The impact of economic policies on housing affordability is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant due to its global significance. Let’s examine a recent question that aligns closely with this theme:
Some people think that governments should provide housing for people who cannot afford it themselves, while others believe this is not the government’s responsibility. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question reflects the ongoing debate about government intervention in the housing market and its role in ensuring affordability. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should provide housing for those who can’t afford it
- Discuss the opposing view that this is not the government’s responsibility
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
A well-structured essay should include an introduction, two body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, a paragraph stating the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Housing affordability is a pressing issue in many countries, sparking debate about the government’s role in addressing it. While some argue that the state should provide housing for those unable to afford it, others contend that this falls outside governmental responsibilities. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government-provided housing argue that access to shelter is a basic human right that the state should guarantee. They contend that leaving housing entirely to market forces can lead to social inequality and homelessness, particularly in areas with high living costs. Government intervention through public housing projects or subsidies can ensure that low-income families and vulnerable groups have access to safe and affordable accommodation, promoting social stability and reducing poverty.
On the other hand, opponents argue that housing provision is not a core government function and should be left to the private sector. They believe that government involvement can distort the housing market, leading to inefficiencies and potentially higher costs in the long run. Moreover, they contend that individuals should be responsible for their own housing needs, and that government resources could be better allocated to other areas such as education or healthcare.
In my opinion, while I acknowledge the importance of personal responsibility, I believe that governments have a crucial role to play in ensuring housing affordability. The right to adequate housing is fundamental to human dignity and social inclusion. However, rather than directly providing housing for all who cannot afford it, governments should focus on creating conditions that make housing more accessible. This could include implementing policies to control housing prices, offering targeted subsidies, and collaborating with private developers to increase the supply of affordable housing.
In conclusion, while the debate on government responsibility in housing provision continues, I believe a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should not bear sole responsibility for housing everyone, but they should create an environment where affordable housing is achievable for all segments of society. This approach can help address the housing crisis while maintaining economic efficiency and individual responsibility.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The issue of housing affordability is a big problem in many countries today. Some people think the government should provide houses for those who can’t afford them, while others disagree. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support government-provided housing say it’s important because everyone needs a place to live. They think that if the government doesn’t help, many people will be homeless or live in bad conditions. This can cause social problems and make it hard for people to get jobs or education. In some cities, houses are very expensive, so only rich people can afford them. Government help can make sure everyone has a decent place to live.
However, other people think it’s not the government’s job to provide houses. They believe that people should work hard and save money to buy their own homes. They also say that if the government provides houses, it will cost a lot of money and may increase taxes. Some worry that people might become too dependent on the government and not try to improve their situation.
In my opinion, I think the government should help with housing, but not by giving everyone a free house. Instead, they should make policies that help make houses more affordable. For example, they could give loans with low interest rates or build more houses to increase supply. This way, more people can afford to buy or rent homes without relying completely on the government.
To conclude, while there are different views on this topic, I believe the government has a role in making housing more affordable. However, it should be done in a way that encourages people to be responsible and doesn’t put too much burden on the government budget.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Housing is very expensive in many places and some people can’t afford it. There are different ideas about what the government should do. Some say the government should give houses to poor people, but others disagree. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want the government to give houses say it’s important because everyone needs a home. If people don’t have homes, they might sleep on the streets or live in bad places. This is not good for them or for society. In big cities, houses cost a lot of money and normal people can’t buy them. So they think the government should help.
But other people think it’s not the government’s job. They say people should work hard to buy their own houses. They think if the government gives free houses, it will cost too much money. Also, they worry that people might get lazy and always expect free things from the government.
I think both sides have good points. Houses are very important, but giving free houses to everyone is too expensive. Maybe the government can help in other ways. They could make rules to stop house prices from going up too much. Or they could help people get loans to buy houses. This way, more people can afford houses without the government spending too much money.
In conclusion, I believe the government should help with housing problems, but not by giving free houses to everyone. They should find ways to make houses cheaper so more people can buy them.
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 essay
- 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
- Organizes information coherently and uses a range of 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 inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some repetition and inappropriate word choice
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors that may impede communication
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Affordability (noun) – /əˌfɔːrdəˈbɪləti/ – the state of being cheap enough for people to be able to buy
- Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved in something in order to improve or help it
- Subsidies (noun) – /ˈsʌbsədi/ – money given by a government or organization to reduce the cost of a product or service
- Vulnerable (adjective) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – able to be easily physically or emotionally hurt, influenced, or attacked
- Distort (verb) – /dɪˈstɔːrt/ – to change something from its usual, original, natural, or intended meaning, condition, or shape
- Allocation (noun) – /ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/ – the act of distributing something for a particular purpose
- Collaborate (verb) – /kəˈlæbəreɪt/ – to work together with someone else for a special purpose
- Fundamental (adjective) – /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – forming the base, from which everything else develops
- Segment (noun) – /ˈseɡmənt/ – one of the parts into which something can be divided
- Dependency (noun) – /dɪˈpendənsi/ – the state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something else
In conclusion, the topic of economic policies and housing affordability remains a crucial issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of government intervention in the housing market, including the importance of affordable housing as a government priority. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as “Should governments implement rent control measures in major cities?” or “Discuss the pros and cons of public housing projects.” Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion!