Environmental sustainability in urban planning is a crucial topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on trends observed in past tests and the growing global focus on sustainable urban development, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected essay question and provide sample responses for different band scores.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Some people believe that governments should focus on reducing environmental pollution and improving recycling rates to promote environmental sustainability in urban areas. Others think that environmental sustainability can be better achieved through stricter regulations on urban planning and development. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses two different approaches to promoting environmental sustainability in urban areas:
- Government focus on reducing pollution and improving recycling
- Stricter regulations on urban planning and development
The task requires us to discuss both viewpoints and provide our own opinion. This is a classic example of an IELTS Writing Task 2 question that tests your ability to analyze different perspectives and articulate your thoughts clearly.
Urban planning for sustainability
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Environmental sustainability in urban areas is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. While some advocate for governmental focus on pollution reduction and recycling improvement, others argue for stricter urban planning regulations. In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is necessary to achieve comprehensive environmental sustainability in our cities.
Proponents of governmental intervention in pollution control and recycling argue that these measures directly address the most visible environmental issues in urban areas. By implementing strict air and water quality standards, cities can significantly reduce harmful emissions and improve overall public health. Moreover, enhancing recycling infrastructure and promoting public awareness can lead to a substantial reduction in waste generation and resource consumption. These initiatives have proven effective in cities like Copenhagen and San Francisco, where comprehensive recycling programs have dramatically reduced landfill waste.
On the other hand, those who support stricter urban planning regulations contend that sustainable cities must be designed from the ground up. This approach involves integrating green spaces, promoting energy-efficient buildings, and developing robust public transportation systems. By implementing stringent zoning laws and building codes, cities can ensure that new developments are environmentally friendly and resource-efficient. Singapore’s urban planning model, which emphasizes green building standards and extensive park systems, exemplifies how effective planning can create a more sustainable urban environment.
In my view, the most effective approach to promoting environmental sustainability in urban areas is to combine both strategies. While immediate action on pollution and recycling is crucial for addressing current environmental challenges, long-term sustainability can only be achieved through thoughtful urban planning and development. Cities like Vancouver and Stockholm have successfully implemented this dual approach, resulting in cleaner environments, more efficient resource use, and improved quality of life for residents.
To conclude, environmental sustainability in urban areas requires a multifaceted approach. By coupling pollution reduction and recycling initiatives with forward-thinking urban planning, cities can create more livable, efficient, and environmentally friendly spaces for future generations. (309 words)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion.
Cohesion and coherence: The essay uses a variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly, such as “while,” “moreover,” “on the other hand,” and “to conclude.”
Lexical resource: The writer employs a wide range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, including “environmental sustainability,” “pollution reduction,” “recycling infrastructure,” and “urban planning regulations.”
Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay demonstrates the use of complex sentence structures and a variety of grammatical forms without significant errors.
Task response: The writer fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating their own opinion.
Development and support: Each main idea is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, such as referencing specific cities (Copenhagen, San Francisco, Singapore, Vancouver, and Stockholm) to support the arguments.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Environmental sustainability in cities is a big problem that needs to be solved. Some people think the government should focus on reducing pollution and improving recycling, while others believe stricter rules for urban planning are better. I think both ideas are important for making cities more environmentally friendly.
The first group believes that reducing pollution and increasing recycling is the best way to make cities more sustainable. This makes sense because pollution is a big problem in many cities, and recycling can help reduce waste. For example, if the government makes rules to reduce air pollution from cars and factories, the air in cities will be cleaner. Also, if more people recycle, there will be less trash in landfills.
The second group thinks that stricter urban planning rules are more important for environmental sustainability. This means making rules about how cities should be built, like having more green spaces and energy-efficient buildings. For instance, if cities have more parks and trees, it can help reduce air pollution and make the city cooler. Energy-efficient buildings can also help reduce the amount of energy used in cities.
In my opinion, both approaches are necessary to make cities more environmentally sustainable. Reducing pollution and improving recycling can help solve immediate problems, while better urban planning can prevent future environmental issues. I think governments should try to do both things at the same time.
To conclude, environmental sustainability in urban areas is a complex issue that requires multiple solutions. By focusing on both reducing pollution and improving urban planning, cities can become cleaner, greener, and more sustainable for everyone who lives there. (253 words)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion. However, the development of ideas is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Cohesion and coherence: The essay uses some linking words and phrases, but the range is more limited than in the higher band essay.
Lexical resource: The vocabulary used is appropriate but less varied and sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay. Some topic-specific terms are used, but there’s room for improvement in this area.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy, but lacks the variety and sophistication of the higher band essay.
Task response: All parts of the task are addressed, but the discussion and examples are less detailed and developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Development and support: The main ideas are supported with examples, but they are more general and less specific than those in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary for Environmental Sustainability in Urban Planning
Environmental sustainability (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The practice of interacting with the environment in a way that ensures the long-term availability of natural resources.
Urban planning (noun) /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/: The process of designing and regulating the use of space in urban areas.
Pollution reduction (noun) /pəˈluːʃn rɪˈdʌkʃn/: The act of decreasing harmful substances released into the environment.
Recycling infrastructure (noun) /riːˈsaɪklɪŋ ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/: The facilities and systems needed to collect, process, and reuse waste materials.
Energy-efficient (adjective) /ˈenədʒi ɪˈfɪʃnt/: Describing something that uses less energy to perform the same function.
Zoning laws (noun) /ˈzəʊnɪŋ lɔːz/: Regulations that govern how land in specific areas can be used.
Green spaces (noun) /ɡriːn speɪsɪz/: Areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment.
Public transportation (noun) /ˈpʌblɪk trænspɔːˈteɪʃn/: Shared passenger transport services available for use by the general public.
Resource consumption (noun) /rɪˈsɔːs kənˈsʌmpʃn/: The use of natural resources by humans.
Sustainable development (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Conclusion
Environmental sustainability in urban planning is a complex and increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key issues and having a range of relevant vocabulary at your disposal, you can craft well-structured and insightful essays on this subject. Remember to always address all parts of the question, provide specific examples to support your arguments, and clearly state your own opinion when required.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in creating sustainable cities
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in urban areas
- The impact of population growth on urban sustainability
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
