Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Urban Green Spaces and Public Health – Sample Essays for Different Band Scores

Urban green spaces and their impact on public health have become increasingly important topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms over the past few years, reflecting growing global concerns about urbanization and its effects on well-being. Based on recent trends, it’s likely that this theme will continue to be prevalent in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in past tests:

Some people say that green spaces like parks and gardens are a waste of land in big cities and that the land should be used for building houses or shops. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on the value of urban green spaces compared to other potential land uses. Key points to consider:

1. The main argument presented: Green spaces are a waste of land in big cities.
2. Alternative land uses suggested: Houses and shops.
3. Task: Agree or disagree and explain your stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In an era of rapid urbanization, some argue that green spaces in cities are inefficient uses of land that could be better utilized for housing or commercial development. However, I strongly disagree with this perspective, as I believe urban parks and gardens play a crucial role in maintaining public health and overall quality of life in metropolitan areas.

Firstly, green spaces are vital for physical and mental well-being in urban environments. Parks and gardens provide residents with opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection with nature, which are essential for combating the stress and sedentary lifestyles often associated with city living. Studies have consistently shown that access to green spaces reduces the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders. For instance, a recent study in the UK found that people living near parks had a 16% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with limited access to green areas.

Urban Park Health Benefits

Moreover, urban green spaces contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Trees and plants in parks act as natural air purifiers, absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, thereby improving air quality in cities. They also help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing temperatures and energy consumption for cooling. Additionally, green spaces aid in stormwater management by absorbing excess rainwater, which is particularly crucial in flood-prone urban areas.

Furthermore, parks and gardens enhance social cohesion and community well-being. These spaces serve as gathering points for diverse groups of people, fostering social interactions and community bonding. They provide venues for cultural events, outdoor education, and recreational activities that contribute to the vibrancy and livability of cities. The social benefits of green spaces extend to economic advantages as well, as they often increase property values and attract businesses to surrounding areas.

Community Garden Connection

While the need for housing and commercial development in cities is undeniable, it should not come at the expense of green spaces. Instead, urban planners should focus on integrating green areas into new developments and revitalizing existing ones. Innovative solutions such as rooftop gardens, vertical forests, and pocket parks can help balance the need for development with the preservation of green spaces.

In conclusion, far from being a waste of land, urban green spaces are essential components of healthy, sustainable, and livable cities. Their multifaceted benefits to public health, environmental quality, and social well-being far outweigh the short-term gains of converting them into buildings. As cities continue to grow, it is crucial to prioritize and expand green spaces to ensure a high quality of life for urban residents.

Explanation of Band 8-9 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with fully extended and well-supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used naturally and accurately.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately, with only rare minor errors.

5. Development and Support: Each main point is thoroughly developed with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Some people think that green spaces like parks and gardens are not useful in big cities and should be replaced by houses or shops. I disagree with this idea because I believe green spaces are important for cities and people’s health.

Firstly, parks and gardens help people stay healthy. In big cities, many people don’t have enough space to exercise or relax. Parks give them a place to do these things. For example, people can go jogging, play sports, or just walk in parks. This helps them stay fit and reduces stress. Also, trees and plants in green spaces make the air cleaner, which is good for everyone’s health.

City Park Activities for Health

Secondly, green spaces make cities look better and feel nicer to live in. Concrete buildings and roads can make cities look grey and boring. Parks and gardens add color and beauty to cities. They also give people a place to enjoy nature, which is important for mental health. When cities have nice green areas, more people want to live there, which can be good for the city’s economy.

Thirdly, green spaces are good for the environment. Trees and plants help reduce pollution and cool down cities in hot weather. They also provide homes for birds and insects, which is important for the ecosystem. If we replace all green spaces with buildings, it could cause environmental problems like more flooding or higher temperatures in cities.

Green City Sustainability

While it’s true that cities need houses and shops, I think it’s possible to have both buildings and green spaces. City planners can design cities that include parks and gardens along with new buildings. They can also create green roofs or vertical gardens on buildings to add more nature to the city.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that green spaces are not a waste of land in big cities. They are necessary for people’s health, the city’s appearance, and the environment. Instead of removing green spaces, we should find ways to include more of them in our cities.

Explanation of Band 6-7 Score

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with some supporting ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, though some paragraphs may be better linked. Basic cohesive devices are used.

3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control and only occasional errors.

5. Development and Support: Main ideas are extended and supported, though some points may lack depth or specific examples.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Urban green spaces (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːrbən ɡriːn speɪsɪz/ – Areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise urban environment.

2. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.

3. Urbanization (noun) – /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas.

4. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

5. Ecosystem services (noun phrase) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm ˈsɜːrvɪsɪz/ – The direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being.

6. Urban heat island effect (noun phrase) – /ˈɜːrbən hiːt ˈaɪlənd ɪˈfekt/ – A phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and infrastructure.

7. Social cohesion (noun phrase) – /ˈsəʊʃəl kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – The strength of relationships and the sense of solidarity among members of a community.

8. Stormwater management (noun phrase) – /ˈstɔːmˌwɔːtə ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ – The effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other sites.

In conclusion, the topic of urban green spaces and their importance for public health is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of urban planning in creating sustainable cities
• Balancing development and environmental conservation in urban areas
• The impact of green spaces on community well-being and social interactions

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.