Rising housing costs and gentrification have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. These issues reflect the growing global concern about urban development and its impact on communities. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays for different band scores.
Urban Gentrification Impact
Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Let’s examine a question that encapsulates the core issues of rising housing costs and gentrification:
In many cities, the cost of housing is becoming so high that only the wealthy can afford to live there. What problems does this cause? What solutions can you suggest?
Question Analysis
This question focuses on the consequences of rising housing costs in urban areas and requires you to:
- Discuss the problems caused by expensive housing in cities
- Propose solutions to address these issues
The question is a problem-solution type, which means your essay should be structured to clearly address both aspects. It’s crucial to provide specific examples and well-reasoned arguments to support your points.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
The soaring cost of housing in major urban centers has become a pressing issue, leading to a situation where only affluent individuals can afford to reside in these areas. This trend gives rise to several significant problems and necessitates innovative solutions to ensure cities remain inclusive and diverse.
One of the primary issues stemming from exorbitant housing prices is the forced displacement of long-term residents. As property values skyrocket, many individuals and families who have lived in these neighborhoods for generations find themselves priced out of their own communities. This not only disrupts social ties but also erodes the cultural fabric that makes cities unique and vibrant. Moreover, the exclusion of middle and lower-income groups from urban centers can lead to increased economic segregation, exacerbating inequality and hindering social mobility.
Another consequential problem is the impact on the local economy. When only the wealthy can afford to live in cities, it becomes increasingly difficult for businesses to find workers for essential services and lower-paying jobs. This can result in labor shortages in crucial sectors such as education, healthcare, and hospitality, ultimately affecting the quality of life for all city dwellers.
To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is required. Implementing rent control measures can help protect existing tenants from sudden and extreme rent hikes, allowing them to remain in their homes. Additionally, mandating inclusionary zoning policies that require developers to include a percentage of affordable housing units in new projects can help maintain a mix of income levels within neighborhoods.
Governments should also consider increasing investment in public housing and offering subsidies or tax incentives to developers who build affordable housing. This can help increase the overall housing supply and make living in cities more accessible to a broader range of income groups.
Furthermore, promoting community land trusts can be an effective long-term solution. These non-profit organizations acquire and manage land to preserve affordability, ensuring that housing remains accessible to lower-income residents even as property values increase.
In conclusion, the exclusivity created by high housing costs in cities poses significant social and economic challenges. However, through a combination of policy interventions, investment in affordable housing, and innovative community-based solutions, it is possible to create more inclusive urban environments that cater to diverse populations and maintain the vibrancy that makes cities attractive in the first place.
(Word count: 379)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to a high band score:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses both parts of the question, discussing problems and proposing solutions in detail.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked using cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “forced displacement,” “economic segregation,” and “inclusionary zoning policies.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately, with only minor errors.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples, showing a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
In recent years, housing prices in many cities have become very expensive, making it difficult for average people to live there. This situation causes several problems and needs to be addressed with some possible solutions.
One of the main problems is that only rich people can afford to live in the city center. This means that many workers, such as teachers, nurses, and shop assistants, have to live far away from their workplaces. They have to spend a lot of time and money on commuting, which affects their quality of life. Another issue is that cities lose their diversity. When only wealthy people live in an area, it changes the character of the neighborhood and can make it less interesting and vibrant.
To solve these problems, the government could take some actions. Firstly, they could introduce rent control to stop landlords from charging too much for apartments. This would help people with lower incomes to stay in the city. Secondly, the government could build more affordable housing or give incentives to private companies to do so. This would increase the supply of homes that average earners can afford.
Another solution could be to improve public transportation to areas outside the city center. If it’s easier and quicker for people to commute from cheaper areas, they might be more willing to live there.
In conclusion, the high cost of housing in cities is a serious problem that affects many people. While it’s a complex issue, there are steps that can be taken to make cities more affordable and inclusive for everyone.
(Word count: 269)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses both parts of the question, but the problems and solutions could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there’s less variety in structure.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant but could be supported with more specific examples or deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some important vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and pronunciations:
Exorbitant (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɔːrbɪtənt/ – Unreasonably high (in price or amount).
Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The action of moving someone or something from its place or position.
Segregation (noun) /ˌseɡrɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others.
Inclusionary (adjective) /ɪnˈkluːʒəneri/ – Aiming to include many different types of people and treat them all fairly and equally.
Vibrancy (noun) /ˈvaɪbrənsi/ – The state of being full of energy and life.
Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
Commuting (noun) /kəˈmjuːtɪŋ/ – The practice of traveling some distance between one’s home and place of work on a regular basis.
Diversity (noun) /daɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The state of being diverse; variety.
Affordable (adjective) /əˈfɔːrdəbl/ – Inexpensive; reasonably priced.
Inclusive (adjective) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – Not excluding any section of society or any party involved in something.
Conclusion
Rising housing costs and gentrification are complex issues that are likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare for such questions, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The impact of urbanization on housing affordability
- Government policies to address housing shortages in cities
- The pros and cons of urban redevelopment projects
- The role of private developers in shaping urban landscapes
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, provide relevant examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.