More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces - IELTS Writing Task 2

Urbanisation has brought enormous changes to how people live, particularly in large metropolitan areas. One of the most visible transformations is the increasing number of people living in compact apartments with limited or no outdoor spaces. The IELTS essay topic, ‘More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces’, one of the common IELTS essay topics for Writing Task 2, asks you to evaluate whether this trend is positive or negative.

In this article, we examine sample answers for the IELTS positive and negative essay, ‘More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces’, along with an outline and relevant IELTS vocabulary, which is crucial for achieving a high band score.

Essay Question for More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces

Outline for IELTS Positive and Negative Essay

Given below is the outline that will help you to understand how to write positive and negative essays in IELTS, which is quite comparable to IELTS Advantages/Disadvantages essays. 

Sample Answers for More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces IELTS Writing Task 2

Now, let us check three sample answers that address the IELTS Writing Task 2 topic, 'More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces'. These IELTS Band 9 essay samples will help you to achieve your desired writing band score.

More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces - Sample Answer 1

With the rapid expansion of cities, more people are choosing smaller homes or apartments with limited or no outdoor areas. In my opinion, this is a positive development because it promotes economic affordability, environmental sustainability, and innovation in modern urban design.

To begin with, compact living spaces are both cost-effective and eco-friendly. Urban land prices have soared in recent decades, making smaller apartments a practical and affordable solution for middle-income families. Additionally, such homes consume less electricity and water, which not only reduces household expenses but also minimizes carbon emissions. This contributes directly to sustainable urban development. For instance, micro-apartments in Singapore and Hong Kong have become increasingly popular due to their affordability and efficient layouts, allowing residents to enjoy modern living while conserving valuable resources.

Moreover, limited living space fosters creativity, adaptability, and technological innovation. Architects and interior designers are developing smart storage systems, foldable furniture, and multifunctional layouts to optimise every square metre. These solutions exemplify how space constraints can inspire modern design thinking and resource efficiency. In addition, this trend aligns with a growing preference for minimalism - a lifestyle that encourages people to prioritise functionality over excess. Compact homes, therefore, reflect not only architectural progress but also an evolution in people’s attitudes towards sustainability and responsible consumption.

In conclusion, although small apartments may lack gardens or open spaces, they represent a positive shift in how urban populations adapt to spatial and environmental challenges. By promoting affordability, innovation, and sustainable living, this trend offers a practical and forward-looking solution for future urban societies.

More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces - Sample Answer 2

It is true that an increasing number of people in urban areas are living in houses with cramped space and few or no outdoor areas. I think this is a negative development for some reasons below.

Firstly, stuffy living conditions can affect people’s moods. When there is little space for us to move around the house, we just lose our temper and get irritated, being surrounded by four brick walls. Worse still, some space outside at the porch, such as a garden with beautifully grown flowers, can be a good remedy for people’s stress and anxieties. Without such spaces, the tension level just rises dramatically as when taking a look outside, what we can see is the bumper-to-bumper traffic with cars honking and dust drifting everywhere in the air, making house owners moody all day.

Secondly, convenience and productivity also suffer as a consequence. Families with many generations living under the same roof would often complain about the lack of privacy when their houses are too small and narrow. The kids will feel humiliated and ashamed if they plan to invite their friends over to play, or the father may have to abandon his hobby of playing saxophone so as to save others the nuisance of loud noises from his instrument. As for me, sometimes I cannot concentrate on my schoolwork, seeing others walk back and forth in the house. This just makes me get distracted, and I often have to wait for others to sleep and then do my homework.

In conclusion, from what I think and from my personal experience, living in a small house is too disadvantageous, so this is definitely a negative development on the whole.

More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces - Sample Answer 3

In recent years, the number of urban residents living in small apartments with no gardens, balconies, or outdoor areas has risen sharply. While some claim this trend represents efficient urban planning and space management, I firmly believe it is a negative development because it undermines both physical well-being and social harmony.

To begin with, restricted living spaces can seriously affect mental and physical health. Many city dwellers are confined to compact apartments that limit movement, fresh air, and natural light. Such environments often contribute to heightened stress, anxiety, and disrupted sleep patterns. For example, research conducted in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Mumbai reveals that individuals residing in small flats report higher levels of depression than those with access to open spaces. Furthermore, the absence of gardens or terraces deprives people of opportunities for light exercise and outdoor relaxation, both of which are essential for a balanced lifestyle. Over time, this confinement can lead to fatigue, irritability, and a general decline in overall well-being.

Moreover, the lack of outdoor areas erodes community interaction and social bonding. Shared spaces such as courtyards, parks, or gardens often function as informal gathering spots where neighbours connect and foster trust. In contrast, people living in isolated and crowded buildings are more prone to loneliness and emotional detachment. Consequently, urban life becomes increasingly impersonal and mechanical, reducing the sense of belonging that is vital for a cohesive society.

In conclusion, although compact apartments may appear to solve urban housing shortages, the psychological and social drawbacks they create are far more damaging. Hence, urban planners should prioritize the inclusion of accessible green and recreational spaces to preserve citizens’ quality of life.

Vocabulary to Use for More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces - IELTS Writing Task 2

Given below are some important vocabulary for IELTS essay (Writing Task 2) related to the topic, ‘More and More People in the City Live in Homes with Small Spaces’, that have been used in the above sample answers.

To conclude, for this essay type, you have to take a clear stance and support your arguments logically with relevant examples and good vocabulary words to use in an IELTS essay. So, whether you argue for the practicality or the psychological drawbacks of small spaces, ensure that each paragraph directly supports your thesis.

Useful Links:

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