As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve observed that questions related to urban housing issues have become increasingly prevalent in recent exams. The topic of government intervention in rising housing prices is particularly relevant, given the global trend of urbanization and its associated challenges. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and in-depth analysis, focusing on the question: “How can governments tackle the issue of rising housing prices in major cities?”
Analyzing the Topic
Before we dive into the sample essays, let’s break down the question:
How can governments tackle the issue of rising housing prices in major cities?
This question requires candidates to:
- Identify the problem: Rising housing prices in major cities
- Focus on government actions: Solutions should be from a governmental perspective
- Provide multiple solutions: The plural “can” suggests discussing various approaches
Key areas to consider include:
- Urban planning and zoning laws
- Taxation policies
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Regulations on real estate speculation
- Infrastructure development
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses the question comprehensively:
The soaring cost of housing in metropolitan areas has become a pressing concern for governments worldwide. This essay will explore several effective strategies that authorities can implement to mitigate this issue and ensure more affordable housing for urban dwellers.
Firstly, governments can revise zoning laws and urban planning regulations to increase housing supply. By allowing for higher-density development in certain areas and relaxing restrictions on building heights, cities can accommodate more housing units within existing urban boundaries. For instance, Singapore has successfully implemented this approach, resulting in a more efficient use of limited land and increased housing availability.
Secondly, implementing targeted taxation policies can discourage speculation and promote affordable housing. Introducing progressive property taxes or vacant property taxes can deter investors from hoarding empty properties and encourage more properties to enter the market. Vancouver, Canada, has adopted such measures, imposing an “Empty Homes Tax” to address its housing crisis.
Moreover, governments can directly intervene by investing in affordable housing projects. This could involve partnering with private developers to create mixed-income communities or establishing public housing programs. Vienna’s social housing model, where the city government owns and manages a significant portion of the housing stock, has been lauded for maintaining affordability and social integration.
Additionally, improving transportation infrastructure can indirectly address housing affordability. By enhancing public transit links between city centers and outlying areas, governments can make more affordable suburban locations viable options for urban workers. Tokyo’s extensive rail network exemplifies how efficient public transportation can distribute population and housing demand more evenly across a metropolitan region.
Lastly, stricter regulations on foreign investment and real estate speculation can help curb artificial price inflation. Measures such as higher stamp duties for non-resident buyers or limitations on the number of properties an individual can own can help prioritize housing for local residents. New Zealand’s ban on foreign homeownership demonstrates a bold approach to addressing this aspect of the housing crisis.
In conclusion, tackling the issue of rising housing prices in major cities requires a multi-faceted approach from governments. By combining urban planning reforms, taxation strategies, direct investment in affordable housing, infrastructure development, and market regulations, authorities can work towards creating more accessible and affordable urban housing markets. While the specifics may vary based on local conditions, these overarching strategies provide a framework for addressing this critical issue in cities around the world.
(Word count: 377)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
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Task Response: The essay directly addresses the question, providing multiple, well-developed solutions from a governmental perspective.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific solution, and linking words (Firstly, Secondly, Moreover, Additionally, Lastly) guide the reader through the essay.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex terms related to urban planning and economics are used effectively (e.g., “zoning laws,” “progressive property taxes,” “mixed-income communities”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors. It uses conditionals, passive voice, and different tenses appropriately.
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Examples: The essay strengthens its arguments by providing specific, relevant examples from different countries (Singapore, Vancouver, Vienna, Tokyo, New Zealand).
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Conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces the multi-faceted nature of the solution.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Here’s a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
Rising house prices in big cities is a big problem for many people. Governments can do some things to help solve this issue. This essay will discuss some ways the government can tackle high housing costs in major cities.
One way the government can help is by building more houses. When there are more houses available, the prices might go down. The government can use empty land in the city to build new apartments or houses. This can help more people find a place to live that they can afford.
Another thing the government can do is make rules about how much rent landlords can charge. This is called rent control. It means that landlords can’t increase the rent too much each year. This can help people who are renting homes to afford to stay in the city.
The government can also give money to help people buy houses. This could be in the form of loans with low interest rates or grants for first-time home buyers. This can make it easier for people, especially young families, to buy their own homes in the city.
Lastly, the government can improve public transportation. If buses and trains are better, people might be willing to live further from the city center where houses are cheaper. This can help spread out the demand for housing and maybe lower prices in the central areas.
In conclusion, there are several ways governments can try to solve the problem of high housing prices in big cities. By building more houses, controlling rent, helping people buy homes, and improving transportation, they can make it easier for people to find affordable places to live in the city. These solutions might not fix the problem completely, but they can help make housing more affordable for many people.
(Word count: 295)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 response:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the question and provides several solutions, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with each paragraph focusing on a different solution. However, the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (One way, Another thing, Lastly).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay. Some attempt at using topic-specific vocabulary is made (e.g., “rent control,” “grants for first-time home buyers”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but with less variety than the Band 8-9 essay. There are no major grammatical errors, but the structures used are less sophisticated.
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Examples: The essay provides general ideas but lacks specific examples from real-world situations, which would have strengthened the arguments.
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Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points but doesn’t add much additional insight.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Housing
Here are some useful terms related to housing and urban planning that can enhance your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays:
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Urban sprawl (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən sprɔːl/: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land.
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Gentrification (noun) – /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/: The process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.
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Affordable housing (noun phrase) – /əˈfɔːrdəbl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/: Housing units that are affordable to a section of society whose income is below the median household income.
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Real estate speculation (noun phrase) – /rɪəl ɪˈsteɪt ˌspekjuˈleɪʃn/: The practice of buying property with the hope that its value will increase quickly.
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Zoning laws (noun phrase) – /ˈzəʊnɪŋ lɔːz/: Municipal regulations governing the use of land within a particular area.
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Housing bubble (noun phrase) – /ˈhaʊzɪŋ ˈbʌbl/: A run-up in housing prices fueled by demand, speculation, and exuberance.
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Rent control (noun phrase) – /rent kənˈtrəʊl/: A system of laws that limit how much landlords can charge for renting out a home or renewing a lease.
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Social housing (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/: Housing provided for people on low incomes or with particular needs by government agencies or non-profit organizations.
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Urban density (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈdensəti/: The number of people inhabiting a given urbanized area.
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Mixed-use development (noun phrase) – /mɪkst juːz dɪˈveləpmənt/: A type of urban development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses.
Conclusion
The issue of rising housing prices in major cities is a complex one that requires multifaceted solutions from governments. As we’ve seen in our sample essays, these can range from direct interventions like building affordable housing to indirect measures such as improving public transportation.
For future IELTS Writing Task 2 practice, consider exploring related topics such as:
- The impact of foreign investment on local housing markets
- The role of technology in addressing urban housing challenges
- Balancing environmental concerns with the need for more urban housing
- The pros and cons of high-density urban living
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about having good ideas, but also about expressing them clearly and coherently. Practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and the development of your arguments.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to practice and get feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!