IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1261 - In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.
Why might this be the case?
Do you think this is a positive or a negative situation?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: It is a positive development.]
Owning a home is often considered an essential element of a dream come true. In fact, it is often viewed as a symbol of success and stability. This essay will explore the reasons why owning a house is so important to people and why this is a positive development.
One of the main reasons why owning a home is so important to people is that it provides a sense of security and stability. Renting a place of residence can often be unpredictable, as landlords may raise rent prices or decide to sell the property. In contrast, homeowners have more control over their living situation and are not subject to the whims of landlords. For instance, consider a family who has been renting an apartment for several years. They have established a comfortable life in the neighbourhood, with their children attending nearby schools and forming friendships within the community. However, the landlord unexpectedly informs them to vacate the house because he himself has decided to live there. It would be a very depressing situation for the tenant.
I believe this is a positive trend because owning a home provides a sense of permanence and belonging. It allows people to put down roots in a community and become more invested in their surroundings. Moreover, owning a home can be a good investment. Over time, real estate tends to appreciate in value, meaning that homeowners can potentially make a profit if they sell their abodes later on. For example, during the housing market boom in the early 2000s, many people who owned homes in desirable locations saw their property values skyrocket.
In conclusion, owning a house provides homeowners with a sense of security, stability, and belonging to a community, and can also be a good investment. While there may be some minor downsides to homeownership, ultimately, owning a home is a goal that many people, all around the world, aspire to, and it is a worthy one.
Model Answer 2: [View: It is a negative development.]
In some countries, possessing a house is seen as an essential aspect of life and often a life-long dream. But this, in my opinion, is not necessarily a positive situation. While there might be some advantages to owning a home, there are also significant drawbacks to this mentality making it mostly a negative trend.
Many people want to own a place to live in because it provides a sense of stability and security. Renting a property means that the tenant is at the mercy of the landlord, who can decide to increase the rent or even ask the tenant to vacate the property at short notice. In contrast, owning a home provides a sense of permanence, as the homeowner has control over their living situation and can make changes to the property without needing to seek permission from a landlord.
Overemphasis on home ownership is a huge negative consequence of this trend because of the financial burden it puts on the buyers' shoulders. Many people stretch their budgets to buy a home, taking on substantial debt in the process. This can limit their financial flexibility and increase the risk of default if unexpected expenses arise. A colleague of my mother purchased a home a few years ago with a substantial mortgage, assuming that her stable job would ensure a steady income for the foreseeable future. However, she unexpectedly lost her job due to the economic downturn. As a result, she had to sell the property at a loss to avoid defaulting on the loan.
Another negative consequence of the trend towards home ownership is the impact on geographic mobility. When individuals commit to owning a home, especially in a rapidly changing job market, it can tie them down to a specific location. This lack of mobility can be detrimental to career opportunities and professional growth. For instance, my younger uncle purchased a home in a suburban area many years ago. A few years later, when he received a lucrative job offer in a different city, he was hesitant to uproot their family and chose to decline the job offer and miss out on a potential career breakthrough.
In conclusion, while owning a home is a popular goal for many people, it is not necessarily a positive situation for everyone. It is important to consider the potential financial, professional and social drawbacks of this mentality, particularly in the context of a changing economy and society.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
In some countries, owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people.
Why might this be the case?
Do you think this is a positive or a negative situation?
Essay Type:
Double Question Essay (Reason + Positive/ Negative development)
Main Question of This Essay:
Why do people in certain countries value home ownership over renting, and is this situation positive or negative?
Reasons why owning a home rather than rending is be important for people:
1. Owning home gives financial security:
Many people view owning a home as an investment in their future. Having a property can provide a sense of financial stability because it acts as a long-term asset. Over time, a property can increase in value, providing homeowners with significant financial returns. For example, someone who owns a home may eventually sell it for a profit, benefiting from years of equity accumulation.
2. It offers emotional and psychological stability:
Owning a home provides a sense of permanence and stability. People who own their homes may feel more secure because they are not subject to the uncertainty of rental agreements or potential evictions. For example, having a place to call your own can foster a sense of belonging and rootedness within a community.
3. A symbol of success:
In many societies, owning a home is considered a symbol of success and adulthood. This cultural expectation can drive people to prioritize purchasing a home over renting. For instance, in some cultures, people may view renting as temporary or inferior, which leads to an increased desire to own property.
4. Freedom to modify and personalize the living space:
Homeowners have the freedom to make changes to their property, such as renovating or decorating as they wish. This ability to personalize one's space contributes to a sense of ownership and pride. For example, a homeowner can remodel their kitchen or add a garden, which is something renters may not have the freedom to do.
5. Tax benefits and financial incentives:
In some countries, governments offer tax breaks or financial incentives for homeowners, making property ownership more appealing. These benefits can help reduce the overall cost of owning a home, making it an attractive option. For instance, mortgage interest deductions can make homeownership financially beneficial compared to renting.
6. Long-term cost-effectiveness:
Over time, owning a home can be more cost-effective than renting, especially if the mortgage payment is lower than the cost of monthly rent. As rents rise, homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages may benefit from lower housing costs. For example, after paying off a mortgage, the cost of living in the home becomes significantly cheaper compared to continuing to rent.
Reasons why owning a home is a positive situation:
1. Long-term financial investment:
Owning a home can be a great long-term financial investment. As homeowners pay off their mortgage, they build equity in their property, which can increase in value over time. For example, buying a house in a developing neighborhood could result in a significant profit when the property value appreciates.
2. Stability and security:
Homeownership offers a sense of stability and security that renting may not provide. Homeowners have more control over their living environment, including the ability to make improvements and customize the property. For instance, a person who owns their home does not have to worry about sudden rent increases or the possibility of being asked to move by a landlord.
3. Freedom to make changes:
Owning a home provides the freedom to modify the space to suit personal preferences. Whether it’s renovating a kitchen, painting walls, or landscaping the garden, homeowners have the flexibility to create their ideal living environment. For example, someone who owns their home can build an extension or add a swimming pool, something that is typically not allowed in rental properties.
4. Emotional satisfaction and pride:
Homeownership brings emotional satisfaction and pride, as it represents a personal achievement and a place of permanence. Owning a home is often seen as a symbol of success and stability, providing individuals and families with a sense of belonging. For example, a young couple may feel a sense of accomplishment when they purchase their first home together.
5. Tax benefits:
Homeowners may enjoy tax benefits, such as deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and home improvements. These tax advantages can reduce overall financial burdens, making homeownership more affordable. For instance, a person with a large mortgage may benefit from tax deductions that help offset some of the costs of homeownership.
6. Potential for rental income:
Owning a home provides the opportunity to generate rental income, either by renting out a portion of the property or the entire home. This additional income can help offset mortgage payments and other expenses. For example, someone who owns a home with a separate basement apartment could rent it out to tenants, generating passive income while covering the cost of their mortgage.
Reasons why owning a home might not be as beneficial or positive:
1. Financial burden and risk:
Homeownership often comes with significant financial obligations, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs. These expenses can strain people's finances and create stress. For example, if a person loses their job, they may struggle to make mortgage payments, potentially risking foreclosure.
2. Limited mobility and flexibility:
Owning a home can make it difficult to move or relocate, especially for those with jobs that require relocation. Renters, on the other hand, have the flexibility to move easily without the burden of selling property. For instance, someone who owns a home may be less willing to accept a job offer in another city due to the complications of selling their house.
3. Market fluctuations and uncertainty:
The real estate market is often subject to fluctuations, and property values can decrease, leading to financial losses for homeowners. In some cases, people may find themselves "underwater" on their mortgage, owing more than their property is worth. For example, during a housing market crash, many homeowners saw the value of their properties plummet, leading to financial instability.
4. High initial costs:
Purchasing a home typically requires a substantial down payment and closing costs, which can be a significant financial hurdle. Many people may struggle to save enough money for this initial investment, limiting their ability to own a home. For example, young people starting their careers may not have the financial resources to purchase a home right away.
5. Increased responsibility and maintenance:
Homeowners are responsible for all maintenance and repairs, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. Renting, on the other hand, often means that maintenance is handled by the landlord. For example, a broken water heater or leaking roof may require costly repairs that homeowners must bear themselves.
In today’s world of rapid economic and social changes owning a private home gives individuals a lot of freedom and a stressless life because they feel safer and economically protected in their own accommodation. A person may lose his job or the source of his income and may get into an economically bad situation. In this case, having his own home helps him to come out of this situation. For example, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when most governments took measures such as lockdowns of cities and industrial sites, a lot of people suffered economically. According to some statistics in this situation, those individuals with proper homes suffered less than others who live in rented accommodation. Some of them launched their own business from home.
As for me, I think having a private home is a positive situation since it guarantees stressless life and gives you more opportunities to overcome difficult moments, Moreover, it is traditionally considered the best equity that one can leave for his future generation.
In conclusion, in most places, individuals prefer possessing their own home since it gives them financial security and more opportunity during their life. It is also considered a kind of heritage that could be left to one’s children.
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