English guide
Achieve Band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2 sustainable cities discussions with our expert model answers at Bands 6, 7, 8, and 9. Learn key strategies and vocabulary.
What this guide covers
Search answer
Achieve Band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2 sustainable cities discussions with our expert model answers at Bands 6, 7, 8, and 9. Learn key strategies and vocabulary.
Related guides:
Some people believe cities should prioritize environmental sustainability over economic growth. Others argue economic development is essential to fund green initiatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many people think cities should focus on nature protection rather than money growth. However, others believe economic development is necessary to pay for green projects. Both views have merits.
On one hand, sustainable cities reduce pollution. For example, parks in Singapore clean the air. On the other hand, economic growth provides money for these projects. China builds wind farms because it is rich.
In my opinion, cities need both. Without money, green projects cannot happen. But without nature, cities become unhealthy. The best solution is to balance both. Governments should invest in green technology that also creates jobs.
The debate regarding whether cities should prioritize environmental sustainability or economic growth has intensified. Both perspectives present compelling arguments, and a balanced approach may be optimal.
Advocates for sustainability argue that urban areas contribute significantly to global carbon emissions. Implementing green spaces like Milan's vertical forests can mitigate this impact. Conversely, proponents of economic growth contend that financial resources are essential to fund such initiatives. For instance, Copenhagen's ambitious climate plans are underpinned by its robust economy.
Personally, I believe cities must integrate both strategies. Economic development can support sustainability projects, while green initiatives create new economic opportunities. For example, Barcelona's superblocks reduce pollution while boosting local businesses. This symbiotic relationship demonstrates that cities can prosper economically while enhancing environmental quality.
The tension between prioritizing environmental sustainability and economic growth in urban planning has become a contentious issue. While some advocate for green initiatives, others emphasize the necessity of economic development, and striking a balance appears most pragmatic.
Proponents of sustainability argue that urban areas are major contributors to environmental degradation. Implementing policies like London's congestion charge has demonstrably reduced emissions. Moreover, sustainable infrastructure can enhance quality of life. Amsterdam's cycling culture decreases pollution while promoting public health. Conversely, economic growth advocates contend that financial stability enables green investments. Germany's Energiewende transition to renewable energy was only possible due to its economic strength.
I contend that cities should pursue integrated strategies. Economic development can fund sustainability projects, while green initiatives create new economic sectors. For example, Oslo's carbon-neutral initiatives have stimulated innovation in clean technology. This approach acknowledges that environmental and economic goals are interdependent rather than mutually exclusive.
The dichotomy between environmental sustainability and economic growth in urban development has sparked vigorous debate. While some assert that cities must prioritize green initiatives, others argue that economic prosperity is foundational, and a holistic approach that reconciles these objectives is most viable.
Those advocating for sustainability highlight the severe environmental impacts of urbanization. For instance, Singapore's Green Plan 2030 has successfully integrated nature into urban landscapes, improving air quality and biodiversity. Additionally, sustainable urban design can enhance resilience to climate change. Rotterdam's flood defense systems exemplify this principle. Conversely, proponents of economic growth emphasize that financial resources are essential to implement such measures. Stockholm's congestion tax, for example, funds extensive public transportation networks that reduce emissions.
I posit that cities should adopt synergistic strategies that align economic and environmental objectives. Economic development can provide the capital needed for sustainability projects, while green initiatives can create new economic opportunities. For example, Vancouver's green building policies have spurred innovation in construction while reducing the city's carbon footprint. This mutually reinforcing relationship demonstrates that cities can achieve both environmental and economic sustainability.
| Word/phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Carbon footprint | Total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, or city | 'Reduce the city's carbon footprint' | | Circular economy | Economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources | 'Transition to a circular economy' | | Urban sprawl | Uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural areas | 'Combat urban sprawl with smart planning' | | Green infrastructure | Natural and semi-natural assets that provide ecosystem services | 'Invest in green infrastructure' | | Renewable energy | Energy collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished | 'Shift to renewable energy sources' | | Climate-resilient | Ability to absorb and recover from climate shocks | 'Build climate-resilient infrastructure' | | Eco-friendly | Not harmful to the environment | 'Promote eco-friendly transportation' | | Sustainable urbanization | Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future | 'Plan for sustainable urbanization' | | Vertical farming | Practice of producing food in vertically stacked layers | 'Implement vertical farming in cities' | | Carbon-neutral | Having a net zero carbon footprint | 'Achieve carbon-neutral status by 2030' |
| Band | Description | |------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6.0 | Presented a position with some development, but arguments were not fully extended or supported. | | 7.0 | Presented a position with clear arguments and some development, but could be more nuanced. | | 8.0 | Presented a position with clear arguments and development, with some examples to support the response. | | 9.0 | Presented a position with fully developed and supported arguments, using specific and relevant examples. |
| Band | Description | |------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6.0 | Ideas are logically organized but some sentences are disjointed, requiring clearer transitions. | | 7.0 | Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions, but some repetition of language occurs. | | 8.0 | Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions, and the response flows naturally. | | 9.0 | Ideas are logically organized with sophisticated transitions, and the response flows seamlessly. |
| Band | Description | |------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6.0 | Uses a mix of appropriate but limited vocabulary, with some errors in word choice and collocation. | | 7.0 | Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexis, but some errors in word choice and collocation. | | 8.0 | Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some sophisticated words, and generally accurate collocation. | | 9.0 | Uses a wide range of vocabulary with sophisticated and precise words, and accurate collocation. |
| Band | Description | |------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6.0 | Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with frequent grammatical errors. | | 7.0 | Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with some grammatical errors. | | 8.0 | Uses a variety of complex sentence forms, with only occasional grammatical errors. | | 9.0 | Uses a variety of complex sentence forms, with rare grammatical errors and accurate use of tenses. |
Analyze your writing with our AI-powered tool to see exactly which areas need improvement for your target band score. Upload your practice essays and get instant, detailed feedback on all four IELTS criteria.