Urban planning and community development are recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting the increasing global focus on sustainable and inclusive cities. These topics often intersect with issues like housing, transportation, public spaces, and social equity. Understanding the nuances of these themes is crucial for crafting a well-structured and insightful essay.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to tackling IELTS Writing Task 2 questions related to urban planning and community development. We’ll analyze a real exam question, provide a band-8 sample essay, and offer valuable tips on vocabulary, grammar, and exam strategy.
Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Let’s analyze a question that has appeared in previous IELTS exams:
“Some people believe that the best way to improve the quality of life in cities is to build more parks and green spaces. Others argue that there are other more important priorities for city governments. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.”
Analysis of the Question
This question presents a classic “discuss both views and give your opinion” structure. It delves into the debate surrounding urban planning priorities:
- View 1: Emphasizes the importance of parks and green spaces for enhancing urban life.
- View 2: Suggests alternative priorities for city governments to consider.
Your essay should acknowledge both perspectives, providing balanced arguments and supporting evidence.
Sample Band-8 Essay
The incessant urbanization witnessed across the globe has spurred fervent debates regarding the most effective strategies for improving the quality of life in cities. While some advocate for the proliferation of parks and green spaces as the optimal solution, others posit that city governments should prioritize alternative areas. This essay will delve into both viewpoints before culminating in my personal perspective.
Proponents of expanding green spaces argue that such initiatives offer myriad benefits for urban dwellers. Parks provide respite from the concrete jungle, fostering social interaction, physical activity, and mental well-being. Studies have consistently demonstrated the positive correlation between access to green spaces and reduced stress levels, improved air quality, and enhanced community cohesion. For instance, the revitalization of New York City’s High Line, a former elevated railway line transformed into a park, has not only injected vibrancy into the surrounding neighborhoods but has also boosted property values and stimulated economic growth.
Conversely, critics contend that while parks are undoubtedly desirable, other pressing urban challenges demand immediate attention. These include upgrading inadequate public transportation systems, addressing housing shortages, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare and education. They argue that allocating scarce resources solely to green spaces might exacerbate existing social inequalities, as affluent neighborhoods often reap the most benefits from such projects. Moreover, addressing issues like traffic congestion and pollution necessitates multifaceted solutions that extend beyond simply creating more parks.
In my view, a balanced approach is essential. While parks and green spaces are indispensable for fostering livable cities, they should be integrated into a comprehensive urban planning framework that encompasses social, economic, and environmental sustainability. This entails prioritizing affordable housing, efficient public transportation, and inclusive urban design principles alongside the development of green spaces. By addressing these interconnected challenges holistically, city governments can create thriving urban environments that cater to the needs of all residents.
Word count: 318 words
Urban Planning
Writing Tips
Vocabulary
- Incessant urbanization: Continuous growth of cities.
- Proliferation: Rapid increase.
- Myriad: Numerous and diverse.
- Respite: A break or relief.
- Concrete jungle: A city dominated by buildings and lacking green spaces.
- Correlation: A mutual relationship or connection.
- Revitalization: The process of bringing something back to life or giving it new energy.
- Inadequate: Not sufficient or good enough.
- Exacerbate: Make a problem worse.
- Affluent: Wealthy.
- Multifaceted: Having many different aspects.
- Indispensable: Absolutely necessary.
- Comprehensive: Including everything that is necessary.
- Holistically: In a way that considers the whole system or organism, not just its parts.
Grammar
- Use a variety of sentence structures to make your writing more engaging.
- Ensure subject-verb agreement throughout your essay.
- Pay close attention to the use of articles (a, an, the).
- Proofread carefully for any spelling or punctuation errors.
Difficult Vocabulary
- Incessant (adjective) /ɪnˈsɛsənt/: (of something regarded as unpleasant) continuing without pause or interruption.
- Proliferation (noun) /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/: rapid increase in numbers.
- Myriad (adjective) /ˈmɪriəd/: countless or extremely great in number.
- Respite (noun) /ˈrɛspʌɪt/: a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant.
- Cohesion (noun) /koʊˈhiːʒən/: the state of being united or forming a united whole.
- Revitalization (noun) /riːˌvaɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/: the process of making something stronger, more active, or more healthy.
- Inadequate (adjective) /ɪnˈædɪkwət/: lacking the quality or quantity required; insufficient for a purpose.
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/: make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.
- Affluent (adjective) /ˈæfluənt/: having a great deal of money; wealthy.
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/: having many different aspects or features.
Conclusion
Urban planning and community development are likely to remain prominent themes in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the core issues, familiarizing yourself with relevant vocabulary, and practicing structuring coherent arguments, you can confidently approach these questions and achieve your desired band score.
For further practice, consider exploring related subtopics like the impact of urbanization on climate change, the role of technology in urban planning, or the challenges of creating sustainable transportation systems.
