IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

IELTS Essay # 1231 - Fresh water has always been a limited resource

IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Fresh water has always been a limited resource in some parts of the world. Today, however, growing worldwide demand has made this a global problem.

What are the causes of the increased demand?
What measures could governments and individuals take to respond to this problem?

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

Write at least 250 words.



Model Answer 1: [Band 8 sample answer.]

Fresh water, which is vital for the survival of humans and other flora and fauna, has always been a scarce natural resource on our planet, and this has been more acute in dried parts of the world. Due to rapid population growth and industrialisation, scarcity of this valuable resource has become a global issue. In this essay, I shall outline the main factors that have contributed to this problem and then elicit certain steps that can be taken to address this problem.

Regarding the reasons for the increasing demands for fresh water, population explosion is perhaps the most contributing factor. It is only natural that an inflated global population means more demand for freshwater - without which we can not live. Rapid industrialisation has also increased the demand for salt-free water. For instance, millions of cars are being produced every year, and a startling amount of fresh water is required in the process. Finally, urbanisation, human activities and industrialisation have polluted many natural fresh water reserves and have compounded the graveness of this issue.

As for the solutions to this intense and looming issue, strict legislation for preserving natural fresh water is required. No factories or industries should be allowed to carry on activities that poss threats to making freshwater sources polluted. Moreover, to reverse the already polluted reservoirs, the government should enact infrastructures for purification of them. More scientific experiments and research are required to convert seawater into saline-free water, which, I believe, will help in meeting the growing requirement of freshwater. Similarly, ordinary people can also contribute towards this noble cause by conserving water and also by limiting their daily household water usage. They should also refrain from performing activities that will pollute natural freshwater reserves.

In conclusion, fresh water is a limited resource without which we can not survive. This is why both the authorities and individuals should take every measure to save the already inadequate resource and find ways to purify seawater into freshwater. 

[Written and submitted by  - Amrita]



 

Model Answer 2:

Nonsalaine pure water, also known as freshwater, has been a limited resource in some regions for centuries. However, due to the increasing need worldwide, it has become a global issue. In this essay, I shall examine the reasons for the increased demand and the steps that governments and individuals can take to tackle this problem.

One of the primary reasons for the increased demand for freshwater is population growth. As more people inhabit the planet, the demand for water increases correspondingly. In addition, economic growth and industrialization have led to an increased demand for water in many parts of the world. Agricultural activities and the production of energy also require vast amounts of water. To cite an example, the manufacturing of cars has grown steadily over the years, and each car requires around 40 thousand gallons of water to be manufactured. This is a huge amount of water that is required in the automobile sector. Now if we consider the agriculture and garments sector, the amount would be simply overwhelming.

Governments and individuals must take appropriate measures to address this problem. One of the most critical steps is the conservation of freshwater. Governments can promote water conservation by implementing laws that regulate water usage, such as restrictions on water-intensive industries and practices. They can also invest in water-saving technologies and infrastructure such as water treatment plants and efficient irrigation systems. Individuals, on the other hand, can take actions such as fixing leaks, reducing their usage, and recycling wastewater. Public awareness campaigns can be conducted to inform people about the importance of freshwater conservation.

Another measure that can be taken is the development of alternative sources of freshwater. Governments can invest in desalination plants, which convert seawater into freshwater. Additionally, they can promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. Individuals can also play a role in the development of alternative sources of freshwater by installing rainwater harvesting systems in their homes.

In conclusion, the global freshwater crisis is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. Governments and individuals alike must work together to conserve and develop alternative sources of freshwater to ensure that we have access to this vital resource for generations to come.



Model Answer 3:

It is undeniable that water scarcity is becoming a global problem, and its magnitude is so large that we need effective measures to tackle this issue. The rapid growth of the global population and their water demand as well as the contamination of groundwater, in my opinion, are the two main reasons for this alarming trend. However, water recycling and desalination could be two effective solutions to tackle this crisis.

As for the causes of the increased demand for nonsaline water, the pressure on freshwater by the exponentially increasing population can be attributed. An increasing population leads to higher water demand primarily in three sectors, namely - agriculture, industry and household. Firstly, from an agricultural perspective, irrigation needs a large amount of groundwater. As we need to feed more mouths, the water required to produce crops is getting higher and higher. Secondly, industries and factories use a huge amount of water in their production and manufacturing process. With a larger population comes a greater demand for industrial production. For instance, some research revealed that the meat processing industry could be the main cause of water shortage in some regions of the UK and the demand for such industries is on the rise due to their popular demand. Finally, more water is used in households due to the population rise. Furthermore, the agricultural sectors and different industries are polluting river bodies by dispersing chemical compounds directly into the water. It is making a stain on the already scarce resource. So, it comes down to one simple equation: more population equals more demand for fresh water.

One solution to this crisis could be water recycling for water conservation. Governments, all around the world, should build new water pipe systems and infrastructures for recycling water. They should also encourage people to use recycled water whenever applicable. Another outstanding solution could be the widescale implementation of "desalination", in which salt is removed from the seawater to enable people to use it. It is now used in many countries like the USA and has achieved its goal to a great extent. Despite being expensive, it is a practical and wonderful method to meet our drinking water demand.

In conclusion, freshwater scarcity is a global problem caused mainly by the rapid growth of population and contamination of water. However, we have some effective solutions that should be adopted globally to tackle this crisis.

[ Written by - Safa Ahmed ]

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Tayyab Khan
Fresh water is a very precious resource of nature, but unfortunately, it is limited. Water shortage has been a problem that has affected humanity throughout history. Some areas however are more prone to shortages than others. Nowadays, more and more areas are facing this problem due to increased demand and dwindling supply. In this essay, we will discuss the causes that led to this issue and what steps might the government and citizens take to tackle it.

Throughout the world demand for water is growing, due to the continuously growing population and their needs. Water is a basic necessity for all living things in order to survive. Also, for the crops to grow in order to feed the population. More and more lands are being cleared for crops which not only in itself requires water but also indirectly contributes to water shortage because trees are cut down. More trees bring more rain and when the trees are cut down for clearing lands for crops it indirectly contributes to this problem. Another reason is the ignorance of the common masses about the seriousness and urgency of this crisis. Many people waste water because they think it is free and unlimited. They are unaware of this growing issue and use more water than they need.

In order to get out of this environmental muddle, both the government and the people have to take some important measures. The government has to create awareness among the population and divert their attention towards this emergency. Government should urge the citizens not to waste water and use only the amount that is required. This requires the combined effort of both the government and the individual level. Another step that the government can take is to restrict the cutting down of trees and limit the use of land for agriculture. Agricultural use of fresh water contributes the most towards the total water usage and controlling it can get us some positive results. With more trees and fewer crops, the water demand will decrease and supply will improve.

In conclusion, the use of water both for domestic and agricultural purposes has drastically increased by the growing population throughout the world. The government can take some important measures to control this, but it also requires active participation by the masses at individual levels. Only then we can hope to get out of this emergent crisis.