Urbanization and its effects on housing affordability have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This theme has appeared in various forms over the past few years, reflecting its global relevance. As urban populations continue to grow, the demand for affordable housing in cities remains a pressing concern, making it highly likely that this topic will feature prominently in future IELTS exams.

Based on recent trends, we can expect to see questions addressing different aspects of urban housing affordability. One such question that has appeared in past exams and is likely to resurface is:

Many cities around the world are struggling to provide affordable housing for their growing populations. What do you think are the main causes of this problem? What solutions can you suggest?

Let’s analyze this question and explore sample essays for different band scores.

Question Analysis

This question falls under the problem-solution essay type. It consists of two parts:

1. Identify the main causes of the affordable housing problem in cities
2. Suggest solutions to address this issue

To answer this question effectively, candidates should:

• Discuss at least 2-3 main causes of the housing affordability problem
• Propose 2-3 viable solutions
• Provide relevant examples to support their arguments
• Ensure a balanced discussion of both causes and solutions

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

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The scarcity of affordable housing in urban areas has become a pressing issue worldwide, affecting millions of city dwellers. This essay will explore the primary factors contributing to this problem and propose potential solutions to mitigate its impact.

One of the main causes of the housing affordability crisis is rapid urbanization, which has led to a surge in demand for housing in cities. As more people migrate to urban centers in search of better job opportunities and lifestyles, the existing housing stock struggles to accommodate the growing population. This imbalance between supply and demand inevitably drives up property prices and rents, making housing increasingly unaffordable for many.

Another significant factor is speculation in the real estate market. Investors often purchase properties as assets rather than for residential purposes, leading to artificial price inflation and reducing the available housing stock for genuine homebuyers and tenants. This speculation can create a vicious cycle, where rising prices attract more investors, further exacerbating the affordability problem.

Furthermore, inadequate urban planning and restrictive zoning laws can hinder the development of affordable housing. Many cities have regulations that limit high-density housing or impose strict building height restrictions, which can reduce the overall housing supply and drive up costs.

To address these issues, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Firstly, governments should implement policies to increase the supply of affordable housing. This could include incentivizing developers to build more low-cost units, relaxing zoning laws to allow for higher-density housing, and repurposing unused public land for residential development.

Secondly, measures to curb speculation in the housing market are crucial. Implementing taxes on vacant properties or imposing restrictions on foreign investment in residential real estate can help stabilize prices and increase housing availability for local residents.

Lastly, investing in sustainable urban planning is essential. Cities should focus on creating mixed-income neighborhoods, improving public transportation to make outlying areas more accessible, and developing affordable housing near employment centers. This approach can help distribute population growth more evenly and reduce pressure on housing in central urban areas.

In conclusion, the affordable housing crisis in cities stems from rapid urbanization, market speculation, and inadequate urban planning. By implementing policies to increase housing supply, regulate the market, and improve urban design, cities can work towards providing more affordable housing options for their growing populations.

Urban housing affordability crisis causes and solutions

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing multiple causes and solutions in depth.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked using cohesive devices (e.g., “Furthermore”, “Lastly”).

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “mitigate”, “exacerbating”, “multi-faceted approach”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice).

5. Relevant Examples: The essay provides specific examples to support arguments, enhancing the overall quality of the response.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The problem of affordable housing in cities is becoming more serious these days. This essay will discuss some reasons for this issue and suggest some ways to solve it.

One main cause of the housing affordability problem is that more people are moving to cities. When lots of people want to live in the same place, it makes houses more expensive. Another reason is that some rich people or companies buy houses as investments, which makes it harder for normal people to buy homes to live in.

Also, cities often don’t build enough new houses to keep up with all the people who want to live there. Sometimes this is because of rules that make it hard to build new buildings or because there isn’t enough space in the city.

To solve these problems, I think governments should do several things. First, they should make rules to build more affordable houses. This could mean giving builders special benefits if they make cheaper homes for people to buy or rent.

Another solution is to try to stop people from buying too many houses just to make money. The government could make people pay extra taxes if they own many houses or if they leave houses empty for a long time.

Lastly, cities should plan better for where to build new homes. They could make it easier to build taller buildings in some areas or create new areas for housing that are connected to the city center by good public transport.

In conclusion, the lack of affordable housing in cities is caused by population growth, investment buying, and not enough new houses being built. By building more affordable homes, controlling house buying for investment, and planning cities better, we can help more people find homes they can afford in cities.

Affordable housing solutions in urban areas

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good qualities that place it in the Band 6-7 range:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both causes and solutions. However, the ideas could be developed further with more specific examples.

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

3. Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary, though some expressions are repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “houses” instead of synonyms).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay mostly uses simple sentence structures accurately, with some attempts at more complex structures.

5. Clarity: While the ideas are clear, they lack the depth and nuance seen in higher band essays.

Key Vocabulary

1. Urbanization (noun) – /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of more people living in cities
2. Affordability (noun) – /əˌfɔːdəˈbɪləti/ – the state of being cheap enough for people to buy
3. Speculation (noun) – /ˌspekjuˈleɪʃn/ – the buying of something hoping its value will increase
4. Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem worse
5. Incentivize (verb) – /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage someone to do something by offering a reward
6. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue for a long time without causing damage
7. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful or serious
8. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic systems and services a country or organization needs to work properly

These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing urban development and housing issues in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Understanding and using them correctly can significantly enhance the lexical resource aspect of your writing.

Conclusion

The topic of urbanization and its effects on housing affordability is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as the impact of rising housing costs on the middle class or should the government regulate the cost of housing in urban areas. You might also encounter questions about the effects of privatization of public services or the impact of inflation on the housing affordability, which are closely related to urban development issues.

To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay based on the question provided in this article. Focus on developing a clear structure, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and providing specific examples to support your arguments. You can share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion. Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your IELTS Writing Task 2 performance.