Urban sprawl and its environmental consequences have become increasingly common topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and recent trends from major IELTS testing centers worldwide, this theme appears in approximately 15-20% of environment-related questions, particularly in countries experiencing rapid urbanization like How to address the challenges of urban overpopulation.
Aerial view showing urban sprawl's environmental impact on natural landscapes
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that urban expansion is causing serious environmental problems and should be restricted. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
This question requires candidates to evaluate the environmental impact of urban sprawl and take a clear position. The task involves:
- Discussing environmental problems caused by urban expansion
- Evaluating whether restrictions are necessary
- Supporting arguments with relevant examples
- Providing a clear conclusion
Band 8 Sample Essay
Urban sprawl has indeed become a significant contributor to environmental degradation, and I strongly agree that it requires strict regulation. This essay will examine why urban expansion poses serious environmental threats and why implementing restrictions is crucial.
The environmental impact of unchecked urban growth is severe and multifaceted. Firstly, urban sprawl directly leads to the destruction of natural habitats and agricultural land, as seen in rapidly expanding cities like Mumbai and Shanghai. When cities spread outward instead of developing vertically, they consume vast tracts of land that previously served as wildlife corridors or farming areas. Moreover, the expansion of suburban areas results in increased carbon emissions due to car-dependent communities and longer commuting distances, as how urban sprawl contributes to transportation issues.
Furthermore, urban sprawl creates significant pressure on natural resources and ecosystems. The development of new suburban areas requires extensive infrastructure, including water supply systems, electricity networks, and waste management facilities, all of which strain environmental resources. For instance, in many expanding Asian cities, groundwater depletion has become a critical issue as new residential areas tap into limited water resources.
Urban sprawl causing destruction of natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats
To address these challenges, implementing strict urban planning regulations is essential. Cities should focus on How to promote sustainable living in urban areas through vertical development and improved density rather than horizontal expansion. Additionally, governments should establish green belts around cities and incentivize the redevelopment of existing urban areas rather than new suburban developments.
In conclusion, the environmental consequences of urban sprawl are too severe to ignore, and regulatory measures are necessary to promote more sustainable urban development patterns. Cities must prioritize compact development and environmental preservation to ensure a sustainable future.
Band 6 Sample Essay
I agree that urban sprawl is causing environmental problems and should be controlled. This essay will discuss the main environmental issues caused by urban expansion and why we need to control it.
First, when cities get bigger, they destroy nature. Many trees are cut down to build new houses and roads. This makes animals lose their homes and affects the environment badly. Also, when people live far from the city center, they need to drive cars more, which causes more pollution and urban sprawl environmental effects.
Second, bigger cities use more resources like water and electricity. When new areas are built, they need new water pipes and electric lines. This uses up natural resources and can harm the environment. For example, in my city, new housing areas use lot of water, which is becoming a problem.
I think the government should make rules to stop cities from growing too much. They should build taller buildings instead of spreading out. Also, they should protect green areas around cities. This will help How can we tackle the environmental impact of urbanization?.
In conclusion, urban sprawl is bad for the environment and needs to be controlled. Cities should grow in a better way to protect nature.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8 Essay Strengths:
- Clear position and sophisticated argument development
- Excellent use of topic-specific vocabulary
- Complex sentence structures with proper linking
- Relevant examples and specific details
- Coherent paragraphing and logical flow
Band 6 Essay Characteristics:
- Basic but clear argument
- Simpler vocabulary and sentence structures
- Limited use of examples
- Some repetition of ideas
- Basic cohesion and development
Key Vocabulary
- Urban sprawl (n) /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/ – uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
- Environmental degradation (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – deterioration of the environment
- Infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- Ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – community of organisms and environment
- Multifaceted (adj) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many aspects
- Green belt (n) /ɡriːn belt/ – protected area of countryside around a city
- Vertical development (n) /ˈvɜːtɪkl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – building upward rather than outward
- Groundwater depletion (n) /ˈɡraʊndwɔːtə dɪˈpliːʃn/ – excessive use of underground water
Consider practicing with similar topics about urban development and environmental issues. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
