Housing affordability in urban areas has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent exams. This trend is likely to continue given the global nature of housing challenges. Let’s examine one of the most representative questions from recent tests and analyze multiple sample responses across different band scores.
The effects of urbanization on housing affordability have become increasingly significant in recent years, making this topic particularly relevant for IELTS candidates.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that governments should impose strict price controls on housing in major cities to make it more affordable. Others argue this would be ineffective. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires:
- Discussion of both perspectives on government housing price controls
- Clear personal stance
- Relevant examples and supporting evidence
- Logical structure and coherent arguments
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Housing affordability has become a critical issue in metropolitan areas worldwide, sparking debate about whether governments should implement strict price controls. While some advocate for such intervention, others believe it would be counterproductive. In my view, while price controls alone are insufficient, they can be effective as part of a comprehensive housing strategy.
Those supporting price controls argue that they would make housing more accessible to middle and lower-income residents. In cities like New York and Singapore, rent control policies have helped many essential workers remain in urban areas, preventing their displacement to distant suburbs. Furthermore, importance of affordable housing in urban centers demonstrates that stable housing costs contribute to social stability and economic growth.
However, opponents contend that price controls could have unintended negative consequences. Historical evidence from cities like Stockholm shows that strict rent controls can lead to black markets, reduced property maintenance, and decreased new housing construction. Additionally, developers might be discouraged from investing in new residential projects, potentially worsening the housing shortage in the long term.
I believe the solution lies in a balanced approach combining moderate price controls with other measures. Governments could implement targeted price regulations for specific housing categories while simultaneously introducing incentives for developers to build affordable housing. This strategy has proved successful in Vienna, where a mix of regulated and market-rate housing has created a sustainable urban housing market.
In conclusion, while price controls alone may be inadequate, they can be effective when implemented as part of a broader housing policy framework that also addresses supply-side issues and market incentives.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 7.0)
The question of whether governments should control housing prices in big cities is widely debated. Some people think strict price controls are necessary, while others believe they won’t work. I will discuss both views and share my opinion.
Supporters of price controls say they make housing more affordable. For example, when should governments control housing prices, many families can stay in the city center instead of moving far away. This helps workers live closer to their jobs and keeps families together. Also, it prevents rich investors from buying all the houses and making prices too high.
On the other hand, opponents argue that price controls can cause problems. If prices are too low, landlords might not maintain their properties well. Also, construction companies might build fewer new houses because they can’t make enough profit. This could lead to housing shortages and poor-quality homes.
In my opinion, some price control is needed, but it shouldn’t be too strict. Governments should focus on building more affordable housing and creating rules that help both tenants and landlords. For instance, they could offer tax benefits to companies that build affordable homes.
To conclude, while price controls can help make housing more affordable, they need to be part of a bigger plan that includes other solutions too.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “unintended negative consequences,” “counterproductive”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Cohesive devices used naturally
- Balanced discussion with clear position
Band 7.0 Essay Features:
- Good vocabulary but less sophisticated
- Simpler sentence structures
- Basic examples
- Clear organization but less refined
- Some good cohesive devices
- Position stated but less nuanced
Key Vocabulary
- metropolitan (adj.) /ˌmetrəˈpɒlɪtən/ – relating to a large city
- displacement (n.) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – forced movement of people
- counterproductive (adj.) /ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite effect to what is intended
- incentives (n.) /ɪnˈsentɪvz/ – something that encourages people to do something
- sustainable (adj.) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue over a period of time
For additional practice, consider writing about related topics such as:
- The impact of foreign investment on local housing markets
- Solutions for homeless people in urban areas
- The role of technology in solving housing issues
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.