Urban green spaces and their effects on public health have become increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, particularly since 2019. This topic frequently appears in various forms, from discussing environmental benefits to debating urban planning policies. Studies of past IELTS exams show this theme appearing approximately once every 4-5 months, making it essential for test-takers to prepare thoroughly.
The impact of urban design on mental health has become especially relevant as cities worldwide grapple with environmental challenges and public health concerns.
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Some people believe that cities should create more green spaces like parks and gardens instead of building new residential and commercial developments. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Question Analysis
- Type: Opinion (Agree/Disagree)
- Topic: Urban planning and public health
- Key points to address:
- Balance between development and green spaces
- Impact on public health and well-being
- Environmental considerations
- Economic implications
Urban green spaces integrated with modern city development showing parks and buildings
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The debate between preserving green spaces and expanding urban development is increasingly crucial in modern city planning. While both aspects are important for urban growth, I strongly agree that prioritizing green spaces is essential for sustainable urban development and public health.
The impact of urban heat islands on city planning demonstrates that creating green spaces is vital for temperature regulation and environmental balance. Parks and gardens serve multiple functions beyond mere aesthetics. They act as natural air purifiers, reduce urban heat island effects, and provide essential recreational spaces for residents. Studies have shown that access to green spaces significantly reduces stress levels and improves mental health outcomes among city dwellers.
Furthermore, urban green spaces contribute substantially to biodiversity and environmental sustainability. These areas serve as habitats for local wildlife and help maintain ecological balance within urban environments. The presence of parks and gardens also increases property values in surrounding areas, creating economic benefits that can offset the perceived losses from not developing these spaces for commercial purposes.
Does rapid city population growth benefit or harm residents is a question that can be partially answered through the lens of green space availability. While critics might argue that using land for parks rather than housing could exacerbate housing shortages, innovative urban planning can incorporate green spaces into residential developments, creating sustainable communities that benefit both current and future generations.
Therefore, I firmly believe that prioritizing green spaces in urban development is crucial for creating livable, sustainable cities. The long-term benefits to public health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being far outweigh the short-term gains from excessive commercial development.
Public health benefits of urban parks showing people exercising and relaxing
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In my opinion, I agree that cities should make more green spaces instead of just building new buildings. There are several reasons for this view.
Firstly, green spaces are good for people’s health. When people have parks near their homes, they can exercise more easily and get fresh air. This helps them stay healthy and reduces stress. Also, children need places to play outside, and parks provide this opportunity.
impact of urban living on health shows that pollution and lack of exercise are big problems in cities. Green spaces help solve these problems by cleaning the air and giving people places to be active. Many studies show that people who live near parks are healthier than those who don’t.
However, cities also need new buildings for people to live and work. The solution could be to combine both needs. For example, new buildings could have roof gardens or small parks between them. This way, we can have both development and green spaces.
To conclude, while cities need both buildings and green spaces, I believe making more parks and gardens is very important for people’s health and happiness. The government should find ways to balance these different needs.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Clear position, fully developed arguments
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical organization, effective paragraphing
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary usage
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures, error-free writing
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Clear but simpler position
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but repetitive vocabulary
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- Urban heat island (n) /ˈɜːbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd/ – phenomenon where urban areas are warmer than surrounding rural areas
- Biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain ecological balance
- Recreational (adj) /ˌrekriˈeɪʃənl/ – relating to activities done for enjoyment
- Ecological balance (n) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈbæləns/ – stable state of an ecosystem
Conclusion
The impact of urban green spaces on public health remains a crucial IELTS Writing Task 2 topic. For practice, consider writing about similar topics such as:
- The role of urban agriculture in modern cities
- Balancing environmental protection with urban development
- The impact of green building regulations on city planning
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
