Urban development and its impact on community health is a topic of growing importance in our rapidly urbanizing world. This subject has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions over the years, reflecting its relevance to contemporary global issues. Based on past exam trends and the increasing focus on sustainable urban planning, it’s likely that this theme will continue to be a popular choice for future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that addresses this topic:
Some people think that governments should focus on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems in cities. Others believe that other factors are more important to improve life in cities. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question touches on several aspects of urban development and community health:
- Environmental pollution in cities
- Housing problems in urban areas
- Other factors affecting urban life quality
The task requires candidates to discuss both viewpoints and provide their own opinion, making it a classic example of an IELTS Writing Task 2 question.
Sample Essay for Band 7-8
Here’s a sample essay that could potentially score in the Band 7-8 range:
In recent years, the quality of life in urban areas has become a pressing concern for both citizens and policymakers. While some argue that governments should prioritize reducing environmental pollution and addressing housing issues, others contend that different factors are more crucial for improving city life. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Those who advocate for focusing on pollution and housing problems have valid reasons for their stance. Environmental pollution, including air and water contamination, directly impacts the health of urban residents, leading to respiratory issues, allergies, and other long-term health problems. Similarly, inadequate housing can result in overcrowding, poor sanitation, and increased stress levels, all of which negatively affect community well-being. By addressing these issues, governments can significantly enhance the quality of life for city dwellers.
On the other hand, proponents of prioritizing other factors argue that urban life improvement encompasses more than just environmental and housing concerns. They emphasize the importance of factors such as public transportation, healthcare accessibility, education quality, and cultural amenities. These elements contribute to the overall livability of a city and can have a profound impact on residents’ satisfaction and opportunities for personal growth.
In my opinion, while pollution reduction and housing improvements are undoubtedly crucial, a holistic approach to urban development is necessary for truly enhancing city life. Governments should strive to balance environmental and housing initiatives with investments in other essential urban services. For instance, implementing green spaces can simultaneously address pollution issues and provide recreational areas for residents. Similarly, developing mixed-use neighborhoods can tackle housing problems while improving access to amenities and reducing reliance on private transportation.
In conclusion, improving life in cities requires a multifaceted approach that considers various interconnected factors. While environmental pollution and housing are significant concerns, they should be addressed as part of a comprehensive strategy that also incorporates other vital aspects of urban living. By adopting such an integrated approach, governments can create more livable, sustainable, and healthy urban environments for their citizens.
(Word count: 329)
urban development and health
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that could potentially score in the Band 6-7 range:
These days, many people are talking about how to make cities better places to live. Some think the government should focus on reducing pollution and fixing housing problems, while others believe there are more important things to improve. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want to focus on pollution and housing have good reasons. Pollution in cities can make people sick, causing breathing problems and other health issues. Bad housing can lead to overcrowding and poor living conditions, which are not good for people’s health and happiness. If the government works on these problems, it can help make city life better for many people.
However, other people think there are more important things to improve in cities. They say that things like better public transport, good schools, and more job opportunities are very important for making cities nice places to live. These things can help people have better lives and more chances to succeed.
In my opinion, I think both views are important, but we need to look at all parts of city life to make real improvements. The government should try to reduce pollution and fix housing problems, but they should also work on other things that make cities good places to live. For example, they could make more parks and green spaces, which can help with pollution and give people places to relax. They could also build houses near shops and offices, which can help with housing and make it easier for people to get to work.
To sum up, making cities better involves many different things. While pollution and housing are big issues, we need to think about all aspects of city life to really improve things. If governments can work on many different areas at the same time, they can create cities that are healthier and happier for everyone.
(Word count: 309)
Writing Tips for This Topic
When writing about urban development and community health for IELTS Task 2, consider the following tips:
For Band 7-8:
- Use sophisticated vocabulary related to urban planning and health, such as “sustainable development,” “urban infrastructure,” and “public health initiatives.”
- Employ complex sentence structures, including conditionals and relative clauses.
- Provide specific examples to support your arguments.
- Use clear topic sentences and maintain coherent paragraph structure.
- Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic by acknowledging multiple perspectives.
For Band 6-7:
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences to convey your ideas clearly.
- Include relevant vocabulary related to cities and health, but don’t overuse advanced terms.
- Provide basic examples to support your points.
- Maintain a clear essay structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Express your opinion clearly, but you may not need to explore all aspects of the issue in depth.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some important vocabulary words related to urban development and community health:
- Urban sprawl (noun) /ˈɜːrbən sprɔːl/ – the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
- Gentrification (noun) /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – the process of renovating and improving a neighborhood, often displacing low-income residents
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society
- Public health (noun) /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ/ – the health of the population as a whole, especially as monitored by government agencies
- Quality of life (noun) /ˈkwɒləti əv laɪf/ – the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group
- Overcrowding (noun) /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ/ – the state of having too many people or things in one place
- Green space (noun) /ɡriːn speɪs/ – an area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment
Conclusion
Urban development and its impact on community health is a complex and multifaceted topic that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for potential questions on this subject, practice discussing various aspects of urban life, including environmental issues, housing, transportation, and public services. Consider how these elements interact and affect the overall well-being of city residents.
Some potential future questions might include:
- How can cities balance economic growth with environmental protection?
- Discuss the challenges of providing affordable housing in rapidly growing urban areas.
- To what extent should governments prioritize public transportation over private vehicle use in cities?
By familiarizing yourself with these themes and practicing your essay writing skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any IELTS Writing Task 2 question related to urban development and community health.