Academic Task 2 · 324 words
Green roofs: require them where buildings are suitable
Support a general design requirement while defining structural exceptions, maintenance duties and a whole-life cost test.
Study the method: Opinion essays: choose a position and develop your reasons →
Develop the topic: Environment essays: connect actions, effects and policy limits →
Band 8 goal: Qualified opinions
Control precise language, qualification and evaluation without overclaiming. This is a study route, not an examiner score assigned to the answer. How IELTS Writing is assessed.
The question
Universities should be required to include planted green roofs on all suitable new buildings, even if this increases construction costs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The sample answer
Universities often construct large buildings that will remain in use for decades, so their design choices can have long-lasting environmental effects. I largely agree that suitable new university buildings should include planted roofs, even when this raises the upfront cost. However, the requirement should depend on structural and climatic suitability rather than applying blindly to every roof.
A properly designed green roof can improve how a campus handles both rain and heat. Soil and plants hold some rainwater temporarily, which can slow the flow into drains during a heavy shower. The planted layer may also shade the building envelope and reduce how strongly the top floor heats in direct sun. These effects will vary by climate and design, but a university can measure them and use the roof as a teaching site for engineering, ecology or facilities-management students. Because new construction already involves decisions about drainage, insulation and access, considering a planted system at the design stage is more practical than trying to add one after the building is complete.
The strongest objection is financial. Extra structural capacity, waterproofing and safe access can increase the upfront cost, while neglected vegetation may damage rather than improve a building. This is why the policy should require a documented suitability study and a funded plan for long-term maintenance. A lightweight roof on a low-rise teaching block may pass that test, whereas a laboratory with specialised equipment or a site with severe water constraints might receive an evidence-based exemption. Universities should also compare construction and maintenance costs with expected drainage, insulation and educational benefits over the building's life. This process would prevent a visible green feature from being approved without responsibility for its future care.
In conclusion, higher initial spending is justified when a green roof is structurally suitable and has a credible maintenance plan. A qualified requirement would make universities examine the option seriously while allowing transparent exceptions where the environmental case or safe operation is weak.
Vocabulary in context
Each phrase appears in the answer above. Learn how it works, not just a replacement word.
- building envelope
- The physical parts that separate a building's interior from outside conditions.
Use the term for roofs, walls and related elements; do not use it as a synonym for the entire construction project.
- upfront cost
- Money that must be paid at the beginning of a project before later effects are known.
Contrast an upfront cost with future maintenance, savings or benefits rather than implying the initial price is the only cost.
- long-term maintenance
- Inspection, repair and care that continue throughout an extended period.
Name who will fund or perform long-term maintenance when recommending infrastructure that needs continuing attention.
Now make it your own
Plan the opposing response: argue that universities should choose among several environmental measures instead of facing one roof requirement, and show how your two body paragraphs keep that position consistent.
For a smaller practice step, use the explanation, knowledge check and self-review exercise in Answer the question you were given.
The practice link opens the original question, not a copy of this answer.
Open the writing workspaceMore examples of this question type
State how far you agree, then develop reasons that support the same position throughout.