Urban planning and public transportation are increasingly important topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. The question of whether public transport should be prioritized in urban planning has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its relevance to modern society. Based on past trends and current urban development issues, we can expect this theme to continue appearing in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a specific question that has been featured in recent tests:
Some people think that governments should focus on reducing environmental pollution and housing problems by creating more public gardens and parks. Others believe that building wider roads is a better solution. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses urban planning priorities, asking candidates to discuss two contrasting approaches: creating green spaces versus expanding road infrastructure. The task requires:
- Discussing the viewpoint of creating more public gardens and parks
- Examining the alternative view of building wider roads
- Providing your own opinion on which approach is more effective
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your position.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Urban planners face the challenging task of addressing environmental pollution and housing issues in growing cities. While some advocate for the creation of more public gardens and parks, others argue that building wider roads is a more effective solution. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering my own view on the matter.
Proponents of increasing green spaces argue that public gardens and parks can significantly improve urban environments. These areas act as natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus helping to mitigate air pollution. Moreover, green spaces provide recreational areas for city dwellers, promoting physical and mental well-being. From a housing perspective, properties near parks often have higher values, potentially encouraging more sustainable urban development.
On the other hand, those in favor of wider roads contend that this approach can alleviate traffic congestion, a major contributor to urban pollution. Reduced traffic jams mean less idling time for vehicles, potentially decreasing overall emissions. Furthermore, wider roads can accommodate dedicated lanes for public transportation and cyclists, encouraging more sustainable modes of travel. This infrastructure improvement could also facilitate better urban planning, allowing for more organized housing developments.
In my opinion, while both approaches have merit, prioritizing the creation of public gardens and parks is a more sustainable long-term solution. Green spaces offer multiple benefits beyond pollution reduction, including improved quality of life, biodiversity conservation, and natural flood management. Moreover, as cities shift towards electric and autonomous vehicles, the need for wider roads may diminish, making investments in green infrastructure more future-proof.
In conclusion, while road expansion can offer short-term relief to urban congestion, the multifaceted benefits of public gardens and parks make them a superior choice for addressing environmental and housing challenges in our cities. Governments should prioritize green space development as part of a comprehensive, sustainable urban planning strategy.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Urban planning is a big challenge for governments today. Some people think making more parks and gardens is the best way to reduce pollution and solve housing problems. Others believe wider roads are better. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Creating more parks and gardens can help the environment. Trees and plants in these areas can clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and giving out oxygen. This helps reduce pollution in cities. Parks also give people places to relax and exercise, which is good for their health. When it comes to housing, having parks nearby can make houses more valuable, which might encourage better housing development.
On the other hand, building wider roads can also have benefits. When roads are wider, there is less traffic, which means cars spend less time on the road polluting the air. Wider roads can also have special lanes for buses and bicycles, which can encourage people to use these more environmentally friendly ways of traveling. This can help reduce pollution too. Wider roads might also make it easier to plan and build new housing areas.
In my opinion, I think making more parks and gardens is a better idea. While wider roads can help with traffic problems now, parks and gardens have more long-term benefits. They not only help reduce pollution but also make cities more beautiful and healthy places to live. As more people start using electric cars and public transport in the future, we might not need such wide roads, but we will always need green spaces in our cities.
To conclude, both approaches have their advantages, but I believe creating more public gardens and parks is a better solution for reducing pollution and improving housing in cities. Governments should focus on making more green spaces as part of their plans for better cities in the future.
(Word count: 309)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the task:
- Coherent structure with clear paragraphs addressing each point
- Wide range of vocabulary used accurately (e.g., “mitigate”, “contend”, “multifaceted”)
- Complex sentence structures and appropriate use of linking words
- Clear progression of ideas with a well-developed argument
- Addresses all parts of the task with a nuanced opinion
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing skills but with less sophistication:
- Clear structure addressing main points
- Good vocabulary range, though less advanced than the Band 8-9 essay
- Mix of simple and complex sentences
- Logical progression of ideas
- Addresses all parts of the task with a clear opinion
The main differences lie in the complexity of language use, depth of analysis, and overall coherence. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more nuanced thinking and more advanced language skills.
Key Vocabulary
- Urban planning (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and organizing urban areas
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or serious
- Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – To make suffering or problems less severe
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic systems and services needed for a country or organization to run smoothly
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to continue over a period of time without damaging the environment
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Congestion (noun) – /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – The state of being crowded and full of traffic
- Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
These words are crucial for discussing urban planning and environmental issues in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
Conclusion
The topic of prioritizing public transport and sustainable urban planning in IELTS Writing Task 2 is likely to remain relevant in future exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of public transportation in reducing urban pollution
- Balancing economic development with environmental protection in cities
- The impact of urban green spaces on community well-being
- Strategies for promoting sustainable transportation in urban areas
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and always address all parts of the question. Practice writing your own essays on these topics and consider sharing them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.
How can local governments promote sustainable urban planning? This is an excellent question to explore further as you prepare for your IELTS exam. Consider writing a practice essay on this topic to enhance your understanding of urban planning issues and improve your writing skills.