The sharing economy’s impact on urban living is an increasingly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. While not a frequent subject, it has appeared in recent years and is likely to become more common given its growing significance in modern society. To help you prepare, let’s examine a related question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
Some people think that the sharing economy (e.g. Airbnb, Uber) has a positive impact on both individuals and society as a whole. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to discuss your opinion on the sharing economy’s impact. Key points to consider:
- Define the sharing economy and give examples (Airbnb, Uber are provided)
- Consider impacts on both individuals and society
- Decide your level of agreement (fully agree, partially agree, or disagree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your position
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The advent of the sharing economy, exemplified by platforms like Airbnb and Uber, has undeniably transformed the way people access goods and services. While some argue that this new economic model benefits both individuals and society at large, I believe that its impact is largely positive, albeit with some caveats.
On an individual level, the sharing economy offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it provides people with additional income streams by allowing them to monetize their underutilized assets. For instance, homeowners can rent out spare rooms on Airbnb, while car owners can offer rides through Uber during their free time. This flexibility not only supplements incomes but also promotes more efficient use of resources. Moreover, consumers benefit from increased choices and often lower prices compared to traditional services. A traveler, for example, might find a more affordable and unique accommodation option on Airbnb than in a conventional hotel.
From a societal perspective, the sharing economy contributes positively in several ways. It fosters a sense of community and trust among strangers, as people engage in peer-to-peer transactions. This can lead to increased social cohesion and cultural exchange, particularly in urban areas where such interactions might otherwise be limited. Additionally, the sharing economy often promotes sustainability by reducing the need for individual ownership of certain goods. Car-sharing services, for instance, can potentially decrease the number of vehicles on the road, leading to reduced traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the sharing economy is not without its challenges. Critics argue that it can lead to job insecurity in traditional industries and may sometimes circumvent regulations designed to protect consumers. There are also concerns about data privacy and the potential for discrimination on some platforms.
In conclusion, while the sharing economy does present some challenges that need to be addressed, I strongly believe that its overall impact on individuals and society is predominantly positive. The benefits of increased economic opportunities, resource efficiency, and community building outweigh the potential drawbacks. As this model continues to evolve, it is crucial for regulators and platform operators to work together to mitigate risks and ensure that the sharing economy can thrive in a way that benefits all stakeholders.
(Word count: 367)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The sharing economy, which includes companies like Airbnb and Uber, has become very popular in recent years. Some people think it has good effects on individuals and society. I partly agree with this idea because there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
For individuals, the sharing economy can be beneficial in several ways. Firstly, it allows people to make extra money by sharing their resources. For example, someone can rent out a spare room on Airbnb or use their car to give rides through Uber. This helps people to earn additional income. Also, consumers can often find cheaper options for things like accommodation and transportation through these platforms. This can make travel more affordable for many people.
Looking at society as a whole, there are also some positive impacts. The sharing economy can help reduce waste and promote better use of resources. When people share cars or living spaces, it means fewer cars on the road and less need for new buildings. This can be good for the environment. Additionally, these platforms can create new job opportunities, especially for people who need flexible work arrangements.
However, there are also some negative aspects to consider. One problem is that traditional businesses like hotels and taxi companies may suffer because of competition from sharing economy platforms. This could lead to job losses in these industries. There are also concerns about safety and regulation. For example, some people worry about staying in a stranger’s home through Airbnb or riding with an unknown driver through Uber.
In conclusion, while the sharing economy has many benefits for individuals and society, such as creating income opportunities and promoting resource efficiency, it also has some drawbacks that cannot be ignored. I believe that overall, the positive impacts outweigh the negative ones, but it’s important for governments to regulate these platforms properly to address the concerns and ensure fairness for all.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, many people use sharing economy services like Airbnb and Uber. Some think these services are good for people and society. I agree that they have some good points, but there are also some problems.
For people who use these services, there are some benefits. They can save money when they travel or need transportation. For example, staying in an Airbnb can be cheaper than a hotel, and using Uber might cost less than a regular taxi. Also, people can make extra money by renting out their homes or driving their cars for others.
The sharing economy can also be good for society. It helps people use things more efficiently. When people share cars or homes, it means we don’t need to build as many new things. This can be good for the environment. It also creates new jobs for people who want to work flexibly.
But there are also some bad things about the sharing economy. Sometimes it’s not safe because we don’t know the people we’re dealing with. There might be problems with the quality of service too. Also, traditional businesses like hotels and taxi companies might lose customers and have to close down.
In conclusion, I think the sharing economy has both good and bad points. It can help people save and make money, and it’s good for using resources better. But we need to be careful about safety and make sure it doesn’t hurt other businesses too much. The government should make rules to make sure everyone benefits from the sharing economy.
(Word count: 245)
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
- Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures
- Demonstrates high levels of accuracy in grammar and punctuation
- Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression throughout
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 the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures
- Has generally good control of grammar and punctuation with some errors
- Ideas are arranged coherently but with some lack of overall progression
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 limited range of vocabulary; errors in word choice may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses a limited range of structures with some repetition
- Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation which can cause some difficulty for the reader
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Sharing economy (n.) /ˈʃeərɪŋ ɪˈkɒnəmi/ – An economic system in which assets or services are shared between private individuals, either for free or for a fee, typically by means of the internet.
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Monetize (v.) /ˈmʌnɪtaɪz/ – To convert an asset into or establish as money or legal tender.
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Peer-to-peer (adj.) /pɪər tə pɪər/ – Relating to or denoting computer networks in which each computer can act as a server for the others, allowing shared access to files and peripherals without the need for a central server.
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Sustainability (n.) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level; avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.
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Circumvent (v.) /ˌsɜːkəmˈvent/ – Find a way around (an obstacle).
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Stakeholders (n.) /ˈsteɪkhəʊldəz/ – A person with an interest or concern in something, especially a business.
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Resource efficiency (n.) /rɪˈsɔːs ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ – The maximizing of the supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively, with minimum wasted resource expenses.
In conclusion, the sharing economy’s impact on urban living is a multifaceted topic that requires careful consideration of its benefits and challenges. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to analyze the question thoroughly, structure your essay clearly, and use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures appropriate to your target band score. Practice writing essays on this topic and related themes, such as technology’s impact on society or the changing nature of work in the digital age. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.