The global housing crisis has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent exam questions. This reflects its growing significance as a worldwide challenge affecting both developed and developing nations. Understanding how to address the housing crisis in urban areas is crucial for IELTS candidates.
Global housing crisis affecting urban development and living standards
Sample Question Analysis
In many countries, there is a severe shortage of affordable housing, particularly in major cities. What do you think are the causes of this problem and what measures could governments take to address it?
This question requires candidates to:
- Analyze causes of housing shortages
- Propose government solutions
- Structure a clear, balanced response
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The acute shortage of affordable housing in metropolitan areas represents one of the most pressing challenges facing modern societies. This essay will examine the root causes of this crisis and propose potential government interventions to ameliorate the situation.
The primary drivers of the housing crisis are manifold. Firstly, rapid urbanization has led to unprecedented population growth in cities, creating intense competition for available housing stock. Secondly, how economic policies affect housing affordability through factors such as speculative investment and foreign property ownership has driven prices beyond the reach of average citizens. Additionally, the rising costs of construction materials and labor have made new housing development increasingly expensive.
Governments can implement various measures to address these challenges. One crucial step would be introducing strict regulations on property speculation and implementing progressive property taxes to discourage multiple home ownership. Furthermore, authorities could incentivize developers to construct affordable housing through tax breaks and streamlined permit processes. Public-private partnerships could also be established to develop cost-effective housing solutions while maintaining quality standards.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Housing problems are very serious in big cities nowadays. There are several reasons for this problem and the government should do something about it.
One main reason is that too many people want to live in cities. When lots of people move to cities, houses become more expensive because everyone wants to buy or rent them. Also, rich people and companies buy many houses as investments, which makes prices go up more.
I think the government should make some rules to help. They can build more houses for poor people and stop rich people from buying too many houses. Also, they can give money to help people how to save for your first house. Maybe they can also make banks give better loans to people who want to buy houses.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization and cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Advanced collocations and precise language
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Simple sentence structures
- Limited development of ideas
- Basic linking words and organization
Key Vocabulary
- Ameliorate (v) /əˈmiːlɪəreɪt/ – to make something better
- Urbanization (n) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of making an area more urban
- Speculative investment (n) /spekjʊlətɪv ɪnˈvestmənt/ – buying something hoping its value will increase
- Progressive taxation (n) /prəˈɡresɪv tækˈseɪʃən/ – tax rates that increase with income
- Public-private partnership (n) /ˌpʌblɪk ˈpraɪvət ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/ – collaboration between government and private sector
Consider practicing with these additional prompts:
- “Should governments prioritize affordable housing over commercial development?”
- “How can cities balance preservation of historic buildings with the need for new housing?”
- “What role should private developers play in addressing housing shortages?”
Share your practice essays in the comments below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.
