IELTS Writing Task 2 [Air Pollution]

Welcome to this IELTS Writing Task 2 practice question focusing on air pollution, one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. This practice exercise will help you develop the skills needed to excel in the actual IELTS Academic Writing test.

Important Information:

Time limit: 40 minutes (recommended)
Minimum word count: 250 words
Task type: Problem and Solution Essay

Writing Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1 (it accounts for two-thirds of your Writing band score), so mastering this task type is essential for achieving your target band. Use this practice question to refine your essay structure, develop compelling arguments, and showcase your English language proficiency.

Writing Task 2 Question

Write about the following topic:

Air pollution in urban areas has reached alarming levels in many countries, causing serious health problems and environmental damage. Despite various government initiatives and public awareness campaigns, the situation continues to deteriorate in most major cities.

What are the main causes of urban air pollution? What solutions can you suggest to address this problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer Outline

Body Paragraph 1: Main Causes (5-7 sentences)

Topic sentence introducing the causes
Cause 1: Vehicle emissions and traffic congestion
Cause 2: Industrial activities and manufacturing
Cause 3: Fossil fuel consumption for energy
Supporting details and examples for each cause
Concluding sentence linking causes to impacts

Body Paragraph 2: Solutions (5-7 sentences)

Topic sentence introducing potential solutions
Solution 1: Promoting public transportation and green mobility
Solution 2: Implementing stricter industrial regulations
Solution 3: Transitioning to renewable energy sources
Supporting details and examples for each solution
Concluding sentence emphasizing feasibility

Mind Map Ideas for Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraph 1: Causes – Mind Map Concepts

Central Node: Urban Air Pollution Causes

Branch 1: Transportation

Excessive car usage
Outdated vehicle technology
Traffic congestion in city centers
Inadequate public transport systems
Example: rush hour emissions

Branch 2: Industrial Sources

Factory emissions
Manufacturing processes
Coal-fired power plants
Lack of emission controls
Example: industrial zones in developing nations

Branch 3: Energy Consumption

Fossil fuel dependency
Residential heating systems
Coal burning for electricity
Inefficient energy practices
Example: winter heating pollution

Branch 4: Other Contributing Factors

Construction dust
Waste burning
Agricultural activities near cities
Deforestation reducing air filtration

Body Paragraph 2: Solutions – Mind Map Concepts

Central Node: Air Pollution Solutions

Branch 1: Sustainable Transportation

Expand metro/subway networks
Electric vehicle incentives
Bicycle lanes and pedestrian zones
Carpooling programs
Example: Copenhagen’s cycling infrastructure

Branch 2: Government Regulations

Emission standards for factories
Low-emission zones in cities
Fines for polluting industries
Regular vehicle inspections
Example: London’s congestion charge

Branch 3: Clean Energy Transition

Solar and wind power investment
Phase out coal plants
Green building standards
Renewable energy subsidies
Example: Germany’s Energiewende policy

Branch 4: Public Awareness & Technology

Education campaigns
Air quality monitoring apps
Carbon offset programs
Green technology innovation
Community tree-planting initiatives

Write your essay addressing this air pollution question and share it in the comments below!

A sample high-scoring response (Band 8.0-9.0) with detailed annotations will be provided in the replies.

For more IELTS Writing practice tests, you can visit Housing Topic.

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