Topics related to housing and government support frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in the last 5 years. Many candidates encounter questions about housing affordability, government assistance, and property markets. Understanding choosing the right mortgage for homebuyers is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Analysis of Past Exam Topics
Based on recent IELTS exam data, housing-related topics appear in approximately 15% of Task 2 questions. One commonly tested question is:
Some people believe that governments should provide financial assistance to help first-time buyers purchase their homes, while others think this creates an unfair advantage. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Government mortgage assistance programs help first-time homebuyers achieve homeownership
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The provision of government support for first-time homebuyers is a contentious issue that merits careful consideration. While some argue this creates market inequalities, I believe targeted assistance programs are beneficial for social stability and economic growth.
Government mortgage assistance can provide crucial advantages for first-time buyers. Primarily, it helps young professionals and families overcome the substantial barrier of down payments, enabling them to enter the property market earlier than they could independently. For instance, in Singapore, the Housing Development Board offers significant grants and subsidized loans, which has resulted in over 80% of citizens owning their homes.
However, critics contend that such interventions distort market dynamics. They argue that government assistance artificially inflates property prices and disadvantages those who do not qualify for support. Moreover, there are concerns about the sustainability of these programs and their impact on public finances during economic downturns.
Nevertheless, I firmly believe the benefits outweigh these drawbacks. Well-designed government support programs can foster social stability by helping citizens build long-term assets and establish roots in their communities. Furthermore, homeownership often leads to improved maintenance of properties and stronger neighborhood cohesion, benefiting society as a whole.
In conclusion, while government assistance for first-time buyers requires careful implementation, its positive social and economic impacts make it a worthwhile policy approach. However, such programs should be regularly evaluated and adjusted to ensure their effectiveness and fairness.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Many people have different opinions about whether governments should help people buy their first homes. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one side, government help can be good for first-time buyers. It makes it easier for young people to buy houses because they don’t need to save as much money. Also, when more people can buy houses, it helps the economy grow because people spend money on furniture and home improvements.
However, some people think it’s not fair. They say that if the government helps some people but not others, it creates inequality. Also, it might make house prices go up, which makes it harder for everyone else to buy homes.
In my opinion, I think government help is a good idea. Many young people today find it very difficult to buy houses because prices are very high. If the government helps them, it can give them a better future. For example, in my country, many young couples can only buy homes because of government programs.
To conclude, although there are some problems with government help for first-time buyers, I believe the benefits are more important. Governments should continue these programs but make sure they are fair and well-managed.
Key Vocabulary
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement or argument
- subsidized (adj) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/ – supported with money
- sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to continue over time
- cohesion (n) /kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – unity or working together well
- intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – becoming involved in something to improve it
- inflates (v) /ɪnˈfleɪts/ – increases prices or value artificially
- distort (v) /dɪˈstɔːt/ – change something from its natural or original state
Future Topic Predictions
Similar topics likely to appear in future IELTS tests include:
- Impact of housing policies on social equality
- Government role in affordable housing
- Housing market regulations and their effects
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
