IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Urbanization’s Impact on Mental Health – Sample Band 8 and Band 6 Essays

Urbanization and its effects on mental health is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this theme is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. It’s particularly relevant for test-takers from rapidly developing countries like China, India, and Vietnam, where urbanization is a pressing issue.

Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this trend:

Some people believe that the growth of cities has a negative impact on people’s mental health. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Understand the concept of urbanization and its potential effects on mental health
2. Take a clear stance (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
3. Provide reasons and examples to support their opinion
4. Discuss both positive and negative aspects of urbanization in relation to mental health

Sample Essays

Band 8 Essay

In recent decades, the rapid expansion of urban areas has sparked debates about its consequences on various aspects of human life, including mental health. While some argue that city growth negatively impacts psychological well-being, I partially agree with this statement, as urbanization presents both challenges and opportunities for mental health.

On one hand, the growth of cities can indeed pose significant threats to mental health. The fast-paced lifestyle, high cost of living, and intense competition in urban areas often lead to increased stress levels and anxiety among city dwellers. Moreover, the lack of green spaces and overcrowding in many cities can contribute to feelings of claustrophobia and disconnection from nature, which are known to adversely affect mental well-being. Additionally, the breakdown of traditional community structures in urban environments may result in social isolation, a key factor in the development of depression and other mental health disorders.

However, it would be overly simplistic to claim that urbanization only has negative impacts on mental health. Cities also offer numerous advantages that can positively influence psychological well-being. Urban areas typically provide better access to mental health services, including specialized therapists and cutting-edge treatments, which may not be available in rural settings. Furthermore, cities often present diverse cultural and recreational opportunities that can enrich one’s life and provide outlets for stress relief. The concentration of educational and career opportunities in urban centers can also contribute to personal growth and self-actualization, important components of good mental health.

In conclusion, while the growth of cities undoubtedly presents challenges to mental health, it also offers potential benefits. The key lies in how urban development is managed and how individuals adapt to city life. By prioritizing green spaces, fostering community connections, and ensuring accessible mental health services, cities can mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on mental health while maximizing its positive aspects. Ultimately, a balanced approach to urban development is essential to create environments that support rather than hinder mental well-being.

(Word count: 309)

Band 6 Essay

Nowadays, many people think that the growth of cities has a bad effect on people’s mental health. I agree with this idea because living in big cities can cause many problems for people’s minds.

Firstly, cities are often very crowded and noisy. This can make people feel stressed and tired all the time. For example, in big cities like Mumbai or Beijing, there are so many people and cars on the streets that it’s hard to find a quiet place to relax. This constant noise and crowding can make people feel anxious and unable to sleep well.

Secondly, life in cities is usually more expensive than in rural areas. People have to work harder and longer hours to afford housing and other necessities. This can lead to a lot of pressure and worry about money, which is bad for mental health. Many people in cities like New York or Tokyo work very long hours and have little time for family or hobbies, which can make them feel unhappy.

However, cities also have some good points for mental health. There are more job opportunities and better hospitals in cities. This can help people feel more secure about their future and health. Also, cities have many entertainment options like cinemas and parks, which can help people relax and enjoy life.

In conclusion, I think the growth of cities mostly has a negative impact on mental health because of the stress and pressure of urban life. But there are also some positive aspects of city life that can help people’s mental well-being. It’s important for city planners to try to make cities less stressful and more livable for everyone.

(Word count: 272)

Explanation of Scores

Band 8 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a balanced view of both negative and positive impacts of urbanization on mental health.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect, and there’s effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On one hand”, “However”, “Furthermore”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “claustrophobia”, “self-actualization”, “mitigate”). There’s also good use of collocations (e.g., “rapid expansion”, “traditional community structures”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a wide range of complex structures used accurately. There’s a good mix of simple and complex sentences, and no noticeable errors.

Band 6 Essay Analysis

This essay shows competence but with some limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task but lacks the depth and nuance of the Band 8 essay. The position is clear, but the discussion is more limited.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a clear overall structure, but paragraphing is less sophisticated. Some cohesive devices are used (e.g., “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “However”), but not as varied as in the Band 8 essay.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words (e.g., “necessities”). However, it lacks the sophistication and precision of the Band 8 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety than the Band 8 essay. There are no major errors, but the structures are less complex overall.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process of making an area more urban
2. Mental well-being (noun phrase) /ˈmentl wel-ˈbiːɪŋ/ – the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy mentally
3. Claustrophobia (noun) /ˌklɔːstrəˈfəʊbiə/ – extreme or irrational fear of confined places
4. Social isolation (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃl ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃn/ – the state of having minimal contact with others
5. Self-actualization (noun) /ˌself ˌæktʃuəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the realization or fulfillment of one’s talents and potentialities
6. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
7. Overcrowding (noun) /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ/ – the state of being filled with too many people or things
8. Fast-paced (adjective) /fɑːst peɪst/ – moving or happening very quickly
9. Green spaces (noun phrase) /ɡriːn speɪsɪz/ – areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment
10. Community structures (noun phrase) /kəˈmjuːnəti ˈstrʌktʃəz/ – the organization and relationships between different parts or members of a community

Urban mental health services illustration

In conclusion, the topic of urbanization’s impact on mental health is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of urban planning in promoting mental health
• Comparing mental health in rural versus urban areas
• Strategies for maintaining mental well-being in fast-paced city environments

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given 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 exam.