Some people think it is better to live in a horizontal city, while others prefer a vertical city.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Some people think it is better to live in a horizontal city, while others prefer a vertical city.

Horizontal City vs Vertical City Living Preference - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 9 · 370 words.

In recent years, urban planners and residents have increasingly debated whether it is more desirable to live in a horizontal city, characterized by low-rise buildings and urban sprawl, or in a vertical city, dominated by high-rise apartments and dense development. While both approaches offer distinct advantages, I believe that vertical cities provide a more sustainable and practical solution for modern urban living.

On the one hand, horizontal cities are often associated with a higher quality of life in terms of space and comfort. People living in such areas typically enjoy larger homes, private gardens, and a quieter environment, which can be particularly appealing for families with children. Moreover, lower population density usually leads to less noise and air pollution, contributing to better physical and mental well-being. Another advantage is the stronger sense of community that can develop in smaller neighborhoods, where residents are more likely to know their neighbors and maintain close social ties.

On the other hand, vertical cities offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency and sustainability. High-rise living allows a large number of people to be accommodated within a limited area, which helps to reduce urban sprawl and preserve natural land. This type of development also supports more efficient public transportation systems, as higher population density makes such systems more viable and accessible. In addition, vertical cities tend to have better access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and entertainment, as these facilities are often concentrated in central areas. From an environmental perspective, compact cities generally result in lower energy consumption and reduced carbon emissions.

In my opinion, although horizontal cities may provide a more comfortable lifestyle for some individuals, vertical cities are better suited to the challenges of rapid urbanization and population growth. They make more efficient use of land and resources while promoting environmentally sustainable living. However, it is essential for city planners to ensure that high-rise developments are designed with adequate green spaces and community areas to maintain residents’ quality of life.

In conclusion, both horizontal and vertical cities have their own merits, but vertical urban development is, in my view, a more viable long-term solution. With thoughtful planning, it can combine efficiency with livability and meet the needs of growing urban populations.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional essay that meets all the criteria for Band 9. It provides a sophisticated, well-balanced argument with a clear personal position, expressed through high-level academic vocabulary and flawless grammatical structures.

Task Response - 9

- The essay fully addresses all parts of the task by exploring the characteristics and benefits of both horizontal and vertical urban planning. - The writer’s position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the response. - Ideas are logically developed, fully extended, and supported with relevant details such as sustainability, social ties, and resource efficiency.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Cohesion is used so naturally that it attracts no attention; transitions like 'On the one hand' and 'Moreover' are used appropriately to guide the reader. - Paragraphing is managed skillfully, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the debate. - There is a very clear progression of ideas from the initial definition of the concepts to the final recommendation.

Lexical Resource - 9

- The vocabulary is sophisticated and used with a high degree of precision (e.g., 'urban sprawl,' 'viable,' 'accommodated,' 'mitigate'). - Lexical features are used naturally, with excellent control of collocations such as 'dense development' and 'carbon emissions.' - There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- The writer demonstrates a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. - Complex sentences are used frequently and correctly (e.g., the use of participial phrases and subordinate clauses). - Punctuation is used accurately to enhance the clarity and flow of the text.

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