IELTS Writing Task 2: Cycling Infrastructure — Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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Prompt
Some people believe that governments should invest in cycling infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Answers
Band 6.0
The government should spend money on bike lanes to reduce traffic and pollution. I agree with this opinion because there are many cars on the road and they cause pollution. If people ride bikes, there will be fewer cars and less pollution. Also, cycling is good for health. However, some people say that building bike lanes is expensive and there is not enough space. But I think the benefits are more important than the costs. Governments should invest in cycling infrastructure to make cities better.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a position but lacks depth and development. (Band 5.0-6.0)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are presented but lack logical progression. (Band 5.0-6.0)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Limited range of vocabulary. (Band 5.0-6.0)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Some errors in grammar and sentence structure. (Band 5.0-6.0)
Band 7.0
Investing in cycling infrastructure is a viable solution to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution. I strongly agree with this statement for several reasons. Firstly, the increasing number of vehicles on the road contributes significantly to air pollution and traffic jams. By promoting cycling, governments can encourage people to use this eco-friendly mode of transport, thereby reducing the number of cars on the road. Secondly, cycling is beneficial for both physical and mental health, which can lead to a healthier population and lower healthcare costs. While some argue that building cycling lanes is costly and space-consuming, the long-term benefits outweigh these initial drawbacks. Therefore, governments should prioritize the development of cycling infrastructure to create more sustainable and livable cities.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. (Band 7.0)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. (Band 7.0)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items. (Band 7.0)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors. (Band 7.0)
Band 8.0
The proliferation of private vehicles has led to severe traffic congestion and environmental degradation, necessitating innovative solutions such as the development of cycling infrastructure. I firmly believe that governments should invest in cycling lanes and facilities to mitigate these issues. Firstly, the reduction of vehicular traffic through the promotion of cycling can significantly decrease air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have successfully implemented extensive cycling networks, resulting in cleaner air and reduced traffic congestion. Secondly, cycling promotes a healthier lifestyle, reducing the incidence of lifestyle diseases and lowering healthcare costs. While the initial investment in cycling infrastructure may be substantial, the long-term benefits in terms of public health and environmental sustainability are immeasurable. Therefore, governments should allocate more resources to the development of cycling infrastructure to create more sustainable and healthier urban environments.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas. (Band 8.0)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (Band 8.0)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and some sophisticated vocabulary. (Band 8.0)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences. (Band 8.0)
Band 9.0
The escalating problem of traffic congestion and environmental pollution necessitates a paradigm shift in urban transportation policies, with a particular emphasis on the development of cycling infrastructure. I wholeheartedly concur with the notion that governments should prioritize the allocation of resources to the creation of cycling lanes and facilities. The rationale behind this stance is multifaceted. Primarily, the reduction of vehicular traffic through the promotion of cycling can significantly mitigate air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen have exemplarily demonstrated the efficacy of extensive cycling networks, resulting in cleaner air, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced quality of life. Furthermore, cycling promotes a healthier lifestyle, reducing the incidence of lifestyle diseases and lowering healthcare costs. While the initial investment in cycling infrastructure may be substantial, the long-term benefits in terms of public health, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity are profound. Therefore, governments should allocate more resources to the development of cycling infrastructure to create more sustainable, healthier, and economically vibrant urban environments.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with fully extended, supported, and developed ideas. (Band 9.0)
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices. (Band 9.0)
- Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and sophisticated vocabulary. (Band 9.0)
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences. (Band 9.0)
Vocabulary Highlights
- Proliferation (noun): Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
- Example: The proliferation of private vehicles has led to severe traffic congestion.
- Mitigate (verb): Make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Governments should invest in cycling lanes to mitigate traffic congestion.
- Eco-friendly (adjective): Not harmful to the environment.
- Example: Cycling is an eco-friendly mode of transport.
- Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- Example: The long-term benefits of cycling infrastructure are sustainable.
- Allocate (verb): Distribute resources or tasks for a particular purpose.
- Example: Governments should allocate more resources to cycling infrastructure.
- Paradigm shift (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
- Example: A paradigm shift in urban transportation policies is necessary.
- Exemplarily (adverb): Serving as a desirable model; commendable.
- Example: Amsterdam and Copenhagen have exemplarily demonstrated the efficacy of cycling networks.
- Vibrant (adjective): Full of energy and enthusiasm.
- Example: Cycling infrastructure creates more vibrant urban environments.
- Profound (adjective): Having or showing great knowledge or insight.
- Example: The benefits of cycling infrastructure are profound.
- Degradation (noun): Deterioration in quality or value.
- Example: The proliferation of private vehicles has led to environmental degradation.
- Incidence (noun): The occurrence, rate, or frequency of something.
- Example: Cycling reduces the incidence of lifestyle diseases.
- Allocation (noun): The action or process of distributing resources or tasks.
- Example: The allocation of resources to cycling infrastructure is crucial.
- Efficacy (noun): The ability to produce a desired or intended result.
- Example: The efficacy of cycling networks is evident in cities like Amsterdam.
- Livable (adjective): Suitable or good enough to live in.
- Example: Cycling infrastructure makes cities more livable.
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
- Example: Cycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Healthcare costs (noun): The expenses associated with medical care and services.
- Example: Cycling reduces healthcare costs by promoting a healthier lifestyle.
- Urban environments (noun): The physical and social characteristics of cities and towns.
- Example: Cycling infrastructure improves urban environments.
- Quality of life (noun): The standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group.
- Example: Cycling improves the quality of life in cities.
- Economic prosperity (noun): The state of being successful and flourishing, especially in terms of wealth and financial well-being.
- Example: Cycling infrastructure contributes to economic prosperity.
- Long-term benefits (noun): Advantages that occur over an extended period.
- Example: The long-term benefits of cycling infrastructure are significant.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide specific examples to support their arguments, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
- Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using repetitive or inappropriate vocabulary can negatively impact the Lexical Resource score.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.
- Lack of Coherence and Cohesion: Poor organization and lack of logical progression can result in a lower Coherence and Cohesion score.
- Inadequate Task Response: Failing to fully address the task or providing a one-sided argument can lead to a lower Task Response score.
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