IELTS Writing Task 2: Airport Expansion - Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
Related guides:
Prompt
Some people believe that the expansion of airports is necessary for economic growth, while others argue that it causes more problems than benefits. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Sample Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
In my opinion, the expansion of airports is beneficial for economic growth. First, it creates more jobs for people. For example, when a new airport is built, many people are needed to work there. Second, it helps businesses to grow. Companies can transport their goods more easily, which means they can sell more products. However, some people say that airports cause pollution. This is true, but we can use new technology to reduce pollution. In conclusion, the benefits of airport expansion are greater than the problems.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with frequent errors.
Band 7.0 Answer
The expansion of airports is a contentious issue, with proponents arguing for economic benefits and opponents highlighting environmental concerns. On one hand, airport expansion can stimulate economic growth. It creates employment opportunities, from construction workers to airline staff. Additionally, it facilitates international trade, enabling businesses to transport goods more efficiently. For instance, countries with well-connected airports often attract more tourists and investors. On the other hand, the environmental impact of airports is undeniable. Airplanes emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. Noise pollution from airplanes can also disturb local residents. However, these issues can be mitigated with better technology and regulations. In my view, the economic advantages outweigh the drawbacks, making airport expansion a worthwhile investment.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with occasional errors.
Band 8.0 Answer
The debate surrounding airport expansion is multifaceted, encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Proponents of airport expansion argue that it is a catalyst for economic development. The construction of new airports generates employment opportunities, ranging from skilled laborers to highly trained aviation professionals. Furthermore, the enhanced connectivity fosters international trade and tourism, which are vital for a nation's economic health. For example, countries like Dubai and Singapore have leveraged their strategic airport locations to become global business hubs. Conversely, opponents highlight the environmental repercussions. The aviation industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. Additionally, the noise and air pollution from airports can adversely affect the quality of life for nearby residents. However, these concerns can be addressed through sustainable practices, such as investing in cleaner technologies and implementing stricter regulations. In my opinion, the economic benefits of airport expansion justify the environmental costs, provided that appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the negative impacts.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and some sophistication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures with frequent error-free sentences.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Contentious (adj.): causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
- Example: The issue of airport expansion is highly contentious among environmentalists and economists.
- Stimulate (v.): to encourage or incite something to develop or increase.
- Example: The government aims to stimulate economic growth through infrastructure projects.
- Mitigate (v.): to make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: New regulations aim to mitigate the environmental impact of airports.
- Exacerbate (v.): to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
- Example: The increased air traffic has exacerbated the problem of noise pollution.
- Adversely (adv.): in a way that has a harmful or negative effect.
- Example: The expansion of the airport has adversely affected local residents.
- Leverage (v.): to use something to its maximum advantage.
- Example: The city leveraged its strategic location to attract international businesses.
- Repercussions (n.): an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.
- Example: The environmental repercussions of airport expansion are a major concern.
- Facilitate (v.): to make an action or process easy or easier.
- Example: The new airport will facilitate the transportation of goods and passengers.
- Undeniable (adj.): impossible to deny or dispute.
- Example: The environmental impact of airports is undeniable.
- Strategic (adj.): relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
- Example: The location of the new airport is strategic for international trade.
- Vital (adj.): absolutely necessary; essential.
- Example: International trade and tourism are vital for economic growth.
- Adversely (adv.): in a way that has a harmful or negative effect.
- Example: The expansion of the airport has adversely affected local residents.
- Exacerbate (v.): to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
- Example: The increased air traffic has exacerbated the problem of noise pollution.
- Leverage (v.): to use something to its maximum advantage.
- Example: The city leveraged its strategic location to attract international businesses.
- Repercussions (n.): an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one.
- Example: The environmental repercussions of airport expansion are a major concern.
- Facilitate (v.): to make an action or process easy or easier.
- Example: The new airport will facilitate the transportation of goods and passengers.
- Undeniable (adj.): impossible to deny or dispute.
- Example: The environmental impact of airports is undeniable.
- Strategic (adj.): relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.
- Example: The location of the new airport is strategic for international trade.
- Vital (adj.): absolutely necessary; essential.
- Example: International trade and tourism are vital for economic growth.
- Contentious (adj.): causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.
- Example: The issue of airport expansion is highly contentious among environmentalists and economists.
Common Mistakes
- Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or examples.
- Lack of Clarity: Failing to clearly state and support your position.
- Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or phrases without adding new information.
- Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using inappropriate or overly complex vocabulary that detracts from the message.
- Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that hinder understanding.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.
