The topic of urban green spaces and public parks has gained significant traction in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This trend reflects the growing global concern for sustainable urban development and quality of life in cities. Based on an analysis of past exam questions and current urban planning discussions, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that cities should prioritize building more public parks and green spaces instead of commercial developments. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks candidates to express their opinion on urban development priorities, specifically comparing the importance of public parks and green spaces to commercial developments. Key points to consider:

1. The question uses “should,” indicating a discussion of obligation or necessity.
2. “Prioritize” suggests weighing the relative importance of two options.
3. “Public parks and green spaces” are contrasted with “commercial developments.”
4. The phrase “To what extent” allows for a nuanced response, not just agree or disagree.

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay Sample

In an era of rapid urbanization, the question of how cities should allocate their limited space is increasingly crucial. While commercial developments are undeniably important for economic growth, I strongly believe that cities should indeed prioritize the creation of public parks and green spaces due to their multifaceted benefits for urban dwellers and the environment.

Firstly, public parks and green spaces play a vital role in enhancing the physical and mental well-being of city residents. In densely populated urban areas, these spaces provide much-needed respite from the concrete jungle, offering opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and social interaction. Studies have consistently shown that access to green spaces reduces stress levels, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances overall quality of life. Moreover, in the wake of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of outdoor recreational areas has been further underscored, highlighting their role in maintaining public health during crises.

Secondly, green spaces are crucial for environmental sustainability and climate resilience in cities. Urban parks and gardens act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thereby improving air quality and mitigating the urban heat island effect. They also play a significant role in biodiversity conservation, providing habitats for various plant and animal species within urban ecosystems. Furthermore, green spaces can be designed to serve as natural flood management systems, helping cities cope with increased rainfall due to climate change.

Is a multilingual education system beneficial? Similarly, prioritizing green spaces over commercial developments can be beneficial for a city’s long-term sustainability and livability.

While commercial developments are important for economic growth, their benefits can be achieved through more balanced urban planning. Cities can adopt mixed-use development strategies that integrate green spaces with commercial areas, creating vibrant, livable neighborhoods that serve both economic and environmental needs. Moreover, the presence of well-maintained parks and green spaces can actually enhance property values and attract businesses, contributing to economic development in a more sustainable manner.

In conclusion, while the importance of commercial development cannot be overlooked, the myriad benefits of public parks and green spaces make them a priority for urban planning. From improving public health and well-being to enhancing environmental sustainability and long-term economic viability, green spaces are essential components of livable, resilient cities. As urban populations continue to grow, it is imperative that city planners and policymakers recognize the critical role of these spaces and prioritize their development accordingly.

(Word count: 395)

Urban green spaces enhancing city sustainability

Band 6-7 Essay Sample

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about how cities should use their available land. Some people argue that building more parks and green areas should be a top priority, rather than focusing on commercial developments. I partially agree with this view, as I believe both green spaces and commercial areas are important for a city’s development.

On one hand, public parks and green spaces offer numerous benefits to city dwellers. They provide places for people to relax, exercise, and enjoy nature, which is crucial for physical and mental health. Green areas also help to reduce air pollution and lower temperatures in cities, making them more livable. For example, in crowded cities like New York or Tokyo, Central Park and Yoyogi Park are vital “green lungs” that offer residents a break from the concrete jungle.

However, we cannot ignore the importance of commercial developments. These areas create jobs, boost the local economy, and provide necessary services to residents. Shopping centers, office buildings, and entertainment venues are all essential parts of modern urban life. They contribute to a city’s growth and attract both residents and tourists.

The importance of cultural education in reducing global conflicts is significant, and similarly, the balanced development of both green spaces and commercial areas can reduce conflicts in urban planning and improve overall city life.

I believe the best approach is to find a balance between green spaces and commercial developments. Cities should aim to integrate both elements in their urban planning. For instance, they could create green roofs on commercial buildings, design parks that include small businesses like cafes, or ensure that new commercial developments include a certain percentage of green space.

In conclusion, while I agree that public parks and green spaces are very important, I don’t think they should completely overshadow commercial developments. Both are necessary for a thriving city. The key is to plan cities in a way that incorporates both elements, creating urban environments that are both economically vibrant and environmentally friendly.

(Word count: 329)

Band 5-6 Essay Sample

Nowadays, many people think cities should build more parks and green areas instead of commercial buildings. I agree with this idea because parks are good for people and the environment.

First, parks are important for people’s health. In big cities, there is a lot of pollution and stress. Parks give people a place to exercise and relax. When people go to parks, they can breathe fresh air and feel better. For example, in my city, many people go to the park on weekends to play sports or have picnics with their families.

Second, green spaces are good for the environment. Trees and plants in parks help clean the air and make the city cooler. This is very important because many cities have problems with pollution and high temperatures. Also, parks can be homes for birds and small animals, which is good for nature in the city.

Why education is key to solving societal problems is a crucial topic, and similarly, understanding why green spaces are key to solving urban problems is important for city planners.

However, commercial buildings are also necessary for cities. They provide jobs and places for people to shop and work. But I think cities can have both parks and commercial areas. For example, they can make rules that new buildings must have some green areas, like gardens on the roof.

In conclusion, I believe cities should focus more on building parks and green spaces. These areas are very important for people’s health and the environment. While commercial buildings are also needed, cities should try to have a good balance between green spaces and buildings.

(Word count: 266)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents a clear position throughout the essay.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently. Uses cohesive devices but may be repetitive.
• Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors, but they do not impede communication.

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Task Achievement: Addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression.
• Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Errors may be frequent but do not fully impede communication.

Balancing green spaces and commercial areas in urban planning

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of making an area more urban
2. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
3. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
4. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
5. Livability (noun) /ˌlɪvəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being suitable for living in
6. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
7. Urban heat island (noun phrase) /ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd/ – An urban area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities
8. Green infrastructure (noun phrase) /ɡriːn ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – A network providing the “ingredients” for solving urban and climatic challenges by building with nature
9. Recreational facilities (noun phrase) /ˌrekriˈeɪʃənl fəˈsɪlətiz/ – Places designed for activities that people do for enjoyment when they are not working
10. Quality of life (noun phrase) /ˈkwɒləti əv laɪf/ – The standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group

In conclusion, the topic of urban green spaces and public parks is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of urban planning, sustainability, and the balance between development and environmental conservation. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as:

• The role of urban agriculture in modern cities
• Balancing historical preservation with modern development in urban areas
• The impact of smart city technologies on urban living

Remember to post 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.