Band 7 IELTS Writing Task 2 Urban Services Essay: Cohesion and Grammar Insights
Sample Answer with Feedback

The health of a city and it's citizens must be given utmost priority as compared to arts, culture and entertainment. With provision of proper healthcare comes better quality of life in urban areas. Access to high-quality healthcare services should be a fundamental right of city residents. This decreases the overall city mortality rate and ensures that it's citizens recieve proper care even in the most critical conditions.
Education lays the foundations of growth and innovation in a developing society. It should be a priority for city governments to utilize public funds for building and maintenance of educational institutions. Students of all economical categories must be provided financial support in terms of their education. The building of proper infrastructure is an important factor to promote better lifestyle in a city.
While healthcare, education and infrastructure are the foundation on which a city grows and lives, it cannot thrive without culture and heritage. The citizens of a city are bound by the arts, culture and entertainment of their communities. It is important for city governments to fund and sponsor organizations which showcase the arts, heritage and culture of various communities to the public. Entertainment is a defining factor in the shaping of public opinion and influence through trends and media. It shapes the worldview of it's viewers and must be supported through building of entertainment theatres and funding various types of artists and their artforms.
Overall, I will conclude that city governments must prioritize the healthcare, education and infrastructure of a city. Arts, culture and entertainment must be prioritized secondarily as healthcare, education and better infrastructure must be treated as the basic rights of a citizen. City governments must allocate public funds primarily to building and maintaining essential urban services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. After laying the foundation for an equal and stable society for all city residents, the city government should invest in arts, culture and entertainment.

The way city governments allocate public funds has a profound impact on the quality of urban life. While some argue that municipal budgets should focus exclusively on essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, others believe that arts, culture, and entertainment are equally vital for creating vibrant and inclusive cities. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my view that cultural investment is indispensable for sustainable urban development.

On one hand, prioritizing essential services is seen as a practical and ethical obligation. In densely populated cities, access to reliable healthcare, quality education, and efficient infrastructure is critical for public safety and economic productivity. Hospitals, schools, and transport systems form the backbone of urban functionality. Supporters of this view argue that cultural initiatives, while enriching, are secondary luxuries that can be supported through private sponsorship or ticket revenue. Especially in cities facing budget constraints or social inequality, allocating funds to basic services is often considered non-negotiable.

However, advocates for cultural spending emphasize its transformative power in urban settings. Public investment in museums, theaters, parks, and festivals not only enhances the city’s identity but also fosters emotional well-being, creativity, and social cohesion. Cultural spaces provide platforms for dialogue, inclusion, and civic pride — particularly in diverse and marginalized communities. Moreover, arts and entertainment stimulate local economies through tourism, job creation, and small business growth. A city that neglects its cultural life may become efficient but emotionally disconnected, lacking inspiration and shared meaning.

In conclusion, while essential services must remain a priority, I firmly believe that arts and culture are integral to a thriving urban environment. A well-balanced city budget should reflect both practical needs and the human desire for connection, creativity, and joy. Investing in cultural life is not a luxury — it is a strategic choice that enriches cities and strengthens their social fabric.