IELTS Writing Task 2: How Governments Can Tackle Homelessness – Sample Essays and Analysis

Homelessness is a pressing social issue that has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions over the years. Given its ongoing relevance, it’s likely to continue being a common topic in future exams. Let’s examine a recent IELTS question on this subject and provide sample essays to help you prepare.

Government solutions to homelessness

Analyzing the Question

Here’s a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on homelessness:

Homelessness is a growing problem in many countries. What do you think are the main causes of this? What can governments do to address this issue?

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the main causes of homelessness
2. Suggest solutions that governments can implement

It’s important to address both parts of the question equally in your essay.

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Homelessness has become an increasingly visible problem in urban areas worldwide, raising concerns about social inequality and the effectiveness of government policies. This essay will explore the primary factors contributing to this issue and propose measures that governments can take to mitigate it.

Several key factors contribute to the rise in homelessness. Firstly, the soaring cost of housing in many cities has outpaced wage growth, making it difficult for low-income individuals to afford rent or mortgages. Secondly, economic downturns and job losses can push vulnerable people into homelessness, especially those without a financial safety net. Lastly, mental health issues and substance abuse problems often exacerbate the situation, making it challenging for affected individuals to maintain stable housing and employment.

To address this complex issue, governments need to implement a multi-faceted approach. One crucial step is to invest in affordable housing initiatives. This could involve providing subsidies to developers for building low-cost housing units or offering tax incentives for landlords who rent to low-income tenants. Additionally, governments should strengthen social safety nets by expanding unemployment benefits and providing emergency housing assistance to those at risk of eviction.

Another vital area for government intervention is mental health and substance abuse treatment. Increasing funding for rehabilitation programs and improving access to mental health services can help address the root causes of homelessness for many individuals. Furthermore, governments should focus on job training and education programs to help homeless people gain the skills needed to secure stable employment and become self-sufficient.

Implementing “Housing First” policies has shown promise in some countries. This approach prioritizes providing stable housing to homeless individuals before addressing other issues like unemployment or addiction. By ensuring a safe living environment first, people are better positioned to tackle other challenges in their lives.

In conclusion, homelessness is a complex issue with multiple causes, including housing affordability, economic instability, and personal challenges. Governments can address this problem through a combination of affordable housing initiatives, strengthened social support systems, improved mental health and addiction services, and employment programs. By taking a comprehensive approach, societies can work towards reducing homelessness and creating more inclusive communities.

(Word count: 329)

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

Homelessness is a big problem in many countries today. There are several reasons for this, and governments need to take action to solve it.

One main cause of homelessness is the high cost of housing. In many cities, rent and house prices are very expensive, and many people can’t afford them. Another reason is unemployment. When people lose their jobs, they may not be able to pay for housing. Mental health problems and drug addiction are also causes of homelessness, as these issues make it hard for people to keep a job or a home.

Governments can do several things to help solve the homelessness problem. First, they should build more affordable housing. This means creating houses and apartments that people with low incomes can afford to rent or buy. They should also provide more support for unemployed people, like giving them money to help pay rent while they look for a new job.

Another important thing is to improve mental health services. Governments should make it easier for homeless people to get help for mental health problems or drug addiction. This could include free counseling or treatment programs. They could also create job training programs to help homeless people learn new skills and find work.

Some countries have tried a “Housing First” approach. This means giving homeless people a place to live before trying to solve their other problems. This can be a good idea because having a stable home makes it easier for people to deal with other issues in their lives.

In conclusion, homelessness is caused by things like expensive housing, unemployment, and personal problems. Governments can help by building affordable homes, supporting unemployed people, improving mental health services, and providing job training. By doing these things, they can reduce homelessness and make life better for everyone in society.

(Word count: 296)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Address all parts of the question: Ensure you discuss both the causes of homelessness and government solutions.

2. Use clear paragraphing: Separate your ideas into distinct paragraphs for better organization.

3. Provide specific examples: This helps to illustrate your points and show a deeper understanding of the topic.

4. Use appropriate vocabulary: For higher band scores, use more sophisticated vocabulary related to social issues and government policies.

5. Vary your sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate language proficiency.

6. Use linking words: Employ transitions to connect your ideas smoothly.

7. Maintain a formal tone: Avoid using contractions or overly casual language.

Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some useful words and phrases for this topic:

1. Affordable housing (noun phrase) /əˈfɔːrdəbl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/ – Housing that is reasonably priced for people with average or below-average incomes.

2. Social safety net (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃl ˈseɪfti net/ – Government programs that provide financial or other assistance to people in need.

3. Rehabilitation (noun) /ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/ – The process of helping someone recover from illness, injury, or addiction.

4. Substance abuse (noun phrase) /ˈsʌbstəns əˈbjuːs/ – The overuse of harmful substances, such as drugs or alcohol.

5. Eviction (noun) /ɪˈvɪkʃn/ – The act of forcing someone to leave a property, typically for not paying rent.

6. Inclusive (adjective) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – Including all people, especially those who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.

7. Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.

In conclusion, tackling homelessness requires a comprehensive understanding of its causes and potential solutions. By practicing with essays like these and expanding your vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to address this topic in your IELTS Writing Task 2. Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use specific examples to support your arguments.

For further practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as “The impact of homelessness on urban communities” or “The role of NGOs in addressing homelessness.” You can post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!