The topic of rising housing costs in major cities is a pressing issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on past exam trends and the current global housing crisis, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to be a popular subject in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Urban Housing Crisis
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
In many cities, the cost of housing is becoming so high that young people can no longer afford to buy or rent property. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?
This question is asking you to discuss two main points:
- The problems caused by high housing costs for young people
- Possible solutions to address this issue
It’s important to note that this question requires a problem-solution approach, which is a common format in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
The escalating cost of housing in urban centers has become a significant concern, particularly for the younger generation who find themselves priced out of the property market. This essay will explore the ramifications of this issue and propose potential remedies.
The inability of young people to secure affordable housing leads to several pressing problems. Firstly, it exacerbates social inequality, creating a widening gap between those who can afford property (often older generations or the wealthy) and those who cannot. This disparity can lead to social tension and a sense of disenfranchisement among young adults. Secondly, it can result in ‘brain drain’ from major cities, as talented young professionals seek more affordable living conditions elsewhere, potentially impacting the economic dynamism of urban areas. Lastly, it may delay major life milestones for young people, such as starting families or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, which can have long-term societal and economic consequences.
To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. One solution is for governments to implement stricter regulations on foreign investment and property speculation, which often drive up prices artificially. This could involve higher taxes on second homes or vacant properties. Additionally, cities could incentivize developers to build more affordable housing through tax breaks or zoning law adjustments. Another approach could be to promote alternative housing models, such as co-living spaces or community land trusts, which can provide more affordable options for young people. Furthermore, improving public transportation infrastructure could make living in more affordable suburban or rural areas a viable option for those working in the city.
In conclusion, the high cost of housing in cities poses significant challenges for young people and society at large. While there is no single solution to this complex issue, a combination of regulatory measures, incentives for affordable housing development, and innovative housing models could help alleviate the problem. It is crucial for policymakers, urban planners, and communities to work together to ensure that cities remain accessible and vibrant for all generations.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both the problems and solutions in detail.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Lastly,” “Additionally”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately (e.g., “exacerbates,” “disenfranchisement,” “brain drain,” “multi-faceted approach”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately (e.g., “The inability of young people to secure affordable housing leads to several pressing problems,” “While there is no single solution to this complex issue…”).
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
In many big cities today, young people are finding it very hard to buy or rent homes because the prices are too high. This causes many problems and we need to find ways to solve them.
One big problem is that young people have to live with their parents for longer. This can cause stress in families and make young adults feel like they can’t be independent. Another issue is that some young people might move to cheaper areas far from the city. This means they have to travel long distances to work, which is tiring and bad for the environment. Also, if young people can’t afford to live in the city, they might not be able to take good job opportunities there, which is bad for their careers and the city’s economy.
To fix these problems, we need to do several things. First, the government could build more affordable houses for young people. They could also give tax breaks to companies that build cheaper homes. Another idea is to control rent prices so they don’t get too high. The government could also give loans with low interest rates to help young people buy their first home. Lastly, cities could improve public transport so that living further away from the city center is easier for people who work there.
In conclusion, the high cost of housing in cities is a serious problem for young people, but there are ways to solve it. We need the government and businesses to work together to make housing more affordable. If we don’t fix this problem, it could have bad effects on our society and economy in the future.
(Word count: 267)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses both parts of the task, discussing problems and solutions. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses some cohesive devices, but could use a wider range.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication of a higher band score. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “affordable,” “independent”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar. However, it lacks the variety and sophistication of higher band scores.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some key vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and parts of speech:
- Escalating (verb) /ˈeskəleɪtɪŋ/ – increasing rapidly
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
- Disenfranchisement (noun) /ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃɪzmənt/ – the state of being deprived of a right or privilege
- Brain drain (noun) /breɪn dreɪn/ – the emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country
- Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage (someone) to do something
- Vibrant (adjective) /ˈvaɪbrənt/ – full of energy and enthusiasm
- Affordable (adjective) /əˈfɔːrdəbl/ – inexpensive; reasonably priced
- Independent (adjective) /ˌɪndɪˈpendənt/ – free from outside control; not depending on another’s authority
- Tax breaks (noun) /tæks breɪks/ – a deduction, credit, or other allowance that reduces the amount of tax owed
Conclusion
Rising housing costs in major cities is a complex issue that’s likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare for this topic, consider practicing with variations such as:
- The impact of rising housing costs on social mobility
- Government policies to address housing affordability
- The relationship between housing costs and urban planning
- The role of technology in solving housing crises
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, organize your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on this topic and feel free to share your attempts in the comments section below for feedback and further improvement.