Urban farming and food security represent recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in questions about environmental sustainability and urban development. Based on analysis of past exam papers, this topic has appeared frequently in various forms since 2019, with a notably high occurrence in 2022-2023. Let’s examine a recent task that exemplifies how this topic is tested.
How urban farming can enhance food security in cities has become increasingly relevant as cities grow and food security challenges emerge.
Some people believe that urban farming is the best solution to address food security issues in cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Task Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on urban farming’s role in food security
- Evaluate the effectiveness of urban farming as a solution
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Consider potential limitations or alternative solutions
Band 9 Sample Essay
Modern cities face growing challenges in ensuring food security for their populations, and while urban farming offers numerous benefits, I partially agree that it is the best solution to address food security issues.
Urban farming undoubtedly presents several significant advantages in promoting food security. Firstly, it allows cities to produce fresh vegetables and fruits locally, reducing dependency on long-distance transportation and ensuring fresher produce for urban residents. For example, Singapore has successfully implemented rooftop farming initiatives that now supply about 20% of the city’s vegetable needs. Secondly, urban farming creates sustainable food systems by utilizing unused urban spaces, such as rooftops and vacant lots, while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions from food transportation.
However, urban farming alone cannot be considered the complete solution to food security. The primary limitation is space constraint, as most cities lack sufficient areas to produce food at a scale that could feed their entire population. Additionally, how to address food insecurity through sustainable agriculture requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improving distribution systems, reducing food waste, and ensuring affordability.
Therefore, while urban farming significantly contributes to food security, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes traditional agriculture, efficient distribution networks, and policy measures to ensure equitable food access.
Band 7 Sample Essay
In recent years, urban farming has gained attention as a potential solution to food security problems in cities. While I believe it offers important benefits, I partially agree that it is the best solution.
Urban farming can help improve food security in several ways. It provides fresh vegetables and fruits to city residents, which helps reduce dependence on imported food. For instance, many cities now encourage rooftop gardens and community farms that produce local food. These projects also help reduce transportation costs and make fresh food more available.
However, there are some limitations to urban farming. The main problem is that cities don’t have enough space to grow food for everyone. How to promote sustainable agriculture in developing countries shows that traditional farming is still necessary. Also, urban farming requires special skills and resources that not everyone has.
In conclusion, while urban farming helps with food security, it should be combined with other solutions like better food distribution and traditional farming methods.
Key Vocabulary
- Food security (n) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – reliable access to sufficient food
- Urban farming (n) /ˈɜːbən ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ – agricultural practice in cities
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – environmentally maintainable long-term
- Implementation (n) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – putting into effect
- Multi-faceted (adj) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many aspects
- Distribution networks (n) /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃn ˈnetwɜːks/ – systems for delivering goods
- Equitable (adj) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial
For further practice, consider writing about should genetically modified crops be used to solve food scarcity, as this topic often appears in combination with urban farming questions. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.