Rising housing costs in major cities have become a pressing issue in recent years, affecting millions of people worldwide. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a popular subject for examination. In this article, we will analyze a typical question on this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed explanations to help you improve your IELTS writing skills.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a common IELTS Writing Task 2 question related to rising housing costs:
In many cities, the cost of housing is becoming so high that young people and families with average incomes cannot afford to buy or rent homes. What do you think are the causes of this problem? What solutions can you suggest?
This question is asking you to discuss two main points:
- The causes of high housing costs in cities
- Potential solutions to make housing more affordable
It’s important to address both parts of the question in your essay to ensure you cover all aspects required by the examiner.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The soaring cost of housing in urban areas has become a significant challenge for young people and middle-income families, often pricing them out of the property market. This essay will explore the root causes of this issue and propose potential solutions to alleviate the housing affordability crisis.
One of the primary factors contributing to escalating housing prices is the imbalance between supply and demand. As cities continue to attract people with job opportunities and amenities, the demand for housing outpaces the available supply, driving up prices. Additionally, speculation in the real estate market by investors looking for profitable returns can artificially inflate property values, further exacerbating the problem.
Another cause is the increasing cost of land and construction materials. As cities expand, available land becomes scarce, leading to higher land prices. Simultaneously, the rising costs of building materials and labor contribute to increased construction expenses, which are ultimately passed on to buyers and renters.
To address these issues, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, governments should implement policies to increase the housing supply, such as incentivizing developers to build affordable housing units or repurposing unused urban spaces for residential development. This could help balance the supply-demand equation and stabilize prices.
Secondly, stricter regulations on property speculation could help curb artificial price inflation. Implementing taxes on vacant properties or limitations on foreign investment in residential real estate could discourage speculative practices and prioritize housing for local residents.
Finally, innovative construction techniques and materials could be employed to reduce building costs. Encouraging the use of prefabricated components or sustainable materials might lower construction expenses, making housing more affordable without compromising quality.
In conclusion, the housing affordability crisis in major cities is a complex issue stemming from various factors. By addressing supply shortages, regulating speculation, and exploring cost-effective construction methods, it is possible to create a more accessible housing market for young people and families with average incomes.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Essay
The high cost of housing in cities is a big problem for many young people and families. This essay will look at why this is happening and suggest some ways to fix it.
One reason for expensive housing is that there are more people who want to live in cities than there are homes available. This makes prices go up. Also, some rich people buy houses just to make money, which makes it harder for normal people to afford homes.
Another cause is that it costs a lot to build new houses. The price of land in cities is high, and materials for building are getting more expensive too. This means new houses are very costly to buy or rent.
To solve this problem, the government could make rules to build more affordable houses. They could give benefits to companies that build cheaper homes for people with normal incomes. This would help create more houses that people can afford.
The government could also make it harder for people to buy houses just to make money. They could put extra taxes on empty houses or make it difficult for people from other countries to buy lots of houses. This would help keep prices down for local people who need homes.
Another idea is to find new ways to build houses that cost less. Using new technology or different materials might make it cheaper to build homes without making them bad quality.
In conclusion, the high cost of housing in cities is caused by not enough homes and expensive building costs. By making more affordable homes, stopping people from buying just for profit, and finding cheaper ways to build, we can help more people afford homes in cities.
(Word count: 276)
Band 5-6 Essay
Housing in big cities is very expensive now. Many young people and families can’t buy or rent homes. This is a big problem. I will talk about why this happens and how to fix it.
One reason for high house prices is too many people want to live in cities. There are not enough houses for everyone. This makes prices go up. Also, some rich people buy many houses. They don’t live in them but just want to make money. This is bad for normal people who need homes.
Another reason is that building new houses costs a lot of money. Land in cities is expensive. Materials to build houses also cost more now. This makes new houses very expensive to buy.
To solve this problem, the government should make more cheap houses. They can tell builders to make houses that normal people can buy. This will help more people get homes.
The government can also stop rich people from buying too many houses. They can make rules so houses are for living in, not just for making money. This will help keep prices lower.
Another idea is to find cheaper ways to build houses. Maybe using new ideas or materials can make building less expensive. This could make houses cost less.
In conclusion, houses in cities are too expensive because there are not enough of them and they cost too much to build. If we make more cheap houses, stop people from buying too many, and find cheaper ways to build, more people can have homes in cities.
(Word count: 253)
Explaining the Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and addresses all parts of the question comprehensively. Here’s why it achieves a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses both causes and solutions, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Additionally”, “Simultaneously”, “Firstly”, “Secondly”, “Finally”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “soaring cost”, “escalating housing prices”, “exacerbating the problem”, “multi-faceted approach”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It demonstrates a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively throughout.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task, but with some limitations. Here’s why it falls in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses both parts of the question, but some ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked. Basic cohesive devices are used correctly.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words, though there’s less precision than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: There’s a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with generally good control, though lacking the sophistication of the higher band essay.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a limited but effective approach to the task. Here’s why it’s in the Band 5-6 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and repetitive in places.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a basic structure, but paragraphing is not always logical. Simple linking words are used, but not always effectively.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, but with some inaccuracy.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are generally simple, with limited use of complex structures. There are some errors, but the meaning is usually clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Soaring (adjective) – /ˈsɔːrɪŋ/ – rising rapidly
- Escalating (verb) – /ˈeskəleɪtɪŋ/ – increasing rapidly
- Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
- Speculation (noun) – /ˌspekjuˈleɪʃn/ – the buying of something in hope of its value rising
- Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – motivate or encourage (someone) to do something
- Repurpose (verb) – /riːˈpɜːrpəs/ – adapt for use in a different purpose
- Innovative (adjective) – /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – featuring new methods; advanced and original
- Prefabricated (adjective) – /priːˈfæbrɪkeɪtɪd/ – manufactured in standard sections for easy transport and assembly
- Accessible (adjective) – /əkˈsesəbl/ – able to be reached or entered; easily obtained or used
Conclusion
Rising housing costs in major cities is a complex issue that requires thoughtful analysis and creative solutions. By practicing with sample essays like these and expanding your vocabulary, you can improve your ability to discuss this topic effectively in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
For further practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- The impact of urbanization on housing affordability
- Government policies to promote affordable housing
- The role of technology in addressing housing shortages
Remember to focus on structure, vocabulary, and addressing all parts of the question. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!