Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Addressing the Rising Cost of Living in Major Cities

The topic of rising cost of living in major cities is increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This issue affects millions globally and presents complex challenges for policymakers, making it an ideal subject for testing candidates’ critical thinking and writing skills. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past tests:

In many cities, the cost of living has increased significantly in recent years. What problems does this cause? What measures can be taken to address these problems?

Analyzing the Question

This question is a classic problem-solution type, common in IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires candidates to:

1. Identify problems caused by the rising cost of living in cities
2. Propose measures to address these problems

The question demands a well-structured essay with clear examples and explanations. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Urban cost of living crisis

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The escalating cost of living in urban centers has become a pressing concern worldwide, leading to a myriad of socio-economic challenges. This essay will explore the problems arising from this trend and propose potential solutions to mitigate its impact.

One of the primary issues stemming from increased living costs is the widening wealth gap. As essential expenses such as housing, food, and transportation become more expensive, lower-income groups struggle to make ends meet, while the affluent remain largely unaffected. This disparity can lead to social unrest and a deterioration of community cohesion. Moreover, the financial strain on middle-class families often results in reduced spending on non-essential items, potentially slowing economic growth and affecting local businesses.

Another significant problem is the exodus of skilled workers from expensive cities. When professionals cannot afford to live comfortably in urban areas, they may relocate to more affordable regions or countries, leading to a “brain drain” that can hamper a city’s competitiveness and innovation potential. This migration can also exacerbate housing shortages in smaller towns and suburbs, creating a ripple effect of rising costs in these areas.

To address these issues, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, governments should implement rent control measures and increase the supply of affordable housing through public-private partnerships. This could involve incentivizing developers to include a percentage of affordable units in new projects or repurposing unused buildings for residential use.

Secondly, investing in public transportation infrastructure can help reduce commuting costs and make it feasible for people to live in more affordable areas while still accessing job opportunities in the city center. This approach not only eases the financial burden on residents but also contributes to reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

Finally, local authorities should focus on attracting diverse industries and promoting entrepreneurship to create a more resilient job market. By fostering a varied economic landscape, cities can provide more opportunities for residents across different income levels, helping to stabilize living costs and reduce economic inequality.

In conclusion, while the rising cost of living in cities poses significant challenges, proactive measures by governments and local communities can help mitigate its negative effects. By addressing housing affordability, improving transportation, and diversifying the economy, cities can work towards creating more inclusive and sustainable urban environments for all residents.

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and fully addresses all parts of the question, warranting a high band score. Here’s why:

1. Task Achievement: The essay clearly identifies problems (wealth gap, exodus of skilled workers) and proposes relevant solutions (rent control, improved public transportation, economic diversification).

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-structured with clear paragraphs. Ideas flow logically, and cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., “Moreover”, “Firstly”, “Secondly”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “myriad”, “mitigate”, “exacerbate”, “multi-faceted approach”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of complex structures accurately (e.g., “When professionals cannot afford to live comfortably in urban areas, they may relocate to more affordable regions or countries, leading to a ‘brain drain’…”).

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The cost of living in big cities has gone up a lot in recent years. This essay will discuss the problems this causes and some ways to solve them.

One big problem is that many people can’t afford basic things like housing and food. This makes life very hard for them and can cause stress and health problems. Also, when people spend all their money on necessities, they don’t have extra money to spend on other things, which can hurt local businesses.

Another issue is that some people might move away from expensive cities. This can be bad for the city because it loses workers and their skills. It can also cause problems in smaller towns if too many people move there and make those places more expensive too.

To fix these problems, the government could do several things. First, they could make more affordable housing by building new homes or changing rules to keep rents lower. This would help people find places to live without spending too much money.

Second, they could improve public transportation. If buses and trains are better and cheaper, people could live further away from the city center where it’s less expensive, but still get to work easily.

Lastly, cities could try to bring in different types of businesses. This would create more jobs and might help keep prices more stable. It could also give people more chances to find work that pays enough to live in the city.

In conclusion, the high cost of living in cities causes serious problems, but there are ways to make things better. By focusing on housing, transportation, and creating more job opportunities, cities can become more affordable and better places to live for everyone.

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good writing skills and addresses the main parts of the question, warranting a mid-range band score. Here’s why:

1. Task Achievement: The essay identifies problems and proposes solutions, but the ideas are less developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., frequent use of “Also”, “Another”).

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay (e.g., “big problem”, “bad for the city”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good accuracy, but lacks the sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Cost of living (noun) – /kɒst əv ˈlɪvɪŋ/ – The amount of money needed to sustain a certain standard of living.

2. Affordable (adjective) – /əˈfɔːdəbl/ – Reasonably priced; inexpensive.

3. Gentrification (noun) – /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – The process of renovating and improving a neighborhood, often resulting in the displacement of lower-income residents.

4. Urban exodus (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːbən ˈeksədəs/ – The movement of people from cities to suburbs or rural areas.

5. Socio-economic (adjective) – /ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.

6. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

7. Public-private partnership (noun phrase) – /ˌpʌblɪk ˈpraɪvɪt ˈpɑːtnəʃɪp/ – A cooperation between government and private sector companies to finance and operate projects or services.

8. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

9. Economic diversification (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk daɪˌvɜːsɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – The process of a country or region developing a more varied economy.

10. Brain drain (noun phrase) – /breɪn dreɪn/ – The emigration of highly trained or intelligent people from a particular country or region.

In conclusion, addressing the rising cost of living in major cities is a complex issue that requires multifaceted solutions. As this topic continues to be relevant globally, it’s likely to appear in various forms in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as urban development and public health, housing crises, or the impact of technology on urban living.

We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.