IELTS Writing Task 2: Airport Expansion - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people believe that the expansion of airports is essential for economic growth, while others argue that it causes more harm than good to the environment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The expansion of airports is important for the economy but it is bad for the environment. In my opinion, the economy is more important.

Airports are important because they help businesses grow. More airports mean more jobs and more money for the country. Tourists can come and spend money. This is good for the economy. But airports are also bad for the environment. They cause pollution and noise. This can hurt animals and people. However, I think the economy is more important. We need jobs and money to live well. So, we should build more airports.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a position but does not extend or support it sufficiently. (5.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are presented but there is some repetition and lack of progression. (5.5)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors. (6.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Has a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors. (6.0)

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate surrounding airport expansion centers on its economic benefits versus its environmental drawbacks. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Proponents of airport expansion argue that it stimulates economic growth. Airports facilitate international trade and tourism, creating jobs and generating revenue. For instance, the construction of a new airport can lead to the development of surrounding infrastructure, further boosting the local economy. However, opponents contend that airport expansion has detrimental effects on the environment. Increased air traffic results in higher carbon emissions, contributing to climate change. Additionally, noise pollution from aircraft can disturb wildlife and nearby residents.

In my view, while economic growth is important, we must prioritize environmental sustainability. Governments should invest in green technologies to mitigate the environmental impact of airport expansion. For example, they can promote the use of electric aircraft and implement noise reduction measures. By doing so, we can achieve a balance between economic development and environmental protection.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with some extension and support. (7.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. (7.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary with some flexibility. (7.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors. (7.0)

Band 8.0 Answer

The contentious issue of airport expansion pits economic prosperity against environmental conservation. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before advocating for a balanced approach.

Advocates for airport expansion contend that it is a catalyst for economic development. Airports serve as hubs for international business and tourism, fostering job creation and economic growth. For example, the expansion of Changi Airport in Singapore has significantly boosted the country's tourism industry, contributing to its economic success. Moreover, airports stimulate the development of ancillary services such as hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, further enhancing economic activity.

Conversely, critics argue that airport expansion exacts a heavy toll on the environment. The construction of new runways and terminals often involves the destruction of natural habitats, leading to biodiversity loss. Furthermore, the increase in air traffic exacerbates air pollution and noise pollution, posing health risks to both wildlife and local communities. For instance, the expansion of Heathrow Airport in the UK has been met with fierce opposition due to its environmental impact.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should invest in sustainable aviation technologies and implement stringent environmental regulations to mitigate the adverse effects of airport expansion. By doing so, we can harness the economic benefits of airport expansion while minimizing its environmental impact.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with extended and supported arguments. (8.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (8.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. (8.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some flexibility and precision. (8.0)

Band 9.0 Answer

The dichotomy between economic growth and environmental preservation is epitomized by the debate surrounding airport expansion. This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives before advocating for a nuanced approach.

Proponents of airport expansion posit that it is a linchpin for economic prosperity. Airports function as vital nodes in the global network of commerce and tourism, facilitating the movement of people and goods. The expansion of Dubai International Airport, for example, has transformed the emirate into a global business hub, attracting multinational corporations and generating substantial revenue. Furthermore, airports spur the development of ancillary industries, creating a ripple effect that permeates the broader economy.

However, detractors argue that airport expansion exacts an exorbitant environmental cost. The construction of new infrastructure often entails the deforestation of ecologically sensitive areas, leading to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. Additionally, the proliferation of air traffic contributes to the anthropogenic emissions that are driving climate change. The expansion of Beijing Capital International Airport, for instance, has been criticized for its environmental impact, with local residents and environmental groups raising concerns about air and noise pollution.

In my view, a nuanced approach is requisite. Governments should prioritize the adoption of sustainable aviation technologies, such as electric aircraft and biofuels, to mitigate the environmental impact of airport expansion. Moreover, they should implement robust environmental regulations and invest in green infrastructure to ensure that economic growth is not achieved at the expense of environmental degradation. By doing so, we can strike a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with extended and supported arguments, demonstrating a thorough treatment of the task. (9.0)
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices, creating a coherent and cohesive response. (9.0)
• Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision, demonstrating a sophisticated control of the language. (9.0)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with full flexibility and precision, demonstrating a sophisticated control of the language. (9.0)

Key Vocabulary

1. Epitomized: Represented or embodied in a perfect or typical example. Example: The dichotomy between economic growth and environmental preservation is epitomized by the debate surrounding airport expansion.
2. Linchpin: A person or thing vital to an enterprise or organization. Example: Proponents of airport expansion posit that it is a linchpin for economic prosperity.
3. Anthropogenic: Resulting from or produced by human beings. Example: The proliferation of air traffic contributes to the anthropogenic emissions that are driving climate change.
4. Exorbitant: (Of a fee or cost) unreasonably high. Example: However, detractors argue that airport expansion exacts an exorbitant environmental cost.
5. Nuanced: Characterized by subtle differences in meaning or expression. Example: In my view, a nuanced approach is requisite.
6. Stewardship: The job of taking care of something, such as an organization or the natural environment. Example: By doing so, we can strike a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.
7. Deforestation: The action of clearing a large area of trees. Example: The construction of new infrastructure often entails the deforestation of ecologically sensitive areas.
8. Biodiversity: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable. Example: Leading to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss.
9. Ancillary: Auxiliary; supplementary. Example: Furthermore, airports spur the development of ancillary industries.
10. Ripple effect: A situation in which, if something changes, everything connected with it is also affected often in a negative way. Example: Creating a ripple effect that permeates the broader economy.
11. Proliferation: Rapid increase in the number or amount of something. Example: The proliferation of air traffic contributes to the anthropogenic emissions.
12. Mitigate: Make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful. Example: To mitigate the environmental impact of airport expansion.
13. Robust: Strong and healthy; vigorous. Example: Moreover, they should implement robust environmental regulations.
14. Degradation: The process of being degraded or made worse in quality. Example: Ensure that economic growth is not achieved at the expense of environmental degradation.
15. Harmonious: Free from disagreement or dissent; peaceful and orderly. Example: By doing so, we can strike a harmonious balance between economic development and environmental stewardship.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
2. Inadequate Support: Students often present arguments without sufficient support or examples, resulting in a lack of depth in their response.
3. Poor Organization: A lack of logical organization and progression can make the essay difficult to follow, affecting the Coherence and Cohesion score.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can result in a lower score in Lexical Resource. Students should aim to use a wide range of vocabulary with precision.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the response, affecting the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

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