IELTS Writing Task 2: How Local Governments Can Promote Sustainable Urban Planning – Sample Essays for Different Band Scores

Sustainable urban planning is a crucial topic in today’s world, addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and environmental concerns. This subject has been appearing with increasing frequency in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, reflecting its global importance. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to urban sustainability in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and explore how to approach it effectively.

Sustainable Urban Planning Concept

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that local governments should focus on making towns and cities more environmentally friendly, while others believe there are more important priorities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category. It requires you to:

1. Explain why some people think local governments should prioritize environmental friendliness in urban areas.
2. Present the opposing view that there are more important priorities for local governments.
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In an era of rapid urbanization, the debate over local government priorities has intensified. While some argue that creating environmentally friendly towns and cities should be the primary focus, others contend that there are more pressing issues to address. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of environmentally friendly urban development argue that it is crucial for long-term sustainability and quality of life. They assert that by implementing green initiatives such as renewable energy systems, efficient public transportation, and urban green spaces, local governments can significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Moreover, these measures can enhance residents’ well-being by providing healthier living environments and reducing the impact of climate change. For instance, cities like Copenhagen have successfully prioritized sustainability, resulting in cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion, and increased citizen satisfaction.

On the other hand, those who believe there are more important priorities often point to immediate socioeconomic concerns. They argue that issues such as unemployment, affordable housing, and education should take precedence over environmental initiatives. This perspective emphasizes that addressing these fundamental needs is essential for the overall welfare of the community. For example, investing in job creation programs or improving public schools might have a more direct and immediate impact on citizens’ lives than implementing green technologies.

In my opinion, while both viewpoints have merit, I believe that focusing on environmental friendliness is not only important but also complementary to other urban priorities. By adopting sustainable practices, local governments can create jobs in green industries, reduce long-term energy costs, and improve public health – all of which contribute to addressing socioeconomic concerns. Furthermore, as climate change poses an increasingly urgent threat, prioritizing environmental measures is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability and resilience of urban areas.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for prioritizing various urban issues, I contend that creating environmentally friendly cities is a multifaceted approach that can simultaneously address immediate needs and long-term sustainability. Local governments should strive to integrate green initiatives into their overall urban development strategies, recognizing that environmental health is inextricably linked to social and economic well-being.

(Word count: 339)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:

1. Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a personal opinion.

2. Coherence and cohesion: Ideas flow smoothly between paragraphs, with effective use of linking words and phrases (e.g., “Moreover,” “On the other hand,” “Furthermore”).

3. Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “rapid urbanization,” “long-term sustainability,” “socioeconomic concerns”).

4. Grammatical range and accuracy: Various complex sentence structures are used correctly, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.

5. Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a well-developed personal opinion.

6. Examples and elaboration: Specific examples (Copenhagen, green industries) are used to support arguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Nowadays, there is a debate about what local governments should focus on in towns and cities. Some people think making places more environmentally friendly is the most important thing, while others believe there are more important issues to deal with. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On one hand, those who support environmentally friendly cities say it’s very important for our future. They think that by doing things like using more renewable energy, having better public transport, and creating more parks, we can reduce pollution and make cities healthier. This can help people live better lives and also fight against climate change. For example, some cities have already started doing this and have seen good results.

However, other people argue that there are more important things to worry about. They say that problems like not having enough jobs, expensive housing, and poor education are more urgent. These people think that solving these problems will help people more directly and quickly. For instance, if the government spends money on creating jobs, it might help more people right away than planting trees.

In my opinion, I think both sides have good points, but I believe that making cities more environmentally friendly is very important and can also help with other problems. By focusing on the environment, we can create new jobs in green industries, save money on energy in the long run, and make people healthier. All of these things can help with the other problems that people are worried about.

To conclude, while there are many important issues for local governments to deal with, I think that making cities more environmentally friendly should be a top priority. It can help solve many problems at once and is important for our future.

(Word count: 295)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates several characteristics that place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.

2. Coherence and cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with separate paragraphs for each view and a conclusion. Basic linking words are used (e.g., “On one hand,” “However,” “To conclude”), but the cohesion could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, but it lacks the range and precision of higher band scores. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are made (e.g., “renewable energy,” “climate change”).

4. Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are some minor errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Examples: Some examples are provided, but they could be more specific and detailed to support the arguments more effectively.

6. Depth of analysis: While the essay covers the main points, the analysis could be more in-depth and nuanced to achieve a higher band score.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: able to be maintained at a certain rate or level

2. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/: the process of making an area more urban

3. Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: energy from a source that is not depleted when used

4. Carbon emissions (noun phrase) /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/: the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

5. Socioeconomic (adjective) /ˌsəʊsioʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/: relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors

6. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/: the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise

7. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness

8. Green initiatives (noun phrase) /ɡriːn ɪˈnɪʃətɪvz/: projects or programs designed to benefit the environment

9. Urban sprawl (noun phrase) /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/: the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas

10. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level

In conclusion, the topic of sustainable urban planning is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of technology in creating smart, sustainable cities
• Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in urban areas
• The importance of green spaces in urban planning
• Strategies for reducing traffic congestion and pollution in cities

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with specific examples. Feel free to practice by writing an essay on the given topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.