GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 146
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many cities, the construction of new houses and office buildings is not controlled. This leads to people building in whatever style they want without thinking about design.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer: [disadvantages of this outweigh its advantages]
The regulations of building and construction are at the forefront of national debate and driving political discourse as construction and design of new apartments, in many urban areas, are not regulated strictly by the government. In turn, different shapes, styles, and designs of buildings are scattered in cities. While it reaps many benefits, I feel that the drawbacks of this phenomenon outstrip its advantages.
The builders gain some advantages from this lax control. First and foremost, it gives architects and designers much scope for creativity. Put simply, when they have simple rules to comply with, engineers can take the risk to conduct an experiment with designs and shapes, which in turn, erect buildings which are likely to be unique. In fact, it builds a beautiful city with an eclectic mixture of ancient and modern designs. Secondly, the commence of a construction undergoes a process of simplification resulting in accelerating the building process. In New Delhi, India, for instance, where the government hardly interfere in construction affairs, builders can start construction within a few weeks of buying land.
Despite the aforementioned benefits, this development has its serious drawbacks. A notable one is that freedom of construction can spoil the ambience of a neighbourhood. To illustrate, by allowing citizens to put up a modern structure next to a heritage site, the character of the city can be marred. Not only does this make the city less attractive, but also the economy may suffer from a drop in tourist’s rate. Another key fact to remember is that loose building regulations can lead to a compromise with safety. A very good example here is Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, where many buildings were damaged during the severe earthquake in 2015 because they were built by violating building codes and regulations. Thus, stringent building regulations are of profound importance.
To conclude, the benefits of relaxed design and construction codes are eclipsed by its setbacks in the sense that the phenomenon can harm the economy and cause horrific incidents.