Urban heat islands represent a significant environmental challenge that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on analysis of past exam papers and current environmental trends, this topic has appeared in various forms over the past five years and is likely to remain relevant for future tests. The impact of urban living on health has become increasingly important in IELTS writing tasks.
Task Analysis and Sample Question
Some people believe that the heat island effect in major cities can be reduced by careful urban planning and design. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to evaluate how urban planning can mitigate the impact of urban heat islands on public health. Let’s examine three sample essays of varying band scores.
Band 8.0 Sample Essay
The urban heat island phenomenon presents a significant challenge for modern cities, but I strongly agree that thoughtful urban planning can effectively reduce its impact. This essay will explore how strategic design choices can mitigate heat accumulation in urban areas.
Careful urban planning offers several effective solutions to combat the heat island effect. Firstly, incorporating green spaces and urban forests can significantly lower ambient temperatures through natural cooling processes. For example, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay demonstrates how how urban green spaces improve the quality of life while reducing local temperatures. Additionally, implementing reflective surfaces on buildings and roads can decrease heat absorption, while proper building orientation can maximize natural ventilation.
Furthermore, innovative architectural designs can contribute substantially to temperature reduction. The use of green roofs and vertical gardens not only provides insulation but also helps absorb excess heat. Cities like Toronto have successfully mandated green roof implementation on new buildings, resulting in measurable temperature reductions. Moreover, creating wind corridors through strategic building placement can enhance air circulation and heat dissipation.
However, these solutions require comprehensive planning and sustained commitment. The Effects of urbanization on natural ecosystems must be carefully considered when implementing such measures. Cities must invest in long-term strategies and overcome initial implementation costs to achieve lasting benefits.
In conclusion, while the urban heat island effect poses a significant challenge, careful urban planning and design can effectively mitigate its impact through a combination of green infrastructure, innovative architecture, and strategic spatial planning.
Green infrastructure solutions for reducing urban heat island effect
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I agree that urban planning can help reduce the heat island effect in big cities. This problem affects many people living in urban areas today.
One way that planning can help is by adding more trees and parks. When cities have more green spaces, they become cooler. For example, in my city, areas with parks are usually cooler than areas with just buildings. Also, painting buildings with light colors can help reflect sunlight and reduce heat.
Another important thing is building design. Tall buildings should not be too close together because this traps heat. Some cities now make rules about how buildings should be designed to help air flow better. This helps make the city cooler.
However, these solutions can be expensive and take a long time to implement. Some cities might not have enough money to make these changes. Also, some people might not want to change existing buildings.
In conclusion, I think urban planning can help reduce the heat island effect, but it needs careful planning and money to work well.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.0 Essay Analysis
- Strong coherence and progression of ideas
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Clear position throughout
- Excellent paragraph organization
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Basic but clear organization
- Limited range of vocabulary
- Simple but accurate sentence structures
- Ideas present but less fully developed
- Some repetition of ideas
Key Vocabulary
- Urban heat island (n) /ˈɜːbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd/ – phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas
- Mitigation (n) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – reduction of the severity of something
- Ambient temperature (n) /ˈæmbiənt ˈtemprətʃə/ – temperature of the surrounding environment
- Green infrastructure (n) /ɡriːn ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌktʃə/ – network of natural and semi-natural features in urban areas
- Vertical gardens (n) /ˈvɜːtɪkl ˈɡɑːdnz/ – gardens grown on walls or vertical structures
Consider practicing with these additional related topics:
- The role of urban planning in sustainable development
- The balance between urban development and environmental protection
- Solutions for sustainable city growth
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
