Housing shortages in big cities can cause severe social consequences. Some people think only government action can solve this problem.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Housing shortages in big cities can cause severe social consequences. Some people think only government action can solve this problem.

Housing shortages big cities cause severe social consequences government action solve problem - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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 · 310 words.

I strongly agree that government action is essential to solve housing shortages, but I disagree that only government can address the issue. A multi-stakeholder approach is necessary.

On one hand, government intervention is undeniably critical. Housing markets are complex and private developers primarily chase profit, often building luxury units rather than affordable homes. Only governments can enact zoning reforms to allow higher-density construction, invest in large-scale public housing projects, and provide subsidies or tax incentives for affordable rentals. For example, Singapore's Housing Development Board successfully houses over 80% of its population through state-led planning. Additionally, governments can regulate foreign investment and short-term rentals (like Airbnb) that inflate prices. Without such policies, market forces alone will fail to protect vulnerable citizens.

However, relying solely on government is insufficient and inefficient. Bureaucratic delays, budget constraints, and political short-termism often hinder progress. The private sector brings speed, innovation, and capital. Public-private partnerships can accelerate construction – for instance, building mixed-use developments where private firms build market-rate units in exchange for including a percentage of social housing. Employers, too, have a role; companies in expensive cities can offer housing allowances or sponsor dormitory-style accommodation for young staff. Non-profits and community land trusts can acquire land and develop cooperative housing, preserving long-term affordability without waiting for state funding.

Furthermore, individuals and communities contribute. Co-housing initiatives, where groups pool resources to build shared living spaces, reduce per-person costs. Tenant associations can negotiate with landlords and advocate for better policies. Citizens can also adapt by embracing smaller living spaces, remote work, or sharing economies – though these are complementary, not solutions to systemic shortage.

In conclusion, while government leadership is the backbone of any serious solution, it cannot work in isolation. Effective change requires collaboration between public authorities, private enterprise, employers, non-profits, and communities. Only through collective action can we make cities livable for all income groups.

Examiner feedback

This is an exemplary response that demonstrates a high level of academic writing. The writer successfully identifies the nuance in the prompt—the word 'only'—and constructs a balanced, sophisticated argument that covers government, private, and community roles. The language is natural, precise, and devoid of errors.

Task Response - 9

- Fully addresses all parts of the task by critically evaluating the 'only government' proposition. - Presents a fully developed position with relevant, extended, and well-supported arguments. - Uses the Singapore Housing Development Board example effectively to ground theoretical arguments in reality.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Information and ideas are logically sequenced with a natural flow throughout. - Paragraphing is used skillfully to separate different aspects of the multi-stakeholder solution. - Cohesion is managed so well that cohesive devices attract no attention and serve the progression of ideas perfectly.

Lexical Resource - 9

- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. - Uncommon lexical items like 'political short-termism' and 'zoning reforms' are used with precise awareness of style and collocation. - Spelling and word formation are flawless throughout the entire response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and precision. - Every sentence is error-free, demonstrating a native-level command of English grammar. - Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity and manage complex ideas.

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