The topic of whether governments should control housing prices is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on historical data from reputable IELTS preparation websites, this subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. Given its relevance to global housing challenges, let’s explore a sample question and analyze high-quality responses for different band scores.
The impact of rising housing costs on the middle class is a significant concern for many countries, making this topic particularly relevant for IELTS candidates. Let’s examine a typical question on this subject:
Some people believe that governments should control the price of housing to make it more affordable. Others think this would cause more problems than it would solve. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for government control of housing prices
- Explore potential problems arising from such control
- Provide a personal opinion on the issue
The essay should be balanced, presenting both viewpoints before concluding with a well-reasoned personal stance.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
The issue of housing affordability is a pressing concern in many countries, leading to debates about whether governments should intervene by controlling prices. While some argue that this approach would make housing more accessible, others contend that it could lead to unintended negative consequences. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a nuanced opinion on the matter.
Proponents of government price control argue that it would make housing more affordable for a larger segment of the population. By setting upper limits on property prices or rents, governments could ensure that housing remains within reach of low and middle-income earners. This approach could help reduce homelessness, improve living standards, and contribute to greater social equality. Moreover, controlled prices might prevent speculative bubbles in the real estate market, potentially averting economic crises linked to housing market crashes.
However, critics of this approach highlight several potential drawbacks. Firstly, price controls could discourage property development and investment, leading to housing shortages and reduced quality of available properties. Developers might be less inclined to build new homes if their profit margins are constrained, exacerbating supply issues in the long term. Additionally, a controlled market might give rise to black market activities, where people find ways to circumvent regulations, potentially leading to corruption and unfair practices.
The effects of urbanization on housing affordability further complicate this issue. As cities grow, demand for housing in desirable areas increases, making it challenging to maintain affordable prices without significant government intervention.
In my opinion, while the intention behind government price control is commendable, it is not the most effective solution to the housing affordability crisis. Instead, a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of high housing costs would be more beneficial. This could include increasing housing supply through incentives for developers, implementing smart zoning laws, and investing in affordable housing projects. Governments could also consider targeted subsidies for low-income families rather than blanket price controls.
In conclusion, while government control of housing prices might seem like a straightforward solution to affordability issues, it risks creating more problems than it solves. A more nuanced and comprehensive approach that balances market forces with strategic government interventions would likely yield better long-term results in ensuring accessible and quality housing for all.
(Word count: 398)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Housing affordability is a big problem in many countries today. Some people think the government should control housing prices to make them cheaper, but others say this could cause more problems. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, government control of housing prices could help many people. If the government sets a maximum price for houses or rents, more people could afford to buy or rent homes. This would be especially good for people with low incomes who struggle to find affordable housing. It could reduce homelessness and help families have a better quality of life. Also, it might stop house prices from going up too fast and causing economic problems.
On the other hand, controlling prices could have negative effects. If prices are too low, builders might not want to build new houses because they won’t make enough money. This could lead to a shortage of houses, which would make the problem worse. Also, people might try to avoid the rules by selling houses illegally or asking for extra money under the table. This could lead to corruption and unfair practices.
Rising housing costs and gentrification are related issues that make finding a solution more complex. When certain areas become popular, prices naturally go up, making it hard for the government to keep them low.
In my opinion, while I understand why some people want the government to control housing prices, I think there are better ways to solve the problem. Instead of controlling prices directly, the government could:
- Help build more affordable houses
- Give money to people who need help with housing
- Make rules that encourage builders to include some cheaper houses in their projects
These ideas could help make housing more affordable without causing as many problems as direct price control.
To conclude, the issue of housing affordability is complicated. While government price control might seem like a good idea, it could cause new problems. I believe a mix of different approaches would work better to help people find affordable housing without negatively affecting the housing market.
(Word count: 367)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Housing prices are very high in many places. Some people think the government should control these prices to make houses cheaper. Other people think this is not a good idea. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Firstly, government control of housing prices could help many people. If houses are cheaper, more people can buy them. This is good for poor people who cannot afford expensive houses. It can help reduce homelessness too. When houses are cheaper, families can live better lives.
However, there are problems with this idea. If the government makes prices too low, builders might not want to build new houses. They need to make money from their work. If they don’t build new houses, there might not be enough houses for everyone. This could make the problem worse.
Should governments subsidize public housing for low-income families is another question related to this topic. It shows that there are different ways to help people with housing problems.
In my opinion, I think the government should not control housing prices directly. Instead, they should try other ways to help. They could:
- Build more houses for poor people
- Give money to people who need help to pay for houses
- Make rules for builders to include some cheaper houses in their projects
These ideas could help make housing cheaper without causing big problems in the housing market.
In conclusion, housing prices are a big problem. While controlling prices might seem like a good idea, it could cause new problems. I think the government should use different ways to help make housing more affordable for everyone.
(Word count: 286)
Analysis of Essay Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed precisely.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of grammatical structures is used accurately. Complex sentences are handled with ease, enhancing the argument’s clarity.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better linked than others.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words, though not always successfully.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though some errors occur.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has notable limitations:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but some points are underdeveloped.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphs are not always well-linked.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for the task. Some errors in word choice occur.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are mostly simple, with some attempts at more complex forms. Errors are frequent but do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Affordability (noun) – /əˌfɔːrdəˈbɪləti/ – the state of being cheap enough for people to be able to buy
- Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved in a situation in order to improve it
- Speculative bubble (noun phrase) – /ˈspekjələtɪv ˈbʌbəl/ – a situation in which the price of something rises far higher than it should
- Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – to make a problem or bad situation worse
- Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – something that encourages a person to do something
- Subsidy (noun) – /ˈsʌbsədi/ – money given by a government or organization to reduce the costs of services or of producing goods
- Gentrification (noun) – /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – the process of changing a poor urban area by wealthier people moving in, improving housing, and attracting new businesses
Conclusion
Understanding how to approach the topic of government control of housing prices is crucial for IELTS Writing Task 2 success. The sample essays provided demonstrate the level of complexity and analysis expected at different band scores. Remember to practice writing on this topic and similar ones, such as the importance of government intervention in affordable housing.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you internalize the structures and vocabulary needed for a high-scoring IELTS essay. Additionally, be prepared for variations on this theme, such as questions about housing subsidies, urban planning, or the social impacts of housing policies.