The topic of community involvement in local policies is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on recent trends and historical data from past exams, this subject has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Its relevance to various social and political contexts makes it an essential topic for IELTS candidates to prepare for. Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those found in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that local residents should have a greater say in decisions about their community, while others think that government officials are better equipped to make these choices. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the advantages of local residents having more influence in community decisions
- Explore the benefits of government officials making these choices
- Provide a personal opinion on which approach is more effective
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to demonstrate how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Community decision-making is a contentious issue, with some advocating for increased local involvement and others favoring government-led choices. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach incorporating local input and governmental expertise is most effective.
Proponents of greater local involvement argue that residents have intimate knowledge of their community’s needs and challenges. This firsthand experience can lead to more tailored and effective solutions. For instance, local residents might identify the need for a community center in a specific neighborhood, addressing social isolation issues that government officials may overlook. Additionally, involving citizens in decision-making processes fosters a sense of ownership and civic responsibility, potentially increasing community engagement and satisfaction.
Conversely, those who support government-led decision-making contend that elected officials and civil servants possess the necessary expertise and resources to make informed choices. They argue that professional urban planners and policy experts can leverage data and best practices from other communities to implement effective solutions. Moreover, government officials can maintain a broader perspective, balancing the needs of various communities and ensuring equitable resource allocation across a wider area.
In my opinion, the most effective approach combines both local input and governmental expertise. A collaborative model where government officials actively seek and incorporate community feedback can harness the strengths of both perspectives. This approach ensures that local knowledge informs policy decisions while benefiting from the resources and expertise of governmental bodies. For example, town hall meetings and citizen advisory boards can provide platforms for residents to voice concerns and suggestions, which officials can then evaluate and integrate into their planning processes.
The importance of community involvement in governance is evident in successful urban development projects worldwide. By fostering open communication channels between residents and officials, communities can develop more responsive and effective policies that address local needs while maintaining a broader perspective on governance.
In conclusion, while both local involvement and government-led decision-making have their merits, a collaborative approach that combines these elements is likely to yield the most beneficial outcomes for communities. This balanced strategy ensures that policies are both locally relevant and professionally informed, leading to more sustainable and satisfactory community development.
(Word count: 345)
Community involvement in local policy decision-making
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should make decisions about local communities is important. Some people think residents should have more say, while others believe government officials are better for this job. Both sides have good points, and I will discuss them before giving my opinion.
Local residents know their community very well. They live there every day and understand what problems exist and what needs to be improved. For example, if there is a need for a new park or better public transport, locals will know this first. When residents are involved in decisions, they feel more connected to their community and may be more willing to help make changes happen.
On the other hand, government officials have special training and knowledge about how to run communities. They can see the bigger picture and make decisions that might be good for many different areas, not just one. Officials also have access to more resources and information that can help them make better choices. They might know about new ideas or technologies that could help solve problems in the community.
In my opinion, the best way is to have both local residents and government officials work together. This way, we can use the knowledge of locals and the expertise of officials to make the best decisions. Communities could have meetings where residents can share their ideas, and officials can explain their plans. This would help everyone understand each other better and find good solutions.
The role of local communities in environmental protection is a good example of how this cooperation can work. When locals and officials work together on environmental issues, they often find better ways to protect nature and improve the community at the same time.
To conclude, while both local involvement and government decision-making have advantages, I believe a mix of both is the best approach. This would lead to better decisions that help the community and make everyone feel involved.
(Word count: 323)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
People have different ideas about who should make decisions for communities. Some think local people should do it, but others say government officials are better. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
Local people know their area well. They live there and see problems every day. If they make decisions, they might fix things faster. Also, when local people help decide, they feel good about their community. This can make them want to help more.
But government officials have special knowledge. They study how to run cities and towns. They might know things that local people don’t know. Officials can also think about many areas at once, not just one place. This could be good for everyone.
I think both local people and officials should work together. This way, we can use everyone’s ideas. Local people can tell officials what they need, and officials can use their knowledge to help. This could make everyone happy.
The importance of community support in disaster recovery shows why working together is good. When disasters happen, both local people and officials need to help. This makes recovery faster and better.
In conclusion, I believe that local people and government officials should both help make decisions. This is the best way to make good choices for communities.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression throughout
- Uses cohesive devices effectively
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently with clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices but not always appropriately or accurately
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause strain for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or overuse of cohesive devices
IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring criteria
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- intimate knowledge (noun phrase) /ˈɪntɪmət ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ – deep, detailed understanding
- civic responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈsɪvɪk rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – duties and obligations of citizens
- leverage (verb) /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ – use to maximum advantage
- equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial
- collaborative (adjective) /kəˈlæbərətɪv/ – involving two or more parties working together
- sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain level
- expertise (noun) /ˌekspɜːrˈtiːz/ – expert skill or knowledge in a particular field
- perspective (noun) /pəˈspektɪv/ – a particular way of considering something
- cohesive (adjective) /kəʊˈhiːsɪv/ – characterized by unity and working together effectively
In conclusion, the topic of community involvement in local policies is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of public consultation in urban planning
- Balancing local needs with national interests in policy-making
- The impact of citizen participation on government transparency
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentences, and always address all parts of the question. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the sample question provided and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.