People Believe That the Increasing Number of Cars in Cities – IELTS Writing Task 2

Many people believe that the increasing number of cars in cities is the biggest source of pollution and waste. Others think that industries are the ones causing pollution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic using synonyms to create an understanding of the topic.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Elucidate how the high demand for cars in cities directly results in air pollution.

Paragraph 2 – Talk about how industrial pollution is rampant and can be considered the primary cause worldwide.

Conclusion

Restate your views.

Sample Essay

Few opine that the primary cause of pollution and garbage is the rising number of cars in urban areas whilst others attribute it to industries. As both factors are certainly causing environmental pollution, they will be discussed in the forthcoming paragraphs one by one.

To begin with, the high demand for cars in cities directly results in air pollution. Consumption of fuel in vehicles emits various gases such as sulphur oxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, which are hazardous to our environment. These gases also trap the heat in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in the earth’s temperature and global warming. Besides, one can feel the breath of fresh air in the countryside where there are fewer cars.

On the other hand, industrial pollution is rampant and can be considered the primary cause worldwide. Apart from releasing poisonous gases into the atmosphere and degrading air quality, the industries also discard wastes into water bodies, causing water pollution. For instance, the water of many rivers in India, like the Yamuna, is rendered unsafe owing to the rampant dump of wastes from industries. Furthermore, many sea creatures are endangered because of water contamination. In addition, water, thus defiled with harmful toxins, affects human life as it is one of the basic needs to survive on earth. Likewise, such polluted water is also the main reason for cholera and typhoid, which causes millions of deaths annually, which was not the case half a century ago.

In conclusion, mobilising all possible forces is a more sensible approach towards handling pollution as there is a large amount of work involved. Therefore, joint efforts of governments and citizens would likely result in the most effective way of preserving the environment.

Vocabulary

• Attribute

Meaning – regard something as being caused by.
Example – Organizational ability is a necessary attribute to be a good manager.

• Sensible

Meaning – done or chosen in accordance with wisdom or prudence; likely to be of benefit.
Example – A sensible man is not influenced by what other people think and focuses on himself.

• Toxins

Meaning – a poison of plant or animal origin, especially one produced by or derived from microorganisms and acting as an antigen in the body.
Example – Toxins in the water are poisoning sea creatures.

• Contamination

Meaning – the action or state of making or being made impure by polluting or poisoning.
Example – My grandma always tells me to keep food covered to prevent contamination by flies.

• Defiled

Meaning – damage the purity or appearance of; mar or spoil.
Example – Vandals had defiled the altar in the middle of the night.

• Rampant

Meaning – (especially of something unwelcome) flourishing or spreading unchecked.
Example – Pickpocketing is rampant in many parts of Delhi.

• Discard

Meaning – get rid of (someone or something) as no longer useful or desirable.
Example – My mother told me to drain the mangoes and discard the syrup.

• Hazardous

Meaning – risky; dangerous.
Example – The disposal of hazardous waste is a severe problem that is being faced by the world.

• Emits

Meaning – produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation).
Example – The alarm emits infrared rays, which are used to detect any intruder who might want to enter the building.

• Degrading

Meaning – lower the quality of; cause to deteriorate.
Example – Asher found the work extremely degrading.