Urban sprawl and its impact on the environment and society is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on the analysis of past exam questions and current trends, it is highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future tests. To help you prepare effectively, we have selected a relevant question from past exams and created sample essays for different band scores.

Let’s examine the following question:

Some people believe that urban sprawl has a negative impact on both the environment and society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to discuss your opinion on the effects of urban sprawl on both the environment and society. The key aspects to consider are:

1. Urban sprawl: The expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land
2. Environmental impacts: Effects on natural habitats, air quality, and resource consumption
3. Societal impacts: Changes in community structure, transportation, and quality of life
4. Your stance: Agree, disagree, or partially agree with the statement

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Urban sprawl, the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural landscapes, has become a contentious issue in many parts of the world. While some argue that it promotes economic growth and provides more housing options, I strongly agree that urban sprawl has significant negative consequences for both the environment and society.

From an environmental perspective, urban sprawl leads to the destruction of natural habitats and biodiversity. As cities expand outward, forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems are cleared to make way for housing developments and infrastructure. This loss of green spaces not only threatens local flora and fauna but also reduces the earth’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change. Moreover, the increased dependency on automobiles in sprawling urban areas results in higher levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, further damaging the environment.

Urban sprawl and air pollution

Socially, urban sprawl can lead to the fragmentation of communities and a decline in social cohesion. As people move further apart, there are fewer opportunities for spontaneous interactions and community engagement. This isolation can contribute to a sense of disconnection and loneliness among residents. Additionally, the car-centric nature of sprawling suburbs often results in reduced walkability and less access to public spaces, negatively impacting public health and social well-being.

Furthermore, urban sprawl exacerbates social inequality. Lower-income families may be pushed to the outskirts of cities where housing is more affordable, but this often comes at the cost of limited access to job opportunities, quality education, and essential services. This spatial segregation can perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder social mobility.

In conclusion, while urban sprawl may offer some short-term benefits, its long-term negative impacts on the environment and society are substantial and far-reaching. To address these issues, policymakers and urban planners should focus on promoting sustainable urban development, emphasizing compact city designs, mixed-use neighborhoods, and efficient public transportation systems. Only through such comprehensive approaches can we mitigate the adverse effects of urban sprawl and create more livable, equitable, and environmentally friendly cities for future generations.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Urban sprawl is a big problem in many cities today. I agree that it has negative effects on both the environment and society, although there may be some positive aspects too.

Firstly, urban sprawl is bad for the environment. When cities grow outwards, they take over natural areas like forests and fields. This destroys the homes of animals and plants. Also, people in spread-out areas usually need to drive more, which causes more air pollution. This is not good for the environment or people’s health.

Urban sprawl and habitat loss

Secondly, urban sprawl can harm society. When people live far apart, it’s harder to build a strong community. Neighbors might not know each other well, and there are fewer chances to meet and talk. This can make people feel lonely and disconnected. Also, some people might have to live far from the city center because it’s cheaper, but then they have to travel a long way to work or school. This takes up a lot of time and can be stressful.

However, some people might say that urban sprawl has some good points. For example, it can provide more affordable housing options for families. Also, some people prefer living in quieter areas away from the busy city center.

In conclusion, I believe that the negative impacts of urban sprawl on the environment and society outweigh the potential benefits. Cities should try to grow in a more planned and sustainable way to avoid these problems. This could include building more compact neighborhoods and improving public transportation to reduce the need for cars.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Urban sprawl is when cities get bigger and spread out. Some people think this is bad for the environment and society. I mostly agree with this idea.

For the environment, urban sprawl is not good. When cities grow, they take over nature. Trees get cut down and animals lose their homes. Also, people in these areas need to drive more, which makes more pollution. This is bad for the air and can make people sick.

Urban sprawl and social isolation

For society, urban sprawl can also cause problems. When people live far apart, it’s harder to make friends with neighbors. People might feel lonely. Also, some people have to live far from the city because it’s cheaper, but then they have to travel a long way to work. This takes a lot of time and can be tiring.

But urban sprawl might have some good points too. It can give people more space to live and maybe bigger houses. Some people like living away from the busy city.

In conclusion, I think urban sprawl is mostly bad for the environment and society. Cities should try to grow in better ways that don’t hurt nature or make life hard for people. Maybe they can build houses closer together and make better buses and trains so people don’t need to drive so much.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the essay
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Provides well-organized ideas with clear progression throughout
• Uses cohesive devices effectively

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some inaccuracies
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
• Uses cohesive devices but not always appropriately

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some repetition and inappropriate word choice
• Uses a limited range of structures with some errors that may cause difficulty for the reader
• Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
• Makes inadequate, inaccurate, or overuse of cohesive devices

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urban sprawl (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən sprɔːl/: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land.
2. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
3. Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
4. Fragmentation (noun) – /ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃn/: The process or state of breaking or being broken into small or separate parts.
5. Cohesion (noun) – /kəʊˈhiːʒn/: The action or fact of forming a united whole.
6. Walkability (noun) – /ˌwɔːkəˈbɪləti/: The extent to which an area is friendly to walking.
7. Perpetuate (verb) – /pərˈpetʃueɪt/: To make something continue indefinitely.
8. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
9. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
10. Encroach (verb) – /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/: To gradually take away someone’s rights or intrude on their territory.

In conclusion, the topic of urban sprawl and its effects on the environment and society is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft a well-developed essay that addresses all aspects of the question.

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!