Real Article: Cities That Heal, Not Harm
You walk through a city. Traffic hums, air feels thick, trees are few.
But what if it could be different?
A sustainable city doesn’t just reduce pollution — it improves life. Green roofs, bike lanes, clean air, accessible housing. These aren’t utopian dreams; they’re happening now in places like Copenhagen, Singapore, and Curitiba.
But many cities still suffer from poor planning, overpopulation, and urban sprawl. When housing expands unchecked, green spaces disappear. Pollution increases. Infrastructure strains. These issues hurt both the environment and human health.
To be truly sustainable, cities must be compact, connected, and clean. That means efficient public transport, renewable energy, affordable housing, and inclusive design.
The good news? We already know what works. The challenge is action — not ideas.
So next time you’re stuck in traffic or breathing heavy smog, ask yourself: what kind of city do we really want to live in?
Vocabulary Deep Dive
| Word | Synonym | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Sustainable city | Eco-friendly urban area | Focuses on long-term balance of environment, economy, and equity |
| Urban sprawl | Uncontrolled expansion | Implies inefficient, low-density growth of cities |
| Infrastructure | Facilities, systems | Formal word for physical systems: transport, sewage, power, housing |
| Public transport | Mass transit | “Public transport” is more academic; includes buses, subways, trams |
Now you can say: “Urban sprawl threatens infrastructure efficiency, while sustainable cities invest in public transport.”
Article 2: From Grey to Green — A New Urban Model
City planners are rethinking the old model.
In Paris, roads are being closed to cars and turned into bike-friendly zones. In Bogotá, buses run on clean energy. In Melbourne, water recycling systems are built into public parks. These changes aren’t just green — they’re cost-effective.
Still, problems remain. Urban sprawl continues in many cities, especially in rapidly growing economies. Public transport is often underfunded.
But when governments prioritise sustainable infrastructure, cities become healthier and more liveable. Reduced emissions, better air quality, stronger communities.
Sustainable cities are not about perfection — they’re about intelligent, inclusive progress.
IELTS Reading Test
- What are two negative effects of urban sprawl?
→ Loss of green spaces and increased pollution - Complete the sentence:
“Sustainable cities must invest in efficient ______ and renewable energy.”
→ public transport - True / False / Not Given:
Bicycles are the main form of transport in every sustainable city.
→ Not Given - Multiple Choice:
Which of the following is part of sustainable urban planning?
A. Expanding highways
B. Removing public transport
C. Investing in bike lanes and parks
D. Building more shopping centres
→ C. Investing in bike lanes and parks - Matching Headings (for Article 2):
- A. Urban Failures
- B. Global Urban Innovations
- C. Unfixable Problems
- D. Cost of Green Planning
- E. Government Neglect
Suggested Answers: B, E, A, B, A
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Focus Vocabulary: sustainable city | urban sprawl | infrastructure | public transport
Warm-Up:
- What is the biggest problem with cities in your country?
- How can cities become more sustainable?
- Have you seen examples of good or bad infrastructure near you?
Band 6 Style:
“My city is crowded. The trains are late. It’s bad. We should fix it.”
Band 7 Style:
“Many cities suffer from poor infrastructure and rapid urban sprawl. In my opinion, investing in public transport is essential for creating sustainable urban environments.”
Try This Frame:
“In my city, ______ has led to ______. To become more sustainable, we need better ______ and planning that reduces ______.”
Try with:
- traffic congestion
- housing problems
- green space
- city design
There — now you can speak confidently about sustainable urban development.
IELTS Writing Challenge
Task 2 Prompt:
Some people think cities should be designed for cars. Others believe cities should prioritise pedestrians and public transport.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 7 Sample:
“Designing cities for cars often leads to urban sprawl and environmental degradation. In contrast, prioritising public transport and walkability can create more sustainable cities. I believe future cities must balance accessibility with environmental responsibility.”
Structure Guide:
- Intro: Present the debate
- Body 1: Benefits of car-based design (convenience, speed, private travel)
- Body 2: Problems (pollution, congestion, climate effects) + benefits of public transport and walkability
- Conclusion: Balanced cities are the future
Use These Words: sustainable city, urban sprawl, public transport, infrastructure
There — you now have a full, structured answer ready to expand to 250 words.
Grammar Focus: Present Perfect Passive
Used to show actions that affect the present — often in planning and environmental topics
Structure:
• Subject + has/have + been + past participle
Examples:
• “New policies have been introduced to reduce urban sprawl.”
• “Several roads have been closed to promote cycling.”
Practice:
- Rewrite: They have built green housing projects.
→ Green housing projects have been built. - Try your own using:
- bike lanes
- urban parks
- transport systems
- eco-housing
That’s a Band 7+ structure — ideal for environmental and planning essays.
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
Should governments redesign cities to be more sustainable?
Sentence Planner:
- Cities today face problems like pollution and traffic.
- Sustainable planning offers clean air, efficient public transport, and healthy communities.
- Urban sprawl and poor infrastructure must be addressed.
- In my opinion, cities should be redesigned with sustainability at the core of every policy.
Vocabulary to Include: urban sprawl, sustainable city, public transport, infrastructure
There — you’ve written a persuasive and academic answer to a major IELTS theme.
Final Reflection
✔️ You’ve just:
• Mastered 4 high-band words related to urban sustainability
• Read 2 real-world articles with purpose
• Practised all IELTS skill types
• Used the present perfect passive in academic context
• Built fluency in writing, reading, and speaking
Now you can talk clearly and confidently about cities, infrastructure, and environmental solutions.
To learn how to use advanced writing strategies like concession and synthesis — essential for university writing and executive communication — join the full course now.