IELTS General Training Writing Task 2 Prompt: "In many countries, the number of people who are homeless is increasing. What are the causes of homelessness? What can governments do to help homeless people? "

"In many countries, the number of people who are homeless is increasing. What are the causes of homelessness? What can governments do to help homeless people? "

Sample Answer:

"In many countries around the world, the number of homeless people is steadily rising. This is a pressing social issue that stems from several causes. Identifying these causes and exploring potential solutions that governments can implement is essential to addressing this growing problem.

One of the main causes of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing. As property prices increase, many individuals and families are unable to afford a place to live, pushing them onto the streets. This is especially true in urban areas where housing demand is high. Additionally, unemployment or underemployment can exacerbate the issue, as people lose their income and, consequently, their homes. Mental health issues and substance abuse also contribute to homelessness. People suffering from these conditions may find it difficult to maintain stable housing, either because they cannot work or because they are rejected by their families and communities. Lastly, social factors such as family breakdown, domestic violence, or inadequate social support systems can leave individuals with no option but to live on the streets.

Governments can take various measures to address homelessness. First and foremost, they can increase the availability of affordable housing by offering subsidies, constructing public housing, or incentivizing private developers to build low-cost homes. Additionally, providing comprehensive social services, including mental health support and substance abuse rehabilitation, can help individuals overcome the barriers that keep them homeless. Employment programs that offer job training and assistance can also aid in breaking the cycle of homelessness. Furthermore, governments can implement emergency shelters and temporary housing programs that provide immediate assistance to those in need. Long-term solutions should focus on creating sustainable social safety nets that prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place.

In conclusion, homelessness is a complex issue caused by a variety of economic, social, and health factors. Governments have the power to mitigate this issue through policies that provide affordable housing, employment assistance, and social services. By addressing both the causes and symptoms of homelessness, governments can help reduce the number of people living without a home."

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Analysis of the Answer (with quotes):

Task Response:

The response fully addresses both parts of the task: identifying causes of homelessness and proposing governmental solutions. The writer clearly discusses a variety of causes, including “the lack of affordable housing,” “unemployment or underemployment,” and “mental health issues and substance abuse.” For the second part, it outlines practical solutions that governments could adopt, such as “offering subsidies, constructing public housing, or incentivizing private developers to build low-cost homes.” The essay effectively meets the word count and provides relevant, well-developed ideas for both causes and solutions.

Coherence and Cohesion:

The essay follows a clear and logical structure. It first discusses the causes of homelessness and then transitions smoothly into the government’s role in providing solutions, which is evident in the transition, “Governments can take various measures to address homelessness.” The use of cohesive devices like “first and foremost,” “additionally,” and “furthermore” helps link ideas and maintain the flow of the argument. Each paragraph is dedicated to a specific aspect of the topic, making the response well-organized and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource:

The vocabulary used is varied and appropriate for the topic. For example, phrases like “social safety nets,” “employment programs,” and “comprehensive social services” demonstrate a strong lexical range. The essay avoids repetition and incorporates both common and less common words, such as “exacerbate” and “rehabilitation.” The range of vocabulary is suitable for discussing the complex issues of homelessness, though it remains clear and accessible.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice. For instance, the phrase “people suffering from these conditions may find it difficult to maintain stable housing” effectively uses a complex sentence structure. The grammar is mostly error-free, with correct use of verb tenses, agreement, and sentence structure. More varied sentence types could enhance the range, but overall, the grammatical control is strong and contributes to the clarity of the response.

Overall Band Score Estimate:

This essay would likely achieve a Band 7 to 8. It effectively addresses the task, demonstrates strong cohesion and lexical resource, and is grammatically accurate. To score higher, the essay could explore more nuanced arguments and further vary sentence structures for increased complexity.