IELTS Writing Task 2: Airport Expansion (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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Prompt
Some people believe that building new airports is beneficial for economic growth, while others argue that it causes environmental damage. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
The building of new airports is a controversial issue. On one hand, it can bring economic benefits, but on the other hand, it can cause environmental problems.
Firstly, new airports can create jobs and boost the economy. For example, when a new airport is built, many people are needed to construct it. Also, more flights mean more tourists, which is good for businesses. However, the environmental impact is a big concern. Airports produce a lot of pollution, and this can harm the environment. Additionally, noise pollution can disturb local residents.
In conclusion, while new airports can help the economy, we must consider the environmental effects. I think governments should find a balance between economic growth and protecting the environment.
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 errors and limited range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses simple sentence structures with frequent errors.
Band 7.0 Answer
The debate over airport expansion centers on its economic advantages versus its environmental drawbacks.
Proponents argue that new airports stimulate economic growth. They create construction jobs and attract tourists, benefiting local businesses. For instance, cities with major airports often see increased investment. Conversely, opponents highlight environmental concerns. Airports emit significant greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change. Moreover, noise pollution affects nearby communities, reducing quality of life.
In my view, while economic benefits are important, environmental protection should be prioritized. Governments should invest in sustainable technologies to mitigate these impacts.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments.
- 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 errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.
Band 8.0 Answer
The expansion of airports has become a contentious issue, with proponents emphasizing economic gains and critics highlighting environmental degradation.
Advocates of airport expansion argue that it fosters economic development. New airports create employment opportunities and attract foreign investment. For example, Dubai's airport expansion has significantly boosted its tourism industry. However, critics contend that airports contribute to environmental degradation. The construction and operation of airports lead to deforestation and air pollution, exacerbating climate change. Additionally, noise pollution from aircraft can have detrimental effects on local communities.
In my opinion, while the economic benefits are undeniable, the environmental costs are too high. Governments should focus on developing sustainable transportation alternatives to mitigate these impacts.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and relevant examples.
- 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 appropriate vocabulary with few errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
Band 9.0 Answer
The proliferation of airport expansion projects has sparked a heated debate, with proponents advocating for economic growth and detractors emphasizing environmental concerns.
Proponents of airport expansion argue that it catalyzes economic development. New airports create jobs and attract tourists, thereby stimulating local economies. For instance, the construction of Changi Airport in Singapore has not only generated employment but also positioned the city-state as a global aviation hub. Conversely, detractors highlight the environmental repercussions. Airports are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming. Furthermore, the noise pollution from aircraft can have adverse effects on the health and well-being of nearby residents.
In my view, while the economic benefits are substantial, the environmental costs are prohibitive. Governments should prioritize sustainable development by investing in green technologies and promoting public transportation to reduce reliance on air travel.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully developed arguments, relevant examples, and a logical conclusion.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with sophisticated collocations and minimal errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors and precise usage.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Controversial (adj.) - Debatable or disputed.
- Example: The issue of airport expansion is highly controversial.
- Economic growth (n.) - An increase in the production of goods and services in an economy.
- Example: Airport expansion can stimulate economic growth.
- Environmental damage (n.) - Harm caused to the natural world through human activity.
- Example: Airport expansion can lead to significant environmental damage.
- Greenhouse gases (n.) - Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
- Example: Airports emit large amounts of greenhouse gases.
- Noise pollution (n.) - Excessive or disturbing noise in the environment.
- Example: Noise pollution from airports can disturb local residents.
- Sustainable (adj.) - Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- Example: Governments should promote sustainable development.
- Proponents (n.) - People who support a particular idea or cause.
- Example: Proponents of airport expansion argue that it creates jobs.
- Detractors (n.) - People who criticize or speak against a particular idea or cause.
- Example: Detractors of airport expansion highlight environmental concerns.
- Deforestation (n.) - The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
- Example: Airport construction can lead to deforestation.
- Climate change (n.) - Long-term alterations in statistical distribution of weather patterns.
- Example: Airports contribute to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.
- Foreign investment (n.) - Investment in a country by individuals or companies from another country.
- Example: New airports attract foreign investment.
- Quality of life (n.) - The general well-being of individuals and societies.
- Example: Noise pollution from airports can reduce quality of life.
- Mitigate (v.) - Make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Governments should invest in sustainable technologies to mitigate environmental impacts.
- Global aviation hub (n.) - A major center for air travel and transportation.
- Example: Changi Airport has become a global aviation hub.
- Public transportation (n.) - A system of transport available to the public, typically run by a public body.
- Example: Governments should promote public transportation to reduce reliance on air travel.
- Adverse effects (n.) - Harmful or unfavorable consequences.
- Example: Noise pollution can have adverse effects on local communities.
- Green technologies (n.) - Technologies that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Example: Governments should invest in green technologies to reduce environmental impacts.
- Stimulate (v.) - Encourage or give an incentive for (something) to happen or develop.
- Example: Airport expansion can stimulate economic growth.
- Position (n.) - A point of view or opinion.
- Example: I believe that governments should prioritize sustainable development.
- Cohesive devices (n.) - Words or phrases that connect ideas and show relationships between them.
- Example: Cohesive devices help to organize ideas logically in an essay.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their essays, leading to a lower Task Response score.
- Weak Vocabulary: Using basic or repetitive vocabulary can limit Lexical Resource scores. Students should aim to use a wide range of appropriate vocabulary.
- Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Essays that lack logical organization and clear progression can receive lower Coherence and Cohesion scores. Students should use cohesive devices to connect ideas effectively.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can negatively impact Grammatical Range and Accuracy scores. Students should proofread their essays to minimize errors.
- Insufficient Development: Some students present ideas without sufficient development or examples, leading to lower Task Response scores. Students should aim to fully develop their arguments with relevant examples.
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