IELTS Writing Task 2: Expert Sample Essays on Government Support for Urban Farming (Band 6-9)

Urban farming initiatives have become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, it’s likely that questions related to government support for urban agriculture will continue to appear in future tests. This article provides sample essays and analysis for a highly relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject.

Let’s examine a question that closely resembles those seen in recent IELTS exams:

Some people believe that governments should provide financial support for urban farming initiatives to improve food security in cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should financially support urban farming to enhance food security in urban areas. Key points to consider:

1. The main topic is government support for urban farming
2. The focus is on financial assistance
3. The goal is to improve food security in cities
4. You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Urban agriculture has gained significant attention as a potential solution to food security challenges in cities. While some argue that governments should provide financial backing for such initiatives, I largely agree with this view, as it can yield numerous benefits for urban communities.

Government support for urban farming can significantly enhance food security in several ways. Firstly, by providing financial incentives and resources, local authorities can encourage more residents to participate in urban agriculture, leading to increased local food production. This, in turn, reduces dependence on distant food sources and strengthens the resilience of urban food systems. Moreover, government-backed urban farming projects can target food deserts – areas with limited access to fresh produce – effectively addressing nutritional disparities within cities.

How to address the issue of food insecurity in urban areas is a complex challenge, but urban farming offers a practical solution. Financial support from governments can facilitate the development of innovative farming techniques suited to urban environments, such as vertical gardens and rooftop greenhouses. These methods maximize limited space while minimizing resource consumption, making them ideal for densely populated areas. Additionally, government funding can support educational programs that teach residents how to grow their own food, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency and environmental awareness.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge potential drawbacks of government involvement. There is a risk that excessive regulation or bureaucracy could stifle grassroots initiatives. To mitigate this, governments should adopt a balanced approach, providing support while allowing community-led projects to flourish. Furthermore, care must be taken to ensure that urban farming does not compete with other essential urban development needs.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that government financial support for urban farming initiatives is a worthwhile investment in food security and community well-being. By carefully implementing such programs, cities can create more resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant food systems that benefit all residents.

(Word count: 309)

Government support for urban farming initiatives

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, warranting a Band 8-9 score. Here’s why:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed arguments.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Examples include “resilience,” “food deserts,” “nutritional disparities,” and “self-sufficiency.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately. There are no noticeable errors.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows nuanced thinking by acknowledging potential drawbacks and suggesting a balanced approach.

Now, let’s examine a sample essay for a lower band score.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In recent years, urban farming has become more popular in many cities. Some people think that governments should give money to support these farming projects in cities to help with food security. I agree with this idea because it can bring many benefits to city people.

First, when governments give money to urban farming, it can help more people grow food in the city. This is good because it means cities can produce more of their own food and not depend too much on food from far away. For example, if there is a problem with transportation, cities with urban farms will still have some food. Also, urban farming can help poor areas in cities where it’s hard to buy fresh vegetables and fruits.

Urban farming can also be good for the environment. When people grow food in the city, they don’t need to use trucks to bring food from far away. This means less pollution. Also, urban farms can make cities look nicer and give people a place to relax and enjoy nature.

However, there are some problems with government support for urban farming. Sometimes, the government might make too many rules that make it hard for people to start their own small farms. Also, using city space for farming might mean there is less space for other important things like houses or schools.

In conclusion, I think it’s a good idea for governments to support urban farming with money. It can help make sure cities have enough food and make the environment better. But governments should be careful and make sure they don’t create too many problems when they try to help.

(Word count: 273)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication seen in the higher band score essay. Here’s an analysis of why it would likely receive a Band 6-7 score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and range seen in higher band scores. There is some repetition (e.g., “good”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. However, there is less variety in sentence structures compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows some critical thinking by mentioning potential drawbacks, but the analysis is less nuanced than in the higher band score essay.

Urban food security in the face of climate change is a complex issue that requires thoughtful consideration. While this essay touches on important points, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis and specific examples to strengthen its arguments.

Benefits of urban farming for food security

Key Vocabulary for Urban Farming Essays

To enhance your writing on this topic, consider using these advanced vocabulary words:

1. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
2. Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
3. Food security (noun phrase) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the state of having reliable access to sufficient affordable, nutritious food
4. Urban agriculture (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːbən ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/ – the practice of cultivating, processing, and distributing food in or around urban areas
5. Vertical farming (noun phrase) – /ˈvɜːtɪkl ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ – the practice of producing food on vertically inclined surfaces
6. Hydroponics (noun) – /ˌhaɪdrəˈpɒnɪks/ – the method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent
7. Food desert (noun phrase) – /fuːd ˈdezət/ – an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good-quality fresh food
8. Self-sufficiency (noun) – /ˌself səˈfɪʃənsi/ – the ability to provide for oneself without help from others

Using these terms accurately can significantly enhance the quality and sophistication of your essay.

Conclusion

Urban farming and food security are likely to remain relevant topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of technology in urban agriculture
• Balancing urban development with the need for green spaces
• How to manage food security in densely populated urban areas
• The impact of urban farming on community development and social cohesion

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and critically analyze the topic from multiple perspectives. For additional practice, try writing your own essay on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.