IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 Sample: When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Writing Evaluation

Try an IELTS Writing Task 2 Question! Topic: "When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?"

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This is an Opinion Essay, which is a standard question type in IELTS Writing Task 2. Understanding how to recognize and respond to it correctly is essential for achieving a high band score. The topic revolves around urban planning, focusing on whether new towns should prioritize the development of public parks and sports facilities over shopping centers.

An opinion essay asks you to express your viewpoint on a given statement, evaluating both sides of the argument before presenting your position. Examiners expect a clear stance and logical reasoning.

The topic revolves around urban planning, focusing on whether new towns should prioritize the development of public parks and sports facilities over shopping centers.

This essay will explore the potential benefits of focusing on recreational facilities and the potential drawbacks of reducing shopping centers.

1. How to Analyze the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question about When new towns are planned,

Full Question: When new towns are planned, it is important to build more public parks or sports facilities than shopping centers for people to spend their free time. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The question is asking you to evaluate the importance of building more public parks or sports facilities in new towns compared to shopping centers. You need to assess the benefits of each option and decide which should take precedence.

Keywords to focus on:

new towns
public parks
sports facilities
shopping centers
free time

Benefits of Prioritizing Parks and Sports Facilities in New Towns

Public parks and sports facilities promote a healthy lifestyle and community well-being.
Green spaces and sports areas improve mental health and reduce stress.
Parks and recreational facilities can foster community interaction and social cohesion.

Challenges of Reducing Shopping Centers in New Towns

Shopping centers provide economic benefits and create job opportunities.
They offer convenience and cater to daily needs, which can be crucial in new towns.
Shopping centers can drive infrastructure development and urban growth.

Examples and Reasoning Paths

Cities like Copenhagen prioritize green spaces, resulting in higher quality of life.
In many urban areas, shopping centers have become community hubs, providing social spaces.
Studies show that access to parks can decrease healthcare costs by promoting healthier lifestyles.

Which side is easier to argue? Arguing for more public parks and sports facilities may be easier due to the clear health and social benefits they offer.

2. How to Plan Your Essay for a Opinion Essay

Focus on the specific benefits of parks and sports facilities over shopping centers and vice versa. Consider the long-term impacts on community health and economy when planning your argument.

Planning Steps:

Brainstorm the potential benefits and drawbacks of parks versus shopping centers.
Create an outline highlighting key points for both sides and your chosen stance.
Structure your essay with clear paragraphs for each argument, supporting them with examples.

Question-Specific Considerations:

Consider the role of parks in promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity.
Think about the immediate economic impact of shopping centers in a new town.
Evaluate the long-term health benefits of sports facilities on a community.

3. What is the Ideal Structure for a Band 8 Essay?

Follow this structure to achieve a Band 8 score:

Introduction: When planning new towns, deciding whether to prioritize public parks and sports facilities over shopping centers is crucial. This essay will argue that more emphasis should be placed on recreational amenities.
Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the health and social benefits of public parks and sports facilities, supported by examples of cities with successful green spaces.
Body Paragraph 2: Examine the economic and convenience advantages of shopping centers, with examples of towns that have thrived economically due to retail development.
(Optional) Body Paragraph 3: Consider a balanced approach where both parks and shopping centers coexist, enhancing overall town livability.
Conclusion: Reiterate the importance of prioritizing parks and sports facilities for the long-term health and social benefits they provide, while acknowledging the role of shopping centers in economic development.

Detailed Paragraph Guidance

Introduction Tips: Clearly paraphrase the question and state your stance. Provide a brief overview of the main arguments.
Body Paragraph 1 Tips: Focus on specific examples of health and social benefits. Use studies or city examples to strengthen your argument.
Body Paragraph 2 Tips: Highlight the economic benefits with statistics or real-world examples. Discuss the necessity of shopping centers for daily life.
Conclusion Tips: Summarize the key points made in the essay and restate your position, emphasizing the long-term benefits of your chosen priority.

4. Band 7 to 9 Sample Essays

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5. FAQ: What You Need to Know About Opinion Essay

How should I structure my essay for this type of question?
Start with an introduction that paraphrases the question and states your opinion. Follow with body paragraphs that explore arguments for and against, and conclude by reinforcing your position.
Can I agree with both sides in my essay?
Yes, you can present a balanced view but ensure you clearly state your main stance and support it with evidence.
What examples can I use to support my arguments?
Use examples from real cities or studies that illustrate the benefits or drawbacks of parks, sports facilities, and shopping centers.
Is it better to focus on health or economic arguments?
It depends on your stance. If you prioritize parks and sports facilities, focus on health benefits; if you focus on shopping centers, emphasize economic advantages.
How important is it to use academic vocabulary?
Using academic vocabulary can enhance your essay's sophistication, but clarity and relevance are more important. Ensure your language is precise and your ideas are clearly communicated.

6. Useful Vocabulary for This Topic

Use these advanced vocabulary words to boost your band score:

infrastructure: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Example: Improving infrastructure is essential when planning new towns to accommodate both parks and shopping centers.
sustainability: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level, especially regarding environmental conservation.
Example: Parks contribute to urban sustainability by preserving green spaces and supporting biodiversity.
livability: The quality of life offered by a place, often determined by environmental, social, and economic factors.
Example: Enhancing livability in new towns can be achieved by integrating more recreational facilities.
cohesion: The action or fact of forming a united whole.
Example: Sports facilities can enhance social cohesion by bringing communities together through shared activities.
economic drivers: Factors that contribute to economic growth and development.
Example: Shopping centers act as economic drivers by attracting businesses and consumers.
biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Example: Public parks help maintain biodiversity, providing habitats for various species.
urban growth: The expansion and increase in population in urban areas.
Example: Shopping centers can stimulate urban growth by attracting more residents and businesses.
amenities: Desirable or useful features or facilities of a building or place.
Example: Parks and sports facilities are key amenities that enhance the quality of life in new towns.
recreational: Relating to activities done for enjoyment when one is not working.
Example: Recreational facilities contribute to community health by encouraging active lifestyles.
incentives: A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
Example: Providing incentives for the development of parks can lead to healthier communities.

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8. Quick Writing Tips

Remember these key tips for success:

Prioritize clarity and coherence in your argumentation.
Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Balance both sides of the argument before stating your position.
Incorporate academic vocabulary to enhance your essay.
Keep your conclusion concise and focused on your main argument.

9. Ready to Practice?

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