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

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?

Outline

Essay Type

Cause/Solution essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Paraphrase the topic using synonyms to establish a base upon which you will elaborate.

Sentence 3 – Mention that the essay will understand the causes of shortage of water which has become a serious problem affecting countries around the world.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Outline the causes of scarcity of water because of human activities.

Paragraph 2 – Elucidate the solutions like different laws that can save the problem that the whole world is facing together.

Conclusion

Summarise the essay and state your opinion.

Sample Essay

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

• 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.