One of the ways of controlling noise pollution in urban areas is

Analyze the question: It asks for a way of controlling noise pollution in urban areas. Noise pollution is unwanted, excessive sound from sources like machines, vehicles, and generators.

Explain the concept: Noise control works in three ways:

1. Reduce noise at the source (quieter machines, silencers/mufflers)
2. Increase distance between the source and people (planning and zoning)
3. Protect the receiver (ear protection, sound barriers)

Evaluate each option:

• A. Siting industries away from residential areas. This is a planning (zoning) measure. Noisy factories are kept far from where people live, so the noise does not reach them. It controls noise pollution in urban areas, so it fits.
• B. Fuel should be completely combusted by engines. Complete combustion reduces carbon monoxide and soot, which is air pollution control, not noise control.
• C. Planting trees on both sides of the road. Trees can absorb some sound, but they are mainly used for reducing dust, absorbing carbon dioxide, and providing shade. The sound-absorbing effect is small, and this option is not the standard answer in the JAMB scheme.
• D. Wearing ear devices. This protects an individual worker, but it does not control the pollution itself. It is personal protection, not a control of the environment.

The best answer is A, since zoning industries away from residential areas removes the noise problem at the community level.

Exam tip: Match each pollution type to its control measure:

• Noise → zoning, silencers, sound barriers
• Air → complete combustion, filters
• Water → treating waste before disposal

If an option talks about fuel combustion, think air pollution, not noise.