Sustainable urban planning has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms across recent test papers. Based on analysis of past exams, this theme has shown up approximately 15-20% of the time when discussing environmental or city development issues. Let’s examine a recent task from 2023:
Some people believe that modern cities should be built with as many tall buildings and skyscrapers as possible to accommodate the growing urban population. Others think that building upward is not a sustainable solution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Task
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss advantages and disadvantages of vertical urban development
- Consider sustainability aspects
- Present and justify a personal viewpoint
- Link to The challenges of reducing urban sprawl
Sustainable urban planning concept showing modern city design
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over vertical urban development versus other approaches to city planning has intensified as metropolitan areas face unprecedented population growth. While both perspectives have merit, I believe a balanced approach that incorporates sustainable design principles is most beneficial.
Proponents of high-rise development argue that building upward maximizes limited urban space. Skyscrapers can house thousands of residents on a relatively small footprint, reducing urban sprawl and preserving surrounding natural areas. Additionally, vertical development allows for centralized infrastructure and efficient public transportation systems, potentially reducing carbon emissions from commuting.
However, critics raise valid concerns about sustainability. Tall buildings consume massive amounts of energy for elevators, heating, and cooling systems. They can create urban heat islands and wind tunnels, negatively impacting the local microclimate. Moreover, high-density vertical development may strain existing infrastructure and create social isolation among residents.
In my view, the optimal solution lies in combining moderate-height buildings with The benefits of green building designs. This approach should incorporate renewable energy systems, green spaces, and community areas. Cities should prioritize mixed-use developments that balance residential, commercial, and recreational needs while maintaining human-scale architecture.
Furthermore, sustainable urban planning must consider The role of technology in urban development to optimize resource usage and enhance quality of life. This could include smart grid systems, efficient waste management, and integrated public transportation networks.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of whether cities should build more tall buildings is important today. There are different opinions about this issue, and I will discuss both sides.
Many people think tall buildings are good for cities. They say we can put more people in a small area, which saves space. Tall buildings also look modern and make cities famous. For example, Shanghai and Dubai are known for their skyscrapers.
On the other hand, some people think tall buildings are bad. They use too much electricity and are expensive to maintain. Also, some people don’t like living in very tall buildings because they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
I think we should build some tall buildings but not too many. Cities need different types of buildings for different purposes. We should also think about the environment and make sure buildings are eco-friendly.
In conclusion, both views have good points, but I believe we need a mix of building types in cities. This will help make cities better places to live.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural, precise usage
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses task but some aspects underdeveloped
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization present
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but limited range
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – capable of being maintained long-term
- urban sprawl (n) /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/ – uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- microclimate (n) /ˈmaɪkrəʊklaɪmət/ – local atmospheric conditions
- mixed-use development (n) /mɪkst juːz dɪˈveləpmənt/ – combination of residential and commercial spaces
High-Scoring Sentence Patterns
- “While both perspectives have merit, I believe…” (Concession + Opinion)
- “Not only does X lead to Y, but it also…” (Complex cause-effect)
- “The optimal solution lies in…” (Sophisticated suggestion structure)
Continue practicing by writing your own essay on this topic in the comments section below. Focus on incorporating the vocabulary and sentence patterns discussed above while maintaining a clear structure and coherent argument.
