Urbanization and its effects on green spaces is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms over the past few years and is likely to continue being relevant due to ongoing global urbanization trends. Let’s examine a real IELTS question that encapsulates this theme:

Some people believe that in order to improve the quality of life in cities, the government should provide more green spaces for people to relax in. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on whether increasing green spaces in cities can enhance urban living quality. Key points to consider:

1. The role of government in urban planning
2. The relationship between green spaces and quality of life
3. Potential benefits and drawbacks of increasing green areas in cities
4. Alternative methods to improve urban living conditions

Let’s explore three sample essays addressing this question, each targeting a different band score.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In an era of rapid urbanization, the question of how to maintain and improve the quality of life in cities has become increasingly pertinent. While there are various approaches to address this issue, I strongly agree that government provision of more green spaces is a crucial step towards enhancing urban living conditions.

Firstly, green spaces serve as vital “lungs” for cities, counteracting the negative environmental impacts of urbanization. Trees and plants in parks and gardens absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to purify the air and mitigate the urban heat island effect. This natural air conditioning can significantly improve the overall health of city dwellers by reducing respiratory problems and heat-related illnesses. Moreover, these areas act as habitats for urban wildlife, promoting biodiversity within concrete jungles.

Secondly, accessible green spaces provide numerous psychological and social benefits. In the midst of hectic urban life, parks and gardens offer tranquil retreats where people can relax, de-stress, and reconnect with nature. Regular exposure to natural environments has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Furthermore, these areas foster community interaction by providing spaces for social gatherings, outdoor activities, and cultural events, thereby strengthening social bonds among city residents.

However, it is important to acknowledge that simply increasing the quantity of green spaces is not sufficient. The government must also ensure the quality and strategic placement of these areas. Well-maintained, safe, and easily accessible green spaces are more likely to be utilized and appreciated by the public. Additionally, integrating green infrastructure into urban planning, such as green roofs, vertical gardens, and tree-lined streets, can maximize the benefits of limited urban space.

In conclusion, while there are multiple factors that contribute to urban quality of life, I firmly believe that government investment in green spaces is a fundamental and highly effective approach. By providing citizens with natural havens within the urban landscape, cities can become more livable, sustainable, and conducive to overall well-being. As urbanization continues to shape our world, the importance of preserving and creating green spaces cannot be overstated.

(Word count: 346)

Urban green space in a bustling city

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed argument.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with each paragraph focusing on a specific aspect. Cohesive devices are used effectively throughout.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms and academic language.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay employs a variety of complex structures with a high degree of accuracy.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is thoroughly explained and supported with relevant examples and elaboration.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In today’s world, many cities are becoming overcrowded and polluted. Some people think that the government should make more green spaces for people to relax in to improve life quality in cities. I agree with this idea to a large extent.

There are several reasons why I believe more green spaces can make city life better. Firstly, parks and gardens give people a place to escape from the noise and stress of city life. When people have access to nature, they can relax and feel less stressed. Secondly, green spaces help to reduce pollution in cities. Trees and plants can clean the air by absorbing harmful gases and producing oxygen. This is very important for the health of city residents.

Moreover, green areas in cities provide places for people to exercise and stay healthy. Many people use parks for jogging, cycling, or playing sports. This can help reduce obesity and other health problems that are common in cities. Green spaces also create opportunities for social interaction. People can meet friends, have picnics, or join community events in parks, which can improve social connections in the city.

However, it’s important to note that just having more green spaces is not enough. The government needs to make sure these areas are well-maintained and safe for people to use. They should also be easily accessible to all residents, not just those in wealthy areas.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that increasing green spaces in cities can significantly improve the quality of life for residents. While there may be other factors to consider, providing natural areas for relaxation and recreation is an important step towards creating healthier and more livable urban environments.

(Word count: 280)

Rooftop garden in an urban setting

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but falls short of the highest band scores:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive (e.g., overuse of “Firstly”, “Secondly”).

3. Lexical Resource: There is a good range of vocabulary, but it lacks the sophistication and precision of higher band scores.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there are occasional errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Main points are supported, but the examples and explanations could be more detailed and specific.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, many cities have problems like pollution and too many people. Some think the government should make more parks and gardens to make life better in cities. I agree with this idea.

Green spaces are good for cities because they help people relax. When people go to parks, they can forget about work and stress. Also, trees and plants in parks make the air cleaner. This is important because many cities have bad air quality.

Another good thing about green spaces is that they give people places to exercise. Many people like to walk or run in parks. This can help people stay healthy. Parks are also good for children. They can play and make friends in safe places.

But making more green spaces can be difficult. Cities need land for houses and buildings too. The government must find a balance between green areas and other city needs.

In conclusion, I think more green spaces can make cities better places to live. They help people relax, stay healthy, and enjoy nature. The government should try to make more parks and gardens in cities.

(Word count: 179)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has several limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main task, but the ideas are underdeveloped and lack depth.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing is inconsistent and cohesive devices are limited.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with limited use of topic-specific terms.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are mostly simple with some attempts at complex structures. There are noticeable errors, but they don’t impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are present but lack elaboration and specific examples.

Key Vocabulary

Here are some important vocabulary items used in the essays, along with their definitions:

1. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process of making an area more urban

2. Green space (noun) /ɡriːn speɪs/: An area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment

3. Quality of life (noun phrase) /ˈkwɒləti əv laɪf/: The standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group

4. Urban heat island effect (noun phrase) /ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd ɪˈfekt/: A phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities

5. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem

6. Green infrastructure (noun phrase) /ɡriːn ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/: A network of green spaces and other environmental features designed and managed to provide a wide range of ecosystem services

7. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage

8. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make less severe, serious, or painful

9. Livable (adjective) /ˈlɪvəbl/: Suitable for living in; comfortable and convenient

10. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

Vertical garden on a city building

Conclusion

The impact of urbanization on green spaces is a crucial topic in urban planning and environmental studies, making it a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing these sample essays, you can gain insights into effective writing strategies for different band scores. Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic and related themes, such as:

• The role of technology in creating sustainable urban environments
• Balancing economic development with environmental preservation in cities
• The impact of green spaces on public health in urban areas
• Innovative solutions for integrating nature into densely populated cities

We encourage you to write your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.