Sample IELTS Writing and Vocabulary for Housing and Architecture Topic

Analysis of IELTS Writing Topic Housing and Architecture

Topic

In many cities, there is little control on the design and construction of new houses, so people can build houses in their own styles rather than building them with the same style as the old houses in the local area. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Analysis of Topic

Yêu cầu: người viết chỉ ra mặt lợi và mặt hại của việc “xây nhà theo phong cách riêng”, và so sánh với việc xây nhà theo cùng một phong cách giống nhau trong khu vực sống.

Outline

• Introduction: Introducing the topic and stating personal opinion that the benefits of this trend outweigh the drawbacks.
• First body paragraph: Providing reasons why allowing people freedom in house design can be disadvantageous.
• Second body paragraph:
  Providing reasons why this can be advantageous.
• Conclusion: Summarizing the main points of the essay and clearly stating personal viewpoint.

Sample Reference Essay

To begin with, cities in Vietnam, such as Saigon, have very few, or even no, regulations on local housing styles, which means that residents in these areas are free to decide on the architecture for their home. The only disadvantage that may arise is the lack of uniformity of houses, which can be a unique feature in certain places. The houses in Hoi An, for instance, demonstrate a consistent style and therefore have made the city a popular tourist destination. If the house owners in this city change the style and break this uniformity, the number of tourists visiting the area is likely to decrease.

However, the advantages brought about by a diversity in housing styles are more worthy of consideration. Firstly, buildings reflecting a variety of architectural designs can make a city more attractive and appealing to people of different cultures. For example, the buildings in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City are designed in both European and Asian styles, which has eventually given the city a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, with residents coming from many different countries. Secondly, the freedom of choice in housing styles can allow local people to be more creative, as they can design their homes in a unique way.

In conclusion, though potentially making some areas less attractive by losing a part of their character, a diversity in architectural styles should be widely encouraged, as it can beautify a city and allow residents to be more creative.

Vocabulary on the Topic

• Uniformity Absence: sự vắng mặt của sự đồng nhất, sự giống nhau
• Have the freedom to decide: có tự do quyết định
• Show a uniform style: demonstrate một phong cách nhất quán
• Disrupt this uniformity: phá vỡ sự đồng nhất này
• Deserve more deliberation: xứng đáng được xem xét kỹ lưỡng hơn
• Create a more global atmosphere for the city: tạo ra một bầu không khí toàn cầu hơn cho thành phố
• Showcasing a variety of architectural designs: trưng bày sự đa dạng của các thiết kế kiến trúc
• Freedom of choice in: sự tự do lựa chọn trong

Grammar Structure

Cấu trúc cần lưu ý:

• The structure “which means that + clause” can be understood as indicating a consequence. It can replace “therefore,” “as a result,” or “so.”
• The structure “Be free to + verb” means having the liberty to do something.

Sentence (2): As an illustration, structures in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City blend European and Asian architectural influences, thereby fostering a more diverse urban ambiance, welcoming inhabitants from various parts of the globe.

Structure to note:

• The structure “with residents coming from many different countries” should be noted when using “with + Object + V-ing/Being V_II”, depending on whether it is in the active or passive form, similar to the reduced relative clause structure.

Author: Lecturer at Mytour