The topic of making cities more environmentally friendly is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. It has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to growing global environmental concerns. Let’s examine a specific question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that the best way to make cities more environmentally friendly is to build more parks and green spaces. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question reflects the real-world challenges cities face in balancing urban development with environmental sustainability. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question asks for your opinion on a specific approach to making cities more environmentally friendly. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is making cities more environmentally friendly.
- The proposed solution is building more parks and green spaces.
- You need to express your level of agreement or disagreement.
- You should support your position with reasons and examples.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
While creating more parks and green spaces is undoubtedly beneficial for urban environments, I partially disagree that this is the best way to make cities more environmentally friendly. Although green spaces contribute significantly to environmental improvement, I believe a more comprehensive approach involving multiple strategies is necessary for optimal results.
Certainly, increasing the number of parks and green areas in cities offers numerous environmental benefits. These spaces act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby improving air quality. They also provide habitats for urban wildlife, promoting biodiversity within city limits. Moreover, green spaces help mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing overall temperatures in cities. For instance, New York City’s Central Park has been shown to lower temperatures in surrounding areas by up to 5 degrees Celsius during summer months.
However, I argue that relying solely on parks and green spaces is insufficient to address the complex environmental challenges faced by modern cities. A more holistic approach is required, incorporating various strategies to create truly sustainable urban environments. One crucial aspect is improving public transportation systems to reduce reliance on private vehicles, thus decreasing carbon emissions. Cities like Copenhagen, with its extensive cycling infrastructure, demonstrate how alternative transportation methods can significantly reduce a city’s carbon footprint.
Another vital strategy is implementing energy-efficient building standards and retrofitting existing structures. This approach not only reduces energy consumption but also lowers greenhouse gas emissions from urban areas. Singapore’s Green Mark Scheme, which mandates energy-efficient design in new buildings, serves as an excellent example of this practice.
Furthermore, cities should focus on waste management and recycling programs to minimize their environmental impact. San Francisco’s zero waste initiative, which aims to divert all waste from landfills and incinerators by 2020, showcases the potential of comprehensive waste management strategies in urban settings.
In conclusion, while parks and green spaces play a crucial role in enhancing urban environments, they should be part of a broader, multi-faceted approach to making cities more environmentally friendly. By combining green space development with improved public transportation, energy-efficient buildings, and effective waste management, cities can create more sustainable and livable environments for their residents.
(Word count: 349)
Urban green spaces and their environmental benefits
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I partly agree that building more parks and green spaces is the best way to make cities more environmentally friendly. While these areas are important, I think there are other methods that are equally effective.
Parks and green spaces have many benefits for cities. They help clean the air by absorbing pollution and producing oxygen. They also provide homes for birds and small animals, which is good for nature in cities. Additionally, green areas can make cities cooler in summer, which reduces the need for air conditioning. For example, in my city, a new park was built last year, and people say the air feels fresher in that area now.
However, I believe other approaches are also necessary to make cities more environmentally friendly. One important method is improving public transport. If more people use buses and trains instead of cars, it can greatly reduce pollution. The impact of corporate social responsibility on brand reputation shows that companies investing in eco-friendly transport solutions often gain public approval. Another effective strategy is promoting recycling and reducing waste. Many cities now have recycling programs that help reduce the amount of trash in landfills.
Energy-efficient buildings are another crucial factor in making cities greener. Using solar panels and better insulation can significantly reduce energy consumption. Some cities now require new buildings to meet certain energy efficiency standards, which is a step in the right direction.
In conclusion, while parks and green spaces are important for making cities more environmentally friendly, they are not the only solution. A combination of green areas, better public transport, recycling programs, and energy-efficient buildings is needed to create truly environmentally friendly cities.
(Word count: 272)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I agree that building more parks and green spaces is a good way to make cities more environmentally friendly. Green areas have many benefits for cities and people.
Firstly, parks and green spaces help clean the air in cities. Trees and plants absorb pollution and give out clean air. This is very important because many cities have bad air quality. For example, in my city, there is a big park in the center, and the air there is much cleaner than in other parts of the city.
Secondly, green spaces provide places for people to relax and exercise. When people have nice parks to visit, they may drive less and walk more. This can help reduce car pollution. Also, when people exercise in parks, they may use less electricity at home for things like treadmills.
Thirdly, parks and green spaces can help reduce the temperature in cities. Cities are often hotter than countryside areas because of all the buildings and roads. Trees and grass in parks can make the air cooler. This means people might use less air conditioning, which is good for the environment.
However, I think there are also other ways to make cities more environmentally friendly. How to promote social responsibility in business is relevant here, as companies can play a role in creating greener cities. For example, using less plastic and recycling more can help. Also, having better public transport can reduce car use and pollution.
In conclusion, I agree that more parks and green spaces are very important for making cities environmentally friendly. But I also think other methods should be used together with green spaces for the best results.
(Word count: 268)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates:
- Clear position with a nuanced argument (partial disagreement)
- Logical structure with well-developed ideas
- Wide range of vocabulary used accurately (e.g., “mitigate,” “urban heat island effect”)
- Varied sentence structures
- Relevant examples and evidence to support arguments
- Coherent paragraphs with clear progression of ideas
- Appropriate use of cohesive devices
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows:
- Clear position with some development of ideas
- Adequate range of vocabulary with some errors
- Mix of simple and complex sentence structures
- Some examples provided, though less specific than the Band 8-9 essay
- Generally coherent with some use of cohesive devices
- Paragraphs are mostly focused on a main idea
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay exhibits:
- Basic position with simple ideas
- Limited range of vocabulary with some repetition
- Mostly simple sentences with some errors
- Basic examples provided
- Some coherence but with less sophisticated use of cohesive devices
- Paragraphs present but may lack clear focus or development
Green building techniques for sustainable cities
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Environmentally friendly (adjective) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentəli ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
- Urban heat island effect (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd ɪˈfekt/ – a phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas
- Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
- Retrofit (verb) – /ˌriːtrəˈfɪt/ – to add a component or accessory to something that did not have it when manufactured
- Zero waste (noun) – /ˈzɪərəʊ weɪst/ – a set of principles focused on waste prevention
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Energy-efficient (adjective) – /ˈenərdʒi ɪˈfɪʃnt/ – using less energy to provide the same service
- Public transportation (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk ˌtrænspɔːrˈteɪʃn/ – forms of travel available to the public, typically run on schedules and fixed routes
- Green spaces (noun) – /griːn ˈspeɪsɪz/ – areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment
Conclusion
The topic of making cities more environmentally friendly is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. While we’ve explored one specific question, you may encounter variations such as:
- Discuss the most effective ways to reduce urban pollution.
- Should governments prioritize environmental concerns in urban planning?
- How can cities balance economic growth with environmental protection?
To prepare for these potential questions, practice writing essays that incorporate various aspects of urban environmental issues, including transportation, energy efficiency, waste management, and green spaces. Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
How to promote social responsibility in the corporate sector is another related topic you might find interesting, as it touches on how businesses can contribute to creating more sustainable urban environments.
