In some cities, public parks and open spaces are being changed into gardens where local residents can grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. In some cities, public parks and open spaces are being changed into gardens where local residents can grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Public Parks Open Spaces Converted Local Resident Gardens - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

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 ยท 276 words.

In many urban areas, public parks and open spaces are increasingly being converted into community gardens where residents cultivate their own fruit and vegetables. While this trend brings certain drawbacks, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages.

One significant benefit is the promotion of sustainability and food security. Community gardens allow city dwellers to grow fresh, organic produce locally, reducing reliance on commercially transported food and lowering carbon emissions. This is particularly valuable in densely populated cities, where access to affordable and healthy food can be limited. Moreover, such gardens encourage environmentally responsible behavior by raising awareness of seasonal produce, recycling, and responsible water use.

Another major advantage is the social impact. Shared gardens foster a sense of community by bringing residents together, strengthening social bonds, and encouraging cooperation among people of different ages and backgrounds. These spaces can also support mental well-being, as gardening is known to reduce stress and provide a meaningful leisure activity, especially for older residents or those with limited access to nature.

However, there are some disadvantages to consider. Transforming public parks into gardens may reduce open recreational areas for children, joggers, and families who use these spaces for relaxation and exercise. In addition, community gardens require proper management; without clear regulations, they may become poorly maintained or lead to conflicts over land use.

Despite these concerns, the disadvantages can be minimized through careful urban planning, such as allocating only part of a park to gardening while preserving open areas for recreation. Overall, the environmental, social, and health-related benefits of community gardens make this a positive development. Therefore, the advantages of converting some public spaces into local food-growing areas outweigh the drawbacks.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional essay that meets all the criteria for a Band 9. It provides a balanced, well-reasoned argument with sophisticated vocabulary and flawless grammar. The progression of ideas is logical, and the tone is appropriately academic.

Task Response - 9

- The essay fully addresses all parts of the task by exploring both the benefits and the drawbacks of converting public spaces into gardens. - The writer presents a clear and consistent position throughout the response, concluding firmly that the benefits outweigh the downsides. - Ideas are fully developed, with specific examples related to sustainability, social cohesion, and urban management.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Paragraphing is managed skilfully, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic (sustainability, social impact, drawbacks). - Cohesion is used so naturally that it attracts no attention; transitions like 'Moreover,' 'Another major advantage,' and 'Despite these concerns' provide a seamless flow. - Referencing and substitution (e.g., 'this trend,' 'these spaces,' 'such gardens') are used effectively to avoid repetition.

Lexical Resource - 9

- The writer uses a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary with natural control (e.g., 'cultivate,' 'commercially transported,' 'social bonds,' 'urban planning'). - Lexical items are used with precision and an awareness of collocation (e.g., 'foster a sense of community,' 'meaningful leisure activity'). - There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy, including complex subordinate clauses and passive voice. - The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. - The writing demonstrates a high level of grammatical control typical of a native or expert user.

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