The topic of teleworking and its effects on urban infrastructure planning has become increasingly relevant in recent years, particularly due to the global shift towards remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a popular theme in future exams. To help you prepare, we’ll analyze a sample question and provide model essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that the rise of teleworking will lead to significant changes in urban infrastructure planning. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether the increase in teleworking (remote work) will substantially impact how cities plan their infrastructure. To answer effectively, you should:
- Clearly state your position (agree, disagree, or partially agree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your view
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Conclude by summarizing your main points
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
The proliferation of teleworking in recent years has undoubtedly transformed the way many people work, and I strongly agree that this shift will necessitate significant changes in urban infrastructure planning. This essay will explore how remote work impacts city design, transportation systems, and the distribution of commercial and residential spaces.
Firstly, the rise of teleworking is likely to reshape city centers and business districts. With fewer employees commuting to centralized offices, urban planners may need to reconsider the allocation of space for large office buildings. Instead, we might see a trend towards mixed-use developments that combine smaller, flexible workspaces with residential and recreational areas. This shift could lead to more vibrant, diverse urban cores that cater to a variety of needs beyond traditional 9-to-5 work hours.
Secondly, transportation infrastructure will require substantial reimagining. The reduced need for daily commutes may result in decreased demand for public transportation during peak hours and less congestion on roads. Consequently, urban planners might prioritize the development of more extensive cycling networks and pedestrian-friendly zones, promoting healthier and more sustainable modes of travel. Additionally, the funds previously allocated to expanding commuter-centric infrastructure could be redirected towards improving digital connectivity, which is crucial for effective teleworking.
However, it is important to acknowledge that not all jobs can be performed remotely, and some industries will continue to require physical presence. Therefore, urban planners must strike a balance between accommodating the needs of teleworkers and maintaining essential infrastructure for traditional work arrangements. This might involve creating more flexible, multi-purpose spaces that can adapt to changing work patterns and economic conditions.
In conclusion, the rise of teleworking will undoubtedly have a profound impact on urban infrastructure planning. From reimagining city centers to revolutionizing transportation systems, the shift towards remote work presents both challenges and opportunities for urban designers. By embracing these changes and planning proactively, cities can create more efficient, sustainable, and livable environments that cater to the evolving needs of their residents.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the impact of teleworking on urban planning.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “mixed-use developments,” “digital connectivity,” and “transportation infrastructure.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly, with only minor errors.
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Critical Thinking: The essay shows depth of critical thinking by considering multiple aspects of the issue and acknowledging potential counterarguments.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
I agree to a large extent that the increase in teleworking will lead to important changes in urban infrastructure planning. This essay will discuss how remote work affects transportation and office spaces in cities.
Firstly, teleworking will change how people use transportation in cities. With more people working from home, there will be less need for daily commuting. This means that cities might need to rethink their public transportation systems. For example, instead of focusing on expanding subway lines for commuters, planners might invest more in bike lanes or walking paths for local travel. However, not everyone can work from home, so some traditional transportation will still be necessary.
Secondly, the rise of remote work will impact office spaces in urban areas. Many companies are realizing they don’t need large offices if most employees work from home. This could lead to changes in how city centers are designed. Some office buildings might be converted into apartments or shared workspaces. Urban planners will need to consider how to use these spaces effectively to keep city centers active and economically viable.
On the other hand, it’s important to note that not all jobs can be done remotely. Some industries, like manufacturing or healthcare, still require workers to be physically present. Therefore, urban planners must balance the needs of remote workers with those who still commute to work.
In conclusion, the growth of teleworking will significantly impact urban infrastructure planning, particularly in areas of transportation and office space usage. While these changes present challenges, they also offer opportunities to create more flexible and livable cities. Urban planners must adapt their strategies to accommodate this new way of working while still meeting the needs of all city residents.
(Word count: 276)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be further developed with more specific examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, though it could benefit from more varied and precise word choices.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there’s room for more variety.
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Critical Thinking: The essay shows some critical thinking by considering different aspects of the issue, but could delve deeper into the implications and potential solutions.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Teleworking (noun) – /ˈtelɪwɜːrkɪŋ/ – The practice of working from home, making use of the internet, email, and the telephone.
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Urban infrastructure (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːrbən ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌktʃər/ – The physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a city.
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Mixed-use development (noun phrase) – /mɪkst juːz dɪˈveləpmənt/ – An urban development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or entertainment uses.
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Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.
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Flexible workspace (noun phrase) – /ˈfleksəbl ˈwɜːkspeɪs/ – An adaptable office environment that can be easily reconfigured for different purposes or work styles.
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Digital connectivity (noun phrase) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˌkɒnekˈtɪvəti/ – The ability to connect to and use digital technologies and the internet.
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Livable (adjective) – /ˈlɪvəbl/ – Suitable for living in; comfortable and convenient.
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Commuter-centric (adjective) – /kəˈmjuːtə ˈsentrɪk/ – Focused on or designed primarily for people who travel regularly between work and home.
In conclusion, the impact of teleworking on urban infrastructure planning is a complex and evolving topic that is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. By understanding the key issues and practicing with sample essays like these, you can improve your ability to discuss this subject effectively in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as “the effects of reality TV on societal values”. You can also explore potential future questions like:
- How might the rise of teleworking affect rural development and urbanization patterns?
- What are the potential environmental impacts of increased teleworking on cities?
- How can cities balance the needs of remote workers with those of traditional industries?
Remember to practice regularly and focus on developing your ideas, using varied vocabulary, and maintaining coherent arguments. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!