APIEIELTS Writing: Gentrification and Changing Neighbourhoods
Gentrification and changing neighbourhoods
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Module 1: Getting Ready
Build your vocabulary and master key grammar structures before writing your essay.
💡 How to use this lesson
👩🏫 For Teachers
- • Allocate 55 minutes for the full 3-module sequence, starting with this vocabulary and grammar warm-up.
- • Use this module to check student grasp of C1 vocabulary and prepositions before independent writing.
🎓 For Learners
- • Work through sections A to E first to learn the key words, collocations, and target grammar.
- • Apply these exact terms and structures in Module 2 when you write your full essay draft.
Section A: Word Forms
Complete each sentence with the correct form of the word in brackets.
1. The old industrial waterfront underwent complete urban (regenerate) last year.
2. Years of (deprive) have left many families in the area with few basic services.
3. The old plot was sold to a private (develop) who wants to build luxury flats.
4. Many people fear that new investment will (gentrification) the whole district.
5. After a full (renovate), the old hall reopened to the public.
Section B: Unit Collocations
Choose the word that correctly completes each common collocation.
6. The sudden _____ of young professionals boosted retail sales in the area.
7. The empty factory had been left _____ for over two decades before construction started.
8. Boutiques and fine dining restaurants quickly opened in the newly _____ neighbourhood.
9. Elderly _____ who spent their whole lives in the borough are now being displaced.
10. Housing _____ staged a peaceful rally outside town hall to demand rent controls.
Section C: Key Essay Phrases
Fill in each blank using one phrase from the word bank. Use each phrase exactly once.
11. _____, the arrival of new businesses creates employment opportunities for local workers.
12. _____ the severe shortage of affordable flats, property prices continue to escalate.
13. _____ private investment is the most effective way to modernize decaying infrastructure.
14. Older neighbourhoods often lack green space. _____, newly planned residential zones feature public parks.
15. Landlords increased rents sharply; _____, many residents were forced to relocate.
Section D: Sentence Paraphrasing
Select the best C1-level paraphrase for each target sentence.
Original: "When rich newcomers move into an old neighbourhood, house prices usually increase very quickly."
Original: "Local residents are trying hard to stop property developers from tearing down historical buildings."
Original: "Many poor families have no choice but to leave their homes because they cannot pay the higher rents."
Section E: Grammar Recap: Verbs & Adjectives + 'to + -ing'
Review the pattern below and complete the 3 quick practice items.
Key Grammar Rule: Preposition 'to' + Verb (-ing)
In English, some verbs and adjectives use to as a preposition (not an infinitive marker). Whenever a verb follows a preposition, it must take the -ing form.
Common Expressions:
look forward to, object to, be committed to, be opposed to, resort to, amount to, be accustomed to, contribute to
19. Many long-term residents object to (pay) higher property taxes after regeneration.
20. Local councils must be committed to (protect) affordable housing units.
21. Ignoring tenant rights amounts to (violate) basic urban welfare principles.
Module 2: The Writing Task
Apply your target vocabulary and grammar to write a complete IELTS Task 2 essay response.
"In many cities, rents and house prices in older neighbourhoods are rising fast, and people who have lived there for years are being forced to leave. What are the main causes of this, and what can be done about it?"
📌 Writing Instructions & Requirements
- • Write at least 250 words.
- • Include at least 3 sentences using verbs or adjectives followed by to + -ing (e.g. look forward to, object to, be committed to, be opposed to, resort to, amount to, be accustomed to, contribute to).
- • Include at least 5 Unit words (gentrification, regeneration, influx, deprived, renovate, derelict, upmarket, developer, inhabitant, campaigner).
4-Paragraph Plan
Structure your essay around these paragraph starters:
"This essay will consider the main causes and some solutions."
"One cause is ..."
"To reduce the problem, ..."
"In conclusion, ..."
Self-Check Checklist
Verify your work against these items before submitting your essay:
Draft Your Essay
AI Feedback EnabledGrading Criteria
Module 3: Learning from a Model
Examine a high-scoring sample essay to see how target vocabulary and grammar work together in practice.
C1 Model Essay
Read the model response below. Pay attention to the bolded sentences containing the target to + -ing structures.
Paragraph 1: Introduction
In recent years, urban housing markets across many developed cities have witnessed dramatic shifts, leading to soaring rents in traditional working-class areas. Consequently, original residents face severe financial displacement as living costs escalate beyond their means. This essay will consider the main causes and some solutions.
Paragraph 2: Main Causes
One cause is the rapid gentrification driven by commercial property developers. As private investors purchase derelict buildings to renovate them into upmarket apartments, a massive influx of wealthier residents arrives. Many long-term inhabitants object to paying inflated rental prices for basic living accommodation, yet they are often forced to move.
Additionally, this growing demand accelerates property values, rapidly transforming previously deprived districts into exclusive commercial hubs. When city authorities fail to protect vulnerable residents, their inaction amounts to ignoring essential social welfare principles.
Paragraph 3: Solutions
To reduce the problem, local authorities must be committed to regulating urban growth through proactive legislation. Municipal councils can implement strict rent controls and mandate that new housing projects reserve a percentage of units for low-income families.
Furthermore, active community campaigners should participate in urban planning decisions to help preserve neighbourhood identity and social cohesion. Instead of surrendering housing policy to free-market forces, city planners should look forward to building inclusive urban communities.
Paragraph 4: Conclusion
In conclusion, rapid rental price increases stem primarily from speculative private development and shifting urban demographics. Although some local governments appear accustomed to allowing market-led expansion, they must take decisive action to safeguard affordable housing.
By combining legal protections with balanced neighbourhood regeneration, cities can modernize successfully without driving out their long-standing residents.
Why This Essay Works
🎯 Task Response & Structure
Follows the 4-paragraph plan cleanly using the required starter phrases, directly addressing both the causes and solutions to urban displacement.
📚 Lexical & Grammatical Integration
The essay uses all 10 Unit words and 5 phrases with to + -ing, so you can see how they sit in real sentences.
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