IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of urban green spaces in improving air quality
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1713044440
Topic: The role of urban green spaces in improving air quality
Question: In what ways do urban green spaces contribute to better air quality? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of implementing more green spaces in cities, and suggest possible solutions for balancing urban development with environmental concerns.
Model Answer:
Urban green spaces play a vital role in improving air quality in cities. They contribute to better air quality by acting as carbon sinks, absorbing pollutants, reducing the heat island effect, and enhancing overall public health. However, there are some challenges associated with implementing more green spaces in urban areas, such as the cost of land acquisition, maintenance, and potential displacement of residents. To balance urban development with environmental concerns, a combination of strategies can be employed, including the integration of green spaces into urban planning, promoting sustainable landscaping practices, and creating public-private partnerships to fund and maintain these spaces.
In today's rapidly growing cities, the demand for space often leads to the destruction of natural habitats, contributing to air pollution. Urban green spaces absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. These spaces also act as a buffer against particulate matter and other pollutants, which can be particularly harmful to human health. In addition, they help mitigate the urban heat island effect by absorbing sunlight and providing shade, thereby reducing energy consumption for cooling buildings and vehicles.
However, there are some disadvantages to implementing more green spaces in cities. The cost of acquiring land and maintaining these areas can be prohibitive, especially in densely populated urban centers. Moreover, the displacement of residents and businesses due to the establishment of green spaces may lead to social and economic disruptions.
To balance urban development with environmental concerns, a multi-faceted approach should be employed. Firstly, green spaces can be integrated into urban planning, ensuring that they are distributed throughout cities to maximize their benefits. This includes incorporating parks, gardens, and green roofs in new developments and retrofitting existing buildings. Secondly, promoting sustainable landscaping practices, such as the use of native plants and water-conserving irrigation systems, can reduce the environmental impact of these spaces while still providing air quality benefits. Lastly, creating public-private partnerships to fund and maintain green spaces can help alleviate the financial burden on governments and encourage community involvement in their preservation.
In conclusion, urban green spaces play a crucial role in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants, reducing the heat island effect, and providing other environmental benefits. While there are challenges associated with implementing more green spaces in cities, such as costs and displacement concerns, a combination of strategies can be employed to strike a balance between urban development and environmental conservation.
Scoring:
- Task Response:
9 (The candidate has provided a comprehensive answer that thoroughly addresses the topic, demonstrating a clear understanding of the issue.)
- Coherence and Cohesion:
9 (The candidate's response is well-structured, logically organized, and flows smoothly from one point to another.)
- Lexical Resource:
8.5 (The candidate uses a diverse range of vocabulary, although there are some minor errors in grammar or word choice that slightly reduce the clarity of the text.)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy:
8.5 (The candidate demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy, with only minor errors that do not interfere with the overall understanding of the text.)
Source:
https://www.ielts.work/?id=1713044440&page=ielts-writing-practice
For more:
https://www.ielts.work/?page=ielts-writing-practice
