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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people believe that authorities need to plan for more vertical cities with really tall buildings since our land for the expansion of cities is limited. What are the advantages and disadvantages, in your opinion, of vertical cities that have really tall buildings and everything within these buildings? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Some people believe that authorities need to plan for more vertical cities with really tall buildings since our land for the expansion of cities is limited. What are the advantages and disadvantages, in your opinion, of vertical cities that have really tall buildings and everything within these buildings?

In recent years, there has been a growing belief that authorities should consider planning for more vertical cities with really tall buildings due to the limited land available for the expansion of cities. This trend has both advantages and disadvantages, which I will discuss in this essay.

One advantage of vertical cities with tall buildings is their potential to maximize land use efficiency. By building upwards rather than outwards, cities can accommodate more facilities, businesses, and residences within a smaller area. This can help to reduce urban sprawl and preserve natural landscapes on the outskirts of the city. For example, cities like Hong Kong and New York have successfully utilized tall buildings to accommodate a large population in a limited space.

On the other hand, there are several disadvantages to consider. Firstly, the construction and maintenance of really tall buildings can be extremely costly. Additionally, the dense population in vertical cities can lead to overcrowding and increased competition for resources and services. Furthermore, the lack of open spaces and green areas within these buildings may have negative impacts on the mental and physical well-being of residents.

In conclusion, while vertical cities with really tall buildings offer the advantage of maximizing land use efficiency, they also come with significant drawbacks such as high construction costs and potential negative impacts on the quality of life for residents. It is important for authorities to carefully weigh these advantages and disadvantages when planning for the future development of cities.

(246 words)

Model Essay #2:

Some people believe that authorities need to plan for more vertical cities with really tall buildings since our land for the expansion of cities is limited. What are the advantages and disadvantages, in your opinion, of vertical cities that have really tall buildings and everything within these buildings?

Some people advocate for the development of vertical cities with really tall buildings as a solution to the limited land available for city expansion. While this approach has its advantages, there are also notable disadvantages that need to be considered.

One advantage of vertical cities with tall buildings is their potential to address the issue of urban overcrowding. By constructing tall buildings, cities can accommodate a larger population without spreading outwards, which can help preserve agricultural and natural areas surrounding the city. For instance, cities like Tokyo have successfully utilized tall buildings to accommodate a growing population while minimizing urban sprawl.

However, there are significant disadvantages to this approach. Firstly, the construction of really tall buildings requires substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and safety measures. Additionally, the concentration of facilities and services within these buildings may lead to a lack of community spaces and a sense of disconnectedness among residents. Furthermore, the environmental impact of tall buildings, including increased energy consumption and waste production, cannot be overlooked.

In conclusion, while vertical cities with really tall buildings offer a potential solution to urban overcrowding and land scarcity, they also present challenges such as high construction costs, social isolation, and environmental concerns. It is essential for authorities to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before embarking on such urban development projects.

(220 words)

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