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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is water scarcity the greatest environmental challenge facing humanity?

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Writing Task 2 Topic: Is water scarcity the greatest environmental challenge facing humanity?

Model Answer:

In recent years, various environmental issues have emerged as significant global concerns. Among these, water scarcity has been a topic of growing importance due to its potential impact on the survival and well-being of human societies. However, it is crucial to evaluate whether water scarcity indeed stands as the most substantial environmental challenge humanity currently faces.

Water scarcity refers to the inadequacy of freshwater resources to meet the demand for various uses, such as agricultural irrigation, industrial production, and domestic consumption. This scarcity can result from a range of factors, including climate change, rapid population growth, and unsustainable water management practices. As a consequence, millions of people around the world are affected by water shortages, which lead to severe social, economic, and environmental repercussions.

One perspective that might argue water scarcity is the greatest environmental challenge is that it has direct implications on human survival and health. Access to clean and adequate water supplies is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as well as supporting agricultural production and industrial activities. In regions where water scarcity is rampant, such as the Middle East and parts of Africa, people are forced to resort to alternative sources like brackish groundwater or desalination plants, which can be expensive and environmentally damaging. Moreover, inadequate access to clean water can result in the spread of waterborne diseases, exacerbating health issues and reducing overall life expectancy.

On the other hand, it is important to consider that several other environmental challenges pose significant threats to human societies. Climate change, for instance, has far-reaching consequences on ecosystems, weather patterns, and sea levels, which in turn impact water resources and availability. The rising global temperatures contribute to reduced snowpack and glacial melt, leading to lower river flows in some regions. Additionally, extreme weather events such as droughts and floods have become more frequent due to climate change, exacerbating water scarcity issues.

Furthermore, other environmental challenges like deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution also warrant attention. Deforestation contributes to the disruption of the water cycle, while pollution in rivers and lakes can render these essential resources unsafe for human consumption. Biodiversity loss, on the other hand, may result in the collapse of ecosystems that provide vital services such as water purification and flood control.

In conclusion, although water scarcity is undeniably a critical environmental issue, it is important to recognize that numerous other challenges demand immediate attention. While water scarcity poses a severe threat to human survival and health, it is equally essential to tackle issues like climate change, deforestation, and pollution. Ultimately, addressing these complex problems requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach and international cooperation to safeguard the environment for future generations.

Score:

Task Response: 9
Coherence and Cohesion: 8
Lexical Resource: 7
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8

Total: 32 / 40

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