Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Urban Sprawl’s Impact on City Infrastructure

Urban sprawl and its effects on city infrastructure is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve observed this theme appearing with increasing frequency, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a relevant question, provide sample essays for different band scores, and offer in-depth analysis to help you excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Analyzing the Topic and Question

Let’s begin by examining a question that aligns closely with recent IELTS trends:

Urban sprawl is causing significant strain on city infrastructure. Some people believe that governments should restrict urban development to prevent this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

This question addresses a critical issue in urban planning and development. It requires you to consider the relationship between urban sprawl and infrastructure challenges, and then evaluate the proposition of government intervention. Let’s break down the key elements:

1. The main topic: Urban sprawl and its impact on city infrastructure
2. The proposed solution: Government restrictions on urban development
3. Your task: Express your level of agreement or disagreement with this solution

Key Considerations

• Define urban sprawl and its effects on infrastructure
• Discuss the pros and cons of government restrictions on urban development
• Consider alternative solutions or approaches
• Support your arguments with relevant examples and reasoning

Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-band response.

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response

Urban expansion and its consequent strain on city infrastructure is an increasingly pressing issue in many rapidly developing nations. While some advocate for governmental restrictions on urban development as a solution, I partially agree with this view, believing that a more nuanced approach is necessary to address the complexities of urban growth and infrastructure management.

Undoubtedly, uncontrolled urban sprawl can lead to significant infrastructure challenges. As cities expand outwards, the cost of extending essential services such as water supply, sewage systems, and public transportation increases exponentially. This not only strains public budgets but can also result in inadequate service provision for residents in newly developed areas. Moreover, sprawl often leads to increased car dependency, exacerbating traffic congestion and air pollution. In this context, government intervention to limit urban expansion seems logical and necessary.

However, blanket restrictions on urban development may have unintended negative consequences. Such policies could lead to housing shortages, driving up property prices and potentially creating social inequalities. Additionally, restricting growth might stifle economic development, as businesses and industries often require space to expand. Instead of outright restrictions, governments should focus on smart growth strategies that promote high-density, mixed-use developments within existing urban boundaries. This approach can help accommodate population growth while minimizing infrastructure strain.

A more effective solution would involve a multifaceted approach combining urban planning, technological innovation, and community engagement. For instance, implementing transit-oriented development can reduce car dependency and optimize the use of public transportation. Investing in green infrastructure and sustainable technologies can help manage resources more efficiently. Furthermore, encouraging the renovation and repurposing of existing structures in urban cores can revitalize cities without expanding their footprint.

In conclusion, while government intervention is crucial in managing urban sprawl and its impact on infrastructure, outright restrictions on development are not the only answer. A balanced approach that combines smart growth strategies, technological solutions, and community-focused planning is more likely to create sustainable, livable cities that can efficiently manage their infrastructure needs.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high-band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view. It discusses both the merits and drawbacks of government restrictions, offering alternative solutions.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central theme, and ideas are logically connected using cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex phrases like “unintended negative consequences” and “multifaceted approach” demonstrate lexical sophistication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex structures used accurately. Conditional sentences, passive voice, and complex noun phrases are all employed effectively.

5. Critical Thinking: The response goes beyond surface-level analysis, considering multiple perspectives and proposing innovative solutions.

Urban sprawl impact on city infrastructure

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response

Urban sprawl is a big problem for many cities today, causing difficulties for infrastructure. Some people think the government should stop cities from growing too much to solve this issue. I partly agree with this idea, but I think there are other things we should consider too.

It’s true that when cities grow too fast, it can cause problems for infrastructure. For example, when new houses are built far from the city center, it costs a lot of money to build roads, water pipes, and electricity lines to these areas. This can be very expensive for the government. Also, when people live far from their workplaces, it means more cars on the roads, which leads to traffic jams and pollution. So, it makes sense that some people want the government to stop this kind of growth.

However, completely stopping urban development might not be the best solution. If the government doesn’t allow cities to grow at all, it could cause other problems. For instance, if there aren’t enough new houses being built, the price of homes might go up a lot, making it hard for people to afford to live in the city. Also, businesses need space to grow, and if they can’t expand in the city, they might move to other places, which could be bad for the local economy.

I think a better approach would be for the government to plan city growth more carefully. Instead of just stopping all development, they could encourage building taller buildings in the city center, so more people can live there without the city spreading out too much. They could also improve public transportation, so people don’t need to use cars as much. Another good idea would be to create smaller town centers in different parts of the city, so people don’t always have to travel to the main city center for work or shopping.

In conclusion, while I agree that urban sprawl is a problem for city infrastructure, I don’t think completely stopping urban development is the answer. Instead, governments should focus on better planning and smart growth to make cities that work well for everyone.

(Word count: 336)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be developed more fully with more specific examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. Basic cohesive devices are used, but there could be more sophisticated linking of ideas.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at more sophisticated expressions. However, there’s room for more precise and varied vocabulary.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are some attempts at more complex structures, but these could be more varied.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows some evidence of critical thinking, considering both sides of the argument and offering alternative solutions. However, the analysis could be deeper and more nuanced.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urban sprawl (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən sprɔːl/ – the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
2. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
3. Strain (noun/verb) – /streɪn/ – pressure or tension exerted on a material object / to put pressure on
4. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful
5. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
6. Transit-oriented development (noun phrase) – /ˈtræn.zɪt ˈɔː.ri.en.tɪd dɪˈvel.əp.mənt/ – a type of urban development that maximizes the amount of residential, business and leisure space within walking distance of public transport
7. Revitalize (verb) – /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – imbue (something) with new life and vitality
8. Exponentially (adverb) – /ˌek.spəˈnen.ʃəl.i/ – at an increasingly rapid rate
9. Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
10. Smart growth (noun phrase) – /smɑːrt ɡrəʊθ/ – an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in compact walkable urban centers to avoid sprawl

Conclusion

Urban sprawl and its impact on city infrastructure is a complex topic that requires careful consideration. By understanding the key issues and practicing with sample essays like those provided, you can develop the skills needed to tackle this and similar questions in your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Remember, the key to success lies in addressing all parts of the question, organizing your ideas coherently, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and demonstrating critical thinking. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and related themes to improve your skills further.

For additional practice, consider writing essays on these related topics:

1. The role of technology in managing urban infrastructure
2. Balancing economic growth with sustainable urban development
3. The impact of urban planning on social equality in cities

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam. Good luck with your preparation!