The topic of parks and recreation in urban areas is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on past trends and current urban development issues, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Some people believe that governments should spend money on building public parks and sports facilities, while others think this money should be spent on more important things. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses the allocation of government resources between public recreational spaces and other priorities. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for investing in parks and sports facilities
- Explore reasons why this money could be better spent elsewhere
- Provide a personal opinion with justification
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, demonstrating different approaches and skill levels in addressing this topic.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In an era of rapid urbanization, the debate over government spending priorities has intensified, with some advocating for investment in public parks and sports facilities, while others argue for allocating funds to more pressing issues. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of investing in recreational spaces argue that such facilities are crucial for public health and social cohesion. Parks and sports facilities provide accessible venues for physical activity, which is essential in combating the rising obesity epidemic and associated health problems. Moreover, these spaces serve as community hubs, fostering social interactions and improving the overall quality of life in urban areas. The importance of urban green spaces for mental well-being cannot be overstated, as they offer respite from the stresses of city life and contribute to improved mental health outcomes.
On the other hand, critics contend that there are more urgent priorities for government spending. They argue that funds should be directed towards essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. In many cities, hospitals are overcrowded, schools are underfunded, and transportation systems are inadequate. Addressing these fundamental needs, they argue, should take precedence over building recreational facilities.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that investing in parks and sports facilities is a wise long-term strategy for urban development. These spaces contribute significantly to public health, potentially reducing healthcare costs in the future. Additionally, they enhance the livability of cities, making them more attractive to residents and businesses alike. However, I also recognize the need for a balanced approach. Governments should strive to allocate resources efficiently, ensuring that essential services are not neglected while still investing in recreational infrastructure.
In conclusion, the decision to invest in public parks and sports facilities should not be viewed as a binary choice between recreation and other priorities. Instead, it should be part of a holistic urban planning strategy that recognizes the interconnected nature of public health, social well-being, and economic development. By adopting this perspective, governments can create vibrant, healthy cities that meet the diverse needs of their populations.
(Word count: 345)
Urban park with modern sports facilities
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should spend money on building public parks and sports facilities or focus on other important things is a complex issue. There are valid arguments on both sides, and this essay will discuss these different viewpoints.
On one hand, investing in parks and sports facilities can have many benefits for a city. These places give people somewhere to exercise and stay healthy, which is important in today’s world where many jobs involve sitting at a desk all day. Parks also provide green spaces in urban areas, which can help reduce pollution and make cities more attractive. Additionally, sports facilities can bring communities together and give young people positive activities to engage in.
However, there are also strong arguments for spending money on other priorities. Many cities face serious problems like inadequate healthcare, poor education systems, or aging infrastructure. These issues directly affect people’s daily lives and future opportunities. Some would argue that fixing roads, building hospitals, or improving schools should come before creating new parks or sports centers.
In my opinion, while parks and sports facilities are important, governments should prioritize essential services first. A city needs a strong foundation of healthcare, education, and infrastructure before it can focus on recreational facilities. Once these basic needs are met, then investing in parks and sports facilities becomes more feasible and beneficial.
To conclude, both viewpoints have merit, but I believe a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should focus on addressing critical needs first, but also recognize the long-term value of parks and recreational spaces in creating livable, healthy cities.
(Word count: 269)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, there is a big debate about how governments should spend money. Some people think they should build parks and sports places, but others say there are more important things to spend on. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
First, parks and sports facilities are good for cities. They help people stay healthy because they can exercise there. Also, these places make cities look nice and give people somewhere to relax. Many people enjoy going to parks with their families or friends.
But other people say governments should spend money on more important things. For example, some cities need better hospitals or schools. They might also need to fix roads or build more houses. These things are very important for people’s lives.
I think both ideas are right in some ways. Parks and sports places are good, but we also need good hospitals and schools. Maybe governments can try to do both things. They could spend some money on parks and some on other important things.
In conclusion, it’s hard to decide what’s most important for a city. Governments should try to make cities nice places to live with parks, but also make sure people have good schools and hospitals.
(Word count: 188)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Clear organization with a well-developed introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Balanced discussion of both viewpoints with relevant examples and explanations
- Strong vocabulary and idiomatic language (e.g., “rapid urbanization,” “fostering social interactions”)
- Complex sentence structures used accurately
- A clear personal opinion that is well-supported and nuanced
- Coherent and cohesive throughout, with effective use of linking words
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good control of language but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Discusses both viewpoints, but with less depth and fewer specific examples
- Appropriate vocabulary used correctly, but less varied than the Band 8-9 essay
- Mix of simple and complex sentences, generally used accurately
- Personal opinion is clear but could be more fully developed
- Generally coherent, with some use of linking words
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates basic competence in addressing the task, but with noticeable limitations:
- Basic structure present, but paragraphs are less developed
- Attempts to discuss both viewpoints, but with limited depth and few specific examples
- Simple vocabulary used repetitively, with some attempts at more advanced words
- Mostly simple sentences with some errors in more complex structures
- Personal opinion is present but not well-supported
- Some coherence, but limited use of linking words and ideas
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Urbanization (noun) – /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of making an area more urban
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
- Livability (noun) – /ˌlɪvəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being suitable for living in
- Allocation (noun) – /ˌæləˈkeɪʃən/ – the action or process of distributing something for a particular purpose
- Holistic (adjective) – /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
- Cohesion (noun) – /koʊˈhiːʒən/ – the action or fact of forming a united whole
- Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɔːrətaɪz/ – to designate or treat something as more important than other things
- Recreational (adjective) – /ˌrekriˈeɪʃənl/ – relating to or denoting activity done for enjoyment when one is not working
- Fundamental (adjective) – /ˌfʌndəˈmentl/ – forming a necessary base or core; of central importance
- Perspective (noun) – /pərˈspektɪv/ – a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view
People exercising in a modern urban park
Conclusion
The role of parks and recreation in urban areas is a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its importance in contemporary urban planning and public policy discussions. Should cities prioritize building public parks and green spaces is a question that candidates may encounter in various forms. Other potential questions might include:
- To what extent should governments invest in public recreational facilities in the face of economic challenges?
- How can urban planners balance the need for green spaces with the demand for housing and commercial development?
- Discuss the impact of public parks on community health and social cohesion in densely populated cities.
To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing balanced arguments, using advanced vocabulary, and structuring your ideas coherently. Remember to time yourself to ensure you can complete the task within the allocated 40 minutes.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your attempt in the comments section below for feedback and to engage in productive discussions with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2.