Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Urban Planning for Sustainable Cities (Band 6-9)

Urban planning and sustainable city development are increasingly important topics in our rapidly urbanizing world. This theme has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions over the past few years, reflecting its growing relevance. Based on current trends, it’s likely that questions related to urban planning and sustainability will continue to feature prominently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question on this topic and analyze how to approach it effectively.

Some people believe that governments should focus on planning and building cities that are environmentally friendly. Others argue that there are more important priorities for governments to address. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question presents a classic IELTS Task 2 format – discussing two contrasting views and providing your own opinion. The topic revolves around the government’s role in urban planning, specifically focusing on environmentally friendly cities versus other priorities. To answer this effectively, candidates need to:

1. Discuss the importance of environmentally friendly urban planning
2. Explore other government priorities that may be considered more important
3. Present a balanced argument and provide a clear personal opinion

Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores to see how this question can be approached.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Urban planning has become a critical issue in today’s world, with some advocating for governments to prioritize the development of environmentally friendly cities. While this approach has its merits, others argue that governments should focus on more pressing matters. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.

Proponents of environmentally conscious urban planning argue that it is crucial for sustainable development and combating climate change. By designing cities with green spaces, efficient public transportation, and renewable energy systems, governments can significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life for residents. For instance, cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have successfully implemented bike-friendly infrastructure and green building practices, resulting in cleaner air and healthier populations. These examples demonstrate the long-term benefits of prioritizing eco-friendly urban development.

On the other hand, critics contend that governments face more urgent challenges that demand immediate attention. Issues such as poverty, healthcare, education, and economic stability are often seen as more pressing concerns, especially in developing countries. They argue that allocating substantial resources to environmentally friendly urban planning may divert funds from these critical areas, potentially exacerbating existing social and economic problems. For example, a government might choose to invest in building new schools or hospitals instead of creating green spaces or implementing sustainable transportation systems.

In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that environmentally friendly urban planning should be integrated into a holistic approach to governance. Governments need not choose between addressing immediate social needs and planning for a sustainable future; rather, these goals can be pursued simultaneously. By incorporating green initiatives into broader development plans, governments can create synergies that address multiple challenges at once. For instance, investing in green public transportation not only reduces emissions but also improves mobility for low-income residents, thereby addressing both environmental and social concerns.

In conclusion, while the debate between prioritizing eco-friendly urban planning and addressing other pressing issues is valid, I believe the most effective approach is to view these concerns as interconnected rather than mutually exclusive. Governments should strive to balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability goals, recognizing that environmentally conscious urban development can contribute to solving a wide range of social and economic challenges.

(Word count: 368)

Sustainable urban planning and green city design

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In recent years, there has been a debate about whether governments should focus on building environmentally friendly cities or concentrate on other important issues. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Some people think that governments should prioritize planning and building eco-friendly cities. They believe this is important because it can help reduce pollution and improve the quality of life for citizens. For example, cities with more green spaces and better public transport can have cleaner air and less traffic congestion. This can make people healthier and happier. Additionally, environmentally friendly cities can help fight climate change by reducing carbon emissions.

However, others argue that governments have more important things to focus on. They say that issues like education, healthcare, and job creation should come first. These people believe that improving these areas will have a more immediate and significant impact on people’s lives. For instance, building more schools or hospitals might be seen as more urgent than creating bike lanes or parks.

In my opinion, both views have some truth to them. While I agree that eco-friendly urban planning is important for the future, I also think that governments cannot ignore other pressing issues. I believe the best approach is to try to balance these different priorities. Governments could look for ways to make cities more environmentally friendly while also addressing other important needs. For example, they could create green job programs that both help the environment and provide employment opportunities.

In conclusion, while building environmentally friendly cities is important, governments need to consider all aspects of their citizens’ wellbeing. A balanced approach that addresses both environmental concerns and other crucial issues is likely to be the most effective strategy for creating better cities and societies.

(Word count: 293)

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

There is a discussion about what governments should focus on. Some people think they should make cities that are good for the environment. Other people think there are more important things to do. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who want environmentally friendly cities say it is important because it can help stop pollution. They think if cities have more trees and parks, and good buses and trains, it will be better for people. The air will be cleaner and people will be healthier. Also, it can help with climate change problems.

But other people think governments should do other things first. They say education, health care, and jobs are more important. They think these things help people more quickly. For example, building a new hospital might help more people than making a new park.

I think both ideas are good. Environmentally friendly cities are important for the future. But other things like education and health are also very important. I think governments should try to do both. They could make plans that help the environment and also help people in other ways.

In conclusion, I think governments should try to make cities better for the environment, but they should also focus on other important things. They need to find a way to do both to make life better for everyone.

(Word count: 218)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. Key strengths include:

1. Clear structure with a well-developed introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
2. Balanced discussion of both viewpoints with relevant examples (Copenhagen, Amsterdam).
3. Advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures (e.g., “Proponents of environmentally conscious urban planning argue…”)
4. A nuanced personal opinion that synthesizes both perspectives.
5. Coherent arguments with smooth transitions between ideas.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. Notable features include:

1. Clear structure with distinct paragraphs for each viewpoint and a conclusion.
2. Adequate discussion of both perspectives with some examples.
3. Good use of linking words and phrases (e.g., “However,” “Additionally”).
4. A clear personal opinion, though less nuanced than the Band 8-9 essay.
5. Some range in vocabulary, but less precise and varied than the higher band essay.

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has several limitations:

1. Simple structure with basic paragraphing.
2. Limited development of ideas with few specific examples.
3. Basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures.
4. Personal opinion is present but not well-developed.
5. Some coherence, but ideas are not always clearly linked.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urban planning (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – the process of designing and organizing urban areas
2. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
3. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities
4. Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
5. Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
6. Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
7. Public transportation (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk ˌtrænspɔːˈteɪʃn/ – forms of transport available for public use
8. Green spaces (noun) – /ɡriːn speɪsɪz/ – areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment
9. Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
10. Synergy (noun) – /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects

Urban planning and sustainable development diagram

In conclusion, the topic of urban planning and sustainable city development is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of technology in creating smart, sustainable cities
2. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in urban areas
3. The challenges of implementing sustainable urban planning in developing countries
4. The impact of urban design on community well-being and social cohesion

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. As a practical exercise, try writing your own essay on the question discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare you for success in the exam.

The importance of free speech in a democratic society is another crucial topic that often appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. While it may seem unrelated to urban planning, both topics deal with fundamental aspects of societal development and governance. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, it’s valuable to explore a wide range of social and political issues to broaden your perspective and enhance your ability to articulate complex ideas.