Urban green spaces have become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This theme not only reflects current global trends in urban planning and environmental awareness but also provides a rich context for candidates to showcase their language skills and critical thinking abilities. Based on recent exam patterns, we can expect to see more questions related to how urban planning can create more sustainable cities in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people say that green spaces like parks and sports fields should be built in towns and cities. Others, however, believe that building more shops and restaurants is a better approach. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the advantages of building green spaces in urban areas
- Explain the benefits of constructing more commercial establishments
- Provide a personal opinion on which approach is preferable
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced argument before presenting your own view.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Urban development has sparked debates about the most beneficial use of limited space in cities. While some advocate for the creation of green areas, others argue for the expansion of commercial zones. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of green spaces argue that parks and sports fields significantly enhance the quality of life for urban dwellers. These areas provide crucial opportunities for physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction, which are essential for maintaining public health and well-being. Moreover, green spaces contribute to urban biodiversity and help mitigate the effects of pollution and urban heat islands. For instance, studies have shown that cities with more parks have lower rates of respiratory diseases and stress-related disorders.
On the other hand, those in favor of commercial development contend that increasing the number of shops and restaurants can stimulate economic growth and job creation. A thriving commercial sector can attract more visitors, boost local businesses, and generate tax revenue for city improvements. Furthermore, a diverse range of dining and shopping options can enhance the cultural vibrancy of urban areas, making them more attractive to residents and tourists alike.
In my opinion, while both approaches have merit, prioritizing green spaces is crucial for sustainable urban development. The long-term benefits of parks and sports fields in terms of public health, environmental protection, and community cohesion outweigh the immediate economic gains from commercial expansion. However, a balanced approach that incorporates both elements is ideal. City planners should focus on creating mixed-use developments that integrate green spaces with commercial areas, ensuring that urban environments are both livable and economically viable.
In conclusion, the development of urban areas should prioritize the creation of green spaces while also accommodating commercial growth in a balanced manner. This approach will lead to more sustainable, healthy, and vibrant cities that cater to the diverse needs of their inhabitants.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent language use and coherent argumentation, warranting a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked using appropriate cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “urban heat islands” and “sustainable urban development”.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors, showcasing a high degree of grammatical control.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, there is a debate about how to use space in cities. Some people think we should build more parks and sports areas, while others say we need more shops and restaurants. In this essay, I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
First, green spaces are important for cities. Parks and sports fields give people places to exercise and relax. This is good for health and helps reduce stress. Also, these areas make cities look nicer and can help reduce pollution. For example, in my city, a new park was built, and now many people go there to play sports or have picnics with their families.
On the other hand, more shops and restaurants can be good for the economy. They create jobs and bring money to the city. When there are many shops and restaurants, people have more choices for shopping and eating out. This can make the city more interesting for tourists too. In some cities, popular shopping areas have become famous tourist attractions.
In my opinion, both green spaces and commercial areas are important, but I think green spaces should be the priority. While shops and restaurants are nice to have, parks and sports fields are essential for people’s health and well-being. Cities need to find a balance between these two things. Maybe they can create areas that have both parks and shops nearby.
To conclude, cities need both green spaces and commercial areas. However, I believe that building more parks and sports fields is more important for making cities better places to live. Governments should plan carefully to include both types of spaces in urban development.
(Word count: 273)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good language use and coherent argumentation, suitable for a Band 6-7 score:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though the discussion of each viewpoint could be more developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing and some use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, though more sophisticated and precise language could be used.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there is room for more variety.
Key Vocabulary
- Urban development (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The growth and expansion of cities and towns
- Green spaces (noun) – /ɡriːn ˈspeɪsɪz/ – Areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment
- Commercial zones (noun) – /kəˈmɜːrʃəl zoʊnz/ – Areas designated for business and trade activities
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem
- Urban heat island (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd/ – A metropolitan area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities
- Mixed-use development (noun) – /mɪkst juːz dɪˈveləpmənt/ – A type of urban development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses
These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing urban planning and environmental topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Practice using them in your own writing to enhance your lexical resource score.
Conclusion
The topic of urban green spaces and their impact on quality of life is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as how urban gardens can contribute to food security or the importance of sustainable urban planning. You might also encounter questions about urban sprawl’s environmental impact. By familiarizing yourself with these topics and the associated vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a wide range of urban development questions in your IELTS exam.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. Remember, consistent practice is key to achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.