IELTS Band 9 Essay About traffic and housing problems in major cities
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Traffic and housing problems in major cities”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Answer (Band 9)
Traffic and housing problems in major cities could be solved by moving a large company and factories and their employees to the countryside.
To what extent, do you agree or disagree with this opinion.
The suggestion that moving large companies, factories, and their employees to the countryside could solve urban traffic and housing problems is one that has gained significant attention in recent years. While this approach may alleviate some of the pressures faced by major cities, I believe it is not a comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by urbanization. In this essay, I will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of this idea before offering my perspective.
On the one hand, relocating businesses and factories to rural areas could indeed reduce congestion and alleviate housing shortages in cities. By dispersing the workforce across a broader area, fewer people would be commuting to city centers each day, resulting in less traffic congestion. This could also lead to a decrease in air pollution, which is a significant concern in many urban environments. Furthermore, moving companies to the countryside would create job opportunities in these areas, potentially leading to more balanced economic development. As employees move to smaller towns, there would likely be an increase in demand for housing and services, stimulating local economies and reducing the pressure on urban infrastructure.
On the other hand, this solution does not fully address the underlying issues of urban growth. First, the process of moving large companies and factories would require significant investment in infrastructure, such as transportation networks and communication systems, to support these new locations. Rural areas often lack the necessary facilities, and creating them would take years and considerable financial resources. Additionally, employees may be reluctant to leave cities, where they have established social connections and access to better amenities. Rural areas may not offer the same level of healthcare, education, and entertainment, which could deter people from relocating. Moreover, the move could lead to new challenges, such as overpopulation in previously quiet rural areas, resulting in new traffic and housing problems.
In my opinion, while relocating businesses to the countryside could help alleviate some urban issues, it is not a holistic solution. A more effective approach would involve improving urban infrastructure, such as expanding public transportation and increasing housing supply in cities. At the same time, policies could encourage more sustainable growth in rural areas, without overwhelming these regions.
In conclusion, while moving companies and their employees to the countryside might offer some relief to urban problems, it does not address the root causes of these issues. Instead, a more balanced and integrated approach to urban and rural development is necessary for long-term sustainability.
Academic Vocabulary (Traffic and housing problems in major cities)
- Alleviate
Pronunciation: /əˈliːvieɪt/
Example sentence: The new policies were designed to alleviate the burden on low-income families. - Congestion
Pronunciation: /kənˈdʒɛstʃən/
Example sentence: The city’s congestion is a major problem during rush hour. - Infrastructure
Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/
Example sentence: Investment in infrastructure is essential for economic development. - Stimulating
Pronunciation: /ˈstɪmjʊˌleɪtɪŋ/
Example sentence: The new government policy is stimulating growth in the tech sector. - Reluctant
Pronunciation: /rɪˈlʌktənt/
Example sentence: She was reluctant to move to a new city because of the unfamiliar environment.
Advanced Grammar Structures Used in the Essay
- Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
- Example: While this approach may alleviate some of the pressures faced by major cities, I believe it is not a comprehensive solution.
- Explanation: Using subordinate clauses adds depth to the argument, allowing the writer to present contrasting ideas in a single sentence. This increases the sophistication of the writing.
- Modal Verbs for Opinion and Evaluation
- Example: I believe it is not a comprehensive solution to the challenges posed by urbanization.
- Explanation: Modal verbs like “may” and “could” help to express possibilities, opinions, and evaluations, allowing the writer to present nuanced views. This is crucial for higher band scores.
- Passive Voice
- Example: The process of moving large companies and factories would require significant investment in infrastructure.
- Explanation: The passive voice is used to focus on the action (investment in infrastructure) rather than the subject performing it. This gives the writing a formal tone and demonstrates sentence variety.
- Cohesive Devices (Linking Words)
- Example: On the one hand, On the other hand, Furthermore, Moreover
- Explanation: Transition words help to structure the essay logically and guide the reader through different points of view. They improve the flow and coherence of the essay.
- Parallel Structure
- Example: This could also lead to a decrease in air pollution, which is a significant concern in many urban environments.
- Explanation: Parallel structure improves readability and flow by ensuring consistency in sentence construction. It also makes the argument more cohesive and easier to follow.
The use of these advanced grammar structures, along with the varied vocabulary, helps to elevate the quality of the writing. These features demonstrate a high level of language proficiency and contribute to a more sophisticated, cohesive argument, which is essential for achieving a Band 9 score in IELTS Writing.
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