IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is urbanization detrimental to the environment?
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712656552
Topic: "Is urbanization detrimental to the environment?"
Model Answer:
Urbanization, or the process of transforming rural areas into cities and towns, has become a global phenomenon in recent decades. This rapid transformation has raised concerns about its environmental impact. In this essay, I will argue that urbanization is indeed detrimental to the environment, with several negative consequences that outweigh any potential benefits.
Firstly, urbanization leads to the destruction of natural habitats and biodiversity loss. As cities expand, forests, wetlands, and grasslands are cleared to make way for buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. This conversion results in the displacement or extinction of countless plant and animal species, which are unable to adapt to the rapid change in their environment. The loss of biodiversity is particularly alarming, as ecosystems become less resilient and more vulnerable to disruptions such as disease outbreaks and climate change.
Secondly, urbanization contributes significantly to air pollution. With an increasing number of vehicles on the roads and a reliance on fossil fuels for energy production, cities generate high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, particulate matter, and other harmful pollutants. These emissions not only harm human health but also exacerbate global warming, leading to more frequent and severe weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and storms.
Additionally, urbanization puts immense pressure on water resources. As cities grow, the demand for freshwater increases, often leading to over-extraction from rivers, lakes, and aquifers. In addition, sewage systems and industrial waste are discharged into water bodies without adequate treatment, causing water pollution and posing serious risks to human health and aquatic life.
Moreover, urbanization contributes to the problem of waste management. Rapid population growth in cities generates large amounts of solid waste, much of which ends up in landfills or is burned, releasing toxic fumes into the atmosphere. This waste also poses a threat to wildlife, as scavengers consume the polluted food chain and ultimately become contaminated themselves.
Despite these negative impacts, it is worth noting that urbanization can also lead to some positive environmental outcomes. For instance, the concentration of people in cities allows for more efficient use of resources and infrastructure, reducing the ecological footprint per capita compared to rural areas. Additionally, urbanization can drive innovation in sustainable technologies, such as renewable energy, green buildings, and public transportation systems.
In conclusion, while urbanization does offer some potential benefits, its overall environmental impact is largely negative. The destruction of natural habitats, air pollution, water scarcity, and waste management challenges are just a few of the detrimental effects that cities have on the environment. As such, it is essential for policymakers to prioritize sustainable urban planning and development strategies to mitigate these adverse impacts and ensure a more balanced coexistence between cities and nature.
Scoring:
- Task Response:
9 (The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the question and provided a comprehensive response.)
- Coherence and Cohesion:
8 (The essay is well-structured, with clear and logical progression from one point to another. However, there are occasional minor disruptions in cohesion or coherence that slightly affect the flow of ideas.)
- Lexical Resource:
9 (The candidate demonstrates an extensive vocabulary range and precise word choices that convey complex ideas clearly. There may be a few instances of less idiomatic or less common usage, but these do not significantly hinder comprehension.)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
8 (There are only minor errors in grammar or syntax, which do not interfere with the overall understanding of the essay.)
- Presentation of ideas:
9 (The candidate presents a clear and well-organized argument, effectively using examples and evidence to support their viewpoint. The writing demonstrates a high level of critical thinking and analysis.)
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