IELTS Task 2 model essay: Many cities have serious air pollution

The question

Many cities have serious air pollution. What are the causes, and what can be done about it?

Essay type: Problem and solution (causes). Write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

The plan (5 minutes)

• Paragraph 1: Air pollution has become a serious problem in many cities, affecting the health of millions of people.
• Paragraph 2: The largest cause in most cities is road traffic.
• Paragraph 3: Several solutions could improve air quality.
• Paragraph 4: In conclusion, urban air pollution is caused mainly by traffic and the burning of fossil fuels for industry and energy.

Model essay (252 words)

Air pollution has become a serious problem in many cities, affecting the health of millions of people. This essay will outline the main causes of urban air pollution and suggest measures to reduce it.

The largest cause in most cities is road traffic. Cars, trucks and buses that run on petrol or diesel release harmful gases and fine particles, and the problem is worse in cities with heavy congestion, where vehicles spend a long time with their engines running. A second major cause is industry and energy production. Factories and power stations that burn coal or other fossil fuels release large amounts of pollution, which can drift over nearby cities. Construction sites and the burning of waste also contribute in some places.

Several solutions could improve air quality. Firstly, governments should invest in clean, reliable public transport and safe cycling routes, so that fewer people need to drive. Charging drivers to enter city centres at busy times, as some cities already do, can also reduce traffic. Secondly, the switch to electric vehicles and renewable energy should be accelerated through subsidies and stricter emissions standards for vehicles and factories. Finally, planting more trees and creating green spaces can help, as vegetation traps some pollutants and makes cities more pleasant places to walk.

In conclusion, urban air pollution is caused mainly by traffic and the burning of fossil fuels for industry and energy. A combination of better public transport, cleaner technology and greener city design would significantly improve the air that city residents breathe.

Why it's a band 7+ answer

• Task Response: every part of the question is answered, with a clear position from the introduction to the conclusion.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 4 paragraphs, each with one main idea, linked naturally (however, moreover, in my view, in conclusion).
• Lexical Resource: precise topic vocabulary and collocations, without forced "big words".
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: a mix of simple and complex sentences, with very few errors.

Your turn

Write your own answer to this question in 40 minutes, then paste it into the free IELTS writing checker for an estimated band on all four criteria. For more practice questions, see the 60 IELTS Task 2 questions.