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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Car-Free Cities (Two-Part Q) - Band 6-9 Answers

Explore 4 model answers (Band 6-9) for IELTS Writing Task 2 car-free cities two-part question. Expert analysis, key vocabulary, and common mistakes.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Car-Free Cities (Two-Part Q) - Band 6-9 Answers | English AIdol Blog

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Explore 4 model answers (Band 6-9) for IELTS Writing Task 2 car-free cities two-part question. Expert analysis, key vocabulary, and common mistakes.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Car-Free Cities (Two-Part Question) - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Official Prompt (2026 Format)

"Some people believe that cities should be designed to be car-free in order to reduce pollution and congestion. Others argue that cars are essential for economic development and personal freedom. To what extent do you agree or disagree with both views?"

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Logical sequence but with some unclear referencing
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some task-specific vocabulary but with errors
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent errors but meaning remains clear

Answer:

Many people think that cities should not allow cars to reduce pollution while others say cars are important for economy. I think both views have some truth.

Firstly, having no cars in cities can help the environment. Cities like Venice have no cars and the air is cleaner. Also, without cars, there would be less traffic so people can move around easier. This would make cities better to live in.

However, cars are also important. They allow people to travel long distances quickly which is good for business. Also, many people like the freedom of having their own car. If cities ban cars, some people might move away and this could hurt the local economy.

In conclusion, while car-free cities can help the environment, we should not completely ban cars because they have benefits too.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Logical sequence with some sophisticated connectors
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses appropriate vocabulary with some less common items
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Attempts complex structures with some errors

Answer:

The debate whether cities should be designed to be car-free has gained momentum in recent years. Both sides present compelling arguments that warrant examination.

On one hand, the environmental benefits of car-free cities are undeniable. Urban areas account for a significant portion of global pollution, and vehicles are major contributors. Cities like Copenhagen have successfully implemented bike-sharing programs and pedestrian zones, resulting in improved air quality. Moreover, reducing car usage can alleviate traffic congestion, making cities more liveable.

Conversely, cars play a crucial role in economic development. They facilitate the transportation of goods and services, supporting businesses of all sizes. Personal vehicles also offer convenience and flexibility that public transport cannot always match. In developing economies, car ownership is often seen as a marker of economic progress.

In my view, a balanced approach is necessary. While we should encourage alternatives to car use through infrastructure improvements and incentives, an outright ban may be impractical and economically harmful.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Logical sequence with sophisticated connectors
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with skill and flexibility
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses complex structures with frequent errors

Answer:

The prospect of car-free cities has sparked intense debate, with proponents emphasizing environmental benefits and detractors highlighting economic implications. This complex issue requires nuanced analysis.

Advocates for car-free cities present compelling evidence of their environmental advantages. Urban areas contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions, with vehicles being major polluters. The World Health Organization estimates that ambient air pollution accounts for 4.2 million deaths per year worldwide. Cities like Oslo have demonstrated that congestion pricing and expanded public transport can significantly reduce vehicle use while improving quality of life.

However, the economic arguments against car bans are equally persuasive. The automotive industry supports millions of jobs globally. Moreover, cars are integral to supply chains, enabling the efficient movement of goods. In less developed regions, personal vehicles often provide essential mobility where public transport is inadequate. The International Transport Forum notes that vehicle ownership correlates with GDP growth in many economies.

Rather than implementing blanket bans, policymakers should adopt a phased approach. This could involve creating car-free zones in city centers while maintaining access in outer areas. Such a strategy acknowledges both environmental concerns and economic realities.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

  • Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Fully addresses both parts of the question with thorough development
  • Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility
  • Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility

Answer:

The dichotomy between environmental sustainability and economic practicality lies at the heart of the car-free cities debate. This complex issue demands a sophisticated examination of both perspectives.

Proponents of car-free urban environments articulate a compelling environmental case. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that transport accounts for nearly a quarter of global CO2 emissions. By creating pedestrianized zones and investing in public transport infrastructure, cities can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. The success of projects like Barcelona's Superblocks demonstrates how urban redesign can improve air quality while enhancing community well-being.

Conversely, the economic dimensions cannot be dismissed. The automotive sector contributes approximately 5% to global GDP, supporting 50 million jobs directly and indirectly. Personal vehicles enable economic activities that would be challenging to replicate through public transport alone. The World Bank highlights that in many emerging economies, car ownership correlates with rising incomes and economic development.

A more pragmatic solution would involve creating car-free zones in city centers while maintaining vehicle access in peripheral areas. This approach could be complemented by incentives for electric vehicle adoption and improvements in public transport. Such a balanced strategy acknowledges both environmental imperatives and economic realities, offering a sustainable path forward for urban development.

Key Vocabulary

  1. Undeniable (adj.) - impossible to deny or dispute
  • *The undeniable benefits of this approach include...'
  1. Momentum (noun) - strength or force gained by motion
  • 'The campaign gained momentum after the media coverage.'
  1. Altercation (noun) - a noisy argument
  • 'The disagreement escalated into a heated altercation.'
  1. Dichotomy (noun) - a division or contrast between two things
  • 'There exists a clear dichotomy between theory and practice.'
  1. Articulate (verb) - express oneself fluently and coherently
  • 'She articulated her views with remarkable clarity.'
  1. Articulate (verb) - express oneself fluently and coherently
  • 'She articulated her views with remarkable clarity.'
  1. Imperatives (noun) - essential or urgent requirements
  • 'The environmental imperatives necessitate immediate action.'
  1. Phased approach (noun phrase) - a plan executed in distinct stages
  • 'We recommend a phased approach to implementation.'
  1. Persuasive (adj.) - good at persuading someone to do or believe something
  • 'Her arguments were persuasive and well-reasoned.'
  1. Proponent (noun) - a person who supports a particular idea or cause
  • 'The main proponent of this theory is Dr. Smith.'
  1. Peripheral (adj.) - on or near the edge
  • 'The changes had only peripheral effects on the main project.'
  1. Compelling (adj.) - evoking interest, attention, or admiration
  • 'The evidence presented a compelling case for reform.'
  1. Correlate (verb) - have a mutual relationship or connection
  • 'Research shows that these factors correlate with higher productivity.'
  1. Disproportionately (adv.) - more than is fair or reasonable
  • 'Certain groups are disproportionately affected by this policy.'
  1. Integral (adj.) - necessary to make a whole complete
  • 'Teamwork is integral to our company's success.'
  1. Phased approach (noun phrase) - a plan executed in distinct stages
  • 'We recommend a phased approach to implementation.'
  1. Persuasive (adj.) - good at persuading someone to do or believe something
  • 'Her arguments were persuasive and well-reasoned.'
  1. Proponent (noun) - a person who supports a particular idea or cause
  • 'The main proponent of this theory is Dr. Smith.'
  1. Peripheral (adj.) - on or near the edge
  • 'The changes had only peripheral effects on the main project.'
  1. Compelling (adj.) - evoking interest, attention, or admiration
  • 'The evidence presented a compelling case for reform.'
  1. Correlate (verb) - have a mutual relationship or connection
  • 'Research shows that these factors correlate with higher productivity.'
  1. Disproportionately (adv.) - more than is fair or reasonable
  • 'Certain groups are disproportionately affected by this policy.'
  1. Integral (adj.) - necessary to make a whole complete
  • 'Teamwork is integral to our company's success.'
  1. Sustainable (adj.) - able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
  • 'We need to develop sustainable solutions for future generations.'
  1. Urban redesign (noun phrase) - the process of planning and redesigning cities
  • 'The urban redesign project aims to create more green spaces.'

Common Mistakes

  1. Ignoring the two-part question: Many candidates focus only on one aspect, either environmental benefits or economic concerns, failing to address both viewpoints sufficiently.
  1. Lack of specific examples: General statements without concrete evidence weaken arguments. Always support your points with real-world examples or data.
  1. Weak thesis statements: The introduction should clearly state your position on both parts of the question. Vague introductions lead to lower task response scores.
  1. Overgeneralization: Terms like 'everyone' or 'always' make arguments seem less nuanced. Use more precise language to acknowledge complexities.
  1. Inadequate vocabulary: Overusing basic words like 'good' or 'bad' instead of more sophisticated alternatives limits lexical resource scores.

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