Academic Task 2 · Problems / causes and solutions
Reducing noise in growing cities
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: foundation, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Noise from traffic and construction is increasing in many cities. What problems can this cause, and what measures could local authorities take to reduce it?
How to approach this question
Answer the requested problems or causes, then explain how specific solutions address them.
Problems, causes and solutions: match the response to the question →
Cities essays: test transport proposals, land-use choices and noise responses →
Problem: repeated night-time noise can disturb sleep and make concentration harder. Develop the effect rather than claiming that every sound causes illness.
Matched measures: local authorities could enforce working-hour limits for construction and redesign traffic routes near homes. Explain which source each measure addresses.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify the issue and the two parts of the question.
- Body 1: explain the requested problems or causes; do not substitute one for the other.
- Body 2: propose specific measures and explain how each addresses a problem or cause above.
- Conclusion: summarise your explanation and the most relevant response.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- noise disturbance
- Unwanted sound that interrupts rest or normal activity.
Clearer construction hours could reduce noise disturbance during the night.
- enforce time restrictions
- Make sure rules limiting when an activity occurs are followed.
Councils can enforce time restrictions on noisy building work.
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