The topic of whether governments should provide free housing for the homeless is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This issue has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its relevance to contemporary social and economic debates. Based on past exam trends and current global concerns, it’s likely that this topic will continue to be featured in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a specific question on this subject that has been seen in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should provide free housing for homeless people, while others think this is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for government-provided free housing for the homeless
- Discuss arguments against government involvement in this issue
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this task effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Homelessness is a pressing issue in many societies, and there is ongoing debate about the extent of government responsibility in addressing this problem. While some argue that providing free housing for the homeless should be a governmental duty, others contend that it falls outside the scope of government obligations. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government-provided housing for the homeless argue that it is a fundamental human right and a crucial step in addressing social inequality. They contend that homelessness often stems from systemic issues such as poverty, mental illness, and lack of affordable housing – problems that individuals cannot solve alone. By providing free housing, governments can offer a stable foundation from which homeless individuals can rebuild their lives, seek employment, and reintegrate into society. Moreover, this approach may prove cost-effective in the long run, as it could reduce expenditure on emergency services, healthcare, and law enforcement often associated with homelessness.
On the other hand, opponents argue that providing free housing is not the government’s responsibility and could lead to unintended negative consequences. They believe that such programs could create a culture of dependency, discouraging individuals from seeking employment or improving their situations independently. Additionally, there are concerns about the fairness of providing free housing to some while others struggle to pay rent or mortgages. Critics also point out that the financial burden on taxpayers could be substantial and potentially unsustainable in the long term.
In my opinion, while the government should play a role in addressing homelessness, providing unconditional free housing is not the most effective solution. Instead, I believe a more nuanced approach is necessary. Governments should focus on creating affordable housing options, improving mental health services, and implementing programs that help homeless individuals develop skills and find employment. This could include temporary subsidized housing tied to participation in job training or rehabilitation programs. Such an approach would address the immediate needs of the homeless while also promoting long-term independence and societal reintegration.
In conclusion, the issue of government responsibility for housing the homeless is complex and multifaceted. While free housing may seem like a straightforward solution, a more comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of homelessness and promotes self-sufficiency is likely to be more effective and sustainable in the long run.
(Word count: 375)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that would likely earn it a Band 8 or 9 score:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “While”, “On the other hand”, “Moreover”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “systemic issues”, “reintegrate”, “culture of dependency”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The problem of homelessness is big in many countries. Some people think the government should give free houses to homeless people, but others disagree. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support free government housing for the homeless say it’s important because everyone needs a place to live. They think that if homeless people have houses, they can get jobs and become part of society again. Also, it might save money for the government in the long run because they won’t have to spend so much on things like emergency rooms for sick homeless people.
However, other people think it’s not the government’s job to give free houses. They worry that it might make people lazy and not want to work. It’s also not fair to people who work hard to pay for their own houses. Some people think it would cost too much money and the government can’t afford it.
I think the government should help homeless people, but not just by giving free houses. They should make more cheap houses that people can afford to rent. They should also help homeless people get jobs and deal with problems like mental illness. Maybe they could give temporary houses to homeless people who are trying to get jobs.
In conclusion, homelessness is a difficult problem. While free housing might help some people, I think the government needs to do more than just give houses. They need to help homeless people in many ways to solve the problem properly.
(Word count: 269)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates qualities that would likely earn it a Band 6 or 7 score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the discussion of each view is less developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but uses simpler linking words (e.g., “However”, “Also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. There’s some attempt at using less common vocabulary (e.g., “in the long run”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good accuracy.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Government housing for homeless
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Homelessness (noun) – /ˈhoʊmlɪsnəs/ – The state of having no home
- Affordable housing (noun phrase) – /əˈfɔːrdəbl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/ – Housing that is reasonably priced for people with a median income
- Reintegrate (verb) – /riːˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – To bring back into society as a functioning member
- Systemic (adjective) – /sɪˈstɛmɪk/ – Relating to a system, especially as opposed to a particular part
- Cost-effective (adjective) – /kɒst ɪˈfɛktɪv/ – Effective or productive in relation to its cost
- Culture of dependency (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃər əv dɪˈpɛndənsi/ – A perceived situation where people rely too much on government support
- Subsidized (adjective) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/ – Supported with a subsidy (financial assistance)
- Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
- Self-sufficiency (noun) – /ˌsɛlf səˈfɪʃənsi/ – The ability to provide for oneself without help from others
- Root causes (noun phrase) – /ruːt ˈkɔːzɪz/ – The fundamental reasons for the occurrence of a problem
Conclusion
The topic of government responsibility in providing housing for the homeless is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for this and similar topics, consider practicing with variations such as:
- The role of charities vs. government in addressing homelessness
- Long-term solutions for reducing homelessness in cities
- Balancing the needs of homeless individuals with those of other low-income groups
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, develop your ideas with relevant examples, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and organize your essay coherently. Practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
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