Academic Task 2 · Discuss both views
Green space in growing cities
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
As cities grow, some people believe that new housing is more important than preserving parks and green spaces. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
How to approach this question
Explain both viewpoints fairly and give your own judgement when the question asks for it.
Discussion essays: cover both views and your opinion →
Cities essays: test transport proposals, land-use choices and noise responses →
Housing view: a growing population needs somewhere to live, and limited land can make new homes difficult to provide.
Green-space view: parks support recreation and give residents shared outdoor space. Consider whether denser housing or reuse of developed land could address both needs.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify both views and give your own opinion.
- Body 1: explain why people hold the first view and illustrate their reasoning.
- Body 2: fairly explain the second view; show how your judgement relates to it.
- Conclusion: weigh the views and restate your own position.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- housing demand
- The need or desire for homes in an area.
Population growth can increase housing demand.
- redevelop existing sites
- Build again on land that has already been used.
Cities could redevelop existing sites before removing established parks.
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