Over Population Of Urban Areas Has Led To Numerous Problems – IELTS Writing Task 2

The Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS Aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

Below is a sample IELTS Essay for the IELTS Essay topic:

Overpopulation of urban areas has led to numerous problems. Identify two serious ones and suggest ways that the government and individuals can tackle these problems.

Outline

Essay Type

Cause and Solution Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the essay topic using synonyms.

Clearly state the contents of the subsequent paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs

Two major problems caused by overpopulation in urban areas.

Possible solutions to tackle these problems by the government and the public.

Conclusion

Summarize the topic and mention your solutions briefly.

Sample Essay

Overpopulation is one of the most pressing issues faced by the entire world in this day and age. Today, the world population is well over 7 billion and rising. The more concerning fact is that the distribution of population is severely erratic and is concentrated primarily in countries like China and India. Consequently, this predicament has precipitated countless complications among the general public, especially those residing in urban areas. In this essay, I will address some of the significant problems caused by overpopulation and suggest possible solutions to overcome the situation.

One of the gravest problems that are facilitated by overpopulation is the deficiency of living space. As we know that land resources are limited in nature, the area available for residence is also finite. Since the majority of the population resides in urban areas, the ability to shelter every individual becomes an arduous task. This phenomenon is called overcrowding and is relatively common in metropolitan areas. Additionally, due to the issue of overcrowding, the collective standard of living also declines considerably in urban cities. As the number of inhabitants surges, the means of the local authorities to provide decent public services like safe drinking water, sanitation and proper food is hampered.

Nevertheless, some measures can be taken to uplift these circumstances. First and foremost, the concept of family planning should be made known to the underprivileged and uneducated sections of society. It is only when the stigma regarding such sensitive subjects is eradicated that the focus of the populace will be re-directed towards more distressing matters. Also, proper city planning must be undertaken by the administration to tackle the current situation of overpopulation. With a reliable system, the plight of innumerable urban dwellers can be resolved.

Finally, the problem of overpopulation is something that cannot be solved instantly. With the consolidated efforts of both the general public and the government, the further aggravation of this issue can be restrained.

Band 9 Sample Essay

Overpopulation is one of the biggest hurdles that people around the world confront in today’s fast-paced environment. The city dwellers have suffered many hardships as a result of the technological and industrial revolution. The two most significant concerns created by urban overcrowding are high living costs and the persistent spread of pollution. To address these socioeconomic concerns, the government can take a variety of policies and preventative steps. The following essay will highlight the major issues and potential solutions to this pressing problem.

Technological improvements have resulted in an increase in the number of urban regions, resulting in people migrating to these cities. One of the most serious problems exacerbated by overcrowding is an increase in the expense of living in metropolitan regions and lack of space because land resources are limited in nature, and the amount of space accessible for living is similarly limited. As a result, procuring accommodation for each person becomes a difficult endeavour. Second, bumper-to-bumper traffic congestion is a severe consequence of overcrowding. Growing population allows people to opt for transportation services resulting in an increase of pollution.

However, the government can take some steps to address the overpopulation problem. To begin, the government can establish strict birth control regulations to reduce population increase, and the concept of family planning should be promoted to the poor and underprivileged. Apart from that, the government may develop rural areas by providing adequate infrastructure and providing employment opportunities for youth, thereby preventing people from relocating to urban areas. Furthermore, the government might invest in new modes of transportation to alleviate traffic congestion.

To sum up, traffic congestion, pollution, and high living costs are only a few of the repercussions of overcrowding in metropolitan areas. However, through establishing laws and enforcing bills, the government and higher regulatory authorities can focus on addressing these issues. Hence, overcrowding problems can be resolved with proper planning. Although it may not completely solve the issues, it will surely reduce the population.

Vocabulary

• Erratic

Meaning: not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable.
Eg: The results from this method were quite erratic.

• Predicament

Meaning: a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Eg: He was responsible for his current predicament.

• Precipitated

Meaning: cause (an event or situation, typically one that is undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely
Eg: The violent death of that woman precipitated nationwide outrage.

• Finite

Meaning: limited in size or extent.
Eg: The natural resources of the world like fossil fuels are finite.

• Arduous

Meaning: involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.
Eg: The arduous journey from the bottom of the mountain to the summit was unbearable.

• Surges

Meaning: a sudden large increase
Eg: The surge in the number of COVID-19 patients was alarming.

• Hampered

Meaning: hinder or impede the movement or progress of.
Eg: His work was constantly hampered by the loud noises outside.

• Stigma

Meaning: a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
Eg: There is an age-old stigma regarding inter caste marriage in society.

• Eradicated

Meaning: destroy completely; put an end to.
Eg: The concept of racism has to be completely eradicated from society.

• Aggravation

Meaning: the state of becoming worse or more serious.
Eg: The remarks of the politician led to the further aggravation of the situation.