Here is a recently reported essay question for IELTS writing task 2 and below are some ideas to help you with this topic.
Some people think that planting trees in open spaces in cities and towns is more important than building houses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Reasons for Using City Space for Trees
- Trees and green areas create a peaceful living environment which promotes a better living standard and better mental health.
- Trees produce oxygen which can counteract against heavy pollution in cities and create a better quality of air.
- Heat in cities can be better controlled by having more trees which filter the sun’s heat and offer shade. This ultimately lowers the temperature.
- Planting more trees in urban areas brings nature into cities which is beneficial to people without access to rural areas.
- Noise levels can also be reduced by planting trees which can act as a buffer against sound.
- Planting more trees can make the living environment more pleasant which is thought to reduce crime to some extent. Trees encourage people to enjoy their neighbourhood and be more active in it which deters petty crime.
- Trees offer urban wildlife a better environment to live in and play a part in the ecosystem of a city.
Reasons for Using City Space for Housing
- Lack of affordable housing can lead to rising crime rates. Thus by having more housing, there are more opportunities for everyone to get housing.
- Without more housing, a city is unable to grow and develop which is essential in a world with an increasing population.
- Housing is also essential for any country which is hoping to develop its economy as workers must have access to affordable homes.
- Shelter is a basic requirement for life.
- Urban space is limited and priority should be given to shelter rather than creating pleasant parks.
- Without enough homes, people can become homeless which can leads to alcoholism and drugs or slums can develop which can be detrimental to any country.
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Hello Liz!
This time it took me 41 minutes to write 341 words. I guess It’s a clear win for now.
I am leaving my essay here for anyone to see.
It is commonly thought by some that free spaces inside cities and towns should be used for the construction of parks instead of housing. In my opinion, I think that there are circumstances where cities are in dire need of more homes, while other cities can benefit more from green spaces.
Firstly, green spaces, such as parks, act as air filters because they absorb odors and pollutants from the air, creating a healthier environment in the vicinity. Also, at the same time, trees and green plants reduce carbon dioxide that is produced by industrial activity in huge amounts inside cities, and release oxygen back into the atmosphere, ensuring that the air quality is kept at healthy levels. Another reason for building parks is the peacefulness they provide, as there are not many places, especially in city centers, where people can escape from the city noises. Trees act as a buffer, decreasing the noise levels, which in turn improves the mental health of the city dwellers, due to the escapism and sense of freedom and relaxation that they provide.
However, there are cities and towns that have limited open spaces and their population rises rapidly, so the only logical action is to build more homes. Take, for example, the Netherlands where cities are becoming increasingly overcrowded and there is no available land for houses to be built in the suburbs. In this situation, open spaces inside cities and towns are used for the construction of apartment blocks instead of public green spaces, such as parks. Another point to consider is that if a country wants its economy to thrive, then the population must increase, thus creating the need for new accommodation. If there is no available and affordable housing, then the birth rates will plummet, as people will feel uneasy about one of the most important necessities, eventually disrupting the growth of the economy.
In conclusion, I believe that there are circumstances where the best mode of action is the construction of houses, while other cities would benefit more from green spaces.
Just two points for your further development:
1) Your conclusion is slightly repetitive with language to your introduction thesis statement. Try this instead: “In conclusion, I believe that whether a city focuses on building more housing or creating parks should depend on how much pressure they face from population growth and competition for space.”
2) The only other issue is that you mention some cities will benefit from green spaces – which cities? In what way do they differ from the other cities that need housing. It might be a good idea to mention in body paragraph one that cities where the population is stable and not rapidly expanding should focus on green spaces. This way, you’ve fully explained the difference of when cities should and shouldn’t focus on housing or parks.
Otherwise, a great essay.
I see what you mean about the conclusion and the same is true for the previous essays that I have written. Your is a lot better and I will use it as a guide for my next essays.
Also, about your second point. Indeed I haven’t really specified when cities should build parks. I didn’t really think much of it after writing it in the introduction, so yeah I totally missed it afterwards. Thank you for pointing it out.
Your notes are greatly appreciated and I respect the fact that you make corrections to my essays. I will post more of them, but please, don’t feel pressured to comment on them.
Hi liz,
Would you please post a model answer for this essay?
I agree with prioritizing planting trees, I wrote the introduction and the first paragraph in which I supported my opinion with details. I did’nt know what to write in the second paragraph.
Sure. I’ll try to do that soon but I’m a bit delayed with website work because I’m trying to get a video made for Youtube. But let me give you some pointers now so you can continue with your essay.
The essay question is about using open spaces in cities either for housing or planting tree (parks etc). If you agree that prioritising trees is more important, then you likewise think housing is less important. If you think housing is more important then trees are less important. When you think like this, you can easily see your two body paragraphs 1) trees are more important – benefits of trees 2) housing is less important. However, it’s also possible to take a partial agreement – that it depends on the city. In some cities, housing could easily be moved to the suburbs and trees prioritised, but in other cities the lack of housing is so extreme that it must take priority – this would be a specific view point (balanced view) where the opinion and choice depends on the cities needs and the cities point of development at that time.
Hi Liz
Hope you are fine.
I am bit confused about the following topic.
Topic- Prevention is better than cure. Researching and treating disease is too costly so it would be better to invest in preventative measures. To what extent do you agree?
For this question can I address the BP like following,
AGREE that spending money on disease prevention strategies is more important.
1 BP- why researching and treating disease is costly?
Reason 1- researching is a tedious process – may take several years
Reason 2- Treating large population needs extra medical facilities and infrastructure.
2BP- How investing on preventive measures helps in disease prevention?
Reason 1- Reduces the incidence of a disease.
Reason 2- Build immunity against diseases.
Thank you Liz…😊
Well done! That’s the right way to tackle such an essay 🙂
You’ve address all points with your opinion. You’ve got a logical organisation of ideas and paragraphs.
Thank You Liz ..
You are my gem❤️❤️
Hey Dear Liz,
I have written a sample response. I kindly ask for feedback.
I personally. Highly agree with the fact that many of us believe that planting trees in cities and towns seems to be prioritised compared to building houses. While many people may disagree, I think more about the well-being of everyone and how we can counteract temperature rise by growing trees.
Firstly, why wouldn’t anyone want to be happy and joyful? Just like that when nature is processed there is a high possibility that many people will visit the green biodiversity and find a place for themselves to get some peace. Peace is quite important in our daily hustling life when we work from 9 to 5 every day. When we get such opportunities, we feel enthusiastic and bring positive vibes to our community.
Moreover, when trees are grown it hence means that there is more of the absorption of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to generate more of the oxygen that we need. Many of us still use cars and have the heating on every winter. Due to such extensive burning of fossil fuels, carbon dioxide is produced in massive amounts which results in higher average temperatures. If we have a variety of trees nearby it will help absorb the carbon dioxide and cool down the temperature of the area which leads to cooler summers and less sweating.
While on the other hand when looking at the fact that housing is necessary, I only agree to a slight extent as housing is necessary to help develop the city as more and more people come to our city for job opportunities and need accommodation to live at.
To conclude, the advantages of having trees in the cities outweigh the advantages of having housing. Hence my option on agreeing that planting trees in a city is more important than building houses.
can I agree with both ideas at a time. Like this:
A good urban planning for a city gives its citizens planty of benefits like having good mental and physical health, living a good lifestyle etc. But urban planning often faces many contradictions like weather it should use its cityspace for planting trees or building housing. The decision depends on the population of the city, available space, amount of emitted polluted particles etc.
Without sufficient living space crime rate may rise and life-standard may fall. Having a home is one of the basic needs of human. Thus despite other factors that depicts the necessity to plant trees, building house have to be prioritized.
Planting trees are necessary to maintain healthy life of city dwellers. Trees make a city beautiful and charming. Trees also provides shelter for various wildlife. Trees gives us oxygen and takes carbon-dioxide and reduces emitted particles. Planting more trees thus makes a city more livable.
When engineers face contradictions they often sacrifice a portion of one idea to fit other idea. So it may conclude that, if population is large living space may get smaller so that some space can remain to plant trees.
It is thought by some people that planting trees in urban areas is more crucial than constructing residential buildings.While I agree that growing trees in cities will help in reducing air pollution, I believe priority should be given to provide shelter rather than creating beautiful parks.
In conclusion, although trees are beneficial in improving quality of air however, having a place to live in is the basic requirement to survive
Mam could you please help how to get perfect examples for all kinds of essays .
Go the FREE Lessons & Tips on the red menu bar at the top of the website. Then select “Writing Task 2”. You will find essays, tips, lessons etc.
Hi liz,
Does the above question means:
FOR AGREE:
BP1: Y i agree for planting trees in open spaces
BP2: Y i dont agree with open spaces being used for housing purpose
Would be glad to hear your reply.
Thanks,
Soni
That’s correct. Your opinion must encompass both issues.
Thanks Liz for your reply.
Pls what if I agree and
For BP1 , I give a reason why trees should be planted in vacant areas and
For BP2 I agree and I give reasons why housing facilities should be built instead.
Does this work?
Thanks
How can this work? If there is one space, you want to plant lots of trees in the space and lots of housing? It isn’t actually possible. What your view shows is that you haven’t thought about the situation enough and explained in which spaces you will have housing and in which spaces you will have trees. Explain your point clearly. Think more carefully.
Good morning and thanks Liz for your reply. I had to reanalyze the question. I feel the right thing to do is pick a side and give two points in support. Say for example I completely agree that trees should be planted instead of housing facilities and I use two points in support. My 1st BP would be how trees would enhance health through the production of oxygen.
My 2BP would state how tree would reduce noise pollution. How about this?
Kind regards
Neli
So you would completely ignore housing? You wouldn’t explain why you don’t believe housing is important? In that case, you would lose marks. If you believe in planting trees, you also believe in not building housing. Make sure your essay tackles both issues if you are presented with two.
Dear Liz
Please help me as i am struggling with thesis statement and ideas for BP on this essay,when i want to write a balanced approach..
I have written it,but i need to know if it is correct.I am sorry ,i know you have such a lot of comments from a lot of ielts students,and i don’t want to waste your time(because i know you don’t give opinions on essays on comments),i am just asking if you can look at it,if not ,i understand you,and i am really happy with all you are giving to us.
thesis statement-however,while i agree that planting trees is crucial for the environment and people’s health,i believe that population growth in these areas need housing,which can be provided by building houses.
one bp-with regards to environment and health -planting trees and their importance
2 bp- on the other hand,buildings give shelter and explaining the importance of housing
is that way of answering- ‘sitting on the fence’ or is ok like this?
Thank you Liz
It isn’t a clear opinion. It is a bit too much like sitting on the fence. You need to quantify – in which situations should we focus on parks and in which situations should we focus on building more housing. Think more about whether this is for new cities or old cities – for developing countries or developed countries. If you are not sure and worry about this, always go for a one-sided view to be safe.
Hi,
I would like to ask if I can choose a balance answer with this particular question. Can I agree on both or I need to choose one side only. Please enlighten me. Thanks.
Some people think that planting trees in open spaces in cities and towns is more important than building houses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
here is my introduction.
People have different views about whether to use city spaces for planting trees or building houses for shelter. While I agree that housing is a basic commodity, I also believe that trees are essential for human survival.
You can’t sit on the fence. One piece of land – how will it be used? Be clear. A balanced view is a specific, quantified view. See my Advanced lessons if you are unsure: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Good day! I’m little bit confuse if how can I write my arguments.. The question is ” some people think that human needs for farmland, housing and industry are more important than saving land for endangered species. Do you agree or disagree?”
I agree, so my plan is to make 3 body paragraphs, 1 argument for agreeing that land for farms is more impt that saving land for animals, 1 for housing vs saving land for animals, and 1 for industry. Is this right and allowed?
or should I put arguments in general (farmland, housing and industry) vs to saving land for animals?
Thank You!
The issue in the question is about using land for humans or animal rights.
Hi Liz,
I am struggling to get ideas for task 2, can provide some suggestions to get improve please.
I am currently preparing a books of ideas for writing task 2 topics which will be available to purchase early next year.
Even though you are on holiday, will you still finish and release the book at the beginning of 2018?
Sorry, I’ve put everything on hold in order to rest.
Hope you get better soon ma’am!
Hi Liz. How can I purchase the book of ideas for writing task 2 which you prepared
It isn’t ready to buy yet. It won’t be ready for a while.
Hi Mam,
Your writing material & tips are really helpful & valuable. Thanks a ton.
Hello teacher!
If the statement says same people think…,however others believe … and question ask for only my opinion.should i discuss both wievs ?
If the instructions ask for your opinion, the your entire essay is based on your opinion.
Hey Liz ,
In this type of essays whether I agree or disagree for example I agree to plant trees I should talk also about houses or no?
You can’t ignore part of the task. If you agree in trees rather than houses, you must explain why you agree with having trees rather than houses. So, you cover both in your view.
Hello liz,
First, i would like to thank you to give us such a valuable information to get our target. Also, I am very confused with those question which asked that WHAT EXTENT DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE? It means if i agreed with the statement then I only need to favor with the statements or can I also write the points of disagreed ???
Can you please help me out here??
Thanks ĺiz😊
This type of essay question is asking for your opinion. If you agree, then your entire essay explains why you agree and nothing more. If you have your own specific opinion, then you present details of that. If you need training in writing task 2, see my advanced lessons: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
Hi Liz,
I am really worried now because i took ielts in 23rd of July and was waiting to get results in 5 of August. But the british council emailed me and informed that my ielts results withheld without mentioning and reasons. Have your any students experienced such situation and when they got results? Is this related or influence to my band score? Will it be higher or lower?
Sincerely,
Sherzod
I have never heard of this happening before. I suggest you contact the British Council again and ask for an explanation for them withholding your results. Make it very clear in your note that you are deeply concerned and would like to know why your results are being withheld.
Good luck
Liz
Hello Liz,
I have made a short introduction on the given example above. Could you kindly give me a brief comment on my use of complex sentences and punctuations, and give some suggestions for improvement?
Planting more trees in both urban and rural areas, particularly in wide spaces such as public parks where people often gather, is commonly thought to be more essential than constructing new houses that could lead to congestion. In my opinion, I strongly agree that, the more trees that an environment has, citizens and the ecosystem would be healthier.
Best regards,
Lawrence
Sorry but I don’t give comments on writing any more.
All the best
Liz
Hi Liz,
I would like to create a balanced approach pls comment on my introduction.
It is often argued, that the act of planting trees in large areas in towns and in big cities is far better than creating and building houses for people. While i agree that shelter is essential to basic human needs, i also believe that more trees in urban areas is also useful in every human’s life.
tnx in advance.
Please read my notice: https://ieltsliz.com/posting-writing/
Thanks
Liz
Hi, Liz!
I think the ideas are not enough for the essay, without covering the comparison between trees and houses. Shouldn’t we firstly discuss which is more important (for example, listing the results of lots of houses without trees or those of many trees without enough houses in Body Paragraph A, then we can give the reasons in Paragraph B and C), because the given statement mentions “more important than”? But the ideas for each are separated, without connections.
Did I express myself clearly? I just wonder if we should compare these two items before we show our opinion about agreement.
Thank you!
For an opinion essay, you put your opinion in the introduction and then explain it in the body paragraphs. You should choose a side or aim for a balanced approach but for this particular essay choosing one side is easier. These ideas are just to help you building supporting points.
All the best
Liz
Dear Liz,
Your valuable comments are required on my essay as I made a little effort with your help.
Topic: Some people think that planting trees in open spaces in cities and towns is more important than building houses. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It depends on different individuals. In my opinion, health is one of the major concern nowadays so, we should use empty spaces for planting trees rather than building aggressively.
On one hand, trees are very essential to be planted in metropolitan cities because people living urban areas hardly get the essence of rural area. Trees are the symbol of heathly environment and produce oxygen so, having more trees in your city will not only eliminate the health related issues but also improves the physical outlook of the city. Secondly, planting trees will bring wildlife environment to survive in city and produces a ecosystem of a city. Moreover, green belt creates a positive effect on the urban life as well as it lowers the temperature. Furthermore, noise pollution will be diminish by planting more trees, it can make the living environment more pleasant and soothing.
On the other hand, growth is also very important building more houses means inviting more people to your area and increasing the population. Building houses can provide shelter which will fulfill the basic requirements of living beings. Secondly, urban areas easily get dense so the priority should be given to build proper housing scheme than constructing parks and losing valuable space. Because without homes, people can become homeless and frustrated which might lead to a detrimental of communities and cities. Moreover, housing is also very important for any country which is hoping to develop its economy as workers and labors should have access to affordable homes.
All in all, I’m more concerned over human health as it is well said that “health is a wealth”. If we have healthy environment we can eventually grow. So, planting more trees will increase our growth as it can provide us a better and healthy environment.
Please read my notice about posting writing:https://ieltsliz.com/posting-writing/
Thanks
Liz
Hi, Mrs. Liz
Firstly, please let me say thank to you for your very useful website. Can you help me look over the introduction of a related topic to this? Here are the question and my introduction :
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world is facing today. What are the causes of global warming and what measures can goverment and individuals take to tackle the issue?
Intro :
Global warming is one of the most desparate difficulties that human have to deal with nowadays. This essay will show a number of justifications for the problem and give a suggestion on what people can do to solve it.
Please check the work, and if you have time, can you give me some ideas for this essay?
Thank you.
Please read my notice about posting writing: https://ieltsliz.com/posting-writing/
Thanks
Liz