Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Urban Green Spaces (Band 6-9)

Urban green spaces have become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and past exam questions, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter tasks related to the development of green areas in cities. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people believe that cities should prioritize building more green spaces like parks and gardens instead of other development projects. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether cities should prioritize creating green spaces over other development projects. Key points to consider:

1. The main focus is on green spaces (parks, gardens) in urban areas.
2. You need to discuss the priority of green spaces compared to other developments.
3. You must clearly state your level of agreement or disagreement.
4. Provide reasons and examples to support your position.

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the importance of green spaces in urban areas. While some argue that cities should prioritize the development of parks and gardens over other projects, I largely agree with this viewpoint, as the benefits of green spaces far outweigh those of many alternative developments.

Firstly, green spaces play a crucial role in improving the physical and mental health of city dwellers. Parks and gardens provide opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and social interaction, which are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in increasingly crowded and stressful urban environments. For instance, studies have shown that access to green spaces can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. This health benefit alone makes a strong case for prioritizing green spaces in urban development plans.

Secondly, urban green areas contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. Trees and plants in parks act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby improving air quality in cities. Additionally, green spaces help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing overall temperatures and energy consumption for cooling. In cities like Singapore, where extensive urban greening has been implemented, there has been a notable improvement in air quality and a reduction in urban temperatures.

Urban green spaces vs other development projects

Furthermore, well-designed green spaces can enhance the aesthetic appeal and livability of cities, making them more attractive to residents and tourists alike. This, in turn, can boost the local economy through increased property values and tourism. Cities like New York with its Central Park or London with its numerous gardens have demonstrated how green spaces can become iconic features that define a city’s character and appeal.

However, it is important to acknowledge that other development projects, such as housing, transportation infrastructure, and commercial areas, are also essential for a city’s growth and functionality. The key lies in striking a balance and integrating green spaces within these developments rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive options.

In conclusion, while recognizing the importance of various urban development projects, I strongly believe that cities should indeed prioritize the creation and maintenance of green spaces. The multifaceted benefits of parks and gardens in terms of health, environment, and quality of life make them indispensable components of sustainable and livable cities. Urban planners and policymakers should strive to incorporate green spaces as integral elements of city development, ensuring a harmonious balance between nature and urban infrastructure.

How urban planning can create more inclusive cities by integrating green spaces with other essential developments is a crucial consideration for modern urban designers. This approach not only enhances the overall quality of life but also addresses environmental concerns, making cities more resilient and sustainable in the long run.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7

In today’s world, many people think that cities should focus on building more parks and gardens instead of other projects. I agree with this idea to some extent, but I also think other developments are important.

Firstly, green spaces are very good for people’s health. Parks give people places to exercise and relax, which is important in busy cities. For example, in my city, many people go to the park to jog or do yoga, which helps them stay healthy. Also, trees and plants in parks help clean the air, which is good for everyone’s health.

Secondly, parks and gardens make cities look nicer. They add color and beauty to cities that have many buildings and roads. This can make people feel happier and want to spend more time outside. Tourists also like to visit cities with nice parks, which can be good for the local economy.

However, we cannot ignore other important projects in cities. Cities need new houses, roads, and businesses to grow and provide for people’s needs. Without these, people might not have places to live or work. The challenge is to find a balance between green spaces and other developments.

How does urbanization affect mental health is an important question to consider when planning city development. Green spaces can play a crucial role in mitigating the negative mental health impacts of urban living.

People enjoying various activities in an urban park

In conclusion, I believe that cities should try to build more green spaces, but not at the expense of all other projects. The best approach is to include parks and gardens in city plans along with other necessary developments. This way, cities can grow and still provide green areas for people to enjoy.

Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6

Green spaces in cities are very important. Some people say cities should build more parks and gardens instead of other things. I agree with this idea.

Parks are good for people’s health. People can do exercise in parks like running or playing sports. This is good because many people in cities don’t have enough exercise. Also, parks have trees that make the air cleaner. This is important because cities have a lot of pollution from cars and factories.

Gardens make cities look beautiful. They have flowers and trees that are nice to look at. This can make people feel happy. When cities look nice, more tourists might want to visit. This can help the city make more money.

But other projects are also important for cities. Cities need to build houses for people to live in. They also need to make roads so people can travel. So, cities should try to build both parks and other things.

In conclusion, I think cities should try to build more parks and gardens. But they should also build other important things. The best way is to have both green spaces and other projects in cities.

How urban gardens can promote sustainable living is another aspect worth considering when discussing the importance of green spaces in urban areas. These gardens not only provide aesthetic value but also contribute to environmental sustainability.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

1. Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and well-developed ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organized with a clear progression of ideas and effective use of cohesive devices.
3. Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used with precision and natural style.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Diverse sentence structures with high accuracy.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows good writing skills with some areas for improvement:

1. Task Achievement: Addresses the main parts of the task but could develop ideas further.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Generally well-organized but with some lapses in cohesion.
3. Lexical Resource: Good range of vocabulary but with occasional inaccuracies.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors.

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills with significant room for improvement:

1. Task Achievement: Addresses the task but with limited development of ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization but lacks overall coherence.
3. Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary with some repetition.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences with frequent errors.

Key Vocabulary

1. Urban green spaces (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːrbən ɡriːn speɪsɪz/ – Areas of vegetation in urban environments
2. Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – To give importance to something over other things
3. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
4. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or serious
5. Livability (noun) – /ˌlɪvəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being suitable for living in
6. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – Basic physical structures needed for the operation of a society
7. Aesthetic (adjective) – /esˈθetɪk/ – Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
8. Urbanization (noun) – /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process of making an area more urban
9. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
10. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat

In conclusion, the topic of urban green spaces is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of urban development, including the balance between green spaces and other projects. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic:

Some argue that creating green spaces in cities is a luxury that developing countries cannot afford. Do you agree or disagree?

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.

Should cities prioritize building public parks and green spaces is a question that continues to challenge urban planners and policymakers. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider how different stakeholders might approach this issue and what evidence could support various perspectives.