Band 9: Some cities create housing for their growing population by providing taller buildings. Other cities create housing by building on wider areas of land. Which solution is better? (User-Written IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay)

Nowadays, the rapid population growth in urban areas has put pressure on governments to build housing. While many cities have decided to construct high-rise apartments to meet housing demand, others have opted to expand residential areas horizontally rather than vertically. Personally, I believe that the second approach is superior for several reasons.

It is undeniable that skyscrapers not only provide more housing for residents but also offer numerous amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, and rooftop gardens. However, the construction and maintenance costs of these facilities are extremely high, not to mention other monthly expenses to cover elevators, door attendants, and central security. Furthermore, the evacuation in emergency situations such as fires or earthquakes in high-rise buildings presents many challenges. A prime example is the Hong Kong apartment fire in 2025, which killed 159 people and injured 79 others due to poor fire safety measures and narrow stairwells.

Conversely, evacuating a building close to the ground is significantly easier and faster because there is no reliance on crowded elevators or stairwells. Moreover, single-story buildings generally have faster construction times and lower overall costs compared to skyscrapers due to simpler engineering processes and fewer materials. Additionally, a horizontal house layout creates a more spacious and comfortable living environment for daily activities or personal hobbies, which is not possible in high-rise apartments due to adjacent neighbors and noise control regulations. In addition, low-rise designs are ideal for the elderly and individuals with mobility challenges, eliminating the need to wait for lifts or climb stairs.

In conclusion, the construction of vertical buildings presents numerous limitations in terms of maintenance expenses and evacuation procedures. Therefore, a greater focus on horizontal apartments would help secure limited government funding, minimize risks in cases of emergencies, and create a commodious living space for residents.

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Band 9: Some cities create housing for their growing population by providing taller buildings. Other cities create housing by building on wider areas of land. Which solution is better?

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Essays On The Same Topic:

Some cities create housing for their growing population by providing taller buildings. Other cities create housing by building on wider areas of land. Which solution is better?

Some cities create housing for their growing population by providing taller buildings. Other cities create housing by building on wider areas of land. Which solution is better?

Some cities create housing for their growing population by providing taller buildings. Other cities create housing by building on wider areas of land. Which solution is better?

Some cities create housing for their growing population by providing taller buildings. Other cities create housing by building on wider areas of land. Which solution is better?

Other Topics:

Some people give more importance to artists (painters, writers, musicians) in the current age of rapidly developing technology and science. What do you think? Do people prefer arts to technology in your view?

The disappearance of the Aral Sea is considered one of the worst environmental disasters in history. Some argue that restoring the lake should be a priority, while others believe efforts should focus on adapting to the new desert landscape. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

The disappearance of the Aral Sea is considered one of the worst environmental disasters in history. Some argue that restoring the lake should be a priority, while others believe efforts should focus on adapting to the new desert landscape. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Nowadays young people know less about traditions and culture than in the past. What are the reasons for it? Is this positive development or a negative development?

These days, people work in more than one job, and often change career several times during their life. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

Task 2: Throughout history, people have dreamed of living in a perfect society but nobody has agreed on what an ideal society would look like. What do you think is the most important element needed to make a society perfect? How can the ideal society be achieved?

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