IELTS.international
Opinionacademic·2025

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

Andika angalau maneno 250. Unapaswa kutumia takriban dakika 40 katika kazi hii.

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Step 1

Vidokezo vya Mtahini kwa Mada Hii

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.'

5

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.

Step 2

Muundo wa Aya Unaopendekezwa

1
Utangulizi

Eleza swali kwa maneno yako mwenyewe na ueleze wazi msimamo WAKO.

  • Usinakili swali neno kwa neno — ubadilishe kwa kutumia maneno yenye maana sawa.
  • Toa maoni yako katika sentensi ya mwisho ya utangulizi.
  • Usizidi sentensi mbili au tatu.

Misemo ya Kuanzia

It is often argued that...There is a growing debate about whether...In my view, ... because ...
2
Kifungu cha Mwili 1 — Hoja Kuu

Wasilisha hoja yako yenye nguvu zaidi kwa mfano maalum.

  • Anza na sentensi ya mada iliyo wazi inayoelezea hoja.
  • Toa usaidizi kwa mfano maalum, takwimu, au kisa halisi cha ulimwengu.
  • Eleza KWA NINI mfano huu unaunga mkono hoja yako.

Misemo ya Kuanzia

The primary reason I hold this view is that...This is clearly illustrated by...For instance, in many countries...
3
Kifungu cha Mwili 2 — Hoja ya Kusaidia

Ongeza hoja ya pili inayounga mkono msimamo wako kutoka kwa mtazamo tofauti.

  • Chagua mtazamo tofauti — ikiwa aya ya 1 ilikuwa ya kiuchumi, jaribu ya kijamii au ya kimazingira.
  • Tumia aina tofauti ya ushahidi (uchunguzi wa kibinafsi, utafiti, mantiki)
  • Unganisha tena na hoja yako kuu.

Misemo ya Kuanzia

Furthermore, it is worth considering that...Another compelling argument is that...This is further supported by the fact that...
4
Hitimisho

Rudia maoni yako na ufupishe hoja zako kuu.

  • USIanzishe mawazo mapya katika hitimisho
  • Eleza msimamo wako kwa kutumia maneno tofauti na yale yaliyotumiwa katika utangulizi.
  • Iweke kwa sentensi mbili.

Misemo ya Kuanzia

In conclusion, I firmly believe that...To sum up, the evidence clearly suggests that...

Step 3

Msamiati Muhimu

Food milesThe distance food travels from where it is produced to where it is consumed.
HydroponicsA method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in water.
Food securityThe state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
A compelling argument can be madeThere is a strong and convincing reason or point to be presented.
It is widely acknowledged thatMany people generally accept or recognise a particular fact or belief.
This notion is predicated onThis idea or concept is based on or depends on a particular assumption or principle.
From my perspectiveIn my personal opinion or viewpoint.
The evidence overwhelmingly suggestsThe available facts and data strongly indicate a particular conclusion.
NotwithstandingDespite; in spite of.
This is not to say thatThis does not mean that something else is not true or possible.

Step 4

Academic Phrases for This Essay Type

It is widely acknowledged thatThere is compelling evidence to suggestThis phenomenon can be attributed toA growing body of research indicatesThe implications of this are far-reachingThis raises important questions aboutFrom a broader perspectiveIt would be short-sighted to ignore

Kujumlisha

MoreoverFurthermoreIn additionWhat is more

Tofauti

HoweverNeverthelessOn the other handConversely

Sababu / Athari

ConsequentlyAs a resultThereforeThis leads to

Mfano

For instanceTo illustrateA case in point isSuch as

Ruzuku

AlthoughWhile it is true thatDespiteAdmittedly

Step 5

Grammar Patterns for Band 7+

Sentensi changamano yenye konsesheni

Although some argue that technology isolates people, the evidence suggests it strengthens connections.

Inamwonyesha mtahini kuwa unaweza kushughulikia sentensi tegemezi. Anza na 'Although/While' + mtazamo tofauti, kisha toa mtazamo wako.

Masharti (Aina ya 2)

If governments invested more in public transport, traffic congestion would decrease significantly.

Inafaa kwa hoja na suluhisho za kinadharia. 'If + past simple, would + infinitive'.

Sauti ya utendaji kwa ajili ya sauti ya kitaaluma

It is often argued that education should be free. However, this view overlooks the practical challenges.

Uandishi wa kitaaluma unapendelea matumizi ya sauti ya upatanishi. 'It is + past participle + that' inasikika kuwa na mamlaka.

Kifungu cha uhusiano

Students who study abroad, which is becoming increasingly common, tend to develop greater independence.

Vifungu vya uhusiano huongeza maelezo bila kuanza sentensi mpya. Tumia 'who' kwa watu, 'which' kwa vitu.

Kifungu cha nomino kwa msongamano

The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to increased pollution levels.

Weka taarifa katika virai nomino badala ya kutumia sentensi nyingi fupi. Hii itakusaidia kupata alama za juu katika Lexical Resource.

Step 6

Jibu la Mfano

Jisajili bila malipo ili usome jibu kamili la mfano kwa mada hii.

Jisajili ili Usome Jibu la Mfano

Mazoezi kwenye Karatasi

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Pakua Karatasi ya Majibu (PDF)

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