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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of urban green spaces in improving air quality

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1713157539

Task 2 Topic: The role of urban green spaces in improving air quality

Question: It is often argued that the presence of urban green spaces can significantly improve air quality in cities. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Support your argument with appropriate reasons and examples.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of urban green spaces in combating air pollution in cities. This essay will discuss the various ways in which these green spaces contribute to improved air quality and provide several examples to support the argument.

Firstly, urban green spaces play a crucial role in absorbing pollutants from the atmosphere. Trees and plants act as natural filters, trapping harmful particles such as dust, soot, and gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. As a result, air quality improves, leading to healthier environments for both humans and wildlife. A study in Beijing, China, found that the presence of green spaces reduced the concentration of particulate matter (PM) by up to 12%.

Secondly, green spaces help reduce the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where cities experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities such as building construction and energy consumption. Urban trees and plants can absorb sunlight and release cooler air through a process called evapotranspiration, which helps lower the temperature and reduce the formation of smog and other pollutants. In Los Angeles, for example, researchers observed that neighborhoods with more green spaces experienced cooler temperatures than those with fewer trees.

Thirdly, urban green spaces can promote better air circulation by creating wind tunnels through their layout. This natural ventilation helps disperse polluted air and replace it with cleaner air from outside the city. Additionally, green spaces often attract birds and insects that feed on flying insects like mosquitoes, thereby reducing the concentration of these pests and indirectly improving air quality.

Moreover, urban green spaces can act as a buffer against pollution from nearby industrial or traffic sources. In London, research has shown that trees and plants in parks can reduce exposure to air pollution for residents living nearby by up to 30%. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

In conclusion, urban green spaces play a vital role in improving air quality in cities through various mechanisms, including absorbing pollutants, reducing the urban heat island effect, promoting better air circulation, and acting as a buffer against pollution sources. As demonstrated by examples from Beijing, Los Angeles, and London, it is evident that investing in urban green spaces should be a priority for city planners and environmental policymakers to create healthier living environments for all residents.

Scoring:

- Task Response: 9 (The candidate has fully addressed the question, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic.)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.5 (The candidate's response is well-structured and logically organized, with appropriate cohesive devices.)
- Lexical Resource: 8 (The candidate uses an extensive range of vocabulary to articulate their ideas clearly and accurately, with occasional inappropriate or less common word choices.)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9 (The candidate's response is entirely free from grammatical errors or inaccuracies that may affect meaning or comprehension.)
- Spelling: 9.5 (There are no spelling mistakes, which may impact the clarity of meaning or overall impression.)

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