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See Band 6-9 model answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 'car free cities' positive-negative essay. Get expert-scored practice with English AIdol.
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See Band 6-9 model answers for IELTS Writing Task 2 'car free cities' positive-negative essay. Get expert-scored practice with English AIdol.
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Many cities worldwide are considering becoming car-free to reduce pollution and congestion. Discuss the positive and negative impacts of this approach. Give relevant examples and provide your opinion.
Scored: 6.0
Task Response 5.0: Presents a position and some relevant ideas but these are limited and not fully developed. Coherence and Cohesion 5.0: There is some attempt at organization but ideas are not clearly connected. Lexical Resource 6.0: Some appropriate vocabulary but frequent errors and limited range. Grammatical Range and Accuracy 7.0: Attempts complex structures but makes frequent errors.
Cities becoming car-free is a good idea because it can make the air cleaner. People will not breathe bad air and get sick less often. Also, cities will be quieter because cars make a lot of noise. In some places like London, they already do this in some areas and it works well.
But, there are some problems. Not everyone can walk or ride a bike everywhere. Some people need to go far for work. Also, public transport is not always good enough. In my country, the buses are often late and crowded. This makes people angry.
I think cities should try to reduce cars but not make them totally disappear. They can make special areas for cars and more places for walking and bikes. This way, people have choices and the city is still clean.
Scored: 7.0
Task Response 6.0: Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas, though some details may be irrelevant or unclear. Coherence and Cohesion 7.0: Uses cohesive devices effectively but there may be some underuse or overuse of certain connectors. Lexical Resource 7.0: Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary but may make some errors in word choice or collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy 7.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but makes some errors.
The proposal to create car-free cities has sparked considerable debate. On one hand, this approach offers significant environmental benefits. Reduced vehicular emissions would lead to cleaner air and potentially lower healthcare costs due to fewer respiratory illnesses. Cities like Oslo have successfully implemented car-free zones, resulting in improved air quality and enhanced quality of life.
However, there are notable drawbacks to consider. Public transportation systems in many cities are inadequate, making it difficult for residents to commute efficiently. For instance, in Bangalore, India, the metro system is still underdeveloped, and buses are often overcrowded. Additionally, essential services such as delivery of goods may be disrupted, affecting daily life.
In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. Cities should aim to reduce car usage by improving public transportation and encouraging the use of bicycles. Pedestrian-friendly zones can be expanded, but a complete ban on cars may not be practical or beneficial for everyone.
Scored: 8.0
Task Response 7.0: Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. Coherence and Cohesion 7.0: Uses cohesive devices effectively but there may be some underuse or overuse of certain connectors. Lexical Resource 8.0: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but may make occasional errors in word choice or collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy 8.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
The notion of car-free cities has gained traction as a solution to urban pollution and congestion. Proponents argue that eliminating cars would drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby mitigating climate change. For example, cities like Copenhagen have prioritized cycling infrastructure, resulting in a 62% modal share for bicycles, which has significantly improved air quality.
Conversely, opponents highlight the practical challenges. Many cities lack the infrastructure to support alternative transportation methods. In cities like Mexico City, the metro system is already overwhelmed, and expanding it to accommodate all residents is a daunting task. Furthermore, certain professions, such as delivery services, rely heavily on vehicles, and a sudden ban could lead to economic disruption.
From my perspective, a phased approach is more viable. Cities should gradually reduce car usage by investing in public transportation, promoting remote work, and creating car-free zones in city centers. This approach allows for a smoother transition and ensures that the needs of all residents are met.
Scored: 9.0
Task Response 9.0: Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. Coherence and Cohesion 9.0: Uses cohesive devices effectively and flexibly with rare underuse or overuse of certain connectors. Lexical Resource 9.0: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise, sophisticated, and natural collocations. Grammatical Range and Accuracy 9.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
The concept of car-free cities has emerged as a contentious yet compelling solution to the dual challenges of urban pollution and traffic congestion. Advocates of this approach emphasize the environmental benefits, citing reduced carbon emissions and improved public health. For instance, the city of Amsterdam's extensive cycling network has not only curbed vehicular emissions but also fostered a more active and healthier lifestyle among its citizens.
However, the implementation of car-free policies is not without its challenges. Critics argue that the sudden prohibition of cars could exacerbate socio-economic disparities. In cities with inadequate public transportation, such as Lagos, Nigeria, the working class would be disproportionately affected, as they often rely on informal transport systems. Moreover, the economic impact on industries such as automobile manufacturing and taxi services could be severe.
In my view, a nuanced approach is essential. Cities should prioritize the development of sustainable public transportation systems, such as electric buses and trams, while simultaneously incentivizing the use of bicycles and other non-motorized transport. Car-free zones should be introduced gradually, starting with city centers, and accompanied by comprehensive support for affected industries and residents. This balanced strategy would ensure a smoother transition towards a more sustainable urban future.
| Word/phrase | Definition | Example collocation | | --- | --- | --- | | Proponents | Supporters of a particular idea or cause | Proponents argue that... | | Mitigating | Making something less severe or serious | Mitigating climate change | | Daunting | Seeming difficult and intimidating | A daunting task | | Phased approach | A plan that is carried out in distinct stages | A phased approach is more viable | | Incentivizing | Encouraging someone to do something by offering a reward | Incentivizing the use of bicycles | | Socio-economic disparities | Differences in income, wealth, and social status | Exacerbate socio-economic disparities | | Modal share | The percentage of trips made by a particular mode of transportation | 62% modal share for bicycles | | Informal transport systems | Unregulated or unlicensed forms of transportation | Rely on informal transport systems | | Non-motorized transport | Transportation that does not use engines or motors | Use of bicycles and other non-motorized transport | | Comprehensive | Including or dealing with all or nearly all aspects of something | Comprehensive support | | Sustainable urban future | A future where cities can continue to develop without harming the environment | Transition towards a more sustainable urban future | | Vehicular emissions | Pollutants released by vehicles | Reduced vehicular emissions | | Pedestrian-friendly | Designed to cater to the needs of people walking | Pedestrian-friendly zones | | Modal share | The percentage of trips made by a particular mode of transportation | 62% modal share for bicycles |
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The minimum word count is 250 words. Essays with fewer than 250 words will be penalized.
Examples are crucial as they support your arguments and demonstrate your ability to provide relevant details, which is part of the task response criteria.
No, bullet points are not acceptable in IELTS Writing Task 2. The essay must be written in complete sentences and paragraphs.
Examiners look for clear organization, the use of cohesive devices, and logical connections between ideas. Essays should have clear topic sentences and a natural flow of ideas.
Band 7 uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items but may make occasional errors. Band 8 uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but may make occasional errors in word choice or collocation.
Practice writing complex sentences and vary your sentence structures. Use a variety of tenses and sentence types to demonstrate your grammatical range.
The introduction should clearly state your position and the main points you will discuss. The conclusion should summarize your arguments and restate your position.
To achieve a Band 9, you need to present a clear position, extend and support ideas with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, use cohesive devices effectively and flexibly, and use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
| Label | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Average score for IELTS Writing Task 2 | 5.5 | IELTS Official Statistics | | Percentage of test-takers scoring Band 7 or above | 30% | IELTS Global Report | | Most common mistake in IELTS Writing Task 2 | Lack of relevant examples | Cambridge Assessment English | | Average time spent on Writing Task 2 | 35 minutes | IELTS Test Taker Survey | | Percentage of candidates using all three body paragraphs | 70% | IELTS Examiner Feedback |