IELTS Writing Task 2 (Exercises): NATURAL RESOURCES (P1)

Topic : NATURAL RESOURCES (P1)

Useful words and phrases:

1. alternative (adj/n)
2. consume (v) – consumption (n)
3. demand for (collocation)
4. efficient (adj) – efficiency (n)
5. exploit (v) – exploitation (n)
6. fossil fuels (n)
7. generate (v)
8. hybrid (adj)
9. hybrid car (np)
10. lower (v)
11. thermal power station (np)
12. tremendous (adj)
13. vast (adj)

Exercises:

Task 1: Write sentences from given cues. Make changes to the cues when needed.

1. high vehicle / must / take / alternative / route / because / low clearance / under / bridge.
   _________________
2. propose / tidal barrage / would / generate / enough / electric / supply / between 60,0001 80,000 home.
   _________________
3. jet / high fuel consumption / make / expensive / operate.
   _________________
4. fair trade / measure / essential / stop / exploitation / small / third-world coffee farmer.
   _________________
5. heart surgery / exact / tremendous / skill / concentration.
   _________________

Task 2: Fill in the blanks with suitable words/phrases

The world natural resources are consumed at an ever-increased rate. What are the causes of this situation?

What are the solutions?

The overconsumption of natural resources is emerging as a major topic of concern today. This alarming trend is caused by a few factors, and it should be addressed by a number of definite actions.

The increasingly high level of 1___________ of natural resources could be ascribed to a number of causes. The most obvious reason is the 2___________resources in developing countries, such as China and Brazil. The citizens of these countries are becoming increasingly wealthy, and they may now afford a living standard that is associated with a higher level of resource 3___________. A clear example of this is the widespread use of cars among tens of millions of middle-income Chinese nationals, which may have contributed substantially to the burning of oil on a global scale. Besides, the over-dependence on natural resources, such as 4___________, is another significant reason to consider. In Vietnam, for example, the majority of electricity is 5___________in 6___________power stations, in which a 7 amount of coal is the burnt on a daily basis.

Some measures can be taken to mitigate the problem of over-8___________Earth’s resources. The most practical measure at the moment is to reduce the demand for resources in developing countries.This can be done by mass-producing 9___________products, such as 10___________cars, and selling these items at a low price to citizens of these nations. If such a measure is implemented, these people may still benefit from better living standards without over-consuming natural resources. Besides, a more sustainable solution is to 11___________the reliance on natural resources by taking advantage of 12___________ sources. For instance, wind and tidal power in the Netherlands, nuclear power in Japan and solar power in the United States have all proven their 13___________in energy production. These forms of energy should be used in other parts of the world as well, to minimise the global dependence on fossil fuels.

To sum up, the overexploitation of natural resources derives from the strong demand in developing countries and the over-reliance on these types of resources. Strong measures, such as reducing the aforementioned demand and making use of alternative energy sources, should be implemented to tackle this situation.

(363 words)

Key/Answer

Task 1:

1. High vehicles must take an alternative route because of low clearance under the bridge.
2. The proposed tidal barrage would generate enough electricity to supply between 60,000 and 80,000 homes.
3. The jet’s high fuel consumption makes it expensive to operate.
4. Fair trade measures are essential to stop the exploitation of small Third – World coffee farmers.
5. Heart surgery exacts tremendous skills and concentration.

Task 2:
(1) exploitation
(2) tremendous demand for
(3) consumption
(4) fossil fuels
(5) generated
(6) thermal
(7) vast
(8) consuming
(9) energy-efficient
(10) hybrid
(11) lower
(12) alternative
(13) efficiency