Urban population growth has become a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in recent years. This trend reflects global concerns about urbanization and its effects on city residents. Similar questions have appeared in tests from 2019-2023, particularly in countries experiencing rapid urban development like China, India, and Vietnam.
Global urban population growth trends and projections from 1950-2050
Analysis of Recent IELTS Questions on Urban Growth
Here’s one of the most representative questions from recent IELTS tests:
Some people believe that the rapid growth of city populations brings more benefits than drawbacks to city residents. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Question Analysis
- Topic: Urban population growth
- Task: Opinion essay (agree/disagree)
- Focus: Benefits vs. drawbacks for residents
- Key areas to address: Economic, social, and environmental impacts
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The unprecedented growth of urban populations has sparked debate about its impact on city dwellers. While this phenomenon presents certain advantages, I firmly believe that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits for residents.
The rapid expansion of city populations can indeed bring some positive outcomes. First and foremost, it creates a larger workforce and consumer base, driving economic growth and business opportunities. Additionally, increased population density can lead to more efficient public services and infrastructure development, as governments invest more in areas with higher population concentration.
However, the negative consequences are more significant and far-reaching. The most critical issue is the strain on housing availability and affordability. As how urbanization contributes to loss of natural habitats, property prices skyrocket, forcing many residents into substandard living conditions or distant suburbs. Moreover, overcrowding leads to severe traffic congestion, increased pollution, and deteriorating quality of life. The pressure on public services such as healthcare and education often results in longer waiting times and reduced service quality.
Furthermore, rapid urbanization often leads to social problems. The breakdown of community bonds, increased crime rates, and mental health issues are common in densely populated cities. As how urbanization affects wildlife habitats, the loss of green spaces and recreational areas further diminishes residents’ well-being.
In conclusion, while rapid urban population growth offers some economic advantages, its negative impacts on housing, infrastructure, environment, and social fabric significantly reduce the quality of life for city residents. Governments must implement careful urban planning strategies to mitigate these challenges.
Urban challenges including traffic congestion and air pollution in megacities
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Many cities are getting bigger these days, and people have different opinions about whether this is good or bad. I think rapid city growth has more negative effects than positive ones for people living there.
One good thing about growing cities is more jobs. When cities get bigger, new companies come and create work opportunities. Also, bigger cities have more shops and entertainment places, which makes life more convenient for residents.
However, there are many problems with fast city growth. First, houses become very expensive, and many people cannot afford to buy or rent good homes. Second, there is too much traffic on the roads, which causes pollution and wastes people’s time. The city services like hospitals and schools become too crowded.
Another big problem is that cities become less friendly. People don’t know their neighbors anymore, and there is more stress because of the noise and busy lifestyle. Sometimes there is more crime in big cities too.
In conclusion, although city growth brings some benefits like more jobs, it causes many serious problems for residents. The government should try to control city growth better.
Key Vocabulary
- unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ – never having happened or existed before
- urbanization (n) /ˌɜː.bən.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – the process of more people living in cities
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪn.frə.strʌk.tʃər/ – basic systems and services
- deteriorating (adj) /dɪˈtɪə.ri.ə.reɪ.tɪŋ/ – becoming worse
- congestion (n) /kənˈdʒes.tʃən/ – too much traffic
- substandard (adj) /ˌsʌbˈstæn.dəd/ – below normal quality
- skyrocket (v) /ˈskaɪ.rɒk.ɪt/ – rise very quickly
- mitigation (n) /ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ – reducing the seriousness of something
Additional Practice Topics
- “Urban population growth affects the environment more than it affects people. Do you agree?”
- “Should governments limit the growth of major cities?”
- “Compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in a rapidly growing city versus a small town.”
Feel free to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback!
