Lack of Fresh Water is Becoming a Global Issue- IELTS Writing Task 2

Lack of fresh water is becoming a global issue of increasing importance. What problems does the shortage cause? What measures could be taken to overcome these problems?

Outline

Essay type 

Cause/Solution essay

Introduction

Mention that the following essay will elaborate on the issues and solutions to tackle these problems.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Outline the causes of numerous problems that can happen due to the lack of fresh water.

Paragraph 2 – Elucidate the solutions.

Conclusion

Summarise the essay and state your opinion.

Sample Essay

It is believed that the scarcity of fresh water has become a pressing concern for the environment worldwide. The following essay will elaborate on the challenges and resolutions to tackle these problems.

On the one hand, numerous problems can happen due to the lack of fresh water. To start with, it will be difficult for domestic and industrial users to cut down on the water they use. To elaborate, fresh water has played a pivotal role in human activities daily. For people who have to earn their living from their farms, for instance, the paucity can hamper the enhancement of their fields due to the reason that they have no options to water their florals well enough and raise their cattle. Moreover, because freshwater plays a pivotal role for many species, there will be a lack of food sources. That is to say, because water is a natural habitat for numerous flora and fauna, numerous species will be on the brink of extinction when their habitat is lost. As a result, a domino effect can occur, resulting in the upheaval of the natural food chain.

Nonetheless, the appropriate measures that the individuals and the governing body can take to address the concerns of a shortage of fresh water. Firstly, national leaders must pass myriad regulations to battle these problems. It is undoubtedly true that human activities, especially disposing of chemicals in the water, significantly harm the water. Because of this situation, if the government imposes heavy fines on those who pump waste into the water, they will pay more attention to protecting the environment. Furthermore, individuals should be responsible for solving these issues by using fewer plastic products. Plastic bags are one of the biggest threats to freshwater because they are non-biodegradable. In the long run, they will stay in the ocean for billions of years. Not only do they pollute the water, but they also make numerous aquatic creatures fall victim to microplastics.

In summary, the loss of food sources and the limit on using water can happen when the water shortage worsens. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the governments and their residents to tackle these problems by introducing rules and the usage of plastics.

Vocabulary

• Scarcity

Meaning – the state of being scarce or in short supply; shortage.
Example – The scarcity of skilled workers is worrying the contractors.

• Pivotal

Meaning – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example – The talks are pivotal to the success of the organization.

• Paucity

Meaning – the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities or amounts.
Example – It is the paucity of the retail base which is stunting growth.

• Hamper

Meaning – hinder or impede the movement or progress of.
Example – Hasty decisions hamper the growth of the business.

• Brink

Meaning – a point at which something, typically something unwelcome, is about to happen; the verge.
Example – I was on the brink of being unconscious after fasting.

• Upheaval

Meaning – a violent or sudden change or disruption to something.
Example – Benjamin says that he can’t face the upheaval of moving house again.

• Myriad

Meaning – a countless or extremely great number of people or things.
Example – Interior designs are available in a myriad of colours.

• Threats

Meaning – a statement of an intention to inflict pain, injury, damage, or other hostile action on someone in retribution for something done or not done.
Example – Sometimes, politicians receive death threats from the opposition.

• Victim

Meaning – a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action.
Example – Naina was a victim of sexual harassment at the workplace.

• Tackle

Meaning – make determined efforts to deal with (a problem or difficult task).
Example – I have no idea how to tackle the situation in my favour.