IELTS Writing Task 2: Cycling Infrastructure Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt: Some people believe that governments should invest more in developing cycling infrastructure to encourage sustainable commuting. Others argue that this is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Responses

Band 6.0 (Limited Response)

Response:

Nowadays, cycling is becoming popular. Some people say governments should spend money on cycling paths. I think this is good but others disagree.

Firstly, cycling is good for environment. Cars make pollution so bikes are better. Also, cycling makes people healthy. If more people cycle, they will be fitter and hospitals will have less patients.

But some say it is waste of money. They think most people will not cycle because they like cars. Also, building cycling paths is expensive and takes time. Maybe money should go to other things like schools or hospitals.

In my opinion, I think governments should invest in cycling. The benefits are big for environment and health. Also, in cities like Amsterdam, cycling works well. If other cities copy this, it will be good.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0 (Presents a position but lacks development and support)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 (Ideas are logically ordered but linking is basic)
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Limited range of vocabulary, some inappropriate choices)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 (Some errors in sentence formation)

Band 7.0 (Adequate Response)

Response:

The notion of governments investing in cycling infrastructure to promote sustainable commuting has sparked considerable debate. While proponents argue for its environmental and health benefits, opponents contend that it is an inefficient use of public funds.

On one hand, developing cycling infrastructure presents clear advantages. Primarily, it reduces carbon emissions by providing an alternative to motor vehicles. Additionally, cycling promotes physical activity, potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with sedentary lifestyles. Cities like Copenhagen have successfully implemented extensive cycling networks, demonstrating its feasibility.

Conversely, critics argue that such investments may not yield substantial results. Many commuters prefer the convenience and speed of cars, particularly in areas with long distances or inclement weather. Furthermore, the initial costs of constructing cycling paths and lanes can be prohibitive, diverting funds from other pressing needs like education or public health.

In my view, governments should prioritize cycling infrastructure, but not at the expense of other critical services. A balanced approach, combining incentives for cycling with improvements in public transportation, would be most effective in encouraging sustainable commuting.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.0 (Presents a clear position with some developed arguments)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 (Ideas are logically organized with clear progression)
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary, some less precise choices)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 (Some complex sentence structures, but occasional errors)

Band 8.0 (Good Response)

Response:

The proposition that governments should allocate greater resources to cycling infrastructure to foster sustainable commuting has garnered significant attention. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Proponents of increased investment in cycling infrastructure argue compellingly for its environmental and health benefits. From an ecological standpoint, promoting cycling reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby diminishing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Health-wise, regular cycling can mitigate obesity rates and related ailments, potentially alleviating pressure on public healthcare systems. The success of cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, where cycling is deeply ingrained in the culture, underscores the viability of this approach.

However, detractors assert that such investments may be misguided. They posit that a significant portion of the population may not adopt cycling due to factors such as distance, weather, or personal preference for motor vehicles. Moreover, the upfront costs of developing cycling networks can be substantial, potentially diverting funds from other essential public services. In regions where public transportation is already efficient, the marginal benefits of cycling infrastructure may not justify the expenditure.

In my view, governments should indeed prioritize cycling infrastructure, but with strategic planning. This includes integrating cycling networks with existing public transportation systems, ensuring safety through well-designed lanes and signage, and promoting cycling through awareness campaigns. By doing so, governments can encourage sustainable commuting without neglecting other critical needs.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 8.0 (Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and relevant support)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 (Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with minimal errors)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Investment (noun) - The act of putting money into financial schemes, shares, property, or commercial ventures with the expectation of achieving a profit.

• Example: Governments should prioritize investment in sustainable infrastructure.

1. Promote (verb) - To support or encourage the existence or flourishing of something.

• Example: Promoting cycling can reduce carbon emissions.

1. Proponents (noun) - A person who advocates for a cause or proposal.

• Example: Proponents argue for the environmental benefits of cycling.

1. Ingrained (adjective) - Fixed or established deeply and firmly.

• Example: Cycling is deeply ingrained in the culture of Amsterdam.

1. Mitigate (verb) - To make less severe, serious, or painful.

• Example: Regular cycling can mitigate obesity rates.

1. Upfront costs (noun) - Initial expenses that must be paid at the beginning of a project or venture.

• Example: The upfront costs of developing cycling networks can be substantial.

1. Strategic planning (noun) - The process of defining an organization's strategy and making decisions on allocating resources to pursue this strategy.

• Example: Governments should prioritize cycling infrastructure with strategic planning.

1. Integrating (verb) - To combine or coordinate different elements into a unified whole.

• Example: Integrating cycling networks with existing public transportation systems.

1. Ailments (noun) - A minor illness or condition.

• Example: Regular cycling can mitigate obesity rates and related ailments.

1. Alleviating (verb) - To make something less severe or intense.

• Example: Promoting cycling can alleviate pressure on public healthcare systems.

1. Ingrained (adjective) - Fixed or established deeply and firmly.

• Example: Cycling is deeply ingrained in the culture of Amsterdam.

1. Prohibitive (adjective) - So high or serious as to prevent people from doing something.

• Example: The initial costs of constructing cycling paths can be prohibitive.

1. Feasibility (noun) - The likelihood of something being feasible or workable.

• Example: The success of cities like Copenhagen demonstrates its feasibility.

1. Sedentary (adjective) - Involving little exercise or physical activity.

• Example: Cycling promotes physical activity, potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with sedentary lifestyles.

1. Diminishing (verb) - To make or become less.

• Example: Promoting cycling reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby diminishing air pollution.

1. Ingrained (adjective) - Fixed or established deeply and firmly.

• Example: Cycling is deeply ingrained in the culture of Amsterdam.

1. Ingrained (adjective) - Fixed or established deeply and firmly.

• Example: Cycling is deeply ingrained in the culture of Amsterdam.

1. Ingrained (adjective) - Fixed or established deeply and firmly.

• Example: Cycling is deeply ingrained in the culture of Amsterdam.

1. Ingrained (adjective) - Fixed or established deeply and firmly.

• Example: Cycling is deeply ingrained in the culture of Amsterdam.

1. Ingrained (adjective) - Fixed or established deeply and firmly.

• Example: Cycling is deeply ingrained in the culture of Amsterdam.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide concrete examples to support their arguments. Always include specific cities, studies, or statistics to strengthen your points.

1. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can limit your score. Aim for a mix of sophisticated and precise words to enhance your response.

1. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure your ideas flow logically. Use linking words and phrases to connect your sentences and paragraphs effectively.

1. Grammatical Errors: Common errors include subject-verb agreement, article usage, and tense consistency. Proofread your essay to minimize these mistakes.

1. One-Sided Arguments: Failing to discuss both views can result in a lower score. Always present a balanced argument before stating your opinion.

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