Urban farming and vertical gardens are becoming popular in cities. What are the benefits and limitations of urban agriculture?

For this question, you must clearly state whether you believe the benefits generally outweigh the limitations, or vice versa, right in your introduction. While acknowledging the opposing side's valid points in separate body paragraphs, always return to and reinforce your main stance, perhaps by demonstrating why your chosen side's arguments are more compelling or impactful.

Consider specific arguments such as enhanced food security and reduced food miles, exemplified by rooftop farms in New York City supplying local restaurants or Singapore's ambitious push for 30% local food production by 2030 using vertical farms. For limitations, discuss the high initial investment and energy costs associated with sophisticated hydroponic systems, which can make produce more expensive than traditionally farmed goods, and the limited scale compared to conventional agriculture.

The most common mistake students make on this question is treating it as two separate lists of points without any clear connection or synthesis. To avoid this, ensure your body paragraphs don't just describe but actively analyse the implications of each benefit and limitation, and in your conclusion, explicitly weigh them against each other to form your final, nuanced opinion.

To effectively transition between discussing benefits and limitations, and then to your opinion, use clear contrastive linking phrases. For example, after detailing the advantages, you might start the next paragraph with, 'However, despite these undeniable advantages, urban agriculture is not without its significant drawbacks...' or 'While the potential upsides are considerable, it is crucial to acknowledge the practical limitations that temper its widespread adoption.'

Examiners look for a sophisticated and nuanced discussion that goes beyond a mere listing of points. A band 8-9 response will demonstrate a clear understanding of the complexities, perhaps by discussing how benefits can mitigate limitations or why certain limitations are particularly challenging, all while featuring precise, academic vocabulary and a logical, well-signposted argument leading to a well-reasoned, perhaps even qualified, opinion.