Urban development and its impact on green spaces is a topic of growing concern and relevance in today’s rapidly urbanizing world. This theme has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its importance in contemporary discourse. Based on past exam trends and the increasing global focus on sustainable urban planning, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to feature prominently in future IELTS exams.
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people believe that the growth of cities is destroying the natural environment. Others think that cities can develop without causing environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that urban growth is harmful to the environment
- Explore the opposing view that cities can develop sustainably
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at two sample essays that tackle this topic, one aiming for a Band 8-9 and another for Band 6-7.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The rapid expansion of urban areas has sparked a debate about its environmental impact. While some argue that city growth inevitably leads to environmental degradation, others contend that sustainable urban development is possible. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Those who believe urban growth is detrimental to the environment have compelling reasons. As cities expand, green spaces are often the first casualties, replaced by concrete structures and roads. This loss of natural habitats disrupts local ecosystems and reduces biodiversity. Moreover, increased population density leads to higher levels of pollution, including air and water contamination, which further harm the environment. The urban heat island effect, where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas, is another consequence of unchecked urban development.
Conversely, proponents of sustainable urban development argue that cities can grow without causing irreparable environmental damage. They point to innovative urban planning strategies that incorporate green spaces, such as rooftop gardens and vertical forests. These initiatives not only preserve biodiversity but also improve air quality and reduce the urban heat island effect. Additionally, well-planned cities can implement efficient public transportation systems and promote walking and cycling, reducing carbon emissions. Advanced waste management and recycling programs in urban areas can also mitigate environmental impact.
In my opinion, while uncontrolled urban growth indeed poses significant environmental threats, it is possible to develop cities in an eco-friendly manner. The key lies in prioritizing sustainable practices from the outset of urban planning. By integrating green spaces, implementing renewable energy solutions, and designing cities for people rather than cars, we can create urban environments that coexist harmoniously with nature. Moreover, cities can become hubs of environmental innovation, developing and implementing technologies that benefit both urban and rural areas.
In conclusion, while the expansion of cities presents environmental challenges, I believe that with careful planning and a commitment to sustainability, urban development can occur without causing irreversible damage to the natural environment. The future of our planet depends on our ability to create cities that are not only centers of human activity but also guardians of the environment.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The growth of cities and its effect on the environment is a big topic these days. Some people think cities are bad for nature, while others believe cities can grow without hurting the environment. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who say cities harm the environment have some good points. When cities get bigger, they often destroy green areas. Trees are cut down to make space for buildings and roads. This is bad for animals and plants that live there. Also, more people in cities means more pollution. Cars and factories in cities make the air dirty, which is not good for health or nature.
On the other hand, some people think cities can grow without causing big problems for the environment. They say that cities can use smart planning to keep some green spaces. For example, some cities are making parks on top of buildings or planting trees along streets. These ideas help keep some nature in the city. Cities can also use better public transport to reduce pollution from cars.
In my opinion, I think it’s possible for cities to grow without destroying nature completely, but it’s not easy. Cities need to try hard to protect the environment while they grow. They should make rules to keep some green spaces and use clean energy like solar power. If cities do these things, they can develop and still be good for the environment.
To sum up, while growing cities can cause problems for nature, I believe that with careful planning, cities can develop in a way that doesn’t harm the environment too much. It’s important for city planners to think about nature when they make decisions about how cities grow.
(Word count: 276)
Key Writing Tips
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Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to urban development and the environment. For Band 8-9, incorporate sophisticated terms like “ecosystem disruption,” “biodiversity,” and “urban heat island effect.” For Band 6-7, use simpler but relevant terms like “pollution,” “green spaces,” and “public transport.”
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Grammar: For higher bands, use complex sentence structures and a variety of tenses. For Band 6-7, focus on using simple and compound sentences correctly, with some attempts at more complex structures.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure your essay flows logically. Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. Higher band essays should demonstrate sophisticated paragraph and essay structure.
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Task Response: Address all parts of the question fully. For Band 8-9, provide a nuanced discussion with well-developed ideas. For Band 6-7, cover the main points with some supporting details.
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Tone: Maintain a formal, academic tone throughout the essay, avoiding colloquialisms and overly emotional language.
Essential Vocabulary
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Urban sprawl (noun) /ˈɜːrbən sprɔːl/ – The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land.
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
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Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas.
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Green belt (noun) /ɡriːn belt/ – An area of open land around a city, on which building is restricted.
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Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˌfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
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Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
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Environmental impact (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect of human activities on the natural world.
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Urban planning (noun phrase) /ˈɜːbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and organizing urban areas.
Conclusion
The impact of urban development on green spaces is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting real-world environmental concerns. By understanding the key aspects of this issue and practicing essay writing, you can improve your ability to address such questions effectively. Remember to balance your discussion of both viewpoints and provide a clear, well-supported opinion.
To further enhance your skills, consider practicing with related topics such as:
- The role of government in protecting urban green spaces
- The benefits of green spaces in cities for public health
- Innovative solutions for integrating nature into urban environments
- The economic impact of preserving green spaces in urban areas
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.
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