IELTS Band 9 Essay About Many consider automobiles to be the biggest source of pollution in urban areas
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Many consider automobiles to be the biggest source of pollution in urban areas”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Essay (Band 9)
Many consider automobiles to be the biggest source of pollution in urban areas, while some believe industries are responsible for it.
Explain both views and provide your opinion.
Environmental degradation in urban areas is often attributed to automobiles, while others argue that industrial emissions are the primary cause. Both perspectives hold merit, as vehicles contribute significantly to airborne pollutants, whereas factories release vast amounts of toxic substances. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting the argument that industries bear greater responsibility.
On the one hand, automobiles are widely regarded as a major source of pollution in cities. With millions of vehicles on the roads, the combustion of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter into the atmosphere. These contaminants exacerbate respiratory conditions, such as asthma, and contribute to global warming. Additionally, traffic congestion in urban centers leads to increased fuel consumption, thereby intensifying environmental damage. Given these factors, it is understandable why some perceive cars as the predominant cause of pollution.
On the other hand, industries play a more substantial role in environmental pollution. Factories release hazardous chemicals into the air and water, significantly degrading the ecosystem. Unlike automobiles, which primarily emit carbon-based pollutants, industries discharge a wide range of toxins, including heavy metals and volatile organic compounds, which have long-term detrimental effects on both human health and biodiversity. Moreover, industrial activities generate immense quantities of solid waste, further aggravating pollution levels. This suggests that the impact of industries is both broader and more profound than that of automobiles.
In my opinion, while vehicular pollution is undoubtedly problematic, industrial pollution has far-reaching consequences. Governments should impose stricter regulatory measures on factories to curb emissions and ensure sustainable manufacturing practices. Additionally, transitioning towards renewable energy sources in industrial sectors could substantially mitigate pollution levels.
To conclude, although automobiles contribute significantly to urban pollution, industries are the more critical culprits due to the vast scale and variety of pollutants they generate. Therefore, policy interventions should prioritize industrial emissions to achieve meaningful environmental improvements.
5 Academic Words in the sample for Many consider automobiles to be the biggest source of pollution in urban areas
Degradation (/ˌdɛɡrəˈdeɪʃən/)
- The rapid degradation of natural resources poses a significant threat to future generations.
Combustion (/kəmˈbʌs.tʃən/)
- The combustion of coal produces harmful gases that contribute to climate change.
Hazardous (/ˈhæz.ər.dəs/)
- Prolonged exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to severe health issues.
Regulatory (/ˈrɛɡ.jə.ləˌtɔː.ri/)
- Governments implement regulatory policies to control industrial emissions.
Detrimental (/ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntəl/)
- Excessive plastic waste has a detrimental effect on marine ecosystems.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay
Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
- “Given these factors, it is understandable why some perceive cars as the predominant cause of pollution.”
- This structure enhances clarity and coherence by connecting ideas smoothly.
Passive Voice for Formality
- “Environmental degradation in urban areas is often attributed to automobiles.”
- Using passive voice makes the writing more academic and impersonal, increasing objectivity.
Relative Clauses for Precision
- “Unlike automobiles, which primarily emit carbon-based pollutants, industries discharge a wide range of toxins.”
- This structure helps provide detailed explanations without unnecessary repetition.
Advanced Vocabulary in Parallel Structures
- “Factories release hazardous chemicals into the air and water, significantly degrading the ecosystem.”
- The parallel use of “into the air and water” makes the sentence more fluid and impactful.
Conditional Sentences for Argument Development
- “If governments impose stricter regulatory measures, pollution levels could be significantly reduced.”
- Conditionals strengthen arguments by introducing hypothetical solutions and consequences.
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