PTE Academic Write Essay · Problem and solution

Addressing Urban Littering Problems and Effective Solutions

A high-scoring sample essay with the plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it, and what the scoring traits reward.
  • 241 words
  • Problem and solution
  • beginner
  • 20 minutes

The prompt

Many towns and cities have a problem with litter on streets and in public spaces, making the area look dirty and unattractive. What are the main reasons people drop litter, and what can local authorities do to keep public spaces clean?

20 minutes. Write 200 to 300 words. A BandLadder practice prompt, not a recalled exam question.

Problem and solution

Plan before you write

  1. 1

    Position

    Littering stems from individual negligence and inadequate infrastructure, which authorities should address through enhanced waste management and educational initiatives.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    The primary causes of littering are personal apathy and a lack of accessible disposal facilities.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    Local governments can mitigate this issue by improving waste infrastructure and implementing public awareness campaigns.

  • →Name one or two specific problems, not a general complaint.
  • →Match each solution to a problem and say who would carry it out.
  • →Keep problems and solutions in separate paragraphs so the structure is visible.

Model answer

Sample essay

High-scoring sample241 words. Use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences: PTE flags memorised templates.

The accumulation of refuse in urban environments is an escalating concern that diminishes the aesthetic appeal and hygiene of public spaces. This issue is largely driven by individual negligence and insufficient infrastructure, necessitating a strategic response from municipal authorities to restore cleanliness.

The prevalence of littering is primarily attributed to a lack of civic responsibility and the scarcity of conveniently located waste receptacles. When individuals perceive that public areas are already untidy, they are more likely to discard waste irresponsibly, perpetuating a cycle of degradation. For instance, in densely populated city centers, a lack of accessible trash bins often leaves pedestrians with few alternatives but to abandon their waste on sidewalks, exacerbating the problem.

To counteract this, local authorities must prioritize the installation of high-capacity, strategically placed disposal units. By ensuring that bins are frequent and well-maintained, the barrier to proper waste disposal is significantly lowered. Furthermore, implementing public awareness campaigns that emphasize the environmental impact of littering can foster a stronger sense of communal duty. Educational programs in schools, combined with the strict enforcement of anti-littering fines, provide a dual approach that addresses both the behavioral and logistical dimensions of the crisis.

In conclusion, while littering is a persistent urban challenge, it is not insurmountable. By integrating improved infrastructure with proactive community engagement, municipal bodies can effectively manage waste. Transforming public spaces into cleaner, more welcoming environments requires a collaborative effort between the local government and the citizens they serve.

Scoring traits

Why this scores well

This essay scores highly on linguistic range and coherence by using sophisticated transitions and precise vocabulary to link causes to solutions. A common mistake on this prompt is failing to address both the reasons for littering and the specific actions authorities should take, leading to an incomplete response.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • negligence

    failure to take proper care of something

  • receptacles

    objects used to contain or store items

  • degradation

    the process of falling into lower condition

  • mitigate

    to make something less severe or painful

  • aesthetic

    concerned with beauty or visual appearance

  • proactive

    acting in anticipation of future problems

  • insurmountable

    too great to be overcome or conquered

  • logistical

    relating to the organization of complex operations

See also the Write Essay guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a PTE essay be?+

Between 200 and 300 words; outside that range the form score drops to zero. This sample is 241 words, written for the 20-minute limit.

What type of essay is this?+

Problem and solution. Name one or two specific problems, not a general complaint.

What does PTE reward in the essay?+

This essay scores highly on linguistic range and coherence by using sophisticated transitions and precise vocabulary to link causes to solutions. A common mistake on this prompt is failing to address both the reasons for littering and the specific actions authorities should take, leading to an incomplete response.

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