IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Government-Provided Housing for the Homeless (Band 6-9)

The topic of whether governments should provide free housing for the homeless is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its ongoing relevance in social policy debates. Based on past trends and current socio-economic issues, it’s likely to remain a popular topic in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and in-depth analysis.

Analyzing the Task

Some people think that governments should provide housing for people who cannot afford it themselves. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question asks for your opinion on government-provided housing for those unable to afford it. Key points to consider:

1. The extent of your agreement or disagreement
2. Reasons for your stance
3. Potential consequences of such a policy
4. Alternative solutions, if any

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

In my opinion, governments should play a significant role in providing housing for those who cannot afford it, though I believe this support should be carefully implemented and not necessarily entirely free.

Firstly, housing is a basic human need, essential for physical and mental well-being. When individuals lack stable housing, it can lead to a cascade of other social problems, including poor health, difficulty maintaining employment, and challenges in education. By ensuring that all citizens have access to adequate housing, governments can prevent these issues and create a more stable society overall.

Moreover, government intervention in housing can help to reduce inequality and promote social mobility. In many cities, rising property prices have made it increasingly difficult for low-income individuals to find affordable housing, exacerbating social divides. Government-provided housing can help to bridge this gap, giving disadvantaged individuals a foundation from which to improve their circumstances.

However, it’s crucial to implement such programs thoughtfully. Rather than providing entirely free housing, which could potentially discourage self-reliance, governments could offer subsidized housing or rent assistance programs. This approach would still make housing accessible while encouraging individuals to contribute what they can.

Additionally, government housing initiatives should be part of a broader strategy to address poverty and homelessness. This could include job training programs, mental health support, and addiction treatment services. By tackling the root causes of housing insecurity, governments can create more sustainable solutions.

In conclusion, while I strongly support government intervention in providing affordable housing, I believe this should be done in a way that balances assistance with personal responsibility. By implementing well-designed housing programs as part of a comprehensive approach to social welfare, governments can significantly improve the lives of their most vulnerable citizens and strengthen society as a whole.

(Word count: 294)

Band 6-7 Essay

I agree that governments should provide housing for people who cannot afford it themselves. This is important because everyone needs a place to live, and some people don’t have enough money to pay for houses or apartments.

One reason why governments should help with housing is that it can reduce homelessness. When people don’t have homes, they might have to sleep on the streets or in shelters. This is not safe or healthy. If the government gives them a place to live, it can solve this problem and make life better for these people.

Another reason is that having a home can help people in other areas of their life. For example, if someone has a stable place to live, it’s easier for them to find and keep a job. Children who have homes can go to school regularly and do better in their studies. This can help break the cycle of poverty.

However, there are some challenges with government housing. It can be expensive for the government to build and maintain houses for everyone who needs them. Also, some people might take advantage of free housing and not try to improve their situation.

To deal with these problems, governments could make rules about who can get housing help. They could also ask people to pay a small amount of rent if they can afford it. This would make the system fairer and encourage people to be responsible.

In conclusion, I think governments should provide housing for those who can’t afford it, but they need to do it carefully. It’s important to help people in need, but also to encourage them to become independent when possible.

(Word count: 268)

Band 5-6 Essay

I think governments should give free houses to people who don’t have money. It’s a good idea because everyone needs a place to live.

One reason this is good is that it helps poor people. If they don’t have to pay for a house, they can use their money for other things like food or clothes. This makes their life better.

Also, when people have a home, they can find jobs easier. They have a place to sleep and get ready for work. This is good for them and for the country because more people will work.

But there are some problems too. It costs a lot of money for the government to build houses. This money has to come from somewhere, maybe from taxes. Some people might not like this.

Another problem is that some people might not take care of free houses. They might think it’s okay to damage them because they didn’t pay for them.

I think the good things are more important than the problems. The government should try to give houses to people who really need them. Maybe they can make rules to make sure people take care of the houses.

In the end, I agree that governments should give free houses to people who can’t buy them. It helps make the country better for everyone.

(Word count: 213)

Essay Analysis

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

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

1. Task Response (Band 8-9): The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion (Band 8-9): The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are cohesive, and linking words are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource (Band 8-9): A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 8-9): The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Errors are rare and minor.

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:

1. Task Response (Band 6-7): The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position, but some ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion (Band 6-7): The essay is generally well-organized, but some paragraphs could be more cohesive. Basic linking words are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource (Band 6-7): A sufficient range of vocabulary is used with some flexibility and precision. There are attempts at less common vocabulary.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 6-7): A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used with generally good control. Errors occur but do not impede communication.

Band 5-6 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but lacks depth and sophistication:

1. Task Response (Band 5-6): The essay addresses the task in a basic way, presenting a position, but ideas are underdeveloped.

2. Coherence and Cohesion (Band 5-6): There is a basic organizational structure, but paragraphs are not always coherent. Basic linking words are used but not always effectively.

3. Lexical Resource (Band 5-6): A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words. Errors in word choice occur but do not impede communication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 5-6): Simple sentences are used accurately, but more complex structures often contain errors. Meaning is generally clear despite errors.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Government Housing for Homeless

Key Vocabulary

1. Affordable housing (noun) – /əˈfɔːrdəbl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/ – Housing that is reasonably priced for people with a median income
2. Social mobility (noun) – /ˈsəʊʃl məʊˈbɪləti/ – The ability to move between different social classes or economic levels in society
3. Subsidized (adjective) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/ – Supported with a subsidy (financial assistance)
4. Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – To make a problem or bad situation worse
5. Intervention (noun) – /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – The action of becoming involved in a situation in order to improve or help it
6. Self-reliance (noun) – /ˌself rɪˈlaɪəns/ – Reliance on one’s own powers and resources rather than those of others
7. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
8. Vulnerable (adjective) – /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – Exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally

Conclusion

The topic of government-provided housing for the homeless is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration. As demonstrated in the sample essays, there are compelling arguments both for and against such policies. Future IELTS exams may explore related themes such as:

1. The role of private sector in providing affordable housing
2. The impact of urbanization on housing affordability
3. Sustainable urban planning and its effect on housing
4. The relationship between housing policies and economic inequality

To further improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you develop your ideas and writing style, preparing you for success in the IELTS exam.