shortage of housing ielts essay

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Living in a House or Apartment

Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel there are more advantages to living in an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages of living in a house compared with living in an apartment? Many people hold the opinion that living in a house is the best. Others, however, disagree and claim that living in an apartment is even better. Hereunder I will look more thoroughly into this matter. It is undoubtedly true that living in a flat is quite convenient due to many opportunities which it is able to provide. Everything seems to be close, especially if your block of flats is in a good location, and doing your shopping, driving your children to school or having some entertainments like nightlife, for instance, is within the reach of your hand. Moreover, you do not have to worry about repairing your roof or having your apartment insulated, as it is frequently provided by a housing association of some sort. Generally, from my personal point of view, living in a flat is perfect for people who love living in a city and enjoy everything which is connected with that. On the other hand, having your own house has also some great advantages. Despite the fact that, in my country, living in a detached house or a mansion is often connected with a social status, it brings a lot of different possibilities which are impossible while you live somewhere else. To illustrate this, just imagine yourself sitting in your own garden, with a book and a cup of tea, listening to birds. In my opinion such a scene brings all other disadvantages of living in a house, practically, to zero. To conclude, I would say that living in a house is for completely different group of people than living in an apartment. I have to admit that I belong to the first one thus I recommend living in a detached house to everybody. *** You can comment below on this housing essay

IELTS Buying or Renting a Home Essay

by Rahman Rahimli ([email protected])

In some countries, most people prefer to rent their homes rather than buying them. What are the advantages and disadvantages of renting a home? Purchasing a house is getting more expensive as it is a part of human needs. While some people prefer to rent their homes rather than owning them, there are some drawbacks to consider. This essay will discuss some advantages and disadvantages of renting a house. One of the best benefits of just renting a property would be, in my view, job requirements in which you occasionally need to move to a whole another city to keep working at a certain position. When it comes to looking for a place to live, renting a house for a reasonable price should definitely be considered as your company may change your department again. Another reason for not buying a house is the high prices which a huge number of individuals are not able to afford. Unless you worked and saved half of your salary for about 15 years, it is nearly impossible to buy a home. However, homeowners are not always predictable. When someone rents a house it will be inevitable to be kicked out of the house, because your homeowner decided to sell the house instead of renting it. Moreover, they might not always be comfortable, when you have some relatives or friends over. For instance, I recently rented a home, and the homeowner warned me that he would not allow me to invite my girlfriend to the house, as he thought it was inappropriate. To sum up, In my opinion, considering advantages outcome disadvantages in terms of renting a home, when left with a choice, it is a better option to not squander one's money on buying a house.

Building Homes in the Countryside Essay

by Yami (Saudi Arabia)

In many places, new homes are needed, but the only space available for building them is in the countryside. Some people believe it is more important to protect the countryside and so new homes should not be built there. What is your opinion about this? these days, with the great expansion of cities and population, many people are considering building houses in places outside cities, like the rural areas. While many people are saying it is a bad idea, I believe it is a great thing for people to do so with many merits that I will elaborate more about. first of all, constructing new houses in the countryside has a crucial benefit in regard to the financial aspects. with this said, the expansion of the population will force many individuals with low economic status to go and live in the rural areas due to the low prices of owning a home there. to give an example for this, if owning a single room in city costs around fifty thousand dollars, with the same price tag you can buy a four bedroom apartment. thus, it is a better option for those who wants to save money. going to my second point, I would like to say that it is better for individuals to build houses there to enjoy the beautiful wonders of mother nature. nowadays, many individuals tend to choose to go out and have a great time while they are enjoying the natural beauty of the countryside. Occasionally, people construct houses there just to live there temporarily during holidays and leisure time. finally, despite many people claiming that constructing new homes may cause damage the countryside environment, with strict laws and spreading awareness , one can easily manage to keep the environment clean. in conclusion, many people at present focus solely on the negative aspects of building a home in the countryside while ignoring many great benefits someone might harvest from such investment like the financial and enjoying a great view there.

Owning or Renting a Home Essay

by Khang Cao (Vietnam)

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 negative situation? Everyone needs food to eat, water to drink and a shelter to settle in. In the past, owning a home was a symbol of wealth, success and stability. However, as the modern civilisation advancing, the mindset has changed a lot. Nowadays, there are some people thinking that having a house is no longer important as it was in the past. Generally speaking, renting a house is a rising trend these days, but why there are still people assuming that renting a house is nothing compared to having one? In many Asian countries, there has always been an invisible pressure put on men since they were born. Those can be academic achievements, success in career via various ways such as being in the top of a school, having a high-paying job or obviously, owning a private accommodation. Because of the conservative ideology, Asians usually consider a house is an indicator of prosperity and high-tier social status, not only for themselves but also for their families and children. Moreover, people usually want to claim ownership, and this is not new throughout human history. Take colonies, for example, people always desire something that they can have absolute control over it. While a rent house may not satisfy your demand because you have minimal rights to do anything you want with it. As mentioned above, renting a house has some certain disadvantages. Firstly, it is definitely not a long-term investment even though you can avoid mortgage deposit and other taxes, but you will be under the supervision of the landlord all the time. For example, you cannot renovate or redecorate your home at all without the landlord’s permission. Next, if you choose this type of housing, you may take risk of being moved multiple times due to limited vacancies or property sale from the landlord. Last but not least, since the proprietor is in charge, he or she might suddenly raise the rent, and that is a really big issue when you are in the condition of insufficient finance. Bottom line, possessing a house is better than renting one. Although you may have to be responsible for repairs, remodelling or pay land-related additional fees, it is yours and always be. No matter what happens to you, remember there is always a home awaiting you to come back. (380 words)

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Task 2 Essay: The Housing Shortage

Question: The housing shortage has become a serious problem. Some people think the only solution is government action. Do you agree or disagree?

Band 8+ Sample Answer:

(Intro) It has been pointed out that the demand for accommodation, especially in big cities is going up at an alarming rate, and some believe that it is solely the government’s responsibility to tackle the problem. Although commercial investment may help to deal with this, I feel governments should play the most vital role thanks to their ability to control people and the market.

(Body 1) On the one hand, I strongly believe solutions such as controlling the birth rate and intervening in the housing market would have the biggest impact. The chief cause of housing scarcity is the growing overpopulation in urban areas, which authorities can manage through demographic measures such as limiting the number of children for every family. In this way, metropolitan areas would be less dense over time, weakening the thirst for houses. Moreover, given the rocketing house prices, governments should enact laws to counter market manipulation. For example, they can impose higher taxes on those possessing properties without habitation to keep real estate prices affordable, relieving this financial burden for potential tenants, especially those on minimum wage.

(Body 2) On the other hand, businesses working alongside governments can be tremendously effective. To illustrate, private companies, backed by governments via reduced tax liabilities, may choose to invest in new construction schemes in satellite cities. This would subsequently increase the availability of houses on the market and offer buyers more choices. Subsequently, workers themselves may opt to work in these new economic hubs instead of settling down in highly-populated neighbourhoods. By doing so, they can save more while still having a better standard of accommodation, which would in turn lead to a reduced demand for housing in downtown areas.

(Conclusion) In conclusion, combating housing shortages needs the engagement of different economic sectors, but plenty of evidence has suggested that the government’s actions to constrain population growth rate and implementing higher tax rates on empty properties are more significant. Authorities should wisely combine appropriate resolutions to benefit their citizens the most, particularly those surviving on a low-income. (333 words).

Words: Student essay, corrected & upgraded by Nick Kemp, former IELTS examiner.

Image: Pexels / Pixabay.

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Essay 423 – The shortage of housing in big cities can cause severe consequences

Gt writing task 2 / essay sample # 423.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

The shortage of housing in big cities can cause severe consequences. Only government action can solve this problem.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

The scarcity of housing in major cities has emerged as a critical issue, leading to a range of adverse effects. Some opine that only government intervention can effectively address this problem, and I am inclined to agree with this perspective. This essay will delve into the reasons why resolving the housing shortage requires the involvement of the government.

One compelling argument for government action in addressing the housing shortage is the scale and complexity of the problem. The rapid urbanization and population growth in major cities have resulted in an increasing demand for housing that surpasses the available supply. Private market forces alone may not be able to keep pace with the growing demand, leading to skyrocketing prices and housing unaffordability for many residents. The government, with its resources and regulatory powers, can implement policies and initiatives that promote the construction of affordable housing, regulate rental prices, and ensure equitable access to housing opportunities.

Furthermore, the consequences of a housing shortage can be far-reaching and detrimental to both individuals and society. When people are unable to find suitable and affordable housing, they may resort to substandard living conditions or face the risk of homelessness. This not only compromises their well-being but also contributes to social issues such as overcrowding, strained public infrastructure, and increased socioeconomic inequalities. By actively engaging in addressing the housing shortage, the government can mitigate these consequences and promote a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment.

Government intervention in resolving the housing shortage also allows for strategic planning and coordination. Urban development requires careful consideration of factors such as transportation networks, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability. The government, as the entity responsible for urban planning and public infrastructure, can integrate housing initiatives into comprehensive urban development strategies.

The shortage of housing in big cities presents significant challenges that require government intervention. With its ability to enact policies, allocate resources, and coordinate various stakeholders, the government plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. Failure to take action can result in dire consequences, including increased housing unaffordability, homelessness, and social inequality.

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Shortage of Housing in Big Cities?

INTRODUCTION 

Today, let’s look at a question that came up for the written section of IELTS Writing test- The shortage of housing in big cities has severe consequences to the people. What are the factors influencing this issue? How can we counter it?

  ANALYZING THE QUESTION

What first strikes you when you read the question? 9 out of 10 amongst you will view this question as a whole. Is that the correct way of looking at it?  Let’s dive into the steps that we must take to answer this question.

Your first thought should be to think what exactly to do.

 Are you supposed to identify the issue or are you supposed to provide solutions? Does the question ask for your opinion or are you required to weigh the advantages and disadvantages associated with the topic?

Read the question again and you will have your answers. The shortage of housing in big cities has severe consequences to the people. What are the factors influencing this issue? How can we counter it?

The What has to do with identifying the issue and the How part of the question wants you to provide solutions to combat it.

 It is a typical Problem-Solution type of question that most often comes in IELTS Writing task 2.

I will now be showing a sample student essay for you all to go through.

 Please go through it as we’ll be discussing it once you’re done.

SAMPLE STUDENT ESSAY

EVALUATION OF THE ESSAY

This essay might meet the word limit for the test but is not suitable.  Here, the student has only focused on one aspect- the problem.

 Will harping on the problem be enough for securing the marks that one needs? You need to reflect on this.

’Now, on the very surface of it, this statement seems simplistic. Housing in big cities points towards accommodation in cities.  People usually go there to earn a decent living for themselves. As simple as the topic seems, one needs to view and approach it if he/she intends to do well in this particular section.

 Let’s look at what the actual question stated- The shortage of housing in big cities has severe consequences to the people. What are the factors influencing this issue? How can we counter that?

Once you have identified how to approach this question, think about how much knowledge you have on the topic.  The shortage of housing in big cities is our primary area of focus.

Think hard about the problem and what your personal observation tells you about the topic at hand.

 Think about all those individuals who have encountered a shortage when it comes to housing or accommodation in big cities. Being able to relate to the emotions and mental state of someone who has faced a shortage will help broaden your perspective.

Keeping the first part ( the factors/ cause) as well as the key words (big cities) in mind, think about why big cities should have problems such as these.

 The first answer is a huge influx of people. Why the influx?

 Reasons could be better job opportunities, better earning opportunities, finer amenities, access to education.

We need to spend a few minutes reflecting on what could be the probable causes of such a huge influx into big, cosmopolitan cities and then incorporate those pointers into our respective essays.

Go through the factors again-  better job opportunities, better earning opportunities, finer amenities, access to education.

 All the reasons stated above are linked to better earning and better job opportunities.

 Having a better than stable income takes care of the remaining aspects as well.

Now, let us deal with the Solution bit of the problem. 

 What strikes you as the possible solution to this issue? We cannot prevent individuals from migrating to big cities and improving the quality of their lives.

How do we ease this problem? Can we start providing them with better earning opportunities? It would be impractical to say so as we alone will not be able to create such opportunities for them. We would need some form of Government intervention. 

 Intervention in matters related to setting up industries in smaller towns will go a long way. A major chunk of people won’t migrate to places far off from their native places. Creating lucrative job opportunities in places closer to home seems like a plausible solution to this problem.

Apart from this, creating multi-level housing is a solution. Provision of shelters for the existing population is another achievable solution. 

Now, how did we approach this entire question?

We started off by focusing on areas that we had prior knowledge in and then elaborated upon those.

 You, as students, will also find parts of the question that you will feel more confident in approaching.

Make sure that you organize your thoughts before you begin writing the essay and it will seem like a natural progression.

Sample essay band 8

Now, we will go over an essay that’s more befitting for your IELTS Writing section.

  The question for the essay that came in the exam hall was – The shortage of housing in big cities has severe consequences to the people. What are the factors influencing this issue? How can we counter it? In this essay, we will be diving deep into the possible reasons for the shortage of housing in big cities and address each one of those causes. It is true that there is an acute shortage of housing in most big, cosmopolitan cities.  Most of us have faced similar problems while settling somewhere away from our native places. There are underlying reasons that lead to the shortage of housing in big cities. The chief reason for this is the huge influx of people who come over to the cities from other towns and two or three tier cities. Migration leads to an imbalance in the demand and supply of accommodation and housing. But we must also outline the reasons behind such a large exodus. If we brood further, we will understand why migration to big cities occurs in the first place. Few reasons for relocating to bigger cities are better job and earning opportunities, finer amenities and access to quality education.On a closer inspection, the influx boils down to a better income. A  stable income takes care of aspects such as good education, better facilities and the like. Every problem comes with a solution and to combat the problem of massive influx into cities, establishment of industries in smaller towns is essential. Creating lucrative income opportunities closer to home seems like a plausible solution to this problem. Additionally, multi-level housing & provision of shelters for the existing population also reduces the relocation of masses. Approaching any problem statement with proper reasoning will  provide you with the solution that you’re looking for. Shortage of housing in big cities takes place on account of underlying reasons and getting to the root of it will solve woes related to it. 

  Hope you’ve enjoyed our deconstruction of the essay and to watch the video for the same, please click here

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Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences – IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Dec 08, 2023

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Structure breakdown, band 7 sample answer for housing shortage in big cities can cause severe social consequences writing task 2, band 8 sample answer for housing shortage in big cities can cause severe social consequences writing task 2, band 9 sample answer for housing shortage in big cities can cause severe social consequences writing task 2, connectors used in the above sample answers.

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The “Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences” is an Agree/Disagree Writing Task 2 question that has previously appeared in an IELTS test. The essay writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

The   IELTS Writing Task 2  i s a section of the IELTS General Training and Academic tests that assesses your ability to write a well-structured and coherent essay in response to a given topic.

In this task, you’re presented with an IELTS Writing Task 2 agree or disagree essay that asks to what extent you agree or disagree with the given statement. So, you are allowed to give a partial view of it at times to address it. To further hone your IELTS writing skills, check out a comprehensive collection of  IELTS writing task 2 practice tests  from IELTSMaterial.com.

Here, you get access to 3 IELTS writing task 2 Agree/Disagree sample answers ranging from band 7-9 along with their vocabulary highlighted. So, why wait? Start reading the blog!

You should spend 40 minutes on this task.

Learn some more ways to Achieve a band score of 8   for Writing Task 2 and check out the IELTS essay for ‘Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences’ given below.

The lack of housing in metropolitan cities is becoming a more pressing issue for the citizens, yet many think that the government should be in charge of addressing this disaster through proper rules and regulations. I agree with the latter statement, and I shall support my views in the paragraphs that follow.

First of all, I believe that people are migrating to modern cities for a variety of reasons. One reason could be for financial gain or even to pursue higher education. Moreover, many believe that getting into a university is much simpler than finding a place to live, and this is unquestionable in today’s fast-paced world. For instance, it’s harder to locate an apartment in developing cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, etc. than it is to get a seat in the city’s university. It is true that people must spend a significant amount of money just to survive as a result of modernization.

Adding on to this, the increase in population in certain major cities has a direct impact on this particular situation. Consequently, the limited availability of resources in those cities, including the water, land and food, does not match with the increased demand. Hence, this becomes a hectic duty of the respective state government in order to minimize social consequences. For instance, the government can make a collective decision to implement efficient housing schemes in all the developing cities with the help of international agencies. As a result, this might help lower the housing issue and cause less of a hassle.

In conclusion, when a huge set of people move into a particular developing city to have a better and more sophisticated life, it obviously will come with certain drawbacks due to overpopulation. To tackle this, the government should take responsibility and try sorting the issue soon to maintain harmony among the citizens and the society.

• Metropolitan

Meaning: Relating to or characteristic of a metropolis, a large and densely populated urban area.

Example: The metropolitan lifestyle offers numerous cultural and employment opportunities.

Meaning: Requiring immediate attention; urgent.

Example: The lack of housing in metropolitan cities is becoming a more pressing issue for citizens.

• Unquestionable

Meaning: Beyond doubt or dispute; not open to question.

Example: In today’s fast-paced world, it is unquestionable that finding housing in major cities is a challenging task.

• Modernization

Meaning: The process of adapting to modern needs or habits.

Example: The need for housing solutions is a consequence of rapid urbanization and modernization.

Meaning: Characterized by intense activity, confusion, or disorder.

Example: Managing the housing crisis in major cities can be a hectic duty for the government.

• Overpopulation

Meaning: The condition of having a population too large for the available resources.

Example: Overpopulation in metropolitan areas strains housing resources and leads to social consequences.

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Certain individuals believe that shortages of houses in major urban cities need substantial government intervention to effectively handle the related social consequences. I firmly agree with the statement that the government must intervene and try to solve the issue. Hence, this essay will discuss the same with appropriate examples.

To begin with, it is evident that the level of the housing shortage exceeds the capacity of citizens or private entities to address the problem hassle-free. Hence, governmental initiatives can organize resources properly on a larger scale, enabling the implementation of ambitious projects to increase affordable housing. Additionally, regulatory measures enforced by the government can put the process in a proper, ensuring that the construction and development align with the broader goal of alleviating the housing crisis.

Furthermore, government action is crucial in establishing and enforcing policies that address the root causes of housing shortages, for instance, zoning restrictions and land use regulations. By taking a proactive role in urban planning, the government can create an environment conducive to sustainable housing solutions, fostering long-term stability. New Deal policies in the United States during the 1930s, for example, aimed at the creation of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This not only facilitated widespread home ownership but also stimulated economic recovery during a period of profound social and economic upheaval.

In conclusion, the serious social problems caused by housing shortages make it clear that we need solid government intervention. Only with strong and coordinated efforts from the government can we really deal with all the challenges linked to not having enough housing in big cities, making urban living more fair and stable.

• Substantial

Meaning: Considerable in importance, value, or degree.

Example: The government needs to allocate substantial funds to address the housing crisis effectively.

• Comprehensively

Meaning: In a thorough and inclusive manner, covering all aspects.

Example: The government’s approach should comprehensively tackle the various factors contributing to the housing shortage.

• Alleviating

Meaning: Easing or reducing the intensity of a problem or difficulty.

Example: The government’s efforts should focus on alleviating the housing crisis by increasing the supply of affordable homes.

Meaning: Taking action in anticipation of future problems or needs.

Example: A proactive approach to urban planning involves addressing potential housing shortages before they become severe.

Meaning: Compelling or ensuring compliance with rules or laws.

Example: Government enforcement of zoning restrictions is crucial for effective urban planning.

• Root causes

Meaning: The fundamental reasons behind a problem.

Example: Government policies should address the root causes of housing shortages, such as zoning restrictions.

Meaning: The division of a city or town into zones with specific land-use regulations.

Example: Zoning restrictions play a crucial role in determining the types of structures that can be built in different areas.

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It is argued that, due to urbanization, the housing shortage is a rising issue that is causing major social problems and that the intervention of the government would play a crucial role in solving it at the earliest. While some argue that important government measures must be taken to tackle this, others emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private entities. I partially agree with the given statement and will be discussing it in this essay.

Firstly, strong government action will clear the housing crisis of such magnitude and complexity if authoritative interventions happen because the government has the resources and power to quickly carry out big projects for affordable housing. Moreover, proper government plans can set clear rules about where and how buildings can be constructed, making a better environment for more housing to be built. In countries like Sweden and Germany, for instance, active government involvement in housing policies has contributed to stable and inclusive urban development in the modern world. Government-backed programs ensure a balance between supply and demand, promoting affordability and preventing social stratification based on housing accessibility.

However, a more nuanced perspective suggests that rather than just relying on the government to take initiatives, collaborative endeavors between the public and private sectors are to be seen as essential for a holistic approach. Private enterprises, for instance, can also contribute innovation, efficiency, and investment capabilities, offering a dynamic response to the housing shortage. On the whole, public-private partnerships, fostering the development of mixed-use spaces, can integrate residential and commercial areas, creating vibrant and sustainable urban environments.

In conclusion, while recognizing the potential of government intervention in solving housing shortages, a balanced and pragmatic approach involves collaborative efforts. A synergy between the public and private sectors can yield innovative solutions, ensuring the creation of adequate housing while effectively addressing the intricate social consequences of this pervasive issue.

• Urbanization

Meaning: The process of making an area more urban, typically characterized by increased population density and infrastructure development.

Example: The rapid urbanization of the small town led to the construction of skyscrapers and improved transportation networks.

Meaning: The great size or extent of something.

Example: The housing crisis has reached a magnitude that requires urgent attention.

• Stratification

Meaning: The division of a society into different classes or layers.

Example: Social stratification based on housing accessibility can lead to inequality.

Meaning: Efforts or attempts to achieve a goal.

Example: Collaborative endeavors between the public and private sectors are crucial for effective solutions.

Meaning: The combined effect of collaboration that is greater than the sum of individual efforts.

Example: Public-private partnerships create synergy, enhancing the impact of housing development initiatives.

Meaning: Dealing with issues in a practical and sensible way.

Example: A pragmatic approach involves considering both government intervention and private collaboration for effective housing solutions.

Meaning: Spread widely throughout an area or a group of people.

Example: The pervasive issue of housing shortages affects communities across the globe.

Connectors, also known as connectives or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• First of all
• Adding on to this
• Consequently
• For instance
• As a result
• To tackle this
• To begin with
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• On the whole
• In conclusion
• To conclude

Remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree essays like the ‘Housing Shortage in Big Cities Can Cause Severe Social Consequences IELTS Writing Task 2.’

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Nehasri Ravishenbagam, a Senior Content Marketing Specialist and a Certified IELTS Trainer of 3 years, crafts her writings in an engaging way with proper SEO practices. She specializes in creating a variety of content for IELTS, CELPIP, TOEFL, and certain immigration-related topics. As a student of literature, she enjoys freelancing for websites and magazines to balance her profession in marketing and her passion for creativity!

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Only the government can solve the problem of housing scarcity. Agree/disagree?

Bài mẫu đề thi IELTS Writing Task 2 ngày 04/03/2020 chủ đề lối sống (lifestyle): There are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Trong bài viết này, DOL Tự Học sẽ cung cấp cho mọi người ý tưởng, dàn bài, bài mẫu band 8.0, từ vựng hay đi kèm và nhận xét điểm theo 4 tiêu chí.

There are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

DOL sẽ trình bày quan điểm qua 1 đoạn mở bài (introduction), 2 đoạn thân bài (body paragraph), và 1 đoạn kết bài (conclusion)

Mở bài: Sau khi paraphrase lại đề bài, DOL sẽ đưa ra một Thesis Statement (luận điểm) để cho giám khảo biết là mình Agree hay Disagree với câu hỏi

Body 1: Vì DOL đồng tình với việc chính quyền giải quyết vấn đề thiếu nhà ở, DOL sẽ chỉ ra một vài tác hại của vấn đề này đến xã hội

Body 2: Bên cạnh đó, DOL cũng không quên chỉ ra những lợi ích trong việc chính quyền giải quyết vấn đề thiếu nhà ở

Kết bài: Cuối cùng, DOL sẽ nhấn mạnh lại quan điểm của mình, cho biết việc thiếu nhà ở gây ảnh hưởng đến nhiều mặt của xã hội và vì thế, chính quyền nên giải quyết vấn đề này

• Homeless people are more likely to suffer from the anxiety of having to pay monthly rent and unable to get jobs → turn to crime or other antisocial activities
• For example: in Austria and Singapore, citizens are virtually guaranteed a house by the government, with those who have money paying for private accomodation if they want. 

Today, there are many countries where rampant housing shortages are commonplace. In this essay, I argue that this results in a host of societal issues, and that the government should try and alleviate this problem.

Firstly, I argue that housing shortages result in lower economic growth. People who do not have homes are more likely to suffer from the anxiety of having to pay monthly rent , while homeless people would also be unable to get jobs. This is because for the former group, owning a house as a way of retiring is out of the question, while for the latter, most companies do not hire people who do not have a house. Therefore, these people might turn to crime or other antisocial activities in order to survive. Thus, there are large sections of society that can be utilised, but are denied opportunities due to the housing crisis .

Thus I argue that the government should step in and solve the problem. While people might hold that this should be done by the private sector, I contend conversely that this would simply lead to individuals buying up houses and driving up housing shortages again. Therefore, the government should use taxpayer’s money to provide good and affordable housing . An example where this is already done is in Austria and Singapore, where citizens are virtually guaranteed a house by the government, with those who have money paying for private accomodation if they want.

Therefore, I believe that there are many social costs to a lack of housing , and the government rather than corporate entities should step in.

( 263 words)

📚 Vocabulary

Tìm hiểu ý nghĩa những từ xuất hiện trong bài viết mẫu IELTS Task 2 vừa rồi ở bảng dưới đây.

✨ Bài tập Exercise

Mình cùng làm 2 bài tập sau đây để ôn lại các từ vựng và cấu trúc đã được dùng trong bài IELTS Writing Sample Answer nhé!

Chọn từ hoặc cụm từ thích hợp để điền vào ô trống.

1 Những người không có nhà thường phải lo lắng vì phải trả tiền thuê nhà hàng tháng .

=> People who do not have homes are more likely to .

2 Những người sau khi ra tù mà không tìm được việc thường buộc phải phạm tội hoặc tham gia các hoạt động chống đối xã hội .

=> Ex-convicts who fail to find jobs might in order to survive.

3 Việc những người giàu mua hết nhà cửa đã gián tiếp ảnh hưởng xấu tới người nghèo.

=> The wealthy has indirectly taken its toll on the disadvantaged.

4 Nhà nước nên dùng tiền đóng thuế của người dân để cung cấp nhà ở tốt với giá phải chăng .

=> The government should use taxpayer’s money to .

5 Ở Áo hoặc Singapore, người dân gần như là được nhà nước đảm bảo cho 1 căn nhà .

=> In Austria and Singapore, citizens .

6 Tôi tin rằng có nhiều vấn đề xã hội gây ra bởi việc thiếu nhà ở .

=> I believe that there are .

turn to crime or other antisocial activities

are virtually guaranteed a house by the government

buying up houses

many social costs to a lack of housing

suffer from the anxiety of having to pay monthly rent

provide good and affordable housing

Điền từ hoặc cụm từ thích hợp vào ô trống.

Người vô gia cư

Khủng hoảng nhà ở

Đưa ra quan điểm ngược lại

Rất nhiều các vấn đề xã hội

=> A host of

Giải quyết vấn đề

=> Solve the

Việc thiếu nhà ở trầm trọng

=> Rampant

Tổng hợp đề thi task 2 tháng 03.2020 kèm bài mẫu.

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Chủ đề Business là một chủ đề phổ biến trong bài thi IELTS Writing Task 2. Trong bài viết này, DOL sẽ cung cấp cho mọi người ý tưởng, dàn bài, bài mẫu, từ vựng hay đi kèm và nhận xét điểm theo 4 tiêu chí.

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Shortage of Housing has given several social consequences. Only government can solve the problems. To what extend do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

IELTS essay Shortage of Housing has given several social consequences. Only government can solve the problems.

• Structure your answers in logical paragraphs
• ? One main idea per paragraph
• Include an introduction and conclusion
• Support main points with an explanation and then an example
• Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately
• Vary your linking phrases using synonyms
• Try to vary your vocabulary using accurate synonyms
• Use less common question specific words that accurately convey meaning
• Check your work for spelling and word formation mistakes
• Use a variety of complex and simple sentences
• Check your writing for errors
• Answer all parts of the question
• ? Present relevant ideas
• Fully explain these ideas
• Support ideas with relevant, specific examples
• ? Currently is not available
• Meet the criteria
• Doesn't meet the criteria
• 6 band The increasing housing problem in big cities has social consequences. Some people say that only government can solve this problem. v. 1 It is a fact that population density and the increasing number of housing have created some social problems in many large cities. A group of people believe that the issue could only be solved by the government. I personally agree with the statement and the following essay will discuss it in details. ...
• 6 band Shortage of housing has given several social consequences. Only government who can solve the problem. v. 1 Nowadays, housing shortage has become the cause of some major problem in the society. While others believe that the solution for this matter is solely in the hands of the government, I partly disagree with the statement, for both the government and private sector has its own role in providing adequa ...
• 7.5 band Nowadays there is a shortage of housing which has given rise to several social consequences. It is only the government who can solve this problem. v. 1 The housing crisis is the profound issues for everyone, which also impact the society too. Although, many people perceive that the regime is only one who should take the obligation. I believe not only government, every individual or cooperate companies should work together to change the today's stat ...
• 6 band The increasing housing problem in big cities has social consequences. Some people say that only government can solve this problem. v. 2 It is a fact that population density and the increasing number of housing have created some social problems in many large cities. A group of people believe that the issue could only be solved by the government. I personally agree with the statement and the following essay will discuss it in details. ...
• 7.5 band Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. v. 27
• 7.5 band Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things we don't really need. Others say that advertisements tells us about new products that may improve our lives. Which viewpoint do you agree with? v. 2
• 7.5 band More people will work from home and more students will study at home is Computer technology become cheaper and accessible. What will be the advantages and disadvantages if this happens? v. 2
• 7.5 band People are becoming too dependent on the internet and phone. Is it a positive or negative development? v. 6

Idea for IELTS Writing topic Housing Shortage (Thiếu hụt nhà ở) - Phân tích dàn ý chi tiết

TÓM TẮT NỘI DUNG

IELTS Writing Task 2 yêu cầu thí sinh viết một bài văn khoảng 250 từ về một vấn đề nghị luận xã hội. Để hoàn thành bài thi một cách tốt nhất, thí sinh nên chuẩn bị sẵn vốn hiểu biết cho các chủ đề nghị luận phổ biến. Bài viết này sẽ giới thiệu những Idea for IELTS Writing topic Housing Shortage (Khủng hoảng nhà ở) qua việc phân tích những nguyên nhân, hậu quả và giải pháp của vấn đề này và cung cấp những từ vựng cần thiết.

Key takeaways: 

1. Nguyên nhân của Housing Shortage: gia tăng nhu cầu nhà ở do các yếu tố:

Xu hướng sống 1 mình

Tuổi thọ kéo dài 

Gia tăng dân số

Hiện tượng di dân từ nông thôn đến thành phố

2. Hậu quả của Housing Shortage: 

Gia tăng khu ổ chuột -> suy giảm chất lượng cuộc sống 

Giá thuê/ mua nhà tăng cao

3. Giải pháp cho Housing Shortage:

Chính phủ thực hiện mô hình nhà ở xã hội (public housing)

Trợ cấp cho người thuê nhà có thu nhập thấp

Giới thiệu về topic Housing Shortage (Khủng hoảng nhà ở)

Housing shortage (Khủng hoảng nhà ở/ tình trạng thiếu nhà ở) là một vấn đề phổ biến ở nhiều quốc gia, đặc biệt ở những thành phố lớn do nhu cầu nhà ở tăng mạnh. Chủ đề này đã xuất hiện 1 lần trong bài thi IELTS task 2 vào ngày 19/12/2019: 

The shortage of houses in big cities causes many consequences. Only government actions can resolve this problem. Do you agree or disagree with this idea?

Tuy đây là chủ đề không quá phổ biến, nhưng nó có thể gây khó khăn cho thí sinh nếu không có sự chuẩn bị tốt về mặt ý tưởng. Bài viết này sẽ liệt kê các nguyên nhân, hậu quả và giải pháp cho vấn đề Housing Shortage và ví dụ áp dụng viết câu trong IELTS Writing Task 2 để thí sinh có thể chuẩn bị tốt hơn cho chủ đề này.

Idea for IELTS Writing topic Housing Shortage: Nguyên nhân

Xu hướng sống 1 mình (the trend of living alone).

Xu hướng không kết hôn và sức mua tăng đã gia tăng số lượng người sống một mình, và điều này đã góp phần đáng kể vào tình trạng thiếu nhà ở. Hầu hết các ngôi nhà trên thị trường ngày nay được xây dựng ngày nay được xây dựng cho gia đình hạt nhân truyền thống. Những người sống một mình cũng thường sống trong những ngôi nhà này, một số có tới tận 3 phòng ngủ, và nhìn chung họ đang chiếm nhiều diện tích nhà ở hơn cần thiết

The rise of lone-person households, due to decreasing marriage and increasing wealth, has significantly contributed to the housing shortage. This is because most homes built today are meant for the traditional nuclear family, and those living alone are also living in such built-for-families homes, some with as many as three bedrooms. Thus, on average, they are taking up more housing space than needed.

Tuổi thọ kéo dài (people are living longer)

Một nguyên nhân chính của tình trạng thiếu nhà ở là mọi người đang sống lâu hơn, và họ thường tiếp tục sống trong một ngôi nhà cho cỡ gia đình, ngay cả khi nó trở nên quá lớn đối với họ. Điều này dẫn đến việc không gian trong gia đình không được tận dụng hết và có rất nhiều phòng ngủ "dư thừa", và ngăn cản các gia đình trẻ hơn khỏi những cơ hội mở rộng sang những ngôi nhà lớn hơn.

A major cause of housing shortage is the fact that people are living longer lives, and they very often continue to occupy the family home, even when it becomes too big for them. This leads to the problem ofunder-occupation of family homes, where there are many ‘surplus’ bedrooms, and prevents the younger families from the opportunities to expand into larger houses.

Gia tăng dân số (population growth)

Một trong những nguyên nhân đằng sau tình trạng thiếu nhà ở là do dân số tăng nhanh, dẫn đến nhu cầu nhà ở cũng tăng theo. Tuy nhiên, do nguồn cung đất cho không gian nhà ở khá hạn chế, điều này có thể dễ dàng làm trầm trọng thêm vấn đề thiếu nhà ở.

One of the reasons behind the housing shortage is rapid population growth, which leads to growth in housing demand. However, as the supply of land for housing space is rather limited, this can easily exacerbate the problem of housing shortages.

Hiện tượng di dân đến thành phố (urbanization/ migration from rural areas to the cities)

Xu hướng di cư từ các vùng nông thôn đến thành phố để tìm kiếm triển vọng việc làm, hệ thống giáo dục hoặc chăm sóc sức khỏe tốt hơn đã thúc đẩy nhu cầu nhà ở tại các khu vực đô thị. Hơn nữa, tốc độ của xu hướng này đã vượt xa tiến độ xây dựng không gian nhà ở mới, dẫn đến nhiều người dân thành phố đối mặt với sự thiếu hụt các lựa chọn nhà ở.

The trend of migrating from rural areas to the cities in search for better job prospects, education, or healthcare systems, has driven housing demand in the metropolitan areas. Furthermore, the pace of such trend has outstripped the progress of building new housing space, resulting in many city dwellers facing a shortage of housing options.

Từ vựng cần lưu ý:

lone-person household (n): hộ gia đình 1 người

nuclear family (n): gia đình hạt nhân, gồm bố mẹ và 2 con

rapid population growth: sự tăng trưởng dân số nhanh

migrate from rural areas to the cities: di cư từ vùng nông thôn tới thành phố

metropolitan area (n): vùng đô thị

city dweller (n): người dân thành phố

Idea for IELTS Writing topic Housing Shortage: Hậu quả

Gia tăng khu ổ chuột.

Tình trạng thiếu nhà ở đã dẫn đến việc ngày càng gia tăng các khu ổ chuột và những người ở trọ với điều kiện sống tồi tàn. Các khu ổ chuột thường được làm bằng vật liệu mỏng manh, dễ cháy và đối mặt với nguy cơ hỏa hoạn cao; và thường không có nước máy và điện. Và nếu không được tiếp cận với nước sạch và sự vệ sinh thích hợp, người dân sẽ dễ mắc các loại dịch bệnh hơn.

The housing shortage has led to an increase of slums with poor living conditions. Slums are often made with flimsy and flammable materials and face high risks of fire; and the huts also lack piped water and electricity. Without access to clean water and proper sanitation, the dwellers are vulnerable to diseases.

Giá thuê nhà/ mua nhà tăng cao

Khi nhu cầu nhà ở tăng cao nhưng nguồn cung không theo kịp, giá thuê và giá bất động sản đã tăng vọt trong những thập kỷ qua, đặc biệt là ở các thành phố lớn, nơi người dân di cư tới để có triển vọng việc làm tốt hơn. Điều này có nghĩa là một người bình thường sẽ phải vật lộn nhiều hơn để trang trải chi phí sinh hoạt và có thể mắc nợ để trả tiền thuê nhà không ngừng tăng với một mức lương trung bình. Những người mua nhà lần đầu hiếm khi có thể tiết kiệm đủ tiền đặt cọc; và ngay cả khi họ làm được như vậy, họ có thể gặp phải các khoản vay thế chấp rủi ro và khoản trả nợ hàng tháng cao đến mức khó có thể đáp ứng được.

As housing demand surged but the supply can’t keep up, rents and property prices have sky-rocketed in the past decades, especially in the big cities where people migrate to for better job prospects. This means the renters will struggle more to pay for their living expenses, and might get into debt to afford the non-stop increasing rents with an average salary. First-time homebuyers can rarely save enough for a deposit; and even if they do manage to do so, they may find themselves in risky mortgage loans and high monthly payments that are surprisingly hard to meet.

slum (n): khu ổ chuột

flimsy and flammable (materials) (adj): (vật liệu) mỏng manh và dễ cháy

piped water (n): nước máy

access to clean water and proper sanitation: sự tiếp cận tới nguồn nước sạch và sự vệ sinh sạch sẽ

rents and property prices: giá thuê nhà/ giá bất động sản

first-time homebuyer (n): người mua nhà lần đầu

risky mortgage loan (n): khoản vay thế chấp rủi ro

high monthly payment: khoản tiền thanh toán (để trả góp) hàng tháng cao

Idea for IELTS Writing topic Housing Shortage: Giải pháp

Mô hình social housing/ public housing (nhà ở xã hội).

Một giải pháp cho khủng hoảng nhà ở là việc các chính phủ thực hiện mô hình nhà ở xã hội - một dạng nhà ở được chính phủ trợ cấp cho các gia đình và cá nhân có thu nhập thấp. Thông qua mô hình này, những người đang gặp khó khăn trong việc trả tiền thuê nhà sẽ có đủ điều kiện để có nhà ở giá rẻ, và chính phủ có thể giải quyết tốt hơn các vấn đề về tình trạng vô gia cư và bất ổn nhà ở.

One solution to the housing crisis is that governments establish more public housing - a form of government-subsidized housing for low-income families and individuals. Through this project, more people who are struggling to pay for rent would have access to affordable housing, and the governments can better regulate homelessness and housing instability problems.

Trợ cấp cho những người thuê nhà có thu nhập thấp

Vì giá thuê đã tăng vọt trong những năm gần đây, chính phủ cũng nên giúp đỡ những người thuê nhà trong khủng hoảng. Ví dụ, đối với những người dành quá một mức nhất định trong thu nhập của họ cho việc thuê nhà, chính phủ có thể thực hiện trợ cấp tiền mặt hàng tháng để trang trải số tiền vượt quá mức mà họ phải chi trả. Điều này có thể bảo vệ những người thuê nhà khỏi rủi ro bị đuổi ra khỏi nhà trong trường hợp họ không thể trả tiền thuê theo đúng hạn.

Governments should also help out renters in times of crisis, considering that rents have sky-rocketed in recent years. For example, for those who spend over a certain amount of their income on rent, the government can implement a monthly cash subsidy to cover the excess amount they have to spend. This, in turn, can protect the vulnerable renters from the risks of eviction in case they are unable to meet their rent payments.

government-subsidized housing (n): nhà ở được chính phủ trợ cấp

public housing (n): nhà ở xã hội

monthly cash subsidy: khoản trợ cấp bằng tiền mặt hàng tháng

eviction (n): sự trục xuất/ đuổi khỏi cái gì đó (ví dụ, 'renter eviction' là việc đuổi người cho thuê nhà khỏi căn hộ)

Ứng dụng Idea for IELTS Writing topic Housing Shortage

Đề bài: The shortage of houses in big cities causes many consequences. Only government actions can resolve this problem. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? 

Câu trả lời có ứng dụng các ý tưởng trong bài: 

Indeed, government intervention is essential in solving the housing crisis. To begin with, they can increase expenditure in public housing for low-income families and individuals. This would allow more people, especially those struggling to pay rents, to be eligible for affordable housing, and thus problems of homelessness and housing instability can be better regulated. Furthermore, the government can also provide financial support packages, for example monthly cash subsidy, to help out renters and mortgagors in times of crisis. In this way, renters and mortgagors are protected from the risk of eviction, in case they are unable to meet their monthly rents or monthly mortgage payments.

(Dịch: Sự can thiệp của chính phủ quả thực là điều cần thiết trong việc giải quyết cuộc khủng hoảng nhà ở. Đầu tiên, họ có thể thực hiện mô hình nhà ở công cộng cho các gia đình và cá nhân có thu nhập thấp. Điều này sẽ cho phép nhiều người, đặc biệt là những người đang gặp khó khăn trong việc trả tiền thuê nhà, có đủ điều kiện để mua/thuê nhà giá rẻ, và do đó các vấn đề về vô gia cư và bất ổn về nhà ở có thể được quản lí tốt hơn. Hơn nữa, chính phủ cũng có thể cung cấp các gói trợ cấp tài chính, chẳng hạn như trợ cấp tiền mặt, để giúp đỡ những người cho thuê nhà và người thế chấp trong thời kỳ khủng hoảng. Bằng cách này, người cho thuê và người thế chấp sẽ tránh được nguy cơ bị đuổi ra khỏi nhà trong trường hợp họ không đủ khả năng trả tiền thuê nhà hoặc trả các khoản thanh toán thế chấp hàng tháng.)

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Harris unveils economic agenda to combat soaring grocery and housing prices

Amna Nawaz Amna Nawaz

Kyle Midura Kyle Midura

Jonah Anderson Jonah Anderson

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/harris-unveils-economic-agenda-to-combat-soaring-grocery-and-housing-prices

In her first major policy speech since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate, Vice President Kamala Harris laid out her vision for combatting rising prices, one of the biggest issues for voters in this year's election and one that's dogged the Biden-Harris administration. Amna Nawaz discussed the specifics of Harris’ economic policy proposals with Jeanna Smialek of The New York Times.

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Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.

Geoff Bennett:

It was her first major policy speech since becoming the Democratic presidential candidate last month.

Amna Nawaz:

This afternoon, Vice President Kamala Harris laid out her vision for combating one of the biggest issues for voters in this year's election and one that has dogged the Biden/Harris administration, rising prices.

Today, Vice President Harris on the trail in North Carolina as her campaign unveils its economic agenda.

Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States (D) and U.S. Presidential Candidate: Costs are still too high. And on a deeper level, for too many people, no matter how much they work, it feels so hard to just be able to get ahead.

The focus, they say, lowering costs for everyday Americans. New data this week shows inflation cooling year over year, but a recent swing state voter survey shows, on economic issues…

Donald Trump, Former President of the United States (R) and Current U.S. Presidential Candidate: They say it's the most important subject.

… Harris' Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, still has an edge; 48 percent of respondents said they trust Trump more to get inflation and the cost of living under control compared to 42 percent for Harris.

Trump's lead is, however, shrinking compared to how he fared against President Biden on the same issue. Meanwhile, at a Trump campaign event in New Jersey last night…

Donald Trump:

We wouldn't have inflation. We wouldn't have had the Israeli attack.

… the former president veered off script once again from planned remarks on combating antisemitism to a controversial comment about Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson.

In 2018, Trump awarded Adelson the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Last night, he claimed that award was — quote — "better" than the highest decoration for members of the U.S. military.

It's actually much better because everyone gets the congressional Medal of Honor. That's soldiers. They're either in very bad shape because they have been hit so many times by bullets or they're dead.

A progressive veterans political action committee, VoteVets, that's endorsed Harris called Trump's remarks insulting, saying — quote — "Donald Trump doesn't respect veterans and their sacrifice."

But Trump's running mate, Ohio senator and military veteran J.D. Vance, defended Trump at the Milwaukee Police Association today.

Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Vice Presidential Candidate: This is a guy who loves our veterans and who honors our veterans. I don't think him complimenting and saying a nice word about a person who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom is in any way denigrating those who received military honors.

It was Vance's second stop in Wisconsin this month after being named Trump's running mate at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July.

The Democratic National Convention will begin next week in neighboring Illinois, where Harris is expected to roll out additional detailed policy proposals.

For more on the specifics of Harris' economic policy proposals, I'm joined by Jeanna Smialek, economics reporter for The New York Times.

Jeanna, thanks for being with us.

Jeanna Smialek, The New York Times:

Thanks for having me.

So, let's start with the Harris campaign's plan to address what they call price gouging here and what they blame in part for higher grocery prices.

The Harris campaign says that she would implement the first ever federal ban on corporate price gouging and will work with the FTC and Congress to do so.

So, Jeanna, what exactly are they proposing that they would do on this front? And knowing what you do about why grocery prices are where they are, could this approach actually work to bring those prices down?

Jeanna Smialek:

So what exactly is kind of the key question here? And the answer is, we don't know yet. We do not know exactly what this policy would look like.

And I think the devil is really in the details. We do not know how they go about preventing price gouging or even how they're defining price gouging at this point. What we do know is that profits went up quite a lot in the grocery sector during the sort of aftermath of the 2020 pandemic.

So, in 2021, we saw profit shoot up at grocery stores and they stayed up for a while. That was pretty consistent with what we saw across the economy. We really saw a lot of companies raking in a lot more profits because they were charging more. As costs had started to shoot up, they were charging more to try and cover those costs and they actually even charged a bit more than was just necessary to cover costs during that period.

And so there are a lot of people out there, a lot of economists, particularly on the progressive side of the aisle, who have been saying things like this was an example of price gouging. This was an example of what happens when you have an imperfectly competitive marketplace and really saying that we need to see some sort of response from the government on this.

And that is what we're potentially seeing here. Now, you will get economists on the other side saying that this was an economy that basically worked the way you would expect. We had shortages for things. We had shortages for eggs. We had shortages for a lot of grain-type things during this period. And as a result, companies were charging more because things were in short supply and they could charge more.

And that resulted in more production and then prices came down. And so some economists are saying, this is econ 101. This is how things work. If you put some sort of price mechanism or in some way stop the economy working from working the way that it just would on its own, you might not have that supply come online.

And at the same time, progressive economists are really celebrating this. So you have got a very, very contentious debate without a lot of detail.

And the devil, as you say, is in those details.

So let's move on to housing then, we know is another big piece of this policy proposal. And on addressing the housing shortage and affordability problem in America, this is what the Harris campaign says they will do. They say that a potential President Harris would call for the construction of three million new housing units over the next four years, also that the government would provide first-time homebuyers with up to $25,000 in down payment assistance.

Jeanna, from the experts you talked to who have looked at these plans, how viable our plans like this for that kind of level of building and what's their potential impact?

Yes, so I think there are two big questions here. One is political viability and the second is economic viability.

So when it comes to the political viability side, this stuff would have to pass Congress. In order to get those three million new homes built, you would really have to have a lot of — the way the Harris campaign is proposing to do it is through a lot of incentives for homebuilders and for local housing authorities to really sort of encourage home building.

And that money needs to come from Congress. So I think there's a real question, could you get it through? What does Congress look like? Is this going to be possible?

Then, on the back side of that, you have got to say, would it work and would it work in the time frame that the Harris campaign is talking about? Because it's a pretty ambitious, pretty accelerated time frame they're laying out here. She's saying those three million units will go up within the four years that she's — the first four years that she's in office.

And so I think that those are those are some big questions. And then flip side here is, if you're not building enough supply and you're giving employer — or you're giving first-time homebuyers $25,000 as a credit, is there a risk that just all goes to prices? Is there a risk that home sellers can just charge more these, because now homebuyers can afford to pay more?

And so I think this is a big, knotty set of questions that will really depend on sort of the political and practical realities at the moment.

Well, another set of proposals that would also have to go through Congress has to do with the child tax credit.

On that, the Harris campaign says that she would propose not only restoring the child tax credit that was first introduced during the pandemic of $3,000 per child under the age of 18, up to $3,600 per child under the age of 6, but expanding the provision to $6,000 per child under the age of one for middle- and low-income families.

So what's the viability for a plan like that and what kind of a difference could that make?

Yes, so this is a fascinating one because there really is a lot of bipartisan support for the child tax credit, in fact.

You actually saw J.D. Vance over the weekend talking about how he'd love to see a bigger child tax credit. And so I think that there is some possibility that Republicans would reach across the aisle on this one, that you could get something through Congress on the child tax credit.

I think the huge question, though, is, how do you pay for it? It obviously is expensive to do these things. The Harris campaign hasn't laid out in detail how they're planning on paying for these kinds of policies. They do mention in their campaign briefings things like making corporations and wealthy Americans pay their fair share.

But, at this point, we don't have any sort of detailed explanation of how these policies would be offset in the budget. And so I think that's the big question here going forward.

Jeanna, briefly, if you can, when you look big picture at these policy proposals, how do they compare to some of the proposals and the policies we have seen from the Biden administration?

Is this the Harris campaign going in a new and different direction or more of the same?

Yes, so I think a lot of this actually really builds on sort of the Biden agenda, but then takes it just a step further and makes it a little bit more dramatic, maybe a little bit more populist in some cases, like the price gouging proposal, and certainly tries to really tackle a lot of kitchen table issues surrounding costs and price increases that have really just bedeviled the Biden/Harris White House.

These have been real issues that they have struggled to sort of connect with voters on, and it seems like she's tackling them pretty head on here.

That is Jeanna Smialek, economics reporter for The New York Times.

Jeanna, thank you so much. Good to speak with you.

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Housing shortage in big cities can cause severe social consequences. Some people think only government action can solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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Band 6+: The shortage of housing in big cities can cause severe consequences. Only government action can solve this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Urban areas face reduction in the number of houses which can lead to stringent outcomes. The majority of people believe that only authorities can take steps for this issue. I completely agree with this statement as government can enact a law to tackle this problem.

Firstly, lack of flats and houses in cities can lead to homelessness. Being unable to find any residential areas, individuals stay at hotels or with their relatives. Nonetheless, as this process is temporary, they have to face with the same situation. Furthermore, since these persons spend their time in the streets and parks, they can experience some health issues. For example, according to research, in Japan, the highest proportion of death is seen among the elderly people who are homeless. Moreover, the other social consequence is possibility of rising theft rates. People who cannot find any dwelling areas can see robbery, burglary as a solution getting money for providing themselves with living standards.

Nonetheless, authority policies can be done to preclude the number of houses from falling. They can take some financial measures such as allocating money for erecting new buildings for homeless people. Additionally, government can also provide local people with temporary free shelters until the time that they can already move to a real abode. To cite an example, in 2004, Brazilian government built up cottages on the river banks for people who spend their nights with sleeping in parks on benches.

To summarize, although some people can reside outdoors due to the lack of housing, some people opine that authorities can find solutions for this. I agree with that statement, and I believe that government members can address this situation by building extra abodes and also constructing some temporary shelters.

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Harris to Lay Out Economic Message Focused on High Cost of Living

The vice president’s plans represent more of a reboot of President Biden’s economic policies than a radically fresh start.

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By Nicholas Nehamas and Jim Tankersley

Reporting from Washington

• Aug. 16, 2024, 7:00 a.m. ET

Vice President Kamala Harris will unveil the central planks of her economic agenda on Friday in Raleigh, N.C., during her first major policy speech, focusing on how she plans to fight big corporations and bring down costs on necessities like food, housing and raising children.

Ms. Harris’s proposals for her first 100 days in the White House include efforts to combat price gouging at the grocery store , jump-start the construction of more affordable housing, restore an expanded tax credit for parents and lower the cost of prescription drugs, according to a briefing document released by her campaign. She will call for a tax incentive to build starter homes, seek to cap the cost of insulin at $35 for all Americans and attempt to reduce the cost of health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

Taken together, her plan represents more of a reboot of President Biden’s economic policy than a radically fresh start — a new sales pitch focused on its most popular aspects, not a new vision. Many of the policies reiterate or build on proposals in Mr. Biden’s most recent presidential budget. Harris campaign officials released scattered details, leaving key questions unanswered — like the income cutoff for families to qualify for a new $6,000 child tax credit for newborns, or what exactly would qualify as grocery-store “price gouging” under a federal ban.

Campaign officials did not detail how Ms. Harris would pay for her spending and tax-cut proposals in their release ahead of the speech. But they said her overall plan would reduce projected federal deficits, like Mr. Biden’s latest budget proposed to do, largely by “asking the wealthiest Americans and largest corporations to pay their fair share.”

In terms of emphasis, her speech is expected to shift away from Mr. Biden’s focus on job creation, particularly in manufacturing, and more toward reining in the cost of living.

And she will also try to paint a strong contrast against former President Donald J. Trump, describing him as a friend to billionaires and chief executives who will not help the middle class. Ms. Harris has been attacking Mr. Trump’s proposal to impose new tariffs of up to 20 percent on all imported goods, saying it would amount to a tax increase on working families.

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