In many cities planners tend to arrange shops schools offices

IELTS Band 9 Essay About In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other”. 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 Essay (Band 9)

In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other.

Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages?

Urban planning plays a crucial role in shaping modern cities, and one common approach is the segregation of shops, schools, offices, and residential areas. While this policy offers significant benefits, it also comes with certain drawbacks. However, I firmly believe that its advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

One primary advantage of separating different urban functions is improved efficiency. Dedicated commercial districts allow businesses to flourish without disturbing residential areas, leading to increased economic productivity. Similarly, schools and universities situated in distinct zones provide a focused learning environment, free from the noise and distractions of commercial or industrial sectors. Furthermore, this structured planning reduces traffic congestion, as people travel in predictable patterns, minimizing chaotic urban sprawl.

Another major benefit is enhanced quality of life. By zoning residential areas away from noisy and polluted industrial sites, city dwellers can enjoy a more peaceful and healthier environment. Additionally, this system enables urban planners to develop well-organized infrastructure, ensuring that public services, such as hospitals and transportation, are strategically placed to serve each zone effectively.

Despite these benefits, there are some disadvantages. The separation of land uses can lead to longer commuting times, as individuals may have to travel significant distances between their homes and workplaces. This not only increases carbon emissions but also contributes to urban stress. Moreover, some argue that such zoning policies reduce the vibrancy of city life, as mixed-use developments often foster a greater sense of community and social interaction.

Nevertheless, these challenges can be mitigated with integrated planning strategies, such as the inclusion of mixed-use developments within designated zones. For example, incorporating residential units within commercial districts can reduce commuting times while maintaining functional organization. In addition, improved public transportation networks can counteract the drawbacks of spatial separation.

In conclusion, while the separation of urban functions may have some drawbacks, the advantages, including greater efficiency, a higher quality of life, and improved urban infrastructure, make it a preferable approach. With thoughtful urban design, cities can reap the benefits of this policy while addressing its potential downsides.

5 Academic Words in the sample for In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops, schools, offices, and homes

Segregation /ˌsɛɡ.rɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/
- The segregation of commercial and residential areas in urban planning can lead to a more structured and organized city layout.
Efficiency /ɪˈfɪʃ.ən.si/
- Improving public transportation can significantly enhance the efficiency of daily commuting in large cities.
Zoning /ˈzoʊ.nɪŋ/
- Many cities implement strict zoning laws to control land use and ensure balanced urban development.
Infrastructure /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/
- Governments must invest in sustainable infrastructure to accommodate the growing urban population.
Carbon emissions /ˈkɑːr.bən ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/
- The increasing reliance on private vehicles contributes to rising carbon emissions, which accelerate climate change.

5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay

Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
- Example: Although zoning policies may result in longer commuting times, they significantly enhance urban efficiency.
- Why it helps: This structure demonstrates a high level of coherence and logical reasoning, which are essential for achieving a high IELTS score.
Passive Voice
- Example: Hospitals and transportation networks are strategically placed to serve each zone effectively.
- Why it helps: The use of passive voice adds variety to sentence structure and makes the writing sound more formal and academic.
Nominalization
- Example: The separation of land uses can lead to longer commuting times.
- Why it helps: Turning verbs into nouns (e.g., “separate” → “separation”) enhances academic tone and formality, a key criterion for a high band score.
Relative Clauses
- Example: This structured planning reduces traffic congestion, as people travel in predictable patterns, minimizing chaotic urban sprawl.
- Why it helps: Relative clauses add depth and complexity to ideas, making the writing more sophisticated and informative.
Conditional Sentences
- Example: If cities implement integrated planning strategies, they can minimize the disadvantages of zoning policies.
- Why it helps: Conditionals help present hypothetical scenarios, demonstrating the writer’s ability to discuss possible solutions and outcomes logically.

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