Rising housing costs have become a significant global concern in recent years, affecting both developed and developing countries. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its relevance and impact on society. In this article, we’ll examine a sample question related to this issue and provide essay examples for different band scores, along with detailed analyses to help you improve your IELTS writing skills.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
In many countries, the cost of housing has increased significantly in recent years, making it difficult for many people to afford a home. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to address it?
This question is asking you to discuss two main points:
- The causes of rising housing costs
- Possible solutions to address the issue
It’s important to note that this is a problem-solution essay, which requires you to analyze the causes of a problem and propose solutions. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores to see how this question can be approached effectively.
Rising housing costs infographic
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Here’s an example of a high-scoring essay that addresses the question effectively:
The escalating cost of housing has become a pressing issue in numerous countries, posing significant challenges for individuals seeking to purchase homes. This essay will explore the primary factors contributing to this problem and propose potential solutions to mitigate its impact.
Several factors have contributed to the steep rise in housing prices. Firstly, population growth and urbanization have led to increased demand for housing in cities, driving up prices in desirable locations. Additionally, limited land supply in urban areas has created scarcity, further inflating property values. Moreover, the rising costs of construction materials and labor have directly impacted housing prices. Lastly, speculative investment in real estate markets has exacerbated the situation, as properties are often purchased as financial assets rather than homes.
To address this complex issue, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. One potential solution is for governments to implement stricter regulations on foreign and speculative investments in the housing market. This could include higher taxes on second homes or vacant properties, discouraging the use of housing as a purely financial instrument. Furthermore, increasing the supply of affordable housing through government-subsidized building programs could help alleviate pressure on the market. Encouraging the development of high-density housing in urban areas and improving public transportation infrastructure could also make more affordable areas accessible to workers.
Another crucial measure is to address the root causes of housing demand by promoting economic development in smaller cities and rural areas. This could help distribute population growth more evenly and reduce pressure on major urban centers. Additionally, governments could incentivize the use of innovative, cost-effective construction technologies and materials to reduce building costs.
In conclusion, the rising cost of housing is a complex problem with multiple causes, including population growth, limited supply, and speculative investment. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that combines market regulations, increased housing supply, and long-term urban planning strategies. By implementing these measures, governments can work towards making housing more affordable and accessible for their citizens.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both causes and solutions in depth.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Here’s an example of a mid-range essay addressing the same question:
In recent years, many people have found it hard to buy a house because prices have gone up a lot. This essay will look at why this is happening and suggest some ways to fix the problem.
There are several reasons why housing costs have increased. First, more people are moving to cities, which means there’s more demand for houses in these areas. Also, the cost of building materials and workers’ wages have gone up, making it more expensive to build new homes. Another reason is that some rich people and companies buy houses as investments, which pushes prices up even more.
To solve this problem, there are a few things that can be done. The government could build more affordable houses for people with lower incomes. This would help more people to have a place to live. They could also make rules to stop people from buying too many houses just for investment. For example, they could charge higher taxes on second homes.
Another solution could be to improve transportation so that people can live further away from city centers where houses are cheaper. The government could also give money to help first-time buyers with their down payments or offer low-interest loans.
In conclusion, the high cost of housing is caused by things like more people wanting to live in cities and the increased cost of building. To fix this, the government needs to take action by building more affordable homes and making rules to control house prices. These steps could help more people to afford their own homes in the future.
(Word count: 261)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, but lacks the flexibility seen in higher bands.
Development of Ideas: Main points are supported, but the explanations and examples are less detailed than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Housing Costs
Here are some useful vocabulary items related to the topic of rising housing costs:
Affordable housing (noun phrase): Housing that is reasonably priced for people with average or below-average incomes.
Pronunciation: /əˈfɔːrdəbl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/Urbanization (noun): The process of more people moving to live in cities.
Pronunciation: /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/Speculative investment (noun phrase): Buying something with the hope that its value will increase in the future.
Pronunciation: /ˈspekjələtɪv ɪnˈvestmənt/Real estate market (noun phrase): The buying and selling of land and buildings.
Pronunciation: /ˈriːəl ɪˈsteɪt ˈmɑːrkɪt/Urban planning (noun phrase): The process of designing and organizing urban areas.
Pronunciation: /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/Housing bubble (noun phrase): A situation where house prices rise to unsustainable levels.
Pronunciation: /ˈhaʊzɪŋ ˈbʌbl/Gentrification (noun): The process of changing a poor urban area into a wealthier one, often displacing original residents.
Pronunciation: /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/Housing shortage (noun phrase): A situation where there are not enough homes available for people who need them.
Pronunciation: /ˈhaʊzɪŋ ˈʃɔːrtɪdʒ/
Conclusion
The issue of rising housing costs is a complex and relevant topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By studying these sample essays and analyses, you can improve your ability to address this type of question effectively. Remember to fully address all parts of the task, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
To further practice your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- The impact of remote work on housing markets
- The role of technology in addressing housing affordability
- The effects of housing costs on social mobility and inequality
We encourage you to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
For more IELTS Writing Task 2 practice and tips, check out our guide on describing expensive places, which can provide additional context for discussing housing costs and urban environments.