IELTS Writing Task 2: Housing Topic

Welcome to this IELTS Writing Task 2 practice question focusing on housing and urban development.

This practice exercise will help you prepare for the actual IELTS Academic Writing test by simulating the exam conditions and question format.

Important Guidelines:

• Time Limit: 40 minutes
• Minimum Word Count: 250 words (aim for 270-290 words for a more developed response)
• Task Type: Discuss both views and give your opinion

Remember, in the actual IELTS exam, Writing Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1, accounting for two-thirds of your Writing band score.

Please take your time to plan your response before you begin writing.

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Writing Task 2 Question

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that governments should invest heavily in building new homes to address housing shortages in urban areas. Others argue that it is more important to renovate and improve existing buildings rather than constructing new ones.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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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Mind Map Ideas for Body Paragraphs

Body Paragraph 1: Arguments for Building New Homes

Central idea: New construction addresses urgent housing needs

                    NEW CONSTRUCTION
                           |
        ___________________|___________________
        |                  |                  |
   Population          Modern             Economic
      Growth          Standards           Growth
        |                  |                  |
   - Urban migration   - Energy-efficient - Job creation
   - More families     - Safety codes     - Construction sector
   - Demand exceeds    - Accessibility    - Property development
     supply            - Technology       - Tax revenue

Key points to develop:

• Rapid urbanization requires quick housing solutions
• New buildings meet current environmental and safety standards
• Construction industry stimulates economic activity
• Modern designs accommodate contemporary lifestyle needs

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Body Paragraph 2: Arguments for Renovating Existing Buildings

Central idea: Renovation is environmentally and culturally sustainable

                    RENOVATION
                         |
        _________________|_________________
        |                |                |
   Environmental    Cultural          Cost-Effective
    Sustainability  Heritage              |
        |               |              - Lower expenses
   - Less waste     - Historic       - Existing infrastructure
   - Carbon         character        - Faster completion
     footprint      - Community      - Utilities in place
   - Materials      identity
     reuse          - Architecture

Key points to develop:

• Demolition produces massive waste and carbon emissions
• Preserves architectural heritage and neighborhood character
• Often more affordable than new construction
• Utilizes existing infrastructure and services
• Reduces urban sprawl and protects green spaces

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Body Paragraph 3: Your Opinion (Choose Your Position)

Option A: Favor new construction

• Modern housing crises require large-scale solutions
• Example: Singapore’s public housing success

Option B: Favor renovation

• Environmental urgency makes sustainability paramount
• Example: European cities’ renovation programs

Option C: Balanced approach

Example: Mixed strategies in Tokyo or London

Context-dependent: new builds for expanding cities, renovation for established areas

Share Your Practice Essay!

Ready to test your skills? Write your essay following the guidelines above and share it in the comments section below.

When posting your essay, please include:

• Your approximate word count
• How long it took you to write
• Any specific areas where you’d like feedback

For more IELTS Writing Practice tests, you can also visit International Tourism topic.