The topic of urbanization’s impact on mental health has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. According to recent test reports and statistics from major IELTS preparation websites, this theme has appeared approximately 3-4 times annually since 2019, making it a highly relevant topic for test preparation.
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Analysis of Common Question Types
Based on past examination patterns, here are three frequently encountered question types:
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The rapid urbanization in many countries has led to increased mental health issues. What are the causes of this problem and what solutions can be proposed?
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Some people believe that living in cities negatively affects people’s psychological well-being. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Modern urban life is causing more stress and anxiety than ever before. Discuss the causes of this trend and suggest ways to improve the situation.
Selected Question for Sample Essays
For our sample essays, we’ll focus on the most common question type:
The rapid urbanization in many countries has led to increased mental health issues. What are the causes of this problem and what solutions can be proposed?
The effects of urbanization on health demonstrate that this is indeed a critical issue affecting millions globally.
Question Analysis
This is a problem-solution essay requiring:
- Identification of causes behind mental health issues in urban areas
- Proposed solutions to address these problems
- Clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs (causes and solutions), and conclusion
- Relevant examples and explanations
Urban residents experiencing mental health challenges in modern city environment
Sample Essays
Band 8.5 Essay Sample
Modern urban development has undeniably contributed to rising mental health concerns, a phenomenon that requires careful examination and strategic intervention. The effects of urbanization on mental health are particularly evident in rapidly developing nations.
The primary causes of this issue are multifaceted. Firstly, the fast-paced urban lifestyle often leads to chronic stress and social isolation. People working long hours in high-pressure environments frequently lack time for meaningful social interactions and personal well-being. Additionally, environmental factors such as overcrowding, noise pollution, and limited access to green spaces significantly impact mental wellness. The competitive nature of city life, coupled with high living costs, creates constant financial pressure that can trigger anxiety and depression.
Several effective solutions can address these challenges. Government authorities should implement urban planning policies that prioritize mental health by incorporating more green spaces and community areas. This could include creating parks, community centers, and quiet zones within cities. Furthermore, organizations should adopt flexible working arrangements and mental health support programs. Regular mental health screenings and counseling services should be made readily available and affordable. Public awareness campaigns about mental wellness and stress management techniques could also help urban residents develop better coping mechanisms.
In conclusion, while urbanization-related mental health issues pose significant challenges, implementing comprehensive solutions involving both structural changes and support systems can help create more mentally healthy urban environments.
Green spaces in urban areas promoting mental wellness
Band 6.5 Essay Sample
Nowadays, mental health problems are becoming more common in cities. This essay will discuss the causes and solutions to this important issue.
There are several reasons why people in cities have mental health problems. First, they have to work very hard and for long hours. This makes them tired and stressed. Also, living in cities is expensive, so people worry about money all the time. Another problem is that cities are noisy and crowded, which makes people feel uncomfortable.
To solve these problems, we can do several things. The government should build more parks where people can relax. Companies should give workers better working hours and less stress. Also, there should be more doctors and counselors to help people with mental health problems. These services should not be too expensive.
In conclusion, while city life causes many mental health problems, there are ways to make it better. Both the government and companies need to work together to help people feel better mentally.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task
- Coherence and Cohesion: Excellent paragraph organization
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary use
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main aspects but less developed
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organizational structure
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but limited vocabulary
- Grammatical Range: Simple structures, some errors
Key Vocabulary
- urbanization (n) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process of more people living in cities
- mental wellness (n) /ˈmentl ˈwelnəs/ – psychological well-being
- chronic stress (n) /ˈkrɒnɪk stres/ – long-term stress
- social isolation (n) /ˈsəʊʃəl ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃən/ – lack of social connection
- overcrowding (n) /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ/ – too many people in one place
High-scoring Sentence Patterns
- Complex Cause-Effect: “The fast-paced urban lifestyle often leads to chronic stress and social isolation.”
- Complex Solutions: “Government authorities should implement urban planning policies that prioritize mental health by incorporating more green spaces.”
- Compound-Complex: “While urbanization-related mental health issues pose significant challenges, implementing comprehensive solutions can help create more mentally healthy urban environments.”
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
