IELTS Band 9 Essay About As populations grow, places of natural beauty in cities are being used
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “As populations grow, places of natural beauty in cities are being used”. 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 100 band 9 IELTS samples released in April 2025.
Sample Essay (Band 9)
As populations grow, places of natural beauty in cities are being used for constructing new houses.
Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
As urban populations continue to expand, city planners face the challenge of balancing housing needs with the preservation of natural spaces. While constructing homes in areas of natural beauty may address immediate housing shortages, I firmly believe the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.
On one hand, there are undeniable benefits to utilizing natural spaces for residential development. Firstly, it allows for the accommodation of rapidly growing populations in urban areas, thereby reducing overcrowding and easing pressure on existing infrastructure. Furthermore, building in scenic locations may increase property values and attract higher-income residents, which could potentially boost the local economy.
However, these advantages come at a significant cost. The destruction of green spaces can lead to severe environmental degradation, including the loss of biodiversity, increased air pollution, and the urban heat island effect. Natural areas in cities serve as crucial ecosystems that not only support wildlife but also enhance human well-being by offering recreational spaces and reducing stress levels. Once these environments are replaced by concrete, the damage is often irreversible.
Moreover, cities that prioritize short-term housing solutions over sustainable planning risk long-term consequences. The loss of aesthetic and environmental value may make urban areas less attractive, ultimately driving people away rather than drawing them in. A more balanced solution would involve integrating green spaces into urban development through vertical housing, rooftop gardens, and strict zoning regulations that protect critical natural landscapes.
In conclusion, while constructing houses in natural urban areas may provide temporary relief from population pressures, the long-term consequences for the environment and quality of life are far more detrimental. Therefore, the disadvantages clearly outweigh the advantages, and urban planning should focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions.
Five Academic Words in the sample for As populations grow, places of natural beauty in cities are being used
Preservation /ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/
Sentence: The preservation of historical monuments is essential for maintaining cultural heritage.Outweigh /ˌaʊtˈweɪ/
Sentence: The risks involved in the project clearly outweigh the benefits.Accommodation /əˌkɒməˈdeɪʃən/
Sentence: Affordable accommodation is becoming increasingly difficult to find in major cities.Irreversible /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbəl/
Sentence: Climate change has led to some irreversible damage to polar ecosystems.Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbəl/
Sentence: The company is investing in sustainable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint.
Five Advanced Grammar Structures:
Complex Sentences
Example: “While constructing homes in areas of natural beauty may address immediate housing shortages, I firmly believe the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages.”
Effect: Shows control of sentence structure and supports a clear argument.Passive Voice
Example: “The destruction of green spaces can lead to severe environmental degradation…”
Effect: Formal tone appropriate for academic writing.Conditional Sentences
Example: “Once these environments are replaced by concrete, the damage is often irreversible.”
Effect: Demonstrates ability to discuss hypothetical or future consequences.Cleft Sentence
Example: “What cities need is a more balanced approach to urban development.” (paraphrased idea, not directly in the sample but often useful)
Effect: Adds emphasis and sophistication to writing.Use of Modal Verbs for Caution and Suggestion
Example: “Urban planning should focus on sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions.”
Effect: Enhances academic tone and persuasive style.
Free IELTS Sample Essays with Answers PDF
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