Some people believe that it is better to live and work in a vertical city with multiple tall buildings, as compared to a horizontal city with fewer tall buildings.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Some people believe that it is better to live and work in a vertical city with multiple tall buildings, as compared to a horizontal city with fewer tall buildings.

Some people believe better live work vertical city multiple tall buildings compared horizontal city - 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 7.5 ยท 317 words.

The Impact of Tall Buildings on City Life

Introduction

In recent decades, the skyline of many cities around the world has been transformed by the construction of tall buildings. These vertical structures have become symbols of modernity and economic progress. However, their impact on city life is a subject of debate. This essay will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tall buildings in urban areas.

Body Paragraph 1: Advantages of Tall Buildings

One of the main benefits of tall buildings is their efficient use of limited land space. In densely populated cities, horizontal expansion is often impossible due to geographical constraints or high land prices. By building upwards, cities can accommodate more people and businesses within a smaller footprint. This vertical living and working environment can reduce urban sprawl, preserving green spaces and reducing the need for long commutes. Additionally, tall buildings often become landmarks that attract tourism and investment, boosting the local economy.

Body Paragraph 2: Disadvantages of Tall Buildings

On the other hand, tall buildings can have negative effects on the quality of life for city residents. For example, they may cause overcrowding and strain on infrastructure such as roads, public transport, and utilities. The concentration of people in a small area can lead to traffic congestion and pollution. Moreover, tall buildings can block natural sunlight and airflow, creating shadowed and less ventilated streets that affect the urban environment. Some people also argue that living in high-rise apartments can reduce social interaction and community spirit compared to traditional neighborhoods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while tall buildings offer practical solutions to urban density and economic growth, they also present challenges that need careful management. City planners should strive to balance vertical development with the provision of adequate infrastructure and green spaces to ensure a high quality of life for all residents. Ultimately, the success of tall buildings in cities depends on thoughtful design and sustainable urban policies.

Examiner feedback

This is a high-quality essay that demonstrates strong linguistic control and clear logical organization. To reach a higher score, the response needs to more directly address the comparative aspect of the prompt ('as compared to a horizontal city') and maintain a more explicit personal stance on which environment is superior.

Task Response - 7

- The essay addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of vertical living. - However, it lacks a strong, explicit comparison to 'horizontal cities' beyond the initial mention of land use. - The position in the conclusion is balanced, but the prompt's 'better than' aspect could be more decisively argued to achieve a higher band.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- The essay is logically organized into four clear paragraphs with a standard academic structure. - Cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand', 'Additionally', and 'Moreover' are used effectively to guide the reader. - Each paragraph focuses on a single clear topic, though the transition between the pros of vertical cities and the lack of horizontal comparison could be smoother.

Lexical Resource - 8

- Demonstrates a sophisticated range of vocabulary related to urban planning (e.g., 'geographical constraints', 'urban sprawl', 'infrastructure', 'ventilated'). - Collocations are natural and precise, showing an awareness of style and tone. - There are no visible spelling or word-formation errors in the submission.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 8

- Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures with high accuracy (e.g., 'By building upwards, cities can accommodate...'). - The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high degree of grammatical control. - Punctuation is used correctly throughout the text, facilitating a smooth reading experience.

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