Urban planning and sustainable cities are increasingly popular topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future exams, particularly given the global focus on sustainable development and urbanization. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:

Some people believe that urban planning is the key to creating sustainable cities, while others argue that individual lifestyle changes are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question reflects the ongoing debate about the most effective approaches to building sustainable urban environments. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Question Analysis

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that urban planning is crucial for sustainable cities
2. Discuss the opposing view that individual lifestyle changes are more important
3. Provide your own opinion on which approach is more effective

Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Urban sustainability has become a pressing concern in our rapidly developing world. While some argue that urban planning is the cornerstone of creating sustainable cities, others contend that individual lifestyle changes play a more crucial role. In my opinion, both approaches are essential and complementary in achieving urban sustainability.

Proponents of urban planning argue that it provides the necessary framework for sustainable development. Well-designed cities can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions through efficient public transportation systems, green building codes, and integrated waste management. For instance, cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have successfully implemented comprehensive urban planning strategies that prioritize cycling infrastructure and energy-efficient buildings, resulting in lower carbon footprints and improved quality of life for residents.

On the other hand, advocates for individual lifestyle changes argue that sustainable cities ultimately depend on the behaviors and choices of their inhabitants. They contend that even the most well-planned city cannot be truly sustainable without the active participation of its citizens. This perspective emphasizes the importance of personal actions such as reducing energy consumption, recycling, and using environmentally friendly transportation options. The success of initiatives like the “Zero Waste” movement in San Francisco, where individual efforts have significantly reduced landfill waste, supports this view.

In my opinion, both urban planning and individual actions are critical and mutually reinforcing elements in creating sustainable cities. Urban planning provides the necessary infrastructure and policies that enable and encourage sustainable behaviors, while individual choices and actions bring these plans to life and drive further improvements. For example, a city may invest in an extensive public transportation network, but its success ultimately depends on residents choosing to use it over private vehicles.

Moreover, the most effective approaches to urban sustainability often involve a combination of top-down planning and bottom-up initiatives. Cities like Curitiba, Brazil, have demonstrated how innovative urban planning can inspire and facilitate individual sustainable practices, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances overall urban sustainability.

In conclusion, while urban planning and individual lifestyle changes each play crucial roles in creating sustainable cities, the most effective approach is one that integrates both elements. By combining thoughtful urban design with active citizen participation, cities can create resilient, livable, and truly sustainable urban environments for future generations.

(Word count: 368)

Urban planning and individual actions for sustainable cities

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about how to create sustainable cities. Some people think that urban planning is the most important factor, while others believe that changes in individual lifestyles are more crucial. This essay will discuss both views and provide my own opinion.

Those who support urban planning argue that it can make a big difference in creating sustainable cities. They say that good planning can help reduce pollution and energy use. For example, cities can build better public transport systems and design energy-efficient buildings. This can help many people live in a more environmentally friendly way without having to make big changes in their lives.

On the other hand, some people think that individual lifestyle changes are more important. They believe that even if a city is well-planned, it can’t be truly sustainable unless its citizens make an effort to live in an eco-friendly way. This includes things like recycling, using less energy at home, and choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving. They argue that these personal choices can add up to make a big difference.

In my opinion, both urban planning and individual actions are important for creating sustainable cities. I think that good urban planning can make it easier for people to live sustainably, but it’s not enough on its own. Cities need to provide the right infrastructure and policies, but citizens also need to be willing to use these facilities and make environmentally friendly choices in their daily lives.

For example, a city might build great bicycle lanes, but they won’t help reduce car use unless people choose to use them. Similarly, even if people want to recycle, they need the city to provide proper recycling facilities. This shows how urban planning and individual actions work together.

In conclusion, I believe that the best way to create sustainable cities is to combine good urban planning with efforts to encourage sustainable individual behaviors. By working on both of these aspects together, cities can become more environmentally friendly and better places to live for everyone.

(Word count: 340)

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, many people are talking about how to make cities more sustainable. Some think urban planning is the most important, but others say individual lifestyle changes matter more. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.

Urban planning supporters say it can help make cities better for the environment. They think good planning can reduce pollution and save energy. For example, cities can build more buses and trains so fewer people use cars. They can also make rules for buildings to use less energy. These things can help many people live in a more eco-friendly way without doing much themselves.

But other people think individual changes are more important. They say that even if a city is planned well, it can’t be truly sustainable if people don’t change their habits. This means things like recycling more, using less electricity at home, and walking or cycling instead of driving. They think these small actions can make a big difference when many people do them.

I think both urban planning and individual actions are important for making sustainable cities. Good planning can make it easier for people to live in an eco-friendly way, but it’s not enough by itself. Cities need to provide good facilities, but people also need to use them and make good choices in their daily lives.

For example, if a city builds bike lanes but nobody uses them, they won’t help reduce car use. Also, if people want to recycle but the city doesn’t provide recycling bins, they can’t do it easily. This shows how planning and individual actions need to work together.

In conclusion, I believe the best way to make sustainable cities is to have good urban planning and also encourage people to make sustainable choices. By doing both of these things, cities can become better for the environment and nicer places to live.

(Word count: 309)

Key features of a sustainable city

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the response
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Develops ideas coherently and logically, with appropriate use of paragraphs
• Uses cohesive devices effectively

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some errors in word choice and collocation
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
• Uses cohesive devices effectively, though there may be some under/over-use

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
• May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
• Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
• Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urban planning (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and organizing urban areas
2. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
3. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
4. Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community
5. Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment
6. Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power
7. Public transportation (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk trænspɔːˈteɪʃn/ – Forms of transport available to the public, typically managed on a schedule and operated on established routes
8. Recycling (noun) – /riːˈsaɪklɪŋ/ – The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects
9. Energy-efficient (adjective) – /ˈenədʒi ɪˈfɪʃnt/ – Using less energy to provide the same service
10. Green building (noun) – /griːn ˈbɪldɪŋ/ – The practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle

Conclusion

The topic of urban planning and sustainable cities is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for such questions, consider practicing with variations on this theme, such as:

• The role of technology in creating sustainable cities
• Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability in urban areas
• The challenges of implementing sustainable urban planning in developing countries

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and consider sharing them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an effective way to improve your writing skills for the IELTS exam.

The role of cultural diversity in promoting global peace can also be an interesting angle to explore when discussing sustainable urban development, as diverse cities often foster innovation and cultural exchange that can contribute to sustainability efforts.