IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Urban Gardens and Food Security (Band 6-9)

The topic of urban gardens and their importance in food security has become increasingly relevant in recent IELTS exams. Based on analysis of past test papers and current global trends, this theme is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a related question that has appeared in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams:

Some people believe that urban gardens can play a significant role in addressing food security issues in cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analysis of the Question

This question asks for your opinion on the potential impact of urban gardens on food security in cities. Key points to consider:

1. Understand the concept of urban gardens and food security
2. Decide your stance – agree, disagree, or partially agree
3. Provide relevant examples and explanations to support your position
4. Consider both the benefits and limitations of urban gardens in addressing food security

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Urban gardening has gained traction as a potential solution to food insecurity in densely populated areas. In my opinion, while urban gardens can contribute significantly to addressing food security issues in cities, they should be viewed as part of a broader strategy rather than a standalone solution.

Urban gardens undoubtedly offer numerous benefits that can positively impact food security. Firstly, they provide fresh, locally-grown produce, reducing the reliance on long-distance transportation and enhancing access to nutritious food. This is particularly crucial in urban “food deserts” where residents have limited access to affordable, healthy options. Secondly, urban gardens promote community engagement and education about sustainable food production, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and environmental awareness. This knowledge empowers city dwellers to take control of their food sources and make informed dietary choices.

Moreover, urban gardens can contribute to the resilience of city food systems. In times of crisis or supply chain disruptions, locally grown food can serve as a buffer against shortages and price fluctuations. The impact of urban farming on community health extends beyond nutrition, as gardening activities can improve mental health and social cohesion among urban residents.

However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of urban gardens in fully addressing food security issues. The scale of production in urban settings is often insufficient to meet the entire food needs of a city’s population. Limited space, soil quality issues, and resource constraints can hinder the productivity of urban gardens. Additionally, not all city residents have access to suitable spaces for gardening or the time and skills required to maintain them effectively.

Urban gardens contributing to food security in cities

To maximize the impact of urban gardens on food security, they should be integrated into a comprehensive urban planning and food policy framework. This could include initiatives such as how urban green spaces improve the quality of life, supporting community garden programs, incorporating edible landscaping in public spaces, and providing education and resources for home gardening. Furthermore, collaboration between urban gardeners, local authorities, and food distribution networks can enhance the efficiency and reach of these initiatives.

In conclusion, while urban gardens alone cannot solve all food security challenges in cities, they play a vital role in a multifaceted approach to the issue. By providing fresh produce, fostering community engagement, and enhancing the resilience of urban food systems, these green spaces contribute significantly to improving food security. However, their effectiveness is maximized when integrated into broader urban planning and food policy strategies.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In recent years, urban gardens have become more popular in cities around the world. Many people think these gardens can help solve food security problems in urban areas. I partially agree with this idea because urban gardens have some benefits, but they also have limitations.

One main advantage of urban gardens is that they can provide fresh vegetables and fruits to city people. When people grow their own food, they can eat healthier and save money on groceries. This is especially helpful for low-income families who might not be able to afford expensive fruits and vegetables from supermarkets. Urban gardens also teach people about where their food comes from and how to grow it, which is important knowledge for everyone.

Another benefit is that urban gardens can make cities greener and more beautiful. They can be created on rooftops, in empty lots, or even on balconies. This not only produces food but also improves the environment and how urban green spaces improve the quality of life for city residents. Gardens can help reduce pollution and make the air cleaner, which is good for everyone’s health.

However, urban gardens also have some problems that limit how much they can help with food security. First, not everyone in the city has space to grow food. Many people live in small apartments without balconies or access to community gardens. Second, growing food takes time and skill, which some busy city people might not have. Lastly, urban gardens usually can’t produce enough food to feed all the people in a city. They can only supplement the food supply, not replace it completely.

Community members working together in an urban garden

To make urban gardens more effective in addressing food security, cities need to support them with good policies. This could include providing more space for community gardens, offering gardening classes, and helping to distribute the food grown in these gardens to people who need it most. Cities should also look at how urban gardens can contribute to food security as part of a bigger plan to ensure everyone has access to healthy food.

In conclusion, while urban gardens can help with food security in cities to some extent, they are not a complete solution. They have many benefits, such as providing fresh food and making cities greener, but they also face challenges like limited space and resources. Urban gardens should be part of a larger strategy to improve food security in cities, working alongside other initiatives to ensure all urban residents have access to nutritious food.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Urban gardens are becoming popular in many cities. Some people think they can help solve food problems in cities. I agree that urban gardens are good, but they cannot fix all food issues.

Urban gardens have some good points. First, they give people fresh vegetables and fruits. This is healthy food that people can grow themselves. It’s good for families who don’t have much money to buy food from shops. Also, urban gardens make cities look nice. They add green spaces to cities, which is good for the environment.

Another good thing about urban gardens is that they teach people about food. When people grow their own food, they learn where it comes from. This is important knowledge. Urban gardens can also bring people together. Neighbors can work together in community gardens, which is good for making friends.

But urban gardens also have problems. Not everyone in cities has space to grow food. Many people live in small flats without gardens. Growing food also takes time and knowledge. Some people are too busy to take care of gardens. Also, urban gardens cannot grow enough food for all people in a city. They can only grow a small amount of food.

Children learning about gardening in an urban setting

To make urban gardens better for food security, cities need to help. They can give more space for gardens and teach people how to grow food. Cities can also help share the food from gardens with people who need it. But cities also need other ways to make sure everyone has enough food, not just gardens.

In conclusion, urban gardens are good for cities and can help with some food problems. But they cannot fix all food security issues. Urban gardens should be part of a bigger plan to help people in cities get enough healthy food. Cities need to use urban gardens and other ideas together to solve food problems.

Explanation of Band Scores

1. Band 8-9 Essay:

   • Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
   • Presents a clear position throughout the essay
   • Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
   • Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
   • Demonstrates high levels of coherence and cohesion
   • Provides relevant, extended and supported ideas

2. Band 6-7 Essay:

   • Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
   • Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
   • Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and flexibility
   • Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
   • Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
   • Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear

3. Band 5-6 Essay:

   • Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
   • Expresses a position but development is not always clear
   • Uses limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
   • Uses a limited range of structures with some attempts to use more complex sentences
   • Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
   • Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urban gardens (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈɡɑːrdnz/ – Small-scale food production in cities
2. Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – Consistent access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food
3. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
4. Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
5. Self-sufficiency (noun) – /ˌself səˈfɪʃənsi/ – The ability to provide for oneself without help from others
6. Community engagement (noun) – /kəˈmjuːnəti ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ – Involvement of community members in various initiatives
7. Edible landscaping (noun) – /ˈedəbl ˈlændˌskeɪpɪŋ/ – Incorporating food-producing plants into ornamental designs
8. Food desert (noun) – /fuːd ˈdezərt/ – Urban area where affordable, nutritious food is difficult to obtain
9. Vertical farming (noun) – /ˈvɜːrtɪkl ˈfɑːrmɪŋ/ – Practice of growing crops in vertically stacked layers
10. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – Variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat

In conclusion, the topic of urban gardens and their role in food security is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The impact of urban agriculture on local economies
• Challenges in implementing large-scale urban farming projects
• The role of technology in enhancing urban food production
• Comparing the effectiveness of urban gardens to traditional farming methods in addressing food security

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.