Essay Question:

Air pollution has become a big issue in many cities. What are the causes? What are the solutions?

Nowadays, air pollution has become an alarming problem in urban areas. This situation results from
several factors, and can be addressed by corresponding solutions.

The two main contributors to air pollution are factory emissions and vehicle exhausts. Factory smoke,
the product of fossil fuel burning, contains numerous toxic gases. These gases, when discharged through
smokestacks into the atmosphere, contaminate the air that urban inhabitants breathe and pose a great
threat to their respiratory systems. In addition, vehicle exhausts, which also consist of similar harmful
substances, are on the increase since the number of private transports rises in metropolises. This is the
result of urban overpopulation as people flood to big cities to seek educational and occupational
opportunities.

Possible measures that local authorities can take to address air pollutions are imposing tough penalties
on plants and upgrading public transport. If factories are heavily punished for releasing untreated
emissions into the environment, which causes them a significant loss of profits, they will start taking
more eco-friendly actions. Besides, when public transport is improved, for instance, buses running more
frequently and on dedicated bus lanes, it will become more reliable to citizens and more likely chosen as
their means of travel. This will, in turn, reduce the use of private vehicles, hence a reduction in exhaust
emissions.

In conclusion, urban air pollution caused by plant and vehicle exhaust fumes is now a worrying issue.
However, the situation can be alleviated if governments introduce heavy penalties on irresponsible
factories and invest in more efficient public transport.

I. Read the text and put these steps in an order that shows the essay structure.

Paraphrase the topic, State the causes, Explain the 2 nd solution, Answer the question generally, Explain
the 1st cause, Explain the 1st solution, Summarize the solutions, State the solutions, Explain the 2 nd cause,
Summarize the causes

A. Introduction

1.

2.

B. Causes
3.

4.

5.

C. Solutions

6.

7.

8.

D. Conclusion

9.

10.
II. Find the cause, effect and solution language in the following sentences and write it on the table.

Say if each phrase goes with a noun/noun phrase (N/NP) or a clause (S+V).

The 1st one has been done for you.

1. This situation results from several factors, and can be addressed by corresponding solutions.

2. The two main contributors to air pollution are factory emissions and vehicle exhausts

3. This is the result of urban overpopulation as people flood to big cities to seek educational and
occupational opportunities.

4. Possible measures that local authorities can take to address air pollutions are imposing tough
penalties on plants and upgrading public transport.

5. This will, in turn, reduce the use of private vehicles, hence a reduction in exhaust emissions

This will, in turn, reduce the use of private vehicles and, hence, there will be a reduction in exhaust
emissions.

6. In conclusion, urban air pollution caused by plant and vehicle exhaust fumes is now a worrying issue.
However, the situation can be alleviated if governments introduce heavy penalties on irresponsible
factories and invest in more efficient public transport.

Cause/Effect Solution
result from + N/NP be addressed by + N/NP

III. Put the following phrases on the table above:

because/since/as + S+V,

contribute to + N/NP

result in + N/NP,

the effect/consequence of + N/NP

cause (verb) + N/NP

as a result/as a consequence/thus/therefore/consequently, S + V

be the cause of/reason for + N/NP

solve + N/NP

the measure/remedy + be + N/NP

To solve/address/tackle the problem (of something), S + V

IV. Combine these sentences into a new sentence that shows a cause/effect relationship using the
words in brackets. The 1st one had been done for you.

1. Radiation could escape into the atmosphere. The Chernobyl nuclear power plant had no confinement
shell. (hence)

=> The Chernobyl nuclear power plant had no confinement shell, hence, radiation could escape into the
atmosphere.

2. Operators had disregarded safety rules. The nuclear reactor at Chernobyl underwent a meltdown.
(because of)

=>

3. Weather around the world changes. During an EI Nino, the jet stream blows in a different pattern.
(therefore)

=>

4. In some areas of the world, heavy rains fall. Devastating floods and mudslides happen. (cause - verb)

=>

5. In other parts of the world thousands of people suffer starvation. Drought happens. (as a result of)

=>
V. Make sentences that show solutions from the words below. The first one has been done for you.

1. garbage overload, tackled, reuse and recycle, frequently

=> Garbage overload can be tackled if people reuse and recycle more frequently.

2. measure, governments, reduce emissions, introduce laws, companies use renewable energy.

=>

3. plastic waste crisis, alleviated, supermarkets provide reusable bags for shoppers.

=>

4. address, air pollution, public and private buildings, create more green space such as roof gardens.

=>

5. by, enact strict laws against deforestation and poaching, wild animals, saved from the brink of
extinction.

=>