In most cities, noise pollution is a big problem and affects the quality of life. Why is noise pollution increasing in most cities? What could the city authorities do to reduce the level of noise pollution?
Sample Response
Most cities around the world are synonymous with noise pollution causing grave issues that profoundly affect the living standards. This essay will discuss how urbanisation and population growth coupled with commercial and entertainment establishments are the root cause of this grave problem and then outline how noise control regulations are the most viable solution to this problem.
One cause of noise pollution in cities is the urbanisation and population explosion. As cities continue to expand with increased population density, noise pollution eventually increases. The increasing number of people, transport hubs and building activities cause higher noise levels in urban areas. For example, the hustle and bustle of crowded streets, the cacophony of vehicular traffic, and construction activities contribute to a rise in noise pollution in cities.
Besides, commercial and entertainment establishments also generate noise significantly. Cities are home to a myriad of commercial establishments such as shopping malls, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment centres to name but a few. These sites often play music and advertisements loudly using sound systems, therefore contributing to noise pollution, particularly during nighttime hours.
However, the best remedy to this issue is that city authorities can make noise-control regulations and implement them effectively. These regulations can consist of noise level restrictions for different zones and hours of the day, banning honking in public places, installing soundproof systems in commercial spaces, and controlling musical instruments’ sound to desirable limits. Colombo is a case in point. The city has substantially reduced noise pollution by strictly enforcing permissible sound levels for different areas.
In conclusion, many cities are struggling with noise pollution because of urbanisation and increased population density combined with commercial and entertainment establishments. However, if city authorities can implement regulations effectively, this problem can be alleviated.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Remove unnecessary article Original: the living standards Suggested revision: living standards Why it matters: The generic plural expression is more natural without the definite article.
- 2. Use precise phrasing Original: the urbanisation and population explosion Suggested revision: urbanisation and population growth Why it matters: This wording expresses the demographic change more naturally and precisely.
- 3. Show causal result Original: eventually Suggested revision: consequently Why it matters: Consequently expresses the causal link more accurately than eventually.
- 4. Correct word order Original: generate noise significantly Suggested revision: generate significant noise Why it matters: The adjective should modify the noun noise directly.
- 5. Add phrase comma Original: entertainment centres to name Suggested revision: entertainment centres, to name Why it matters: A comma is needed before the parenthetical phrase to name but a few.
- 6. Use accurate verb Original: play Suggested revision: broadcast Why it matters: Broadcast collocates more naturally with both music and advertisements.
- 7. Improve verb choice Original: make Suggested revision: introduce Why it matters: Authorities introduce or enact regulations rather than make them in this context.
- 8. Use list verb Original: can consist of Suggested revision: can include Why it matters: Include is the more natural verb when listing possible regulatory measures.
- 9. Clarify volume control Original: musical instruments’ sound to desirable limits Suggested revision: the volume of musical instruments to acceptable levels Why it matters: This revision uses natural collocations for regulating sound volume.
- 10. Sentence rewrite Original: Most cities around the world are synonymous with noise pollution causing grave issues that profoundly affect the living standards. Suggested revision: Most cities around the world face serious noise pollution, which profoundly affects living standards. Why it matters: The original structure incorrectly treats cities as synonymous with pollution and leaves the modifying phrase loosely attached.
Suggested Rewrites
- the living standards living standards
- the urbanisation and population explosion urbanisation and population growth
- eventually consequently
- generate noise significantly generate significant noise
- entertainment centres to name entertainment centres, to name
- play broadcast
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response answers both questions fully, organizing two well-explained causes and a practical regulatory solution with relevant examples. Its strongest feature is the clear progression from urban and commercial sources of noise to specific enforcement measures, while occasional awkward phrasing and repeated use of noise pollution slightly reduce precision. The main refinement is to vary references and express regulatory actions in more natural collocations.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both the reasons for increasing noise and the authorities' possible response are directly and thoroughly developed with relevant support.
Strengthen the proposed solution further by briefly explaining how compliance would be monitored or penalties applied.
Coherence and Cohesion
Paragraphing and progression are highly effective, moving clearly from separate causes to the solution and conclusion with well-managed cohesion.
Vary references to the central problem so repeated uses of noise pollution do not become conspicuous.
Lexical Resource
The response uses a broad and often precise range, including language for urban activity, sound, regulation, and enforcement, with occasional awkward collocation.
Prefer natural expressions such as generate substantial noise, set permissible volume limits, and enact regulations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex sentences is used with strong control, although a few article, agreement, and phrasing issues remain.
Check noun phrases and agreement in sentences combining multiple causes, particularly references to root causes and urbanisation.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
In most cities, noise pollution is a big problem and affects the quality of life. Why is noise pollution increasing in most cities? What could the city authorities do to reduce the level of noise pollution?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.