Some people believe that in the future, most cities will become unlivable due to pollution and overcrowding. Others think technological innovation will solve these problems. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

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It is often argued that urban life will become increasingly difficult because of overpopulation and environmental pollution,
while
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others believe that technological advancements will be able to solve these
problems
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. Both perspectives have clear arguments;
however
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, I believe that living in cities will become more challenging in the future. On the one hand, polluted and overcrowded cities can affect
people
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in several ways. A major concern is the increase in breathing
problems
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.
This
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is important because individuals need clean air to remain healthy.
For instance
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,
people
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who already suffer from asthma may be unable to spend much
time
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outdoors if air pollution becomes severe. Overpopulation can
also
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increase traffic on the roads, leading to wasted
time
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and fuel. Public transportation may become overcrowded as more
people
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use it;
as a result
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, some residents may rely more heavily on private cars or taxis,
further
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increasing congestion.
On the other hand
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, technological innovation can help address some of these
problems
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. Not only can new technologies improve air quality, but water-treatment systems can
also
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provide cleaner drinking water. At the same
time
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, navigation technology can help
people
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avoid heavily congested roads.
For instance
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, GPS applications can show traffic conditions in real
time
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;
consequently
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, drivers can choose alternative routes and save
time
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. In conclusion, technological advancements can certainly reduce some urban
problems
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;
however
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, I believe that pollution and overcrowding will continue to make city life more difficult because growing populations will place increasing pressure on transport, public services, and the environment.

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task response
Score: 7. To reach 8, develop your main ideas more. Explain why new city systems may not keep up with a fast rise in the number of people. You could also add one more clear example of a new tool that may help, such as clean buses or smart traffic lights.
task response
Your view is clear, but it could be stronger. Say more about why technology can help but cannot fully fix the two main problems. This would make your final view more full.
coherence and cohesion
Score: 7. Your order is clear and easy to follow. To reach 8, make the link between ideas in each body part a little more direct. For example, after the point about full buses, clearly say how this can lead to more cars and then more bad air.
coherence and cohesion
Some linking words are used many times. This is not a big problem, but you can use fewer links when the meaning is already clear. Keep each sentence close to the main point of the paragraph.
task response
You discuss both views and give your own view clearly. Your opinion stays the same from the start to the end.
task response
Your examples are on topic, such as asthma, full public transport, and GPS apps.
coherence and cohesion
The essay has a clear four-part plan: start, first view, second view, and end.
coherence and cohesion
Linking words are used well: “On the one hand”, “On the other hand”, “For instance”, “as a result”, and “however”.
Word Count

IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 250 words in writing task 2. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.

A very long essay will not give you a higher band score.

Aim for between 260 to 290 words in writing task 2. This will ensure a concise essay and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 40 minutes to write the essay and you need around 10 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long essay in 30 minutes.

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