IELTS Writing Task 2:
Some people think that the best way to reduce the time spent traveling to work is to replace parks and gardens close to the city center with apartment buildings for commuters, but others disagree. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
SAMPLE ESSAY
A number of people oppose the idea of converting parks and gardens near the main city into residential buildings for commuters, which is thought as the solution to minimize the workers’ commuting hours spent to get to work. In my opinion, I agree with the opposing party as those places provide several benefits to people.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Convert [verb] – to change the form or function; change; transform
Residential [adj.] – designed for people to live in
Oppose [verb] – disagree; resist
A good reason why it is extremely important to keep parks and gardens that are close to the central part of the city is that they help minimize air pollution. Normally, the problem of air pollution is worse in most cities since major industries concentrate there. As a result, an excessive number of air pollutants that are emitted from factories or numerous cars make the air quality in cities poor. In that case, green spaces like parks and gardens are needed to act as greenhouse gases absorbers, thus, they reduce air pollution and save people from acquiring respiratory illnesses caused by those pollutants.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Pollutant [noun] – a substance like chemical that has undesirable effects
Emit [verb] – discharge; send out; give off
GRAMMAR
Amount vs. Number
‘Amount’ is used for mass nouns or uncountable nouns (water, courage, etc.)
‘Number’ is used for count nouns.
Since the word ‘pollutant’ is countable, we use ‘number’. i.e. A large number of pollutants.
A Number vs. The Number
‘A number’ is followed by a plural verb, while ‘the number’ is followed by a singular verb.
Another point to consider is that retaining those places helps people relieve stress or anxiety. Studies show that spending at least thirty minutes exercising or meditating in green spaces or even strolling in the park or garden releases endorphins that improve mood and reduce stress or anxiety. In addition, those kinds of places provide a space for doing recreational activities such as having a picnic, taking photographs, and playing games, which are helpful in keeping one’s sanity. Having those places where people can do leisure activities and at the same time connect with nature certainly improves people’s overall health.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Stroll [verb] – to walk in a relaxed way
Endorphin [noun] – a hormone that a person’s body produces that eases pain and can make him happy or calm
In conclusion, the idea of transforming parks and gardens into residential spaces must be objected to as they play an important role in people’s well-being, especially the city residents.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Transform [verb] – change
Well-being [noun] – welfare; the state of being healthy and happy
Please check another essay I made on DISCUSSING BOTH VIEWS AND GIVING OPINIONS about PLANTS AND ANIMALS on this link http://ieltsdragon.com/ielts-writing-plants-and-animals-discussion-opinion/discuss-both-views-give-your-opinion/
Meaning of Words and Phrases Sources: 1, 2
