Urban farming has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past exams:
Some people think that urban farming should be encouraged. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether urban farming should be promoted in cities. Key points to consider:
- Understand the term “urban farming” – growing food in cities
- Consider the benefits and drawbacks of urban farming
- Decide your position – agree, disagree, or partially agree
- Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Urban agriculture, the practice of cultivating food within city boundaries, has gained significant traction in recent years. I strongly believe that this innovative approach to food production should be actively encouraged due to its numerous benefits for urban communities and the environment.
Firstly, urban farming can significantly enhance food security in cities. By growing fresh produce locally, communities can reduce their reliance on long-distance food transportation, ensuring a more stable and accessible food supply. This is particularly crucial in densely populated urban areas where access to fresh, nutritious food can be limited. Moreover, urban farming empowers individuals to take control of their food sources, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of potential supply chain disruptions.
Secondly, the environmental benefits of urban agriculture are substantial. Green spaces created by urban farms can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, improving air quality and reducing energy consumption for cooling. Additionally, these farms can contribute to biodiversity by providing habitats for various species within the urban landscape. The reduction in food miles also leads to a decreased carbon footprint associated with food production and distribution.
Furthermore, urban farming fosters a sense of community and promotes education about sustainable living. Community gardens and rooftop farms serve as gathering places where people can connect, share knowledge, and work together towards a common goal. This not only strengthens social bonds but also raises awareness about the importance of sustainable food systems and environmental stewardship.
However, it is important to acknowledge that implementing urban farming on a large scale may face challenges such as limited space, potential soil contamination in some areas, and the need for proper regulations. These issues can be addressed through careful planning, innovative technologies like vertical farming, and supportive policies from local governments.
In conclusion, the benefits of urban farming far outweigh its challenges. By providing fresh food, improving the environment, and building stronger communities, urban agriculture represents a powerful tool for creating more sustainable and livable cities. Therefore, I strongly agree that urban farming should be encouraged and supported as an integral part of urban development strategies.
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
In recent years, urban farming has become a popular topic of discussion. Many people believe that it should be encouraged in cities. I agree with this idea to a large extent because of its benefits for both people and the environment.
One main reason to support urban farming is that it can provide fresh food for city dwellers. Growing vegetables and fruits in cities means people can have access to fresh produce without long transportation. This is good for health because the food is fresher and may have more nutrients. Also, it can help reduce food costs for some families, which is important in expensive city areas.
Another benefit of urban farming is its positive impact on the environment. When food is grown in cities, it reduces the need for long-distance transportation of produce. This means less pollution from trucks and planes that usually bring food to cities. Urban farms can also help make cities greener and cooler, which is good for the climate and people’s well-being.
Urban farming can also bring communities together. When people work on community gardens, they can meet their neighbors and make friends. This is especially important in big cities where people often feel lonely. Gardening together can create a sense of belonging and improve mental health.
However, there are some challenges to urban farming. Space is limited in cities, and not all areas have good soil for growing plants. There might also be concerns about pollution affecting the crops. These problems need to be solved for urban farming to be successful.
In conclusion, I believe urban farming should be encouraged because it provides fresh food, helps the environment, and builds stronger communities. While there are some difficulties, the benefits are significant. Cities should support urban farming initiatives to create healthier and more sustainable urban environments.
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Urban farming is becoming more popular in cities. Some people think it should be encouraged. I agree with this idea because it has many good points.
First, urban farming can give people fresh food. When people grow vegetables in the city, they can eat fresh food without buying from far away. This is good for health because the food is very fresh. It can also save money for some people because they don’t need to buy all their vegetables from shops.
Second, urban farming is good for the environment. It makes cities greener and helps clean the air. When there are more plants in the city, it looks nicer and feels cooler in summer. This is good for people and animals living in the city.
Third, urban farming can help people make friends. When people work together in a garden, they can talk and know each other better. This is nice in big cities where people sometimes feel alone. Gardening together can make people happier.
But urban farming can have some problems too. There is not much space in cities for big farms. Some places might have bad soil or too much pollution. These things can make it hard to grow food in cities.
In conclusion, I think urban farming is a good idea and should be encouraged. It has more good points than bad points. It gives fresh food, helps the environment, and makes people friendlier. Cities should try to help people start urban farms to make life better.
Scoring Explanation
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and well-developed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organized with a clear progression of ideas and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: Wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Clear overall progression, but may lack some coherence and cohesion in places.
- Lexical Resource: Adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some errors in word choice or spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mix of simple and complex structures, with some errors that do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses the task, but may be incomplete or lack focus in parts.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organizational structure, but may lack overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Limited range of vocabulary, with noticeable errors in word choice and spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Limited range of structures with frequent errors, though meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Urban agriculture (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃər/ – the practice of growing food in cities
- Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the state of having reliable access to sufficient affordable, nutritious food
- Self-sufficiency (noun) – /ˌself səˈfɪʃənsi/ – the ability to provide for oneself without help from others
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Community garden (noun) – /kəˈmjuːnəti ˈɡɑːrdn/ – a piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people
- Vertical farming (noun) – /ˈvɜːrtɪkl ˈfɑːrmɪŋ/ – the practice of producing food in vertically stacked layers
- Food miles (noun) – /fuːd maɪlz/ – the distance food travels from where it is grown to where it is consumed
- Urban heat island (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd/ – an urban area that is significantly warmer than its surrounding rural areas
- Rooftop garden (noun) – /ˈruːftɒp ˈɡɑːrdn/ – a garden on the roof of a building
Conclusion
Urban farming is a highly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of urban agriculture on city planning
- Comparing traditional farming with urban farming
- The role of technology in urban agriculture
- Government policies to support urban farming initiatives
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.