Pollution due to Urbanization - IELTS Writing Task 2

“Pollution due to Urbanization” is a common opinion IELTS Writing Task 2 topic that asks candidates to discuss the impact of rapid urban growth on the environment and provide their viewpoint. This blog examines the causes and consequences of pollution caused by urbanization and argues why certain measures are necessary to mitigate its effects. It includes 3 well-structured sample essays and a list of useful vocabulary to help learners express their opinion clearly, improve coherence, and achieve a higher band score.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Sentence 1&2 – Introduce the topic.

Sentence 3 – I agree with the notion of the essay.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Human beings have exploited natural resources to fulfil their needs.

Paragraph 2 – urbanization also has an impact on the health of the masses, in addition to its environmental impact.

Conclusion

Sum up the points discussed in the essay.

Pollution due to Urbanization - Sample Answer 1

In today’s society, pollution is one of the most pressing issues. Our environment is deteriorating at an alarming rate, posing a great challenge for humans. The urbanization of the world has been cited as a source of pollution, and I completely agree with this opinion.

The increasing sense of prosperity and job opportunities in cities attracts people. Globally, 50% of the population already lives in cities. As the urban population is increasing, ample space is necessary for buildings, roads, and bridges. Massive deforestation is arising as a result. A growing population called for the cutting of trees, the clearing of fields, and increased space. Evidently, cutting trees contributes to pollution. As a result of the high density of population, natural resources like water, coal, etc. are becoming scarce. Air and water quality are worsened. There is insufficient water, waste disposal issues are exacerbated, and the energy consumption is high. Sadly, urbanization has posed a challenge to the ability of many valleys, mountains, hill stations, and forests to prevent the pollution of these natural locales. Increasingly, human beings have exploited mother earth to fulfill their needs.

The WHO says that urbanization also has an impact on the health of the masses, in addition to its environmental impact. Considering it causes more than 9 million deaths worldwide annually, air pollution from anthropogenic sources is one of the biggest health risks worldwide. In addition to that, the health hazards that come from the soil, water, noise, and radioactive pollution are also numerous.

Nevertheless, some cite the argument that pollution is a global problem that’s not just confined to urban areas. But studies in sparsely populated areas showed that they are less polluted and have a healthier lifestyle.

In conclusion, urbanization is one of the main factors contributing to natural resource depletion. Pollution levels in cities and towns are high because of the constant deterioration of our mother earth.

Pollution due to Urbanization - Sample Answer 2

Urbanization has accelerated rapidly in recent decades, resulting in significant environmental concerns. I strongly agree that urban growth is a major cause of pollution, as it increases industrial emissions, traffic congestion, and waste production.

One of the main ways urbanization contributes to pollution is through the rise in vehicular traffic. As more people migrate to cities, the number of cars, buses, and motorcycles increases dramatically, leading to higher emissions of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants not only degrade air quality but also contribute to global warming and respiratory problems among urban residents.

Industrial development is another critical factor. Cities often attract factories and manufacturing units, which discharge untreated waste into rivers and emit toxic fumes into the atmosphere. This industrial activity, combined with the lack of proper urban planning, intensifies both air and water pollution. Additionally, the rapid expansion of housing and commercial spaces often leads to deforestation and the destruction of green areas, further worsening environmental quality.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that urbanization is a leading cause of pollution, and urgent measures such as stricter regulations on emissions, better public transport, and sustainable urban planning are essential to mitigate its impact.

Pollution due to Urbanization - Sample Answer 3

The rapid growth of cities has transformed modern societies, but it has also created significant environmental challenges. I fully agree that pollution resulting from urbanization is a pressing problem that requires immediate attention.

Firstly, the concentration of population in urban areas leads to excessive waste generation and energy consumption. Cities produce enormous amounts of solid waste, sewage, and industrial by-products, much of which is not managed properly. This mismanagement contaminates rivers and soil, creating serious health hazards for residents.

Secondly, urbanization increases air pollution due to higher reliance on fossil fuels. Traffic congestion, industrial emissions, and construction activities release large quantities of pollutants into the atmosphere. Prolonged exposure to such pollution can cause respiratory diseases and reduce overall life expectancy. Moreover, rapid urban expansion often reduces natural green spaces, which play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and maintaining ecological balance.

In my opinion, the negative environmental consequences of urbanization clearly outweigh its benefits if sustainable measures are not implemented. Governments should prioritize renewable energy, efficient waste management systems, and the development of green infrastructure to minimize pollution while supporting urban growth.

Pollution due to Urbanization - Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Pressing issues

Meaning: Problem, need, or issue has to be dealt with immediately.
Eg: Rising level of unemployment is the pressing issue of our county.

• Deteriorating-

Meaning: to become worse
Eg: The political tension is deteriorating into a civil war.

• Evidently 

Meaning: clearly; that can be easily seen or understood
Eg: Evidently, he no longer has the strength to fight back.

• Exacerbated

Meaning: to make something worse, especially a disease or problem
Eg: Her presence exacerbated the whole situation.

• Anthropogenic

Meaning: originating in human activity.
Eg: The overwhelming evidence points to the reality of anthropogenic global warming.

• Hazards-

Meaning: a source or a situation with the potential for harm
Eg: The sign indicated it was hazardous.

• Cite

Meaning: to quote or refer to in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example.
Eg: H cited a passage from the principal’s speech.

• Confined

Meaning: very small, or to stay within the limits of something
Eg: He was confined to jail for ten years.

• Sparsely populated

Meaning an area that contains few people.
Eg: The Atlantics are sparsely populated

• Depletion

Meaning to decrease seriously or exhaust the abundance or supply of
Eg: The fire depleted the flora and fauna of the forest.

In conclusion, the IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay topic, “Pollution due to Urbanization” asks candidates to examine both opposing views and clearly present their own opinion. With three Band 8 sample answers and useful vocabulary, this blog helps learners develop balanced arguments, organize ideas effectively, and improve their chances of achieving a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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