The topic of government’s role in ensuring affordable housing is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current global housing challenges, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore some potential questions and focus on a sample essay to help you prepare effectively.

Government affordable housing policy

Analyzing the Question

For this article, we’ll focus on the following question:

Some people believe that governments should be responsible for providing affordable housing to all citizens. Others think it should be left to the private sector. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that governments should provide affordable housing
2. Discuss the view that the private sector should handle housing
3. Give your own opinion on the matter

Let’s examine two sample essays addressing this question, one targeting a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Housing affordability is a pressing issue in many countries, sparking debate about who should bear the responsibility for ensuring adequate housing for all citizens. While some argue that governments should take the lead in providing affordable housing, others believe this task should be left to the private sector. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Those who advocate for government intervention in housing argue that shelter is a basic human right, and therefore, it is the state’s duty to ensure all citizens have access to affordable housing. Governments have the resources and authority to implement large-scale housing projects, enforce rent control measures, and provide subsidies to low-income families. For instance, Singapore’s public housing program, managed by the Housing Development Board, has successfully provided affordable homes to over 80% of its population. This demonstrates that government-led initiatives can effectively address housing needs on a national scale.

On the other hand, proponents of private sector involvement contend that market forces are more efficient in meeting housing demands. They argue that competition among developers leads to innovation, cost reduction, and a diverse range of housing options catering to different income levels. The private sector’s ability to respond quickly to market trends and consumer preferences can result in more dynamic and sustainable housing solutions. Moreover, reduced government involvement may lead to lower taxes and less bureaucracy, potentially making housing more affordable in the long run.

In my opinion, the most effective approach to ensuring affordable housing lies in a balanced collaboration between the government and the private sector. While the government should set policies, provide incentives, and regulate the housing market to prevent exploitation, the private sector can contribute its expertise in construction, property management, and market analysis. This partnership could leverage the strengths of both parties, resulting in a more comprehensive and sustainable solution to the housing affordability crisis.

In conclusion, the responsibility for providing affordable housing should be shared between the government and the private sector. By combining the government’s authority and resources with the private sector’s efficiency and innovation, societies can work towards creating inclusive and accessible housing markets that benefit all citizens.

(Word count: 345)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The issue of affordable housing is important in many countries. Some people think the government should provide cheap homes for everyone, while others believe private companies should do this job. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.

People who want the government to provide affordable housing say it’s a basic need, like healthcare or education. They think the government has the money and power to build many houses and make rules to keep rents low. For example, in some countries, the government builds apartments for poor people to rent cheaply. This helps many families who can’t afford expensive homes.

On the other hand, some people think private companies should handle housing. They say businesses can build houses faster and cheaper than the government. Private companies also offer more choices to buyers, like different sizes and styles of homes. They believe that if many companies compete to sell houses, prices will go down naturally.

I think the best way is for the government and private companies to work together. The government can make rules to stop unfair prices and give money to help poor people buy homes. Private companies can use their skills to build good houses quickly. This way, we can have enough affordable homes for everyone.

In conclusion, I believe both the government and private companies should be responsible for providing affordable housing. Working together, they can solve the housing problem better than if they work separately.

(Word count: 249)

Key Considerations When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, and a conclusion with the writer’s opinion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced conclusion.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and collocations, such as “pressing issue,” “sparking debate,” and “enforce rent control measures.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively communicates the main ideas.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice. The Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.

4. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more developed opinion.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas. The Band 6-7 essay is coherent but uses simpler connectives.

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Affordable housing (noun phrase) /əˈfɔːrdəbl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/ – housing that is reasonably priced for people with average or below-average incomes
2. Subsidies (noun) /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/ – money given by the government to help reduce the cost of something
3. Rent control (noun phrase) /rent kənˈtrəʊl/ – government regulation of the amount of rent that can be charged for housing
4. Market forces (noun phrase) /ˈmɑːrkɪt ˈfɔːrsɪz/ – the economic factors that affect the price and availability of goods and services
5. Bureaucracy (noun) /bjʊəˈrɒkrəsi/ – a system of government with many complicated rules and processes
6. Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/ – a new idea, method, or device
7. Exploitation (noun) /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ – the act of using someone unfairly for one’s own advantage
8. Inclusive (adjective) /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – including all groups of people and treating them fairly and equally
9. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue over a period of time without causing damage to the environment
10. Collaboration (noun) /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ – the act of working together to produce something

In conclusion, the topic of government’s role in ensuring affordable housing is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The impact of urbanization on housing affordability
• The pros and cons of public housing projects
• The role of technology in addressing housing shortages

Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.