Affordable housing has become a pressing issue in many countries, including Vietnam. As urban populations grow and housing costs rise, the need for accessible and affordable housing becomes increasingly critical. This topic has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts, and its relevance is likely to continue in future exams. Let’s explore this subject through a comprehensive analysis and sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Task and Topic
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that providing affordable housing should be a government priority. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks you to discuss your opinion on whether the government should prioritize affordable housing. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which requires you to clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Housing affordability is a critical issue affecting millions globally, and I firmly believe that governments should indeed prioritize the provision of affordable housing. This essay will explore the reasons behind this stance and its potential impact on society.
Firstly, affordable housing is fundamental to social stability and economic growth. When individuals and families have access to reasonably priced homes, they can allocate more resources to other essential aspects of life such as education, healthcare, and savings. This, in turn, contributes to a more productive workforce and a stronger economy. For instance, in Singapore, the government’s commitment to public housing has resulted in a homeownership rate of over 90%, which has been crucial in maintaining social harmony and fostering economic development.
Moreover, prioritizing affordable housing can significantly reduce inequality and promote social mobility. High housing costs often force low-income families to live in substandard conditions or distant areas with limited access to jobs and services. By ensuring affordable housing options in various neighborhoods, governments can break the cycle of poverty and provide equal opportunities for all citizens. The city of Vienna, Austria, serves as an excellent example, where social housing comprises about 60% of the housing stock, resulting in a more inclusive and diverse urban environment.
Furthermore, government intervention in affordable housing can lead to more sustainable urban development. When left solely to market forces, urban areas often experience uncontrolled sprawl and gentrification, leading to environmental degradation and social segregation. By taking an active role in housing provision, governments can implement integrated urban planning strategies that promote mixed-income communities, efficient public transportation, and green spaces. For example, the Netherlands’ spatial planning policies have successfully balanced urban growth with environmental conservation, resulting in compact, livable cities.
However, it is important to acknowledge that prioritizing affordable housing may pose challenges, such as budgetary constraints and potential market distortions. Governments must carefully balance their housing interventions with other pressing needs and ensure that their policies do not inadvertently discourage private sector investment in housing.
In conclusion, despite potential challenges, I strongly agree that providing affordable housing should be a government priority. The far-reaching benefits of accessible housing – from fostering economic growth and social cohesion to promoting sustainable urban development – make it an essential component of a thriving society. Governments that recognize and act upon this priority are likely to create more equitable, prosperous, and livable communities for all their citizens.
(Word count: 392)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
I agree that the government should make affordable housing a priority because it is important for people’s lives and the economy. This essay will explain my reasons for this opinion.
First, affordable housing helps people have better lives. When people don’t have to spend too much money on rent or buying a house, they can use their money for other important things like food, education, and healthcare. This makes their lives better and helps them be happier and healthier. For example, in my country, Vietnam, when people can afford good houses, they can focus more on their jobs and education, which is good for everyone.
Second, affordable housing is good for the economy. When housing is too expensive, people don’t have money to spend on other things. This can slow down businesses and the economy. But if housing is affordable, people can buy more things, which helps businesses grow and creates more jobs. Also, when people have stable homes, they can work better and be more productive.
Third, the government should help with housing because it can do more than private companies. The government can make laws and use money to build houses for people who need them most. Private companies might only build expensive houses to make more money, but the government can make sure there are houses for everyone, including poor people.
However, making affordable housing is not easy. It costs a lot of money, and the government needs to be careful not to spend too much. They also need to make sure that building more houses doesn’t harm the environment or make cities too crowded.
In conclusion, I believe that affordable housing should be a top priority for the government because it helps people live better lives, improves the economy, and ensures that everyone has a place to live. While there are challenges, the benefits of affordable housing are very important for society.
(Word count: 309)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
I think that government should make affordable housing a priority. It is very important for people to have good houses to live in. In this essay, I will explain why I agree with this idea.
First, when people have good houses, they are happier. If houses are too expensive, people don’t have money for other things they need. But if houses are cheap, people can buy food, clothes, and other things they want. This makes them happy and healthy.
Second, cheap houses are good for the country. When people spend less money on houses, they can buy more things from shops. This helps businesses and makes more jobs. Also, when people have good houses, they can work better and earn more money.
Third, the government can help make more cheap houses. They can build houses for poor people or make rules to stop houses from being too expensive. This is good because not everyone can buy expensive houses.
But making cheap houses is not easy. It costs a lot of money, and sometimes there is not enough land to build houses. The government needs to think carefully about how to do this.
In conclusion, I agree that affordable housing should be a priority for the government. It helps people live better and makes the country stronger. Even though it is difficult, it is very important for everyone.
(Word count: 218)
Analysis of Essay Samples
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Here’s why it scores in the Band 8-9 range:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively.
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Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay. Here’s why it scores in the Band 6-7 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some points are underdeveloped.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some cohesive devices are overused or inadequate.
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Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with good control, though errors occur when attempting more complex structures.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but lacks depth and sophistication. Here’s why it scores in the Band 5-6 range:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a basic way but lacks detail and may be repetitive.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing may be inadequate. Cohesive devices are limited.
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Lexical Resource: It uses a limited range of vocabulary, with some errors in word choice and spelling.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with frequent errors, though meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Affordable housing (noun) – /əˈfɔːrdəbl ˈhaʊzɪŋ/ – Housing that is reasonably priced for lower or middle-income households.
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Social stability (noun phrase) – /ˈsoʊʃl stəˈbɪləti/ – A state of society characterized by order and harmony.
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Economic growth (noun phrase) – /ˌekəˈnɑːmɪk groʊθ/ – An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time.
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Social mobility (noun phrase) – /ˈsoʊʃl moʊˈbɪləti/ – The ability of individuals or groups to move between different social classes or economic levels.
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Urban development (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːrbən dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The growth and expansion of urban areas, including infrastructure and housing.
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Gentrification (noun) – /ˌdʒentrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – The process of renovating and improving a neighborhood, often resulting in the displacement of low-income residents.
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Budgetary constraints (noun phrase) – /ˈbʌdʒəteri kənˈstreɪnts/ – Limitations on spending due to available financial resources.
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Market distortions (noun phrase) – /ˈmɑːrkɪt dɪˈstɔːrʃnz/ – Interference with market mechanisms that can lead to inefficient allocation of resources.
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Social cohesion (noun phrase) – /ˈsoʊʃl koʊˈhiːʒn/ – The strength of relationships and sense of solidarity among members of a community.
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Sustainable urban planning (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The development of urban areas with consideration for long-term environmental and social impacts.
Conclusion
Mastering essays on affordable housing as a government priority is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key elements of strong essays across different band scores, you can improve your writing skills and achieve better results. Remember to practice writing essays on this topic and other related subjects, such as sustainable urban planning and the impact of income inequality on access to healthcare.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on the following related topic:
“Some people argue that governments should focus on improving public transportation instead of providing affordable housing. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Feel free to share your practice essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!