Urban overpopulation has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent tests. This theme frequently intersects with related subjects like environmental concerns, infrastructure development, and social issues. Let’s explore some sample essays addressing this critical topic at different band scores.
How to address the challenges of urban overpopulation has emerged as a key focus in recent IELTS examinations. Here’s a recent question that exemplifies this trend:
Many cities around the world are experiencing severe housing shortages and extremely high property prices due to overpopulation. What problems does this create? What solutions can you suggest?
Essay Analysis
This question requires a problem-solution approach, focusing on:
- Housing crisis impacts
- Socioeconomic consequences
- Potential solutions
- Implementation feasibility
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The exponential growth of urban populations has triggered unprecedented housing crises in numerous metropolises, leading to astronomical property prices and severe accommodation shortages. This essay will examine the consequent challenges and propose viable solutions to this pressing issue.
The housing shortage creates multiple significant problems. The most immediate impact is financial strain on residents, forcing many to allocate an unsustainable portion of their income to housing costs. This often leads to reduced spending in other essential areas such as healthcare and education. Additionally, how to address the challenges of overpopulation in cities becomes more complex as overcrowding and substandard living conditions become prevalent, potentially leading to social issues and health concerns.
Several solutions could help address these challenges. Governments should implement strict regulations on property speculation while simultaneously investing in affordable housing projects. Invest in green infrastructure in urban areas? could also help create more sustainable living spaces. Furthermore, developing satellite cities and improving transportation infrastructure could help distribute population pressure more evenly.
In conclusion, while urban housing shortages pose significant challenges, a combination of regulatory measures and infrastructure development can help mitigate these issues effectively.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Housing problems in big cities are getting worse because too many people live there. This essay will look at the problems this causes and some possible solutions.
The main problem is that houses and apartments are too expensive. Many people cannot afford to buy or rent homes in the city. This means they have to live far away or share small spaces with others. Also, how does urban sprawl contribute to environmental issues shows that when cities grow too big, it causes pollution and traffic problems.
I think the government should help solve these problems. They can build more affordable houses and make rules about property prices. Also, they can improve public transport so people can live in cheaper areas outside the city.
To conclude, housing problems in cities affect many people, but there are ways to fix them if governments take action.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “exponential growth,” “unprecedented,” “astronomical”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization and cohesion
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Basic vocabulary with some repetition
- Simple sentence structures
- Clear but basic organization
- Limited development of ideas
Key Vocabulary
- Exponential (adj) /ˌek.spəˈnen.ʃəl/ – Very fast increase
- Unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ – Never having happened before
- Metropolis (n) /məˈtrɒp.əl.ɪs/ – Large, busy city
- Infrastructure (n) /ˈɪn.frə.strʌk.tʃər/ – Basic systems and services
- Speculation (n) /ˌspek.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ – Buying something hoping its value will increase
In conclusion, urban overpopulation continues to be a significant IELTS Writing Task 2 topic. Practice writing about related themes such as environmental impact, social consequences, and infrastructure development to prepare effectively for your exam. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.