IELTS Writing Task 2: Urban Sprawl’s Environmental Impact – Sample Essays and Analysis for Different Band Scores

Urban sprawl and its environmental consequences have become increasingly significant topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms over the past few years, reflecting growing global concerns about sustainable urban development. Based on recent trends, it’s likely that questions related to urban sprawl and its environmental impact will continue to be prevalent in future IELTS exams.

Let’s examine a relevant question that mirrors the style and complexity of recent IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts:

Many cities are expanding rapidly, leading to the phenomenon of urban sprawl. What are the environmental consequences of this trend, and what measures can be taken to address these issues?

Analysis of the Question

This question is a typical example of a problem-solution essay in IELTS Writing Task 2. It consists of two main parts:

1. Discussing the environmental consequences of urban sprawl
2. Proposing measures to address these issues

To effectively answer this question, candidates should:

• Clearly identify and explain at least 2-3 environmental consequences of urban sprawl
• Suggest practical and relevant measures to address these issues
• Provide specific examples to support their arguments
• Ensure a balanced discussion of both parts of the question

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.

Urban sprawl and environmental impact

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Urban expansion, often referred to as urban sprawl, has become a significant global phenomenon with far-reaching environmental repercussions. This essay will explore the environmental consequences of this trend and propose measures to mitigate its impact.

The environmental ramifications of urban sprawl are multifaceted and severe. Firstly, the expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas leads to extensive loss of natural habitats and biodiversity. As concrete jungles encroach upon forests, wetlands, and grasslands, countless species are displaced or face extinction. Secondly, urban sprawl contributes significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The increased dependence on automobiles for transportation in sprawling urban areas results in higher carbon dioxide emissions, exacerbating climate change. Lastly, the expansion of impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots disrupts natural water cycles, leading to increased flooding risks and degradation of water quality in nearby ecosystems.

To address these pressing issues, several measures can be implemented. One crucial step is the adoption of smart growth policies that promote compact, high-density urban development. By encouraging vertical growth and mixed-use zoning, cities can accommodate population increases without expanding their geographical footprint. Additionally, investing in efficient public transportation systems can reduce reliance on private vehicles, thereby cutting down on emissions and pollution. Furthermore, implementing green infrastructure initiatives, such as urban forests and green roofs, can help mitigate the loss of natural habitats and improve air quality within cities.

In conclusion, while urban sprawl poses significant environmental challenges, there are viable solutions at hand. By embracing sustainable urban planning principles and investing in green technologies, we can strike a balance between urban development and environmental preservation. The onus is on policymakers, urban planners, and citizens alike to prioritize these measures for the well-being of our planet and future generations.

(Word count: 292)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing multiple environmental consequences and proposing several relevant measures.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Lastly,” “Additionally,” “Furthermore”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “multifaceted,” “encroach upon,” “exacerbating,” “impervious surfaces”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Urban sprawl is becoming a big problem in many countries. This essay will discuss its effects on the environment and some ways to solve these issues.

One of the main environmental problems caused by urban sprawl is the loss of green spaces. When cities grow outwards, they often take over farmland and forests. This means less space for plants and animals to live. Another issue is increased pollution. As cities spread out, people have to drive more to get to work or shops. This leads to more cars on the road and more air pollution.

To address these problems, there are several things we can do. First, city planners should focus on building up instead of out. This means making taller buildings in the city center rather than spreading into the countryside. Also, improving public transport can help. If buses and trains are better, fewer people will need to use cars. Finally, creating more parks and green spaces within cities can help replace some of the nature that was lost.

In conclusion, urban sprawl has negative effects on the environment, but there are ways to reduce these impacts. It’s important for governments and city planners to think carefully about how cities grow to protect the environment.

(Word count: 213)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but uses simpler linking words (e.g., “One of the main,” “Another issue,” “First,” “Also,” “Finally”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but less sophisticated than the higher band essay (e.g., “big problem,” “take over,” “spread out”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay.

Sample Essay for Band 5-6

Urban sprawl is when cities get bigger and bigger. It causes many problems for the environment. In this essay, I will talk about these problems and some solutions.

When cities grow, they destroy nature. Trees are cut down to make houses and roads. Animals lose their homes. Also, more people use cars in big cities. This makes the air dirty. It’s bad for people’s health.

There are some things we can do to help. We should build tall buildings instead of small houses. This saves space. We should also make better buses and trains. If people use these, they won’t need cars so much. Planting trees in the city is also good. It makes the air cleaner.

To sum up, urban sprawl is bad for nature, but we can do things to help. We need to be careful about how we build our cities.

(Word count: 137)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a lower-range response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the basic requirements of the task but lacks depth and detail.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a simple organizational structure but lacks sophisticated linking words.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, with simple word choices (e.g., “get bigger,” “dirty,” “bad”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with limited complexity.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urban sprawl (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən sprɔːl/ – the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
2. Encroach (verb) – /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/ – to gradually take away someone’s rights or intrude on their space
3. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
4. Impervious (adjective) – /ɪmˈpɜːviəs/ – not allowing fluid to pass through
5. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make less severe, serious, or painful
6. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
7. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
8. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

In conclusion, the topic of urban sprawl and its environmental impact is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The balance between urban development and environmental conservation
• Sustainable city planning and its challenges
• The role of technology in addressing urban environmental issues

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.