IELTS Writing Task 2: Airport Expansion (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Many governments are planning to expand airports to accommodate increasing air traffic. Do you agree or disagree with this development? Give relevant support for your answer.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Airport expansion is a common trend in many countries. I agree with this development because it can bring many benefits. First, it can create more jobs for local people. Second, it can make travel easier and faster. However, some people think that airport expansion can cause pollution. I think the benefits are more important than the problems.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position but lacks depth and development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically ordered but lack clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some appropriate vocabulary but lacks sophistication.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Contains frequent errors that may impede understanding.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The expansion of airports is a contentious issue. I firmly believe that this development is necessary due to the increasing number of air travelers. Firstly, airport expansion can stimulate economic growth by creating employment opportunities and attracting tourists. Secondly, it can enhance connectivity, making it easier for people to travel for business or leisure. However, critics argue that airport expansion can lead to environmental degradation. While this is a valid concern, I believe that implementing strict environmental regulations can mitigate these negative impacts.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended support.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate and sophisticated vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Contains some errors but generally accurate.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

In response to the burgeoning demand for air travel, many governments are contemplating airport expansion. I wholeheartedly concur with this initiative, as it offers numerous advantages. Firstly, airport expansion can bolster economic growth by generating employment opportunities and fostering tourism. Secondly, it can facilitate global connectivity, enabling seamless travel for both business and leisure. While it is true that airport expansion can exacerbate environmental issues, I contend that the implementation of sustainable practices can alleviate these concerns. For instance, the introduction of green technologies and stringent environmental regulations can minimize the ecological footprint of airports.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of sophisticated vocabulary appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Contains occasional errors but generally accurate.

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The proliferation of air travel has necessitated the expansion of airports worldwide. I am firmly convinced that this development is not only inevitable but also beneficial. Firstly, airport expansion can catalyze economic growth by creating a plethora of job opportunities and attracting a deluge of tourists. Secondly, it can enhance global connectivity, fostering international trade and cultural exchange. While it is indisputable that airport expansion can engender environmental degradation, I posit that the adoption of sustainable practices can ameliorate these issues. For example, the integration of renewable energy sources and the implementation of stringent environmental regulations can significantly mitigate the ecological impact of airports. Furthermore, the economic benefits of airport expansion can be reinvested in environmental conservation projects, thereby striking a harmonious balance between development and sustainability.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, demonstrating a thorough treatment of the task.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and a wide range of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary appropriately and flexibly.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of structures with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj.): Controversial or disputed.

• Example: The issue of airport expansion is highly contentious.

1. Stimulate (v.): To encourage or promote development or growth.

• Example: Airport expansion can stimulate economic growth.

1. Mitigate (v.): To make less severe, serious, or painful.

• Example: Strict environmental regulations can mitigate the negative impacts of airport expansion.

1. Burgeoning (adj.): Rapidly growing or expanding.

• Example: The burgeoning demand for air travel necessitates airport expansion.

1. Bolster (v.): To support or strengthen.

• Example: Airport expansion can bolster economic growth.

1. Exacerbate (v.): To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

• Example: Airport expansion can exacerbate environmental issues.

1. Contemplate (v.): To consider or think about something carefully.

• Example: Many governments are contemplating airport expansion.

1. Facilitate (v.): To make an action or process easy or easier.

• Example: Airport expansion can facilitate global connectivity.

1. Indisputable (adj.): Too clear or obvious to be denied or doubted.

• Example: It is indisputable that airport expansion can engender environmental degradation.

1. Engender (v.): To cause or give rise to a situation or feeling.

• Example: Airport expansion can engender environmental degradation.

1. Ameliorate (v.): To make something bad or unsatisfactory better.

• Example: The adoption of sustainable practices can ameliorate environmental issues.

1. Integration (n.): The action or process of combining or adding something to another thing so that they become a whole.

• Example: The integration of renewable energy sources can mitigate the ecological impact of airports.

1. Stringent (adj.): Strict, precise, and exacting.

• Example: Stringent environmental regulations can minimize the ecological footprint of airports.

1. Reinvest (v.): To invest money again or in a different way.

• Example: The economic benefits of airport expansion can be reinvested in environmental conservation projects.

1. Strike a balance (idiom): To achieve a situation in which two opposing things are equal or in the correct proportions.

• Example: Airport expansion can strike a balance between development and sustainability.

Common Mistakes

1. Vague Statements: Avoid making general statements without specific examples or evidence.
2. Lack of Coherence: Ensure that your ideas are logically organized and connected.
3. Inappropriate Vocabulary: Use academic and formal language appropriate for IELTS Writing Task 2.
4. Grammatical Errors: Pay attention to grammatical accuracy to avoid losing marks.
5. Ignoring the Task: Make sure to address the task fully and present a clear position.

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