Urban planning plays a crucial role in shaping our cities and communities. This topic has been increasingly popular in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, appearing in various forms over the past few years. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to urban planning and inclusive cities in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent tests and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Some people believe that urban planners should make cities more bicycle-friendly. Others think that cities should be designed primarily for cars and other motor vehicles. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to discuss two opposing views on urban planning:
- Making cities more bicycle-friendly
- Designing cities primarily for cars and other motor vehicles
You need to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your own opinion
- Support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-band response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Urban planning significantly influences how people interact with their environment and each other. While some argue for prioritizing bicycle infrastructure, others believe cities should cater primarily to motorized vehicles. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this contentious issue.
Proponents of bicycle-friendly cities argue that this approach promotes healthier lifestyles and reduces environmental pollution. By creating dedicated bike lanes and implementing bike-sharing programs, cities can encourage more people to cycle, leading to decreased traffic congestion and improved air quality. For instance, Copenhagen’s extensive network of cycle paths has resulted in over 60% of residents commuting by bicycle, significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
On the other hand, those who advocate for car-centric urban design argue that motor vehicles are essential for modern city life. They contend that cars provide greater flexibility and convenience, especially for long-distance travel or transporting goods. Moreover, in cities with extreme weather conditions or challenging topography, relying solely on bicycles may not be practical for many residents.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that accommodates both bicycles and motor vehicles is the most effective solution. Urban planners should strive to create multi-modal transportation systems that offer citizens various options for getting around the city. This could involve developing protected bike lanes alongside efficient public transport networks and well-managed road systems for cars. By doing so, cities can reap the benefits of bicycle infrastructure while still catering to the needs of those who rely on motorized transport.
In conclusion, while both bicycle-friendly and car-centric approaches have their merits, I believe that the future of urban planning lies in creating inclusive cities that cater to diverse transportation needs. By striking a balance between different modes of transport, urban planners can foster more livable, sustainable, and equitable urban environments for all residents.
(Word count: 309)
Urban planning for inclusive cities: balancing bicycle and car infrastructure
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion, presenting a clear and logical structure. It effectively addresses all parts of the question, providing a balanced discussion of both viewpoints before offering a well-reasoned personal opinion. The essay uses a range of cohesive devices and advanced vocabulary accurately, such as “contentious issue,” “proponents,” and “multi-modal transportation systems.”
The arguments are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as Copenhagen’s bicycle infrastructure. The writer’s opinion is clear and fully extended, proposing a balanced approach to urban planning. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position.
How urban planning can create more inclusive cities is exemplified in this essay through the suggestion of a multi-modal transportation system that caters to diverse needs.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, there is a debate about how cities should be planned. Some people think that urban planners should focus on making cities better for bicycles, while others believe that cars and other motor vehicles should be the main priority. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support bicycle-friendly cities say that it is good for people’s health and the environment. When there are more bike lanes, people can cycle safely and exercise more. Also, bikes don’t pollute the air like cars do. For example, in some European cities, many people use bikes to go to work, which helps reduce traffic and pollution.
On the other hand, people who think cities should be designed for cars argue that motor vehicles are more convenient and practical. Cars can travel longer distances and carry more things, which is important for many people’s daily lives. In big cities or places with bad weather, cars are often necessary for getting around easily.
In my opinion, I think cities should try to have a mix of both bicycle and car infrastructure. Urban planners should create separate lanes for bikes to make cycling safer, but also keep good roads for cars. This way, people can choose how they want to travel based on their needs. It’s important to have options in a city.
To conclude, while both views have their good points, I believe that the best solution is to design cities that work well for both bicycles and cars. This will make cities more livable and suitable for everyone.
(Word count: 270)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay addresses all parts of the question and presents a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The language used is generally clear, although there is less sophistication compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
The arguments are relevant and supported with some examples, but they could be more fully developed. The writer’s opinion is clear, but the reasoning could be more extensive. The essay uses some cohesive devices, but they are less varied than in higher band responses.
Vocabulary and grammar are generally appropriate, with a mix of simple and complex sentences. However, there is less precision and flexibility in language use compared to higher band essays. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position.
The effects of urban planning on social cohesion are indirectly addressed in this essay through the discussion of creating cities that cater to different transportation needs.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Urban planning (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and organizing urban areas
- Bicycle-friendly (adjective) – /ˈbaɪsɪkl ˈfrendli/ – Designed to be safe and convenient for cyclists
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical systems of a country or city
- Multi-modal transportation (noun) – /ˌmʌltiˈmoʊdl trænsˌpɔːrˈteɪʃn/ – A system that integrates various modes of transport
- Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide emissions caused by an individual or organization
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting natural resources
- Livable (adjective) – /ˈlɪvəbl/ – Suitable for living in; comfortable and convenient
- Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
- Topography (noun) – /təˈpɒɡrəfi/ – The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area
- Contentious (adjective) – /kənˈtenʃəs/ – Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument
Key vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on urban planning and inclusive cities
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored a common IELTS Writing Task 2 question on urban planning and provided sample essays for different band scores. Remember that practicing with various topics related to urban planning and inclusive cities can help you prepare for the IELTS exam. Some other potential topics you might encounter include:
- The impact of green spaces on urban living
- Public transportation’s role in reducing inequality
- The challenges of housing affordability in growing cities
- Smart city technologies and their effect on urban life
To improve your writing skills, try crafting your own essay on the topic discussed in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
Should cities prioritize building more green spaces is another interesting topic you might want to explore for further practice.
