Problems
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| climate change | long-term change in global weather patterns | Climate change is making droughts more frequent. |
| greenhouse gases | gases that trap heat in the atmosphere | Burning fossil fuels increases greenhouse gases. |
| deforestation | the cutting down of forests | Deforestation destroys the habitat of many species. |
| air pollution | harmful substances in the air | Air pollution is a major health risk in big cities. |
| endangered species | animals or plants at risk of extinction | Poaching has pushed several endangered species to the edge. |
| water scarcity | a shortage of fresh water | Water scarcity affects farming in dry regions. |
Causes and effects
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| fossil fuels | coal, oil and gas | Dependence on fossil fuels increases emissions. |
| industrial waste | waste produced by factories | Industrial waste has polluted several rivers. |
| carbon footprint | the amount of carbon dioxide you produce | Flying frequently increases your carbon footprint. |
| habitat loss | the destruction of places where wildlife lives | Habitat loss is the main threat to biodiversity. |
| rising sea levels | the increase in the height of oceans | Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities. |
| extreme weather | very unusual and harsh weather | Extreme weather causes damage to crops and homes. |
Solutions
| Word or phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| renewable energy | power from sources that do not run out | Investment in renewable energy can cut emissions. |
| recycling scheme | a programme to reuse materials | A recycling scheme reduces the amount of waste in landfills. |
| public transport | buses, trains and metros for everyone | Improving public transport reduces traffic and pollution. |
| sustainable development | growth that does not harm the future | Sustainable development balances the economy and nature. |
| conservation | protection of nature and resources | Conservation projects have helped some species recover. |
| raise awareness | make people more informed about an issue | Schools can raise awareness through practical projects. |
How to use these words well
- Link problems to solutions in the same essay.
- Use “contribute to”, “lead to” and “result in” for cause and effect.
- Avoid exaggeration: say “may lead to”, not “will destroy”.
Study guides
Computer-Delivered IELTS: What Changes and What Stays the Same
Thinking about taking IELTS on a computer? Here is what stays the same, what feels different in Writing, Reading and Listening, and how to prepare for the screen.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Vocabulary for Graphs, Charts and Processes
Useful verbs, nouns, adverbs and sentence patterns for describing line graphs, bar charts, tables and processes in IELTS Task 1, with more than twelve example sentences.
Linking Words for IELTS and How to Use Them Correctly
A practical list of IELTS linking words grouped by function, with correct and incorrect examples, punctuation rules and a warning about overusing connectors.