Many countries are experiencing population growth and need to build more homes. Some say that new homes should be constructed in existing cities while others argue that new towns should be built to accommodate the growing population. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these points of view?
Sample Response
In the past two decades, there has been an sharp increase in migrationexponential increase in the migration of people to different cities and countries, indirectly resulting in considerable infrastructure developmenta considerable infrastructure development. However, there has been a long-standing debate overon whether to direct these infrastructure projects towards existing citiesdirect these infrastructure projects to current cities or establish new townscounties. Careful consideration of both alternatives reveals that each has its positives and negatives.
One of the major advantages of focusing on current cities for new construction is that it would benefit the city residentsresidents of the cities in multiple ways. Tenants living in Vancouver would prefer to buy a newly constructed house in the city where they work rather than in a new town, to reduce their commute time. Moreover, the city has everything they desire such as an efficient public transport systemefficient public transport, a thriving job marketthriving job market and affordable healthcare. These benefits would not be immediately available in new townsThis would not be possible in new towns because of the time it takes to establish services and create opportunities for residentsgenerate opportunities for people.
On the other hand, accommodating people in houses built in newly created towns would put them in a cleaner and less pollutedpollution-free and clean environment. This is because new towns may take at least 10 years10 years of time to become an attractive placespot for both residents and businessespeople and industries alike. As a result, their exposure to harmful emissions from industrial plants and transportation is reduced, shielding them from the risk of developing health problemsrisks of acquiring health complications. A recent report released by the Worldword Health Organization (WHO) suggests that the number of people affected by airborne infections is 20% higher in cities compared to towns established only a few years agonew towns that were formed just a couple of years ago.
In conclusion, while there are both positive and negative aspects to these views, the decision on where to build the new homes to accommodate a growing populationaccommodate increasing population will depend on many other factors as well. Therefore, a thorough assessment is required before starting an infrastructure project.
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response is strongest when it uses clear, concrete contrasts between established cities and new towns, with generally logical development and controlled language. Its main limitation is that the advantages and disadvantages are often implied through comparison rather than explicitly evaluated, while the conclusion remains generic; prioritise making each benefit and drawback unmistakable and ending with a concise synthesis of the central trade-offs.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both approaches are addressed through relevant, supported contrasts, although some drawbacks remain implicit and the conclusion adds little synthesis.
State the principal advantage and disadvantage of each approach explicitly and weigh the trade-offs in the conclusion.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response progresses logically through clearly focused paragraphs, with cohesive links that are generally natural and easy to follow.
Use more precise internal signposting to show when a point is a benefit of one option and a drawback of the other.
Lexical Resource
A flexible range of topic vocabulary conveys ideas precisely overall, despite occasional awkward collocations and spelling slips.
Proofread word choice and collocations such as references to development, time, and health effects for greater naturalness.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied complex structures are used with good control, and the occasional article or phrasing error does not impede communication.
Refine article use and noun-phrase construction, especially around general concepts such as population growth and infrastructure development.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Many countries are experiencing population growth and need to build more homes. Some say that new homes should be constructed in existing cities while others argue that new towns should be built to accommodate the growing population. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these points of view?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.