🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial

Step 1 — Analyse the task & define the task type (Causes + Solutions)

Read the prompt twice and underline the task focus and instruction words. Here, the question asks for the causes of a problem and the measures to tackle it, which means you must produce a balanced, two-part response: reasons why the problem occurs and practical, plausible actions to address it. Identify the scope: the context is many cities, so avoid narrowing your examples to a single country unless you frame them as illustrations, not universal truths. Decide whether to organise by cause → solution pairs (each body paragraph links one main cause to targeted solutions) or by all causes → all solutions (Body 1 = causes; Body 2 = solutions). Both work, but the paired approach often improves cohesion because each solution clearly responds to a stated cause. Generate two major causes you can explain via mechanisms (e.g., “vehicle emissions due to car-dependent commuting” and “industrial output with weak regulation”). For each cause, write a one-line micro-example that sounds real but is not overly specific. Then think of implementable measures at city/transport/industry/policy levels (e.g., congestion charging, expanding mass transit, upgrading fuel standards, enforcing emissions caps). Keep your tone analytical rather than moralistic, and avoid extreme claims or unverifiable statistics. Aim for ~280–310 words; plan 7–8 minutes, write 25–28, check 3–4 for cohesion, grammar, and word choice. Finally, decide whether to state your stance in the introduction (e.g., “multi-level policy is essential”) or reserve it for the conclusion.

Example Box — Decoding the Prompt (Air Pollution in Cities)

Prompt: “Many cities face rising levels of air pollution. What are the causes and what measures could be taken to tackle this problem?”
Task Type: Problem–Solving (Causes + Solutions).
Focus: Urban air pollution (transport, industry, energy, planning).
Common pitfalls: Listing causes without mechanisms; suggesting vague solutions with no actor, no feasibility, or no link to a cause.

Step 2 — Plan a clear structure & argument flow

Choose a structure before you write. Option A (Paired): Body 1 explains Cause 1 (e.g., private-car dependence) with its mechanism (high traffic volume → nitrogen oxides/particulates) and pairs it with targeted Solutions 1 (e.g., reliable mass transit, congestion charges, cycling infrastructure). Body 2 explains Cause 2 (e.g., industrial emissions/coal-based energy) and pairs it with Solutions 2 (e.g., emissions caps, cleaner fuels, inspections, zoning). Option B (Separated): Body 1 covers the main causes (transport + industry + building energy), and Body 2 covers solutions grouped by actor (governments, businesses, citizens). The paired layout often helps you keep tight cause–effect–remedy chains, which examiners reward as clear coherence. In either case, craft an introduction that paraphrases the question and signals your intent to address both parts evenly. In the conclusion, synthesise the key leverage points (e.g., reducing traffic and cleaning power/industry) and, if relevant, advocate a multi-level approach (policy + infrastructure + behaviour). Keep examples short and plausible (e.g., “a city where bus lanes increased ridership”), and avoid country-specific acronyms. Use 2–3 sentences per idea: reason → mechanism → micro-example/impact. Maintain parallelism: if Body 1 has two well-developed causes, Body 2 should present two equally developed solution clusters.

Example Box — Skeleton Plans (Choose One)

Plan A (Paired):
Intro → Body 1: Cause 1 (car dependence) → Solutions (mass transit, pricing, active travel).
Body 2: Cause 2 (industrial/energy emissions) → Solutions (standards, cleaner fuels, monitoring). → Conclusion.

Plan B (Separated):
Intro → Body 1: Causes (transport, industry, buildings). → Body 2: Solutions (government policies, corporate upgrades, citizen choices). → Conclusion.

Step 3 — Write focused, mechanism-based paragraphs

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that labels the idea (“One major driver of urban air pollution is car-dependent commuting”). Follow with a mechanism line that shows how the cause produces pollution (e.g., peak-hour congestion raises exposure to NOx and PM because engines idle and accelerate frequently). Add a micro-example in one line (“In many large cities, motorists spend long periods in stop-and-go traffic near schools and hospitals”). Then present solutions that directly target the mechanism (e.g., frequent buses on priority lanes reduce car trips; congestion charges discourage peak car use; safe cycle lanes shift short journeys to bikes). Use verifiable verbs—“introduce,” “enforce,” “upgrade”—and name the actor (city authorities, transit agencies, firms, households). Keep solutions practical and balanced (incentives + rules + infrastructure) and signal feasibility (“phased over five years,” “with means-tested discounts”). Avoid vague phrases like “raise awareness” unless paired with a concrete policy or tool. Where relevant, include a brief trade-off line (costs, equity) and a mitigation (subsidies for low-income commuters). Finish each paragraph by linking back to the question (“These steps would cut traffic-related emissions and make air quality standards easier to meet”).

Example Box — High-Impact Sentences (Air Pollution)

Cause topic: “A key source of urban air pollution is the predominance of private cars in daily commuting.”
Mechanism: “Stop-start traffic elevates NOx and particulate emissions because engines idle and accelerate repeatedly.”
Paired solutions: “Dedicated bus corridors and a modest congestion charge can shift short trips to mass transit and cycling.”
Industry topic: “A second driver is industrial output powered by outdated fuels and weak enforcement.”
Paired solutions: “Tighter emissions caps, continuous monitoring, and switching to cleaner fuels would cut stack pollution.”
Evaluation: “While pricing tools can burden low-income workers, targeted discounts and better service frequency protect fairness.”

Step 4 — Language, cohesion, and accuracy for Problem–Solution

Use precise lexis for environmental issues and policy (e.g., emissions standards, particulates (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), enforcement, mode shift, congestion charging, retrofitting). Vary cause linkers (because, since, as, driven by) and result linkers (therefore, thus, consequently) naturally, not mechanically. Frame solutions with actor + action + outcome (“City councils can expand bus priority lanes to reduce peak-hour car use”). Maintain parallel structure when listing (noun + noun + noun / verb + verb + verb). Keep tone formal and avoid exaggeration (“may” / “can” are safer than “will” unless justified). Proofread for article use (the air quality standards), prepositions (rely on public transport), and agreement. At ~280–310 words, fully develop two main causes and two solution clusters. End with a concise conclusion that synthesises the highest-impact levers (transport and energy/industry) and, if appropriate, emphasises coordination across government, business, and households.

Example Box — Quick Quality Checks

Relevance: Do solutions target the causes you presented?
Mechanism: Is there a clear link from cause → emission → impact?
Plausibility: Are measures implementable and assigned to an actor?
Cohesion: Are paragraphs unified and linked back to the task?
Accuracy: Are terms (PM, NOx, standards) used correctly and consistently?

Universal Fill-in-the-Gap Template — Causes & Solutions (Air Pollution)

Adapt to the prompt. Replace […] with your ideas. Keep sentences concise and logical.

Sentence-by-Sentence Scaffold

Intro S1 (Paraphrase): In many cities, air quality has worsened in recent years.

Intro S2 (Outline): This essay explains the main causes and suggests practical measures to address them.

Body 1 S3 (Cause 1 — topic): One major cause is [… e.g., car-dependent commuting …].

Body 1 S4 (Mechanism): This leads to [… e.g., higher NOx/PM during peak hours …] because [… mechanism …].

Body 1 S5 (Micro-example): For example, [… short, plausible illustration …].

Body 1 S6 (Solutions paired to Cause 1): City authorities could [… transit/cycling/pricing …] to reduce [… specific outcome …].

Body 1 S7 (Link back): As a result, […] would likely fall and exposure would […].

Body 2 S8 (Cause 2 — topic): A second driver is [… e.g., industrial emissions/coal-based energy …].

Body 2 S9 (Mechanism): Plants that […], release [… pollutants …], which [… impact …].

Body 2 S10 (Micro-example): For instance, [… compact illustration …].

Body 2 S11 (Solutions paired to Cause 2): Governments can [… standards/monitoring/fuel switch …], while firms [… retrofits/filters …].

Body 2 S12 (Link back): Together, these steps would [… reduce emissions / meet standards …].

Conclusion S13 (Synthesis): In summary, tackling urban air pollution requires [… transport + energy/industry …] reforms.

Conclusion S14 (Final line): With coordinated action by [… actors …], cities can [… outcome, e.g., achieve cleaner, healthier air …].

Paraphrase & Thesis — Ready-to-adapt Samples (Air Pollution)

Paraphrase Options

P1: Many urban areas are experiencing deteriorating air quality.
P2: Air pollution has become a persistent challenge for numerous cities worldwide.

Thesis/Outline Options

Neutral outline: This essay analyses the principal causes and proposes feasible measures.
Policy-leaning: While transport and industry both contribute, coordinated policies on mobility and fuel standards can deliver the fastest improvements.

🔶 Part 2 — Task

[IELTS Academic] [Writing Task 2] — Task

Prompt (New Task)

Question: Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in education, from automated grading to personalised study tools. Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Instructions: Write at least 250 words. Organise your ideas clearly and support them with relevant explanations and examples.

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🔶 Part 3 — Sample Answers & Explanations

Question

Many cities face rising levels of air pollution. What are the causes and what measures could be taken to tackle this problem?

Sample Answer — Band 6 (≈280–310 words)

In many urban areas, air quality has become a serious concern. This essay will discuss the main causes of city air pollution and suggest several practical measures that could reduce it.

One major cause is the heavy use of private cars for daily commuting. In rush hours, long queues of vehicles move slowly, and engines idle and accelerate again and again. This stop–start pattern increases emissions of nitrogen oxides and fine particles, which are harmful to people who live or work near busy roads. For example, office districts and hospital zones often experience heavy congestion in the morning. To address this, city governments could expand reliable public transport, such as buses running on priority lanes, and improve the frequency so that passengers can trust the timetable. They might also consider modest congestion charges in the most crowded centres and create safe cycling lanes for short trips. These steps would reduce car use at peak times and lower traffic-related pollution.

A second important cause comes from factories and older power or heating systems that still depend on dirty fuels. When plants burn low-quality fuel or lack modern filters, they release large amounts of smoke and other pollutants into the air. Small workshops and construction sites can also add dust. Authorities can respond by enforcing stricter emissions standards, carrying out regular inspections, and helping firms switch to cleaner energy where possible. Installing effective filters and improving maintenance would further cut pollution from smokestacks and boilers.

In conclusion, traffic and outdated energy or industrial practices are key drivers of urban air pollution. By improving public transport and active travel, and by upgrading fuels and enforcing standards in industry, cities can make steady progress towards cleaner air and better health for residents.

Why this works (Band 6) — Step-by-step

1) The introduction paraphrases the question clearly and sets an even two-part purpose (causes + measures).

2) The first body paragraph presents a single, focused cause (private car use) to keep the idea clear.

3) A simple mechanism is explained (stop–start traffic → more NOx/PM) to show cause–effect logic.

4) A short, plausible example (“office districts and hospital zones”) grounds the idea without going off topic.

5) Solutions directly target the cause (bus lanes, frequency, congestion charge, cycling lanes).

6) Actors are named (“city governments”), which improves specificity and feasibility.

7) The paragraph ends by linking back to the pollution outcome, reinforcing relevance.

8) The second body paragraph introduces a different cause (industry/energy), balancing the essay.

9) It explains the mechanism (dirty fuels + weak filtration → smoke and pollutants).

10) It recognises smaller contributors (workshops, construction dust) to broaden coverage.

11) Solutions match the cause (standards, inspections, cleaner energy, filters), maintaining cohesion.

12) Word choice is generally correct and formal, fitting an academic tone.

13) Sentences are mostly straightforward; grammar control is adequate with occasional basic structures.

14) There is a clear overall structure: intro → cause/solution 1 → cause/solution 2 → conclusion.

15) The conclusion synthesises key drivers and repeats matched solutions without new ideas.

16) Length exceeds 260 words, showing sufficient development for Task 2.

17) Cohesive devices are used (“one major cause,” “a second important cause,” “to address this”).

18) The essay avoids extreme claims and keeps suggestions realistic.

Sample Answer — Band 7 (≈290–320 words)

Air pollution has become a persistent challenge in many cities. This essay outlines the principal causes and proposes feasible measures that city authorities and businesses can implement to improve air quality.

A leading driver is car-dependent mobility, particularly at peak times. In congested corridors, vehicles spend long periods idling and repeatedly accelerating, which elevates nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. Short, local trips that could be walked or cycled are often completed by car because routes feel unsafe or public transport is unreliable. A practical response is to redesign networks so buses run frequently on dedicated lanes, supported by integrated ticketing and real-time information. Complementary pricing policies—such as congestion charges or higher parking fees in the most crowded districts—discourage unnecessary car use, while protected cycle lanes and wider pavements enable short journeys without a vehicle.

A second cluster of causes relates to industry and energy for buildings. Facilities that operate ageing boilers or burn low-quality fuels emit sulphur dioxide and soot, and construction sites add dust if controls are weak. Authorities can tighten emissions standards and require continuous monitoring, while offering time-limited incentives for firms to retrofit filters or switch to cleaner fuels. In the building sector, stricter codes for heating, regular maintenance, and insulation upgrades can lower fuel consumption and emissions. Although compliance imposes costs, phased deadlines and support for small enterprises can make these measures workable.

In summary, traffic congestion and outdated industrial or heating practices are the main sources of urban air pollution. By combining reliable public transport and active-travel infrastructure with enforceable standards and cleaner energy in industry and buildings, cities can make measurable progress towards healthier air.

Why this works (Band 7) — Step-by-step

1) The introduction signals balanced coverage and names the key actors (authorities, businesses).

2) Topic sentences are precise and guide the reader through each cluster of ideas.

3) Mechanisms are explained with accurate terms (NOx, PM), showing clear control of the topic.

4) The essay recognises behaviour and infrastructure together (safety, frequency, reliability).

5) Solutions match mechanisms (network redesign + priority lanes to cut idling, not just “awareness campaigns”).

6) Pricing tools are presented with purpose and limited scope (crowded districts), which sounds realistic.

7) Parallel structure in lists improves clarity (“protected cycle lanes and wider pavements”).

8) The second body paragraph broadens causes to industry, energy, and construction dust.

9) Language is formal and accurate (“retrofitting,” “time-limited incentives,” “continuous monitoring”).

10) The response anticipates a trade-off (compliance costs) and proposes phasing/support, adding balance.

11) Cohesion is strong through reference chains (“a second cluster,” “authorities can…” “in the building sector…”).

12) Each solution names an actor and an instrument (standards, codes, incentives), improving feasibility.

13) Examples are short and policy-relevant rather than anecdotal, fitting an academic register.

14) The conclusion synthesises the two pillars (transport + energy/industry) into a concise policy pathway.

15) The essay length allows sufficient development without redundancy.

16) Errors are minimal; grammar range includes complex sentences but remains controlled.

17) Vocabulary is varied but not forced, supporting coherence rather than decoration.

18) Task requirements (both causes and measures) are fully met.

Sample Answer — Band 8+ (≈310–340 words)

Urban air pollution typically arises from a small number of high-impact sources interacting with dense traffic and unfavourable street layouts. This essay identifies the most influential causes and outlines interventions that have the strongest and fastest effect on exposure in cities.

The first driver is car-centred mobility systems that produce concentrated emissions where people live and work. Peak-hour queues create prolonged idling and repeated acceleration, intensifying nitrogen oxides and fine particulates along roadside canyons where air circulation is limited. Short, habitual trips by car persist because public transport is unreliable, interchanges are poorly designed, and active-travel routes feel unsafe. The most effective remedies are bundled: frequent buses and trams on continuous priority corridors, integrated ticketing, and safe, connected cycling and walking networks. Targeted road pricing in the most congested areas reshapes peak demand, while kerb management and freight consolidation reduce delivery traffic. Together, these measures shift mode choice and reduce emissions exactly where exposure is highest.

A second driver is combustion in industry and building heat. Ageing boilers, diesel generators, and facilities burning low-quality fuels emit sulphur dioxide and soot; poorly controlled construction adds dust. Policy should combine enforceable emissions caps with continuous monitoring and transparent data, plus time-bound incentives to switch to cleaner fuels or district heating and to retrofit effective filters. In parallel, building codes that mandate maintenance and insulation cut energy use, while targeted subsidies protect low-income households and small firms during the transition. Crucially, inspections and penalties must be credible; otherwise, standards remain aspirational and air quality does not improve.

In conclusion, city pollution is primarily a transport-and-energy problem concentrated in specific corridors and facilities. By pairing reliable mass transit and active-travel infrastructure with enforceable industrial and building-energy standards—and by sequencing these measures with fair support—municipalities can deliver rapid, measurable gains in urban air quality.

Why this works (Band 8+) — Step-by-step

1) The introduction frames the problem analytically (few high-impact sources + urban form), signalling a clear thesis.

2) Causes are grouped into coherent pillars (transport; industry/building heat) for strong paragraph unity.

3) Mechanisms are precise: idling/acceleration + “street canyons” explain high roadside concentrations.

4) The paragraph traces behaviour → infrastructure → exposure, tightening logical chains.

5) Solutions are “bundled” to mirror real implementation, improving plausibility and cohesion.

6) Policy instruments are concrete (priority corridors, road pricing, kerb management, freight consolidation).

7) The essay consistently names actors (municipalities, facilities, households) and tools (caps, monitoring, codes).

8) Equity and feasibility are addressed via targeted subsidies and time-bound incentives.

9) Monitoring and data transparency appear alongside standards, showing how enforcement works.

10) The second paragraph pairs causes (combustion/dust) with matched remedies (filters, fuel switch, district heating).

11) Lexis is accurate and varied (particulates, consolidation, district heating, credible penalties).

12) Complex sentences are controlled; punctuation supports clarity rather than decoration.

13) The conclusion synthesises, not repeats, by identifying where benefits are concentrated (corridors/facilities).

14) Cohesive devices are subtle (parallel nouns/verbs, reference chains), creating smooth progression.

15) The argument avoids overclaiming: modality (“can,” “should”) fits evidence-based tone.

16) Task coverage is complete and balanced; both causes and measures are fully developed.

17) The response demonstrates clear awareness of implementation sequencing and trade-offs.

18) Overall, it meets high-band descriptors for task response, coherence, lexical resource, and grammar.

🔶 Part 4 — Vocabulary

Key Vocabulary from the Task (10 items)

Each item includes BrE/AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, common patterns, a clear definition, an example with a brief gloss, useful synonyms, and typical learner mistakes.

emission

BrE IPA: /ɪˈmɪʃ(ə)n/   AmE IPA: /ɪˈmɪʃən/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable/uncountable; often plural “emissions”)

Patterns: emissions of NOx/PM; emissions from vehicles/factories; cut/reduce/limit emissions.

Definition: gases or particles released into the air by vehicles, industry, or energy use.

Example: “Many cities aim to cut diesel emissions from buses by upgrading engines.” (= reduce harmful gases released by buses)

Synonyms: discharge, release; (general) pollution.

Common mistakes: ❌ “emission gas” → ✅ “gas emissions”; ❌ “the emission are” → ✅ “the emissions are”; ❌ “emissions of cars” → ✅ “emissions from cars”.

particulate (matter)

BrE IPA: /pɑːˈtɪkjʊlət/   AmE IPA: /pɑrˈtɪkjələt/

Part(s) of speech: adjective; noun (usually plural “particulates”; also uncountable in “particulate matter/PM”)

Patterns: particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10); fine particulates; levels of PM.

Definition: very small solid or liquid particles in the air that can be breathed into the lungs.

Example: “Stop–start traffic raises levels of particulate matter near main roads.” (= tiny particles increase beside busy streets)

Synonyms: fine particles; airborne dust.

Common mistakes: ❌ “particulate matters” → ✅ “particulate matter”; ❌ “PMs” → ✅ “PM”; avoid writing “particles matter” (confuses grammar).

congestion

BrE IPA: /kənˈdʒɛstʃ(ə)n/   AmE IPA: /kənˈdʒɛstʃən/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: traffic congestion; ease/relieve/reduce congestion; congestion charge/pricing.

Definition: overcrowding on roads that causes slow movement and delays.

Example: “A modest congestion charge can reduce car trips into the city centre.” (= road pricing lowers peak traffic)

Synonyms: traffic jam(s); gridlock (informal).

Common mistakes: ❌ “many congestions” → ✅ “heavy congestion”; ❌ “prevent congestion of cars” → ✅ “prevent congestion on roads”.

enforcement

BrE IPA: /ɪnˈfɔːsmənt/   AmE IPA: /ɪnˈfɔːrsmənt/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: enforcement of standards/laws; strict/weak enforcement; enforce a regulation.

Definition: making sure rules or standards are followed, using checks and penalties.

Example: “Without strong enforcement, emissions rules remain only on paper.” (= rules exist but are not applied)

Synonyms: implementation, application.

Common mistakes: ❌ “enforce to reduce” → ✅ “enforce standards to reduce…”; use enforcement of, not “enforcement on”.

idling (engine idling)

BrE IPA: /ˈaɪdlɪŋ/   AmE IPA: /ˈaɪdlɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun (gerund); adjective (idling engine); verb: idle.

Patterns: leave the engine idling; anti-idling rules; idle in traffic.

Definition: when an engine runs while the vehicle is not moving.

Example: “Anti-idling enforcement outside schools cuts children’s exposure to fumes.” (= stopping engines reduces pollution near pupils)

Synonyms: running (engine) without moving; stationary running.

Common mistakes: Don’t say “open idling”; use “leave the engine idling”. Avoid “idle the car on”; use “idle in traffic”.

exposure

BrE IPA: /ɪkˈspəʊʒə/   AmE IPA: /ɪkˈspoʊʒər/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable)

Patterns: exposure to pollutants/PM; reduce/limit exposure; high/low exposure.

Definition: the state of coming into contact with something harmful.

Example: “Bus lanes can reduce residents’ exposure to roadside particulates.” (= people breathe fewer particles)

Synonyms: contact with; being subjected to.

Common mistakes: Use the preposition to (❌ “exposure with” → ✅ “exposure to”); don’t overuse the countable form (“an exposure”).

standard (emissions standard)

BrE IPA: /ˈstændəd/   AmE IPA: /ˈstændərd/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable); adjective.

Patterns: set/raise standards; meet/comply with standards; emissions standards.

Definition: an agreed level of quality or limit that must be achieved, especially in law or policy.

Example: “Upgraded buses now meet the latest emissions standards.” (= they achieve the required limits)

Synonyms: benchmark; requirement; limit.

Common mistakes: ❌ “follow with standards” → ✅ “comply with standards”; use plural when speaking generally: “meet standards”.

retrofit

BrE IPA: /ˈrɛtrəʊˌfɪt/   AmE IPA: /ˈrɛtroʊˌfɪt/

Part(s) of speech: verb (retrofit–retrofitted–retrofitting); noun (“a retrofit”).

Patterns: retrofit buses/factories with filters; retrofit buildings to meet standards.

Definition: to add new technology or parts to older equipment or buildings to improve performance.

Example: “Factories were retrofitted with scrubbers to cut sulphur dioxide.” (= new filters were added to reduce emissions)

Synonyms: upgrade; refit; modernise.

Common mistakes: Avoid “retro-fit” (hyphen unnecessary); use correct verb forms (✅ “retrofitted,” “retrofitting”); don’t say “install retrofit” when you mean “carry out a retrofit”.

monitoring

BrE IPA: /ˈmɒnɪtərɪŋ/   AmE IPA: /ˈmɑːnɪtərɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable); verb: monitor.

Patterns: continuous/real-time monitoring; monitoring of emissions/air quality.

Definition: regularly checking levels or performance to ensure safety or compliance.

Example: “Continuous monitoring makes it harder for plants to hide illegal emissions.” (= constant checks expose rule-breaking)

Synonyms: tracking; surveillance (technical context).

Common mistakes: Use monitoring of, not “monitoring on”; don’t confuse monitor (observe) with control (actively change).

insulation

BrE IPA: /ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n/   AmE IPA: /ˌɪnsəˈleɪʃən/

Part(s) of speech: noun (uncountable); verb: insulate.

Patterns: install/upgrade insulation; wall/roof insulation; insulate a building against heat/cold.

Definition: material or methods that reduce heat loss or gain, lowering energy use and emissions.

Example: “Better roof insulation means buildings need less fuel for heating.” (= less energy is required)

Synonyms: thermal protection; insulating material.

Common mistakes: Don’t confuse insulation with “isolation”; use the preposition against after the verb insulate.

🔶 Part 5 — Phrases & Expressions

Key Phrases & Expressions from the Task (10 items)

Each item includes BrE/AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, common patterns, a clear definition, an example with a brief gloss, useful synonyms, and typical learner mistakes.

tackle (a problem/issue)

BrE IPA: /ˈtæk.əl/   AmE IPA: /ˈtæk.əl/

Part(s) of speech: verb

Patterns: tackle + problem/issue/challenge; tackle + source/cause of X; tackle + noun by + -ing.

Definition: to make a serious, organised attempt to deal with something difficult.

Example: “City councils can tackle air pollution by expanding reliable public transport.” (= address the problem effectively)

Synonyms: address; combat; deal with.

Common mistakes: ❌ “tackle to” → ✅ “tackle (no preposition)”; avoid informal “fix” in academic tone.

a key driver of

BrE IPA: /ə ˌkiː ˈdraɪvə əv/   AmE IPA: /ə ˌkiː ˈdraɪvər ʌv/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: a key driver of + problem/trend/outcome.

Definition: a main factor that causes or strongly influences something.

Example: “Car-dependent commuting is a key driver of urban air pollution.” (= a main cause)

Synonyms: main cause; primary contributor.

Common mistakes: Don’t pluralise before “of” (❌ “key drivers of is” → ensure agreement).

congestion charge

BrE IPA: /kənˈdʒes.tʃən tʃɑːdʒ/   AmE IPA: /kənˈdʒes.tʃən tʃɑrdʒ/

Part(s) of speech: noun (countable)

Patterns: introduce/levy a congestion charge; pay a charge to enter area X.

Definition: a fee for driving into busy areas to reduce traffic and emissions.

Example: “A modest congestion charge can discourage unnecessary car trips.” (= pricing tool to cut traffic)

Synonyms: congestion pricing; road pricing.

Common mistakes: ❌ “traffic charge” (too vague) → use the set phrase congestion charge.

switch to cleaner fuels

BrE IPA: /swɪtʃ tə ˈkliːnə ˈfjuːəlz/   AmE IPA: /swɪtʃ tə ˈkliːnər ˈfjuəlz/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase

Patterns: switch to + fuel/energy; switch from X to Y.

Definition: to change from high-pollution fuels to options that emit less.

Example: “Factories can switch to cleaner fuels to meet emissions standards.” (= adopt lower-polluting energy)

Synonyms: transition to cleaner energy; adopt cleaner fuels.

Common mistakes: Keep both prepositions: from A to B; don’t use “switch into”.

enforce (emissions) standards

BrE IPA: /ɪnˈfɔːs ˈstæn.dədz/   AmE IPA: /ɪnˈfɔːrs ˈstæn.dɚdz/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase

Patterns: enforce + standards/laws; strict/credible enforcement.

Definition: to make sure rules are followed using inspections and penalties.

Example: “Authorities must enforce emissions standards or pollution will not fall.” (= apply rules in practice)

Synonyms: implement; apply; uphold.

Common mistakes: ❌ “enforce on” → ✅ “enforce standards”; avoid confusing with “reinforce”.

reliable public transport / mass transit

BrE IPA: /rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl ˈpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːt/   AmE IPA: /rɪˈlaɪ.ə.bəl ˈpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːrt/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: expand/improve public transport; invest in mass transit.

Definition: bus/train/tram systems that are frequent, dependable, and widely accessible.

Example: “Reliable public transport encourages commuters to leave their cars at home.” (= people choose buses/trains)

Synonyms: transit system; urban rail/bus network.

Common mistakes: Don’t use a plural verb with the uncountable phrase: ✅ “transport is,” not ❌ “transport are”.

active-travel infrastructure

BrE IPA: /ˈæktɪv ˈtræv.əl ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃə/   AmE IPA: /ˈæktɪv ˈtræv.əl ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃɚ/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: build/expand active-travel infrastructure; protected cycle lanes; wider pavements.

Definition: safe networks for walking and cycling that replace short car trips.

Example: “Protected lanes are core elements of active-travel infrastructure.” (= key facilities for cycling/walking)

Synonyms: walking-and-cycling network; active mobility facilities.

Common mistakes: Avoid “activity travel”; hyphenate active-travel when used attributively.

exposure to (pollutants/PM)

BrE IPA: /ɪkˈspəʊ.ʒə tə/   AmE IPA: /ɪkˈspoʊ.ʒər tə/

Part(s) of speech: prepositional noun phrase

Patterns: reduce/limit exposure to X; high/low exposure to Y.

Definition: contact with something harmful that can affect health.

Example: “Bus corridors can reduce exposure to roadside particulates.” (= people breathe fewer particles)

Synonyms: contact with; being subjected to.

Common mistakes: Always use to (❌ “exposure with” → ✅ “exposure to”).

phase in / phase out

BrE IPA: /feɪz ɪn/ , /feɪz aʊt/   AmE IPA: /feɪz ɪn/ , /feɪz aʊt/

Part(s) of speech: phrasal verbs

Patterns: phase in new rules/technology; phase out old fuels/vehicles.

Definition: introduce gradually / remove gradually over a period.

Example: “Governments can phase out high-sulphur fuels while phasing in cleaner alternatives.” (= remove old, add new in stages)

Synonyms: roll in/roll out; retire / bring in.

Common mistakes: Keep the particle: ❌ “phase new rules” → ✅ “phase in new rules”.

continuous monitoring

BrE IPA: /kənˈtɪn.ju.əs ˈmɒn.ɪ.tər.ɪŋ/   AmE IPA: /kənˈtɪn.ju.əs ˈmɑː.nə.tər.ɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Patterns: require/implement continuous monitoring of emissions/air quality.

Definition: constant measurement that provides real-time data for enforcement.

Example: “Continuous monitoring helps regulators detect illegal emissions quickly.” (= constant checks reveal breaches)

Synonyms: real-time tracking; ongoing measurement.

Common mistakes: Don’t confuse monitoring (observing) with controlling (actively changing).