Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences – IELTS Writing Task 2

The “Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences” is an Agree/Disagree Writing Task 2 question that has previously appeared in an IELTS test. The essay writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 is a section of the IELTS General Training and Academic tests that assesses your ability to write a well-structured and coherent essay in response to a given topic.

In this task, you’re presented with an IELTS Writing Task 2 agree or disagree essay that asks to what extent you agree or disagree with the given statement. So, you are allowed to give a partial view of it at times to address it. To further hone your IELTS writing skills, check out a comprehensive collection of IELTS writing task 2 practice tests from IELTSMaterial.com.

Here, you get access to 3 IELTS writing task 2 Agree/Disagree sample answers ranging from band 7-9 along with their vocabulary highlighted. So, why wait? Start reading the blog!

Question

You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

Learn some more ways to Achieve a band score of 8 for Writing Task 2 and check out the IELTS essay for ‘Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences’ given below.

Structure Breakdown

Band 7 Sample Answer For Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences Writing Task 2

The lack of housing in metropolitan cities is becoming a more pressing issue for the citizens, yet many think that the government should be in charge of addressing this disaster through proper rules and regulations. I agree with the latter statement, and I shall support my views in the paragraphs that follow.

First of all, I believe that people are migrating to modern cities for a variety of reasons. One reason could be for financial gain or even to pursue higher education. Moreover, many believe that getting into a university is much simpler than finding a place to live, and this is unquestionable in today’s fast-paced world. For instance, it’s harder to locate an apartment in developing cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, etc. than it is to get a seat in the city’s university. It is true that people must spend a significant amount of money just to survive as a result of modernization.

Adding on to this, the increase in population in certain major cities has a direct impact on this particular situation. Consequently, the limited availability of resources in those cities, including the water, land and food, does not match with the increased demand. Hence, this becomes a hectic duty of the respective state government in order to minimize social consequences. For instance, the government can make a collective decision to implement efficient housing schemes in all the developing cities with the help of international agencies. As a result, this might help lower the housing issue and cause less of a hassle.

In conclusion, when a huge set of people move into a particular developing city to have a better and more sophisticated life, it obviously will come with certain drawbacks due to overpopulation. To tackle this, the government should take responsibility and try sorting the issue soon to maintain harmony among the citizens and the society.

Vocabulary

• Metropolitan

Meaning: Relating to or characteristic of a metropolis, a large and densely populated urban area.

Example: The metropolitan lifestyle offers numerous cultural and employment opportunities.

• Pressing

Meaning: Requiring immediate attention; urgent.

Example: The lack of housing in metropolitan cities is becoming a more pressing issue for citizens.

• Unquestionable

Meaning: Beyond doubt or dispute; not open to question.

Example: In today’s fast-paced world, it is unquestionable that finding housing in major cities is a challenging task.

• Modernization

Meaning: The process of adapting to modern needs or habits.

Example: The need for housing solutions is a consequence of rapid urbanization and modernization.

• Hectic

Meaning: Characterized by intense activity, confusion, or disorder.

Example: Managing the housing crisis in major cities can be a hectic duty for the government.

• Overpopulation

Meaning: The condition of having a population too large for the available resources.

Example: Overpopulation in metropolitan areas strains housing resources and leads to social consequences.

Band 8 Sample Answer For Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences Writing Task 2

Certain individuals believe that shortages of houses in major urban cities need substantial government intervention to effectively handle the related social consequences. I firmly agree with the statement that the government must intervene and try to solve the issue. Hence, this essay will discuss the same with appropriate examples.

To begin with, it is evident that the level of the housing shortage exceeds the capacity of citizens or private entities to address the problem hassle-free. Hence, governmental initiatives can organize resources properly on a larger scale, enabling the implementation of ambitious projects to increase affordable housing. Additionally, regulatory measures enforced by the government can put the process in a proper, ensuring that the construction and development align with the broader goal of alleviating the housing crisis.

Furthermore, government action is crucial in establishing and enforcing policies that address the root causes of housing shortages, for instance, zoning restrictions and land use regulations. By taking a proactive role in urban planning, the government can create an environment conducive to sustainable housing solutions, fostering long-term stability. New Deal policies in the United States during the 1930s, for example, aimed at the creation of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This not only facilitated widespread home ownership but also stimulated economic recovery during a period of profound social and economic upheaval.

In conclusion, the serious social problems caused by housing shortages make it clear that we need solid government intervention. Only with strong and coordinated efforts from the government can we really deal with all the challenges linked to not having enough housing in big cities, making urban living more fair and stable.

Vocabulary

• Substantial

Meaning: Considerable in importance, value, or degree.

Example: The government needs to allocate substantial funds to address the housing crisis effectively.

• Comprehensively

Meaning: In a thorough and inclusive manner, covering all aspects.

Example: The government’s approach should comprehensively tackle the various factors contributing to the housing shortage.

• Alleviating

Meaning: Easing or reducing the intensity of a problem or difficulty.

Example: The government’s efforts should focus on alleviating the housing crisis by increasing the supply of affordable homes.

• Proactive

Meaning: Taking action in anticipation of future problems or needs.

Example: A proactive approach to urban planning involves addressing potential housing shortages before they become severe.

• Enforcing

Meaning: Compelling or ensuring compliance with rules or laws.

Example: Government enforcement of zoning restrictions is crucial for effective urban planning.

• Root causes

Meaning: The fundamental reasons behind a problem.

Example: Government policies should address the root causes of housing shortages, such as zoning restrictions.

• Zoning

Meaning: The division of a city or town into zones with specific land-use regulations.

Example: Zoning restrictions play a crucial role in determining the types of structures that can be built in different areas.

Band 9 Sample Answer For Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences Writing Task 2

It is argued that, due to urbanization, the housing shortage is a rising issue that is causing major social problems and that the intervention of the government would play a crucial role in solving it at the earliest. While some argue that important government measures must be taken to tackle this, others emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private entities. I partially agree with the given statement and will be discussing it in this essay.

Firstly, strong government action will clear the housing crisis of such magnitude and complexity if authoritative interventions happen because the government has the resources and power to quickly carry out big projects for affordable housing. Moreover, proper government plans can set clear rules about where and how buildings can be constructed, making a better environment for more housing to be built. In countries like Sweden and Germany, for instance, active government involvement in housing policies has contributed to stable and inclusive urban development in the modern world. Government-backed programs ensure a balance between supply and demand, promoting affordability and preventing social stratification based on housing accessibility.

However, a more nuanced perspective suggests that rather than just relying on the government to take initiatives, collaborative endeavors between the public and private sectors are to be seen as essential for a holistic approach. Private enterprises, for instance, can also contribute innovation, efficiency, and investment capabilities, offering a dynamic response to the housing shortage. On the whole, public-private partnerships, fostering the development of mixed-use spaces, can integrate residential and commercial areas, creating vibrant and sustainable urban environments.

In conclusion, while recognizing the potential of government intervention in solving housing shortages, a balanced and pragmatic approach involves collaborative efforts. A synergy between the public and private sectors can yield innovative solutions, ensuring the creation of adequate housing while effectively addressing the intricate social consequences of this pervasive issue.

Vocabulary

• Urbanization

Meaning: The process of making an area more urban, typically characterized by increased population density and infrastructure development.

Example: The rapid urbanization of the small town led to the construction of skyscrapers and improved transportation networks.

• Magnitude

Meaning: The great size or extent of something.

Example: The housing crisis has reached a magnitude that requires urgent attention.

• Stratification

Meaning: The division of a society into different classes or layers.

Example: Social stratification based on housing accessibility can lead to inequality.

• Endeavors

Meaning: Efforts or attempts to achieve a goal.

Example: Collaborative endeavors between the public and private sectors are crucial for effective solutions.

• Synergy

Meaning: The combined effect of collaboration that is greater than the sum of individual efforts.

Example: Public-private partnerships create synergy, enhancing the impact of housing development initiatives.

• Pragmatic

Meaning: Dealing with issues in a practical and sensible way.

Example: A pragmatic approach involves considering both government intervention and private collaboration for effective housing solutions.

• Pervasive

Meaning: Spread widely throughout an area or a group of people.

Example: The pervasive issue of housing shortages affects communities across the globe.

Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers

Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• First of all
• Moreover
• Adding on to this
• Consequently
• Hence
• For instance
• As a result
• To tackle this
• To begin with
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• Firstly
• However
• On the whole
• In conclusion
• To conclude

Remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree essays like the ‘Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences IELTS Writing Task 2.’

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