Problems and Solutions of Global Overpopulation

The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in population. This is causing problems not only for the poor in undeveloped countries but also for industrialised and developing nations. Describe some of the problems that overpopulation causes, and suggest at least one possible solution.

Annotated response

3 correction notes

Showing 3 correction notes.

population is increasing alarmingly. This is especially true in poor, undeveloped countries. Overpopulation causes a considerable number of problems.

In poor countries it is difficult to provide enough food to feed even the present number of people. In addition, education to limit the number of children per family is not always successful. Poorer countries usually have a lot of unemployment too, and an increase in population simply makes the situation worse. The environment also suffers when there are too many people living on the land.

is very difficult for governments to provide effective public services in overcrowded cities. Moreover, there is usually a great deal more crime, which is often due to high rates of unemployment. Further large increases in population only cause more overcrowding, unemployment and crime.

There are two main solutions to the overpopulation problem. Firstly, every woman who is pregnant, but who does not want to give birth, should be allowed by law to have an abortion. Secondly, governments must educate people to limit the size of the family. In China, couples are penalised financially if they have more than one child. This may seem cruel, but the "one-child policy" is beginning to have an effect in the world's most populous nation. Eventually, similar policies might also be necessary in other crowded nations such as India, for example.

To sum up, if the population explosion continues, many more people will die of starvation in poor countries, and life in the cities, even in affluent nations, will become increasingly difficult.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response directly answers both parts of the task, describing problems of overpopulation in poor and wealthy nations and offering two clearly presented solutions with a supporting example. Its strongest aspect is the clear, well-organised structure and fluent use of linking devices. The main limitation is that some ideas, particularly the solutions, are asserted rather than fully developed.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.0

The response addresses both required parts with a clear position and relevant, supported ideas, though some solutions are presented briefly rather than fully developed throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Ideas progress logically across clear paragraphs with a range of cohesive devices used naturally, producing a fluent and generally well-sequenced argument.

Lexical Resource

7.0

Vocabulary is sufficiently wide and precise for the topic, with natural collocations such as population explosion and penalised financially, alongside only occasional less ambitious phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.5

A variety of complex sentence structures is used with good flexibility and control, and errors are rare and minor, allowing meaning to be conveyed consistently.