justIELTS

Write better, score higher.

IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

More houses are needed in many countries to cope with increasing populations. Would it be better to build houses in existing towns and cities, or to develop new towns in rural areas? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

😩 Feeling stuck? View sample answers below ⬇️ or get another random Task 2 topic.

🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

More houses are needed in many countries to cope with increasing populations. Would it be better to build houses in existing towns and cities, or to develop new towns in rural areas?

In many countries, the growing population has created a need for more houses. There is a debate on whether to build houses in existing towns and cities or to develop new towns in rural areas. In my opinion, it would be better to focus on building houses in existing towns and cities rather than developing new towns in rural areas.

Firstly, building houses in existing towns and cities would make use of the already available infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals. This would be more cost-effective and efficient compared to developing new towns in rural areas, where infrastructure would need to be built from scratch. For example, in my hometown, the government chose to build more houses within the city limits instead of developing new towns, which helped in utilizing the existing resources effectively.

Additionally, constructing houses in existing towns and cities would help in preventing urban sprawl and the loss of agricultural land. Developing new towns in rural areas may lead to the conversion of valuable agricultural land into residential areas, which could have a negative impact on food production. By building within existing urban areas, we can conserve agricultural land and maintain a balance between urban development and agriculture.

Furthermore, building houses in existing towns and cities would promote a sense of community and preserve the cultural heritage of these areas. New towns in rural areas may lack the historical and cultural significance that existing towns and cities hold. Preserving these urban areas would help in maintaining the identity and character of a place.

In conclusion, I believe that focusing on building houses in existing towns and cities is the better approach. It would be more sustainable, cost-effective, and would help in preserving the environment and cultural heritage of urban areas.

Model Essay #2:

More houses are needed in many countries to cope with increasing populations. Would it be better to build houses in existing towns and cities, or to develop new towns in rural areas?

In many countries, the increasing population has led to a demand for more housing. There is a discussion on whether it would be preferable to build houses in existing towns and cities or to develop new towns in rural areas. In my view, it would be more beneficial to develop new towns in rural areas rather than focusing solely on building houses in existing towns and cities.

Firstly, developing new towns in rural areas would help in distributing the population more evenly and reduce the strain on existing urban infrastructure. This could alleviate issues such as traffic congestion, overcrowding, and overburdened public services in major cities. For example, in some countries, the development of new towns outside urban areas has helped in decentralizing population concentration and easing the burden on urban resources.

Additionally, constructing new towns in rural areas could lead to the creation of job opportunities and economic development in those regions. This could help in reducing rural-urban migration as people would have the option to live and work in these new towns. For instance, in my experience, the establishment of new towns in rural areas has led to improved employment prospects and economic growth in those regions.

Furthermore, developing new towns in rural areas could contribute to environmental preservation by reducing the pressure on urban green spaces and natural resources. It could also help in preventing urban sprawl and the loss of agricultural land. By promoting sustainable development in rural areas, we can protect the environment and preserve valuable natural resources.

In conclusion, I believe that developing new towns in rural areas is a more effective approach to address the housing needs of increasing populations. It would help in distributing the population more evenly, promoting economic growth in rural areas, and preserving the environment.

✍️ Evaluate your essay for free

You can submit your essay for free evaluation. We will provide you with your score and give you feedback on how to improve your essay.

Sign in or register to submit your essay.

🤓 More IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

Get a random essay topic or choose from topics below:

Or view the list of all tasks.