the purification of seawater into salt-free water, which will help meet the growing requirement of freshwater. Also, sea dumping should be strictly prohibited by authorities.

All things considered, it is unambiguous that the world is facing an acute problem of water scarcity. Therefore, it is undoubtedly possible to start to tackle these issues and ameliorate the quality of life. National Authorities must take the lead in dealing with the problem. Otherwise, life will only worsen in the future.

Vocabulary to Use in the “A Serious Problem Affecting Countries Right across the Globe is the lack of Water for Drinking” IELTS Writing Task 2 

• Scarcity

Meaning – the state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.
Example – The problem is that water prices do not correlate with relative water scarcity.

• Crisis

Meaning – a time of intense difficulty or danger.
Example – Europe is facing a crisis in brains in science and technology, according to two new reports.

• Soiled

Meaning – dirty; stained.
Example – We live in a world soiled by the grossness, wickedness and filth of sin.

• Filthy

Meaning –disgustingly dirty.
Example – The air is so filthy that it is difficult to breathe pure oxygen.

• Toxic

Meaning – very harmful or unpleasant in a pervasive or insidious way.
Example – Health authorities have closed five factories that had mistakenly used the toxic chemicals in their products.

• Surge

Meaning – a sudden powerful forward or upward movement, especially by a crowd or by a natural force such as the tide.
Example – No sooner than he had said this, he felt a sudden surge of energy flood through him.

• Federal

Meaning – having or relating to a system of government in which several states form a unity but remain independent in internal affairs.
Example – The federal government will take punitive action against the company that polluted the river.

• Saline

Meaning – containing or impregnated with salt.
Example – Intake of saline water is helpful you for hydration.

• Unambiguous

Meaning – not open to more than one interpretation.
Example – Instructions should be unambiguous.

• Ameliorate

Meaning – make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better.
Example – Improved social and economic conditions enhance health status and ameliorate problems of addiction.

In this essay, we have explored a sample answer on the topic, ‘A Serious Problem Affecting Countries Right across the Globe is the lack of Water for Drinking’ highlighting the causes and potential solutions. By understanding the key factors, implementing the right solutions, and using appropriate vocabulary, you can improve your IELTS writing skills and tackle similar topics with confidence!