ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: Xuân Phi, 29/03/2021
Supported by: Ex-BC Examiner, 30/03/2021
Question: It is important for all towns and cities to have large public outdoor places like squares and parks. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
(IELTS Academic – 27/03/2021)
ANSWER:
The initiative to promote outdoor spaces in metropolitan areas has gained in popularity in recent years. Although these public places might result in a minor uptick in crimes, I personally support such forward-looking policies considering their effect on public health.
On the one hand, minor infractions might be on the rise in public areas. A clear instance of this is the case of Nguyen Hue pedestrian square in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Since its public opening in 2018, the square has attracted millions of visitors who enjoy strolling, gathering with friends and enjoying quality time with family. As visitors are tightly packed in the space and may be distracted by their friends and family, they have become easy targets for criminals such as pickpockets. This is not only a loss for the unfortunate victims but can also damage the image of a safe and hospitable Ho Chi Minh City.
On the other hand, it is clear to me that outdoor spaces are beneficial to physical health. There are many parks, gardens and squares that offer an abundance of freely accessible resources for exercises. For example, those in Hanoi typically provide residents with exercise equipment and fitness activities which often come free of charge. In addition, public spaces are generally filled with plants, fostering a greener atmosphere and offering visitors a refreshing escape from the pollution that they must frequently endure in densely populated cities. Recent policy research into this area has shown that residents in the vicinity of public spaces tend to exercise more regularly, thus enjoying overall better health.
In conclusion, in spite of the threat of petty crimes, I would opine that public spaces should be encouraged in every city and town to promote healthier lifestyles. It is therefore advisable that city planners should allocate at least 20 percent of total development area for green spaces or public areas.
Words count: 312
WORD LIST:
ENGLISH |
TIẾNG VIỆT |
Become easy targets for criminals | Trở thành mục tiêu tiềm năng của tội phạm |
The initiative to promote outdoor spaces | Phát kiến về việc thúc đẩy không gian ngoài trời |
A minor uptick in crimes | Một sự gia tăng nhẹ trong việc phạm pháp |
Visitors are tightly packed in the space | Khách tham quan chật cứng trong không gian đó |
Offer an abundance of freely accessible resources for exercises | Cung cấp vô số tài nguyên miễn phí cho việc tập luyện |
Exercise equipment and fitness activities which come free of charge | Thiết bị tập thể dục và các hoạt động thể dục miễn phí |
Pickpockets | Móc túi |
Foster a greener atmosphere | Nuôi dưỡng bầu không khí xanh hơn |
A refreshing escape from the pollution | Thoát khỏi ô nhiễm một cách khoan khoái |
Densely populated cities | Những thành phố đông dân cư |
Residents in the vicinity of public spaces | Cư dân sống gần khu vực không gian công cộng |
Minor infraction | Vi phạm nhỏ |