Urban farming and its effects on community health is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam trends and current global issues, this theme is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ll examine a relevant question that closely resembles actual IELTS prompts:
Some people believe that urban farming can significantly improve the health of local communities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed explanations of their strengths and weaknesses.
Question Analysis
This question asks for your opinion on the impact of urban farming on community health. Key points to consider:
- Understand the term “urban farming” – growing food in cities
- Focus on health benefits for local communities
- Clearly state your position – agree, disagree, or partially agree
- Provide relevant examples and explanations to support your view
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Urban agriculture has gained popularity in recent years, with proponents claiming it can substantially enhance the well-being of local populations. I strongly agree with this statement and believe that urban farming can indeed have a profound positive impact on community health through various mechanisms.
Firstly, urban farming can significantly improve access to fresh, nutritious produce in urban areas. Many cities suffer from “food deserts,” where residents have limited access to affordable, healthy food options. By establishing community gardens and rooftop farms, urban dwellers can grow their own fruits and vegetables, ensuring a steady supply of nutrient-rich foods. This increased availability of fresh produce can lead to improved dietary habits and better overall nutrition within the community, potentially reducing the incidence of diet-related health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Moreover, engaging in urban farming activities can provide numerous physical and mental health benefits. Gardening is an excellent form of low-impact exercise, promoting physical activity and helping to combat sedentary lifestyles that are prevalent in urban environments. Additionally, the act of nurturing plants and watching them grow can have significant psychological benefits, reducing stress and anxiety while fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature. These mental health benefits are particularly valuable in densely populated urban areas where green spaces may be limited.
Furthermore, urban farming can contribute to improved air quality and reduced pollution in cities. Plants act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while also filtering out harmful pollutants. By increasing the amount of vegetation in urban areas through farming initiatives, communities can enjoy cleaner air, which is especially beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions. This improvement in air quality can lead to a reduction in respiratory illnesses and allergies among community members.
In conclusion, urban farming has the potential to significantly enhance community health through multiple pathways. By increasing access to nutritious food, promoting physical activity and mental well-being, and improving air quality, urban agriculture initiatives can contribute to healthier, more resilient urban communities. As cities continue to grow and face environmental challenges, encouraging and supporting urban farming projects should be a priority for policymakers and community leaders alike.
Essay 1 Analysis (Band 8-9)
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: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “food deserts” and “urban agriculture.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.
Key strengths:
- Clear introduction with a strong thesis statement
- Well-developed body paragraphs, each focusing on a distinct aspect of urban farming’s impact on health
- Effective use of examples and explanations to support arguments
- Sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
- Strong conclusion that summarizes main points and provides a broader perspective
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent times, urban farming has become more popular in cities. Some people think it can make local communities healthier. I agree with this idea because urban farming can help people eat better and feel happier.
One reason why urban farming is good for community health is that it gives people fresh food. When people grow their own vegetables and fruits in the city, they can eat healthier food. This is important because many people in cities don’t have easy access to fresh vegetables and fruits. By growing their own food, they can improve their diet and be healthier.
Another benefit of urban farming is that it helps people exercise. Gardening is a good way to move your body and stay active. This is especially important in cities where many people have jobs that require sitting all day. When people work in gardens, they can get exercise and fresh air, which is good for their health.
Urban farming can also make people feel better mentally. Taking care of plants and watching them grow can reduce stress and make people feel happy. This is very helpful in busy cities where people often feel stressed. Having green spaces in the city can improve people’s mood and mental health.
However, there are some challenges with urban farming. For example, finding space to grow food in crowded cities can be difficult. Also, some people might not have the time or knowledge to start farming. These problems need to be solved to make urban farming more successful.
In conclusion, I believe that urban farming can really help make communities healthier. It provides fresh food, exercise, and mental health benefits. While there are some difficulties, the positive effects on community health make urban farming a good idea for cities.
Essay 2 Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 performance:
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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 more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression of ideas. Basic cohesive devices are used, but they could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at more sophisticated words. However, there is less precision and variety compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Key strengths and areas for improvement:
- Clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Relevant main ideas presented, but could be elaborated further
- Some good vocabulary related to the topic, but could be more varied
- Mostly accurate grammar, but could use more complex structures
- Acknowledgment of potential challenges shows balanced thinking
Key Vocabulary
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Urban farming (noun): The practice of growing food in urban areas.
Pronunciation: /ˈɜːrbən ˈfɑːrmɪŋ/ -
Community health (noun phrase): The overall well-being of a group of people living in a specific area.
Pronunciation: /kəˈmjuːnəti helθ/ -
Food desert (noun): An urban area where it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food.
Pronunciation: /fuːd ˈdezərt/ -
Sedentary lifestyle (noun phrase): A way of life that involves little or no physical activity.
Pronunciation: /ˈsed.ən.ter.i ˈlaɪf.staɪl/ -
Air purifier (noun): A device or substance that removes contaminants from the air.
Pronunciation: /eə(r) ˈpjʊərɪfaɪə(r)/ -
Respiratory conditions (noun phrase): Diseases affecting the lungs and breathing.
Pronunciation: /rɪˈspɪrətəri kənˈdɪʃ(ə)nz/ -
Nutrient-rich (adjective): Containing a high amount of essential nutrients.
Pronunciation: /ˈnjuːtriənt rɪtʃ/ -
Green space (noun): An area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment.
Pronunciation: /griːn speɪs/ -
Resilient (adjective): Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Pronunciation: /rɪˈzɪliənt/ -
Policymaker (noun): A person responsible for making new rules, laws, etc.
Pronunciation: /ˈpɒləsiˌmeɪkə(r)/
In conclusion, urban farming’s impact on community health is a relevant and important topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key elements of strong essays and practicing with sample questions, you can improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the exam. Remember to focus on clear argumentation, relevant examples, and proper essay structure.
To further enhance your preparation, consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of urban planning in promoting public health
- The importance of green spaces in urban areas
- Sustainable food production methods in cities
- The relationship between diet and community well-being
- Strategies for reducing pollution in urban environments
We encourage you to write your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
How urban gardens can promote sustainable living is another interesting topic that relates closely to urban farming and its benefits. By exploring these interconnected themes, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a wide range of potential IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.
Remember, success in IELTS Writing Task 2 comes from consistent practice and a deep understanding of various social and environmental issues. Keep exploring topics like how urban farming can address food insecurity to broaden your knowledge and improve your ability to construct well-argued essays. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!