Housing affordability has become a significant concern in recent IELTS exams, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Similar to importance of budgeting for young adults, this topic reflects real-world challenges faced by many test-takers.
Young adults reviewing housing costs and financial plans
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Some people say that young adults are finding it increasingly difficult to buy their first home due to rising property prices. What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?
This question requires discussing both causes and solutions regarding housing affordability challenges for young adults, similar to how the impact of inflation on household spending patterns affects daily life.
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
Rising property prices have created significant barriers for young adults seeking to purchase their first home. This essay will analyze the root causes of this issue and propose potential solutions.
The primary causes of this housing crisis are multifaceted. Firstly, property prices have risen exponentially while wages have remained relatively stagnant. In major cities like Sydney and Vancouver, housing prices have increased by over 100% in the past decade, while average salaries have only grown by approximately 20%. Secondly, strict lending criteria from banks make it challenging for young professionals to secure mortgages, despite having stable employment. Additionally, the influx of foreign investment in residential properties has driven up market prices considerably.
Several measures could effectively address this problem. The government could implement targeted policies such as first-time homebuyer grants and stamp duty exemptions for young purchasers. Furthermore, introducing regulations to limit foreign investment in residential properties could help stabilize prices. Banks could also develop specialized mortgage products for young professionals with strong earning potential but limited savings. Finally, encouraging development in suburban areas through improved infrastructure and transportation links would create more affordable housing options.
In conclusion, while the housing affordability crisis presents significant challenges for young adults, a combination of government intervention, banking sector reforms, and urban planning initiatives could help make homeownership more accessible to this demographic.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
These days, young people have many problems to buy their first house. I will discuss the reasons and some solutions for this problem.
There are several causes of this situation. The main reason is that houses are very expensive now and young people don’t earn enough money. Also, banks make it very hard to get loans because they want lots of documents and high down payments. Some young people also spend too much money on other things like travel and entertainment instead of saving for a house.
I think there are some ways to solve this problem. First, the government should help young people by giving them some money to buy houses. Second, banks should make it easier for young people to get loans if they have good jobs. Also, young people should try to save more money by spending less on unnecessary things.
To sum up, although it is difficult for young people to buy houses now, there are some solutions that can help them. The government, banks and young people themselves all need to work together to solve this problem.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis
- Cohesion & Coherence: Clear progression of ideas with appropriate linking
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary usage
- Task Response: Comprehensive analysis of both causes and solutions
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Basic organization but simpler linking devices
- Limited vocabulary range with some repetition
- Adequate task response but less detailed analysis
- Simple grammatical structures with occasional errors
Key Vocabulary
- exponentially (adv) /ɪkˈspəʊ.nen.ʃəl.i/ – increasing very quickly
- multifaceted (adj) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – having many different aspects
- lending criteria (n) /ˈlend.ɪŋ kraɪˈtɪə.ri.ə/ – standards used by banks to approve loans
- stamp duty (n) /stæmp ˈdjuː.ti/ – tax paid on property purchases
- demographic (n) /ˌdem.əˈɡræf.ɪk/ – particular section of population
Understanding these housing market challenges is crucial, much like knowing the importance of budgeting for single-income households.
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. Consider how Impact of renewable energy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions similarly addresses global challenges requiring multiple solutions.
