The role of public parks in mental health is an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared in various forms over the past few years, reflecting growing global concerns about urban wellbeing and green spaces. Based on recent trends, we can expect this topic to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question that encapsulates this theme:
Some people believe that public parks and green spaces are essential for the mental health of city dwellers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question touches on urban planning, public health, and environmental psychology, making it a rich topic for discussion in an IELTS essay. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question asks for your opinion on the importance of public parks and green spaces for the mental health of people living in cities. Key points to consider:
- The statement presents a specific viewpoint: public parks and green spaces are “essential” for mental health.
- The question asks “to what extent” you agree or disagree, allowing for a nuanced response.
- The focus is on “city dwellers,” so your response should be contextualized within urban environments.
- “Mental health” is the specific aspect of wellbeing being discussed, not physical health or general quality of life.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In an era of rapid urbanization, I strongly agree that public parks and green spaces play a crucial role in maintaining the mental health of city residents. These areas provide essential respite from the stresses of urban life and offer numerous psychological benefits that are difficult to replicate in purely built environments.
Firstly, public parks serve as ‘nature retreats’ within the concrete jungle, offering city dwellers a chance to reconnect with the natural world. This connection with nature has been scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, and improve overall mood. For instance, a study by the University of Exeter found that people who spent just two hours a week in green spaces were significantly more likely to report good health and psychological wellbeing compared to those who did not.
Moreover, green spaces in cities provide opportunities for physical activity, which is intrinsically linked to mental health. Regular exercise, facilitated by accessible parks, has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, two common mental health issues in urban populations. The importance of daily exercise for public health cannot be overstated, and public parks offer a free and convenient venue for such activities.
Additionally, parks and green spaces foster social interaction and community cohesion, factors that are vital for mental wellbeing. In densely populated urban areas, these spaces serve as communal ‘living rooms’ where people can meet, socialize, and engage in shared activities. This social aspect is particularly important in combating feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are increasingly recognized as significant mental health concerns in cities.
However, it is important to note that while parks are essential, they are not a panacea for all urban mental health issues. Cities must also address other factors such as affordable housing, job opportunities, and access to mental health services. Nevertheless, the importance of urban green spaces for mental well-being remains undeniable.
In conclusion, public parks and green spaces are indeed essential for the mental health of city dwellers. They provide natural environments for stress reduction, opportunities for physical activity, and venues for social interaction – all crucial components of mental wellbeing. As cities continue to grow, urban planners and policymakers must prioritize the preservation and creation of these vital green spaces to ensure the psychological health of urban populations.
(Word count: 395)
Band 6-7 Essay
I agree that public parks and green spaces are very important for the mental health of people living in cities. These areas provide many benefits that help city residents feel better mentally and emotionally.
First, parks give people a place to relax and escape from the stress of city life. In big cities, there is often a lot of noise, traffic, and crowded spaces, which can make people feel stressed and anxious. Parks offer a quiet and peaceful environment where people can unwind and feel calm. For example, sitting on a bench surrounded by trees and flowers can help reduce stress levels and improve mood.
Second, green spaces encourage people to exercise, which is good for mental health. When there are parks nearby, people are more likely to go for walks, jog, or play sports. Exercise is known to release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that make us feel happy and reduce pain. Regular physical activity can help prevent depression and anxiety, which are common problems in cities.
Third, parks provide opportunities for social interaction. In cities, many people feel lonely or isolated, which can negatively affect their mental health. Parks are places where people can meet friends, join community activities, or simply be around others. This social connection is important for maintaining good mental health and feeling part of a community.
However, while parks are very important, they are not the only solution to mental health issues in cities. Other factors like job stress, housing problems, and access to healthcare also play a role. Cities need to address these issues along with providing green spaces.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that public parks and green spaces are essential for the mental wellbeing of city dwellers. They offer places to relax, exercise, and socialize, all of which contribute to better mental health. City planners should prioritize creating and maintaining these spaces to support the psychological health of urban residents.
(Word count: 320)
Band 5-6 Essay
I think public parks and green spaces are very important for people’s mental health in cities. There are several reasons why I agree with this idea.
Firstly, parks help people relax. Cities are often noisy and busy, which can make people feel stressed. When people go to a park, they can enjoy quiet time and feel more peaceful. This is good for their mental health because it reduces stress.
Secondly, green spaces are good for exercise. Many people in cities don’t get enough exercise because they are too busy or don’t have places to be active. Parks give people a place to walk, run, or play sports. Exercise is important for mental health because it can make people feel happier and less worried.
Thirdly, parks help people meet others. In big cities, some people feel lonely. Parks are places where people can talk to others and make friends. Having friends and talking to people is important for good mental health.
However, parks are not the only thing that affects mental health in cities. Other things like jobs, houses, and hospitals are also important. Cities need to think about all these things to help people’s mental health.
In conclusion, I agree that public parks and green spaces are very important for the mental health of people in cities. They help people relax, exercise, and meet others. Cities should make sure there are enough parks for everyone to use.
(Word count: 228)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and fully addresses all parts of the task. Here’s why it achieves a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay presents a clear position and fully addresses all parts of the task. It provides well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
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Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates generally effective writing skills but with some limitations. Here’s why it achieves a mid-range band score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some aspects are covered more fully than others. The main ideas are relevant, but some may lack focus.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs may not be well-linked. Cohesive devices are used but may be overused or underused.
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Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There may be some errors in word choice, but they do not impede communication.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they rarely reduce communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates basic competence in writing but with notable limitations. Here’s why it achieves a lower mid-range band score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way. The format may be inappropriate in places, and key features may be underdeveloped.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally coherent and uses basic cohesive devices. However, there may be a lack of overall progression.
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Lexical Resource: It uses a limited range of vocabulary. There may be noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a limited range of structures. While the essay has some complex sentences, frequent grammatical errors may occur.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process by which towns and cities grow larger as more and more people come to live and work in them.
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Respite (noun) /ˈrespɪt/: A short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
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Psychological wellbeing (noun phrase) /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈwelbiːɪŋ/: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy mentally and emotionally.
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Alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/: To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.
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Cohesion (noun) /kəʊˈhiːʒən/: The action or fact of forming a united whole.
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Panacea (noun) /ˌpænəˈsiːə/: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
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Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz/: To designate or treat something as more important than other things.
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Endorphins (noun) /enˈdɔːfɪnz/: Hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system that have a number of physiological functions, especially in reducing pain and increasing feelings of well-being.
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Isolation (noun) /ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/: The state of being alone or away from others.
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Integral (adjective) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/: Necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental.
In conclusion, the role of public parks in mental health is a significant topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as how can cities become more environmentally friendly or should cities invest more in public art projects. These topics intersect with the importance of public spaces in urban areas and can help you develop a well-rounded understanding of urban planning and quality of life issues.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.