IELTS Writing Task 2: Airport Expansion (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Rehabilitation: Band 9.0 Sample Answer
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice – Band 8.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Traffic Congestion - Band 6.5 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Influencers - Band 7.0…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice - Band 7.0 Sample…

The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt:

Many cities are planning to expand their airports to accommodate growing numbers of passengers. Some people argue that this is necessary for economic development, while others believe that the negative environmental impacts outweigh the benefits. To what extent do you agree or disagree with airport expansion? Additionally, what alternative solutions could be considered to address the increasing demand for air travel?

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The Sample Answer:

Airport expansion is a big problem. Some people say it's good for the economy, but others think it's bad for the environment. I agree with both sides.

First, airports are important for business. More flights mean more tourists and more money. For example, in my country, the airport brings in a lot of money. But airports also cause pollution. Planes and construction make the air dirty. In my city, the new airport made the air worse.

We should build more airports, but we should also make them cleaner. Electric planes could help. Also, we can make airports closer to cities so people don't have to drive far. This would be better for the environment.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but lacks clear development and fails to address both parts of the question fully.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are organized but with some repetition and unclear referencing.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors and awkward phrasing.

Band 7.0 Answer

The Sample Answer:

The issue of airport expansion is a contentious one, with valid arguments on both sides. While I acknowledge the economic benefits, I believe the environmental consequences are more significant and warrant consideration of alternative solutions.

On one hand, airport expansion can stimulate economic growth. Increased air traffic facilitates international business and tourism, creating jobs and boosting local economies. For instance, the expansion of Changi Airport in Singapore has significantly contributed to the country's GDP. However, the environmental impact cannot be ignored. Airport construction and increased flight operations contribute to air pollution, noise pollution, and habitat destruction. In my hometown, the construction of a new airport led to the displacement of local wildlife and increased traffic congestion.

To mitigate these issues, governments should invest in sustainable technologies. Developing electric aircraft and improving public transportation infrastructure to and from airports can reduce emissions. Additionally, implementing stricter regulations on airport operations and promoting remote work can help decrease the demand for air travel.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position and addresses both parts of the question with some development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items but occasional errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally effective communication.

Band 8.0 Answer

The Sample Answer:

The debate surrounding airport expansion is multifaceted, encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions. While I concede that airport expansion can drive economic growth, I firmly believe that the environmental repercussions are more severe and necessitate the exploration of alternative solutions.

Proponents of airport expansion argue that it fosters economic development by facilitating international trade and tourism. For example, the expansion of Dubai International Airport has transformed the city into a global hub, attracting millions of visitors and generating substantial revenue. However, the environmental costs are alarming. Airport expansion leads to deforestation, increased carbon emissions, and noise pollution, which can have detrimental effects on both human health and ecosystems. In my country, the construction of a new airport resulted in the destruction of a protected forest and a significant rise in air pollution levels.

To address these challenges, governments should prioritize sustainable development. Investing in renewable energy sources for airport operations, promoting the use of high-speed rail networks, and implementing carbon offset programs can help mitigate the environmental impact. Furthermore, urban planning strategies that integrate airports with existing public transportation systems can reduce the need for additional airport expansion.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position and addresses both parts of the question with well-developed arguments and 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 vocabulary with flexibility and precision, though some less common lexical items may be used inappropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with generally good control of grammar and punctuation, though some errors may still occur.

Band 9.0 Answer

The Sample Answer:

The contentious issue of airport expansion has sparked intense debate, with proponents highlighting economic benefits and critics emphasizing environmental degradation. While I acknowledge the economic advantages, I contend that the environmental consequences are more profound and warrant the exploration of innovative alternatives.

Advocates of airport expansion posit that it catalyzes economic growth by enhancing connectivity and fostering international trade. The expansion of Heathrow Airport, for instance, has solidified London's status as a global economic powerhouse, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities. Nevertheless, the environmental ramifications are dire. Airport expansion exacerbates climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributes to habitat destruction, and imposes significant noise pollution on surrounding communities. In my hometown, the construction of a new airport led to the displacement of indigenous communities and a marked increase in respiratory illnesses among residents.

To reconcile these competing priorities, policymakers must adopt a holistic approach. Investing in cutting-edge technologies such as electric aircraft and sustainable aviation fuels can reduce emissions. Additionally, promoting modal shift through the development of integrated transport networks and implementing stringent environmental regulations can mitigate the need for further airport expansion. By prioritizing sustainable development, we can ensure that the benefits of air travel are realized without compromising the well-being of future generations.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear, nuanced position and addresses both parts of the question with well-developed, supported, and extended arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices, creating a cohesive and fluent response.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication, demonstrating a high degree of lexical resource.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with full flexibility and accuracy, demonstrating a high degree of grammatical control.

Key Vocabulary

1. Contentious (adjective): Controversial or disputed.

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

1. Stimulate (verb): To encourage or provoke something.

• Example: Airport expansion can stimulate economic growth.

1. Facilitate (verb): To make something easier or more convenient.

• Example: Increased air traffic facilitates international business.

1. Mitigate (verb): To make something less severe or serious.

• Example: We can mitigate the environmental impact through sustainable technologies.

1. Proponent (noun): A person who supports or advocates for something.

• Example: Proponents of airport expansion argue that it fosters economic development.

1. Detrimental (adjective): Harmful or damaging.

• Example: Airport expansion can have detrimental effects on the environment.

1. Integrate (verb): To combine or incorporate something.

• Example: Urban planning strategies that integrate airports with public transportation can reduce the need for expansion.

1. Prioritize (verb): To focus on something as the most important.

• Example: Governments should prioritize sustainable development.

1. Holistic (adjective): Considering the whole of something rather than just its parts.

• Example: Policymakers must adopt a holistic approach to address the issue.

1. Exacerbate (verb): To make something worse.

• Example: Airport expansion exacerbates climate change through increased emissions.

1. Solidify (verb): To make something more solid or stable.

• Example: The expansion of Heathrow Airport solidified London's status as a global economic powerhouse.

1. Displacement (noun): The act of moving someone or something from their usual place or position.

• Example: The construction of a new airport led to the displacement of indigenous communities.

1. Respiratory (adjective): Relating to the lungs and the process of breathing.

• Example: The increase in air pollution levels led to a rise in respiratory illnesses.

1. Stringent (adjective): Strict or severe.

• Example: Implementing stringent environmental regulations can mitigate the need for further expansion.

1. Reconcile (verb): To make two things compatible or consistent.

• Example: To reconcile economic and environmental priorities, policymakers must adopt a holistic approach.

1. Catalyze (verb): To cause or accelerate a reaction or event.

• Example: Airport expansion can catalyze economic growth.

1. Attract (verb): To draw someone's attention or interest.

• Example: The expansion of Dubai International Airport attracts millions of visitors.

1. Generating (verb): Producing or creating something.

• Example: The expansion of Dubai International Airport generates substantial revenue.

1. Prioritize (verb): To focus on something as the most important.

• Example: Governments should prioritize sustainable development.

1. Well-being (noun): The state of being healthy, happy, or prosperous.

• Example: We can ensure the well-being of future generations through sustainable development.

Common Mistakes

1. Failing to Address Both Parts of the Question: Many students focus solely on one aspect of the question, either the economic benefits or the environmental impacts, and neglect to discuss the alternative solutions.

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students present a balanced argument without clearly stating their opinion, leading to a lower score in the Task Response criterion.

1. Inadequate Development of Ideas: Students often provide a list of ideas without explaining or supporting them with examples or evidence, resulting in a lower score in the Coherence and Cohesion criterion.

1. Overuse of Simple Sentences: Relying too heavily on simple sentence structures can limit the range and accuracy of grammar, affecting the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

1. Inappropriate Vocabulary: Using advanced vocabulary incorrectly can lead to misunderstandings and errors, negatively impacting the Lexical Resource score.

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 help you improve your score.