Green rooftops in urban areas have become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme reflects growing global concerns about environmental sustainability and urban development. Based on recent IELTS exam trends, we can expect this subject to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-scoring responses to help you prepare for this potential topic.

Some people believe that green rooftops should be mandatory for all new buildings in urban areas. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analysis of the Question

This question asks for your opinion on making green rooftops compulsory for new urban buildings. To answer effectively, you should:

1. Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Conclude by summarizing your main points

Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Urban development has led to numerous environmental challenges, prompting some to advocate for mandatory green rooftops on new buildings in cities. I strongly agree with this proposition, as it offers substantial benefits for both the environment and urban dwellers.

Firstly, green rooftops play a crucial role in mitigating the urban heat island effect. By replacing heat-absorbing surfaces with vegetation, these rooftops can significantly reduce ambient temperatures in cities. This not only enhances comfort for residents but also decreases energy consumption for cooling, thus reducing carbon emissions. For instance, a study in Chicago found that widespread implementation of green roofs could lower the city’s average temperature by up to 3°C during summer months.

Moreover, green rooftops contribute to improved air quality and biodiversity in urban areas. Plants on these roofs act as natural air filters, absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. They also provide habitats for various species, including birds and insects, which are often scarce in concrete-dominated cityscapes. This biodiversity enhancement can have far-reaching positive impacts on urban ecosystems.

Additionally, green rooftops offer economic benefits. They extend the lifespan of roof membranes by protecting them from UV radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations. This durability can result in significant cost savings for building owners over time. Furthermore, these rooftops can increase property values and attract environmentally conscious tenants or buyers.

However, some may argue that mandating green rooftops could impose financial burdens on developers and building owners. While the initial installation costs can be higher than traditional roofing, the long-term benefits, including energy savings and increased property value, often outweigh these upfront expenses. Governments could also offer incentives or subsidies to offset initial costs and encourage adoption.

In conclusion, the numerous environmental, social, and economic advantages of green rooftops strongly justify their mandatory implementation in new urban buildings. By embracing this eco-friendly approach, cities can take a significant step towards creating more sustainable and livable urban environments for future generations.

Explanation for Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument with relevant examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “urban heat island effect” and “biodiversity.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex structures with a high degree of accuracy.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is thoroughly elaborated with specific examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether green rooftops should be required for all new buildings in cities. I partially agree with this idea because it has both advantages and disadvantages.

On the positive side, green rooftops can help improve the environment in urban areas. They can reduce air pollution by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Also, these rooftops can help lower temperatures in cities, which is important because cities are often hotter than surrounding areas due to all the concrete and asphalt. For example, a study in New York showed that green roofs could reduce local temperatures by up to 2°C.

Another benefit is that green rooftops can provide extra space for people to relax and enjoy nature. In crowded cities, it’s hard to find green spaces, so rooftop gardens can be a good solution. They can also help save energy by insulating buildings, which means less air conditioning is needed in summer and less heating in winter.

However, there are some drawbacks to making green rooftops mandatory. The main problem is the cost. Installing and maintaining a green roof is more expensive than a regular roof. This could be a big burden for some building owners or developers, especially for smaller buildings or in less wealthy areas. There might also be technical issues, like making sure the building can support the extra weight of soil and plants.

Urban rooftop garden with people relaxing

In conclusion, while green rooftops have many benefits for urban areas, making them compulsory for all new buildings might be too extreme. Instead, I think governments should encourage their use through incentives and education about their benefits. This way, more building owners might choose to install green roofs without feeling forced to do so.

Explanation for Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates good qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the argument could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: There is a good range of vocabulary, though at times it lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there are occasional errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with relevant ideas and examples, but some points could be elaborated further.

The effects of urban planning on quality of life is closely related to the implementation of green rooftops in cities. By incorporating such sustainable features, urban planners can significantly enhance the living conditions for city dwellers.

Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing on Green Rooftops

1. Urban heat island effect (noun) /ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd ɪˈfekt/: The phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities.

2. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

3. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.

4. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make less severe, serious, or painful; to lessen the gravity of an offense or mistake.

5. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

6. Carbon emissions (noun) /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

7. Insulation (noun) /ˌɪnsjʊˈleɪʃn/: The action of insulating something or the state of being insulated, often referring to protection from heat, sound, or electricity.

8. Ambient temperature (noun) /ˈæmbiənt ˈtemprətʃər/: The temperature of the surrounding environment.

9. Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/: Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

10. Mandate (verb) /ˈmændeɪt/: To authorize or decree a particular action, often in an official capacity.

Conclusion

The topic of green rooftops in urban areas is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of urban agriculture in food security
2. Balancing urban development with environmental conservation
3. Government policies to promote sustainable city planning

importance of urban gardens in food security is another crucial aspect that ties in closely with the concept of green rooftops, as both contribute to sustainable urban living.

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills and prepare you for success in the exam.