Urban planning and its impact on city living is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past exams and current trends, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Urban Planning for Better City Living
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should focus on improving living conditions in cities rather than in rural areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should prioritize urban development over rural development. It’s crucial to:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide balanced arguments
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Conclude by restating your opinion
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In the ongoing debate about resource allocation between urban and rural areas, some argue that governments should concentrate on enhancing living conditions in cities. While I acknowledge the importance of urban development, I disagree with the notion that it should be the sole focus, as both urban and rural areas play crucial roles in a nation’s overall development and wellbeing.
Undoubtedly, improving city living conditions offers numerous benefits. Cities are often economic powerhouses, contributing significantly to a country’s GDP. Enhancing urban infrastructure, public transportation, and housing can lead to increased productivity and economic growth. Moreover, cities typically have higher population densities, meaning that improvements can positively impact a larger number of people simultaneously. For instance, implementing efficient public transport systems in metropolitan areas like London or Tokyo has drastically reduced commute times and carbon emissions, benefiting millions of residents.
However, focusing exclusively on urban areas would be short-sighted and potentially detrimental to a country’s overall development. Rural areas are essential for food production, natural resource management, and maintaining ecological balance. Neglecting rural development could lead to increased rural-to-urban migration, exacerbating urban overcrowding and straining city resources. Additionally, rural areas often preserve cultural heritage and traditions that are integral to a nation’s identity. For example, in countries like India or China, rural communities play a vital role in maintaining agricultural practices and cultural traditions that have existed for centuries.
A balanced approach to development is crucial. Governments should strive to improve living conditions in both urban and rural areas, tailoring solutions to the specific needs of each. This could involve initiatives such as smart city projects for urban areas, alongside rural electrification and improved agricultural technology for countryside regions. Countries like South Korea have successfully implemented such balanced development strategies, resulting in prosperous cities and thriving rural communities.
In conclusion, while enhancing urban living conditions is important, it should not come at the expense of rural development. A holistic approach that addresses the needs of both urban and rural areas is essential for sustainable national growth and equitable development. Governments must strive to create policies that foster improvement across all regions, ensuring a harmonious and prosperous future for the entire population.
(Word count: 345)
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether governments should focus more on improving living conditions in cities rather than rural areas is a complex one. While I can see the benefits of developing cities, I believe that a balanced approach is necessary for the overall progress of a country.
On one hand, improving city life can have significant advantages. Cities are often centers of economic activity and innovation. By enhancing urban infrastructure, governments can boost productivity and attract more businesses. For example, better public transportation in cities can reduce traffic congestion and make it easier for people to get to work. Also, cities have more people, so improvements can benefit a larger number of citizens at once.
However, focusing only on cities and ignoring rural areas could lead to problems. Rural regions are important for agriculture and provide many of the resources that cities need. If rural areas are neglected, it might cause more people to move to cities, making them overcrowded. This could put pressure on city services and housing. Moreover, rural areas often have unique cultures and traditions that are valuable to a country’s heritage.
I think the best approach is to develop both urban and rural areas. Governments should invest in cities to make them more efficient and livable, but they should also support rural development. This could include improving rural education, healthcare, and infrastructure. By doing this, countries can maintain a good balance between urban and rural life, which is important for sustainable development.
In conclusion, while improving city living conditions is important, it shouldn’t be the only focus of governments. A balanced approach that considers both urban and rural needs is essential for the overall wellbeing and progress of a country.
(Word count: 278)
Band 5-6 Essay
Some people think governments should focus on making cities better to live in instead of rural areas. I think this is partly right but also partly wrong.
Cities are important because many people live there. If governments make cities better, it helps a lot of people at the same time. For example, if they build better roads or train systems in a city, many people can use them and get to work faster. Also, cities have many jobs and businesses, so improving them can be good for the economy.
But rural areas are also important. They grow food that everyone needs. If governments only focus on cities, rural areas might be left behind. This could make people in rural areas unhappy and want to move to cities, which could make cities too crowded.
I think governments should try to improve both cities and rural areas. They can make cities better by building good houses and transport. They can help rural areas by giving farmers better tools and building schools and hospitals. This way, both city people and rural people can have a good life.
In conclusion, I think governments should not only focus on cities. They should try to make life better for all people, whether they live in cities or rural areas. This is the best way to make the whole country better.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring response:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a fully developed response.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Highlighted phrases showcase advanced vocabulary usage.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are handled with skill.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a mid-range response:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may not be fully developed. Basic cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some errors in word choice, but meaning is generally clear.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There may be some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a lower-mid range response:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the format may be inappropriate in places. The main ideas are relevant, but some may be underdeveloped.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally coherent and uses some basic cohesive devices, but there may be some lack of overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some errors in spelling and/or word formation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. While errors are frequent, meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Resource allocation (n.) /rɪˈsɔːrs ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/: The distribution of resources among different areas or projects.
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Infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Metropolis (n.) /məˈtrɒpəlɪs/: A very large city, often the most important city in a region.
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Rural-to-urban migration (n.) /ˈrʊərəl tə ˈɜːrbən maɪˈɡreɪʃn/: The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas.
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Sustainable development (n.) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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Urbanization (n.) /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/: The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas.
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Ecological balance (n.) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈbæləns/: A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable.
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Smart city (n.) /smɑːrt ˈsɪti/: An urban area that uses different types of electronic methods and sensors to collect data to manage assets, resources and services efficiently.
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Cultural heritage (n.) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations.
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Equitable development (n.) /ˈekwɪtəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/: A positive development approach that ensures everyone participates in and benefits from the region’s economic transformation.
Conclusion
Urban planning and its role in improving city living is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. The sample essays provided demonstrate how to approach this topic at different band levels. Remember to clearly state your position, provide balanced arguments, use specific examples, and maintain coherence throughout your essay.
To further practice your writing skills, try composing your own essay on the following related topics:
- How can technology be integrated into urban planning to create smarter cities?
- What are the challenges of rapid urbanization, and how can they be addressed?
- Discuss the importance of green spaces in urban planning and their impact on city dwellers’ quality of life.
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
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