Sustainable urban development has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay question has appeared multiple times in recent years, reflecting its relevance to global issues. As urban populations continue to grow, it’s likely that this theme will remain a popular choice for future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a typical question on this subject and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should focus on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems in cities to promote sustainable urban development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on a specific approach to sustainable urban development. It’s crucial to understand the key elements:
- The main focus: Sustainable urban development
- Proposed methods: Reducing environmental pollution and addressing housing problems
- Your task: Agree or disagree with this approach
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that demonstrates excellent language use and a well-structured argument:
Environmental degradation and housing crises are undeniably significant challenges facing modern cities. While I agree that addressing these issues is crucial for sustainable urban development, I believe that a more comprehensive approach is necessary to truly achieve long-term sustainability in urban areas.
Firstly, tackling pollution and improving housing conditions are indeed fundamental to creating livable cities. Reducing air and water pollution not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also contributes to the overall health of urban ecosystems. Similarly, addressing housing problems by providing affordable and adequate accommodation ensures social stability and reduces inequality. These measures directly impact the well-being of urban dwellers and are essential components of sustainable development.
However, focusing solely on these two aspects may overlook other critical factors that contribute to urban sustainability. For instance, efficient public transportation systems are vital for reducing carbon emissions and improving mobility. Additionally, developing green spaces and implementing smart city technologies can significantly enhance urban resilience and resource efficiency. Moreover, promoting local economic development and fostering community engagement are equally important for creating truly sustainable urban environments.
A holistic approach to sustainable urban development should encompass various interconnected elements. This includes not only environmental and housing considerations but also economic viability, social equity, and cultural preservation. Cities need to implement integrated policies that address these multiple dimensions simultaneously. For example, green building initiatives can combine environmental protection with housing solutions, while urban agriculture projects can address both food security and community engagement.
In conclusion, while I agree that reducing pollution and solving housing problems are crucial steps towards sustainable urban development, I believe that governments should adopt a more comprehensive strategy. By addressing a wider range of factors and their complex interactions, cities can create more resilient, inclusive, and truly sustainable urban environments for future generations.
(Word count: 298)
Sustainable Urban Development Infographic
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that demonstrates good language use but with room for improvement:
I agree that governments should focus on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems to promote sustainable urban development. These are important issues that affect the quality of life in cities and need to be addressed.
Firstly, environmental pollution is a big problem in many cities. Air pollution from cars and factories can cause health problems for people living in cities. Water pollution also affects the environment and people’s health. If governments work to reduce pollution, it will make cities cleaner and healthier places to live. This is important for sustainable development because it helps protect the environment and people’s health for the future.
Secondly, housing problems are also a serious issue in urban areas. Many people in cities struggle to find affordable housing, and some live in poor conditions. This can lead to social problems and inequality. If governments focus on providing better housing options, it can improve people’s lives and make cities more stable. This is also important for sustainable development because it helps create a better quality of life for everyone in the city.
However, there are other issues that are also important for sustainable urban development. For example, public transportation and green spaces are also important for making cities more livable and environmentally friendly. Governments should also consider these aspects when planning for sustainable development.
In conclusion, I agree that reducing pollution and solving housing problems are important for sustainable urban development. However, I think governments should also consider other factors to create truly sustainable cities. A balanced approach that addresses multiple issues is necessary for long-term urban sustainability.
(Word count: 263)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses a wider range of vocabulary and more precise terms related to urban development. For example, “urban ecosystems,” “social stability,” and “integrated policies” demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.
Grammar: The Band 8-9 essay employs more complex sentence structures and a variety of grammatical constructions, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler sentences.
Argument Development: The higher-scoring essay presents a more balanced and detailed argument, considering multiple aspects of sustainable urban development. The Band 6-7 essay, while coherent, offers a simpler perspective.
Cohesion and Coherence: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases to connect ideas, creating a smoother flow between paragraphs and sentences.
Essential Vocabulary for This Topic
Sustainable development (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.
Urban planning (noun) /ˈɜːbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and organizing urban areas.
Environmental degradation (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.
Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Livability (noun) /ˌlɪvəˈbɪləti/ – The suitability of a place for people to live.
Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Gentrification (noun) /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – The process of renovating and improving a neighborhood, often resulting in the displacement of current inhabitants.
Smart city (noun) /smɑːt ˈsɪti/ – An urban area that uses technology to improve efficiency and quality of life.
Urban sprawl (noun) /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/ – The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land.
Green infrastructure (noun) /griːn ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – A network of natural and semi-natural features designed to provide environmental benefits in urban settings.
Conclusion
Sustainable urban development is a complex topic that requires a multifaceted approach. While addressing pollution and housing issues is crucial, a comprehensive strategy that considers various aspects of urban life is necessary for true sustainability. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with related topics such as how to reduce food waste in urban environments or how to promote renewable energy in urban areas.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you apply the vocabulary and structures discussed in this article, improving your ability to tackle similar questions in the actual IELTS exam.