IELTS Writing Task 2: Cycling Infrastructure (Positive Negative) – Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Prompt

Many governments are investing heavily in cycling infrastructure. While some people believe this is a positive development, others feel that the money could be better spent elsewhere. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a position but with some irrelevant or unsupported ideas.
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Uses some sequencing and cohesive devices but with some weaknesses in organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary but with some errors and inappropriate words.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors.

Answer:

The topic of governments spending on cycling infrastructure is a controversial one. On the one hand, cycling is good for health and the environment. Cities like Amsterdam show that cycling can be a major part of transportation. On the other hand, some people say that money should be spent on other things like public transport or roads. They argue that not everyone wants to cycle, and it might not be practical in all places.

In my view, cycling infrastructure is important but not the only solution. Governments should balance spending between different types of transport. For example, they could build more bike lanes but also improve buses and trains. This way, everyone has options that suit their needs.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Uses a clear progression of ideas with cohesive devices but some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but occasional errors.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors but some flexibility.

Answer:

Investing in cycling infrastructure has become a hot topic in many countries. Proponents argue that it promotes a healthier lifestyle and reduces air pollution. For instance, cities with extensive bike lanes, such as Copenhagen, report lower obesity rates and cleaner air. Opponents, however, believe that this money could be better allocated to other pressing needs like public transportation or road maintenance. They contend that cycling is not a viable option for everyone, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions or long distances.

In my opinion, while cycling infrastructure is beneficial, it should not come at the expense of other essential transportation projects. Governments should adopt a balanced approach, investing in both cycling and other forms of transport. This way, they can cater to the diverse needs of their citizens, ensuring that everyone has access to efficient and sustainable transportation options.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments.
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Uses a clear progression of ideas with cohesive devices and organizational features.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and rare errors.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent errors but some flexibility and accuracy.

Answer:

The debate over whether governments should invest heavily in cycling infrastructure has gained momentum in recent years. Those in favor of such investments highlight the numerous benefits, including improved public health and reduced environmental impact. Cities like Amsterdam and Amsterdam have successfully integrated cycling into their transportation networks, resulting in significant reductions in traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Critics, however, argue that these funds could be more effectively spent on other infrastructure projects, such as expanding public transportation systems or upgrading roads. They point out that cycling is not always practical, particularly in regions with extreme weather conditions or large distances between destinations.

In my view, the advantages of investing in cycling infrastructure outweigh the disadvantages. While it is essential to maintain a balanced transportation system, prioritizing cycling can lead to long-term benefits for both individuals and the environment. Governments should focus on creating safe and accessible cycling routes, as well as promoting cycling through education and incentives. By doing so, they can encourage more people to adopt this sustainable mode of transport, ultimately leading to healthier communities and a cleaner planet.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 – Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported arguments.
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 – Uses a clear progression of ideas with cohesive devices and organizational features.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated lexical items and rare errors.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 – Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent errors but high degree of flexibility and accuracy.

Answer:

The allocation of government funds to cycling infrastructure has become a contentious issue, with proponents and opponents presenting compelling arguments. Advocates of cycling infrastructure emphasize its potential to enhance public health and mitigate environmental degradation. For example, cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam have demonstrated that extensive cycling networks can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote active lifestyles. Conversely, detractors contend that these investments could be more judiciously directed towards other infrastructure projects, such as enhancing public transportation or expanding road networks. They argue that cycling is not always a feasible option, particularly in regions characterized by inclement weather or extensive distances.

In my opinion, the benefits of investing in cycling infrastructure are manifold and justify the allocation of government funds. While it is crucial to maintain a diversified transportation system, prioritizing cycling can yield long-term benefits for both individuals and the environment. Governments should focus on developing safe and accessible cycling routes, as well as implementing policies that encourage cycling through education and incentives. By fostering a cycling-friendly culture, societies can reap the rewards of reduced healthcare costs, decreased air pollution, and enhanced quality of life.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Controversial (adj.) – Disputed or debated; not universally agreed upon.

• Example: The topic of governments spending on cycling infrastructure is controversial.

1. Proponent (noun) – A person who supports or advocates for a particular idea or cause.

• Example: Proponents argue that cycling promotes a healthier lifestyle.

1. Allocate (verb) – To distribute or assign resources for a specific purpose.

• Example: Governments should allocate funds to both cycling and other forms of transport.

1. Integrate (verb) – To combine or incorporate different elements into a unified whole.

• Example: Cities have successfully integrated cycling into their transportation networks.

1. Sustainable (adj.) – Able to be maintained or continued without depleting resources.

• Example: Cycling is a sustainable mode of transport.

1. Promote (verb) – To support or encourage the growth or development of something.

• Example: Governments should promote cycling through education and incentives.

1. Incentive (noun) – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

• Example: Financial incentives can encourage more people to cycle.

1. Diversified (adj.) – Varied or mixed; consisting of different elements.

• Example: It is crucial to maintain a diversified transportation system.

1. Judiciously (adv.) – In a careful or prudent manner; with good judgment.

• Example: Funds could be more judiciously directed towards other projects.

1. Inclement (adj.) – Harsh or unfavorable, especially referring to weather conditions.

• Example: Cycling is not always practical in regions with inclement weather.

1. Extensive (adj.) – Covering a large area or having great scope.

• Example: Cities have extensive cycling networks.

1. Feasible (adj.) – Possible or practical to do or achieve.

• Example: Cycling is not always a feasible option.

1. Enhance (verb) – To increase or improve something, especially a quality or ability.

• Example: Investing in cycling infrastructure can enhance public health.

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

• Example: Cycling can help mitigate environmental degradation.

1. Allocation (noun) – The process of distributing or assigning resources.

• Example: The allocation of government funds to cycling infrastructure.

1. Congestion (noun) – A situation in which there are too many people or vehicles in one place, causing delays or difficulties.

• Example: Extensive cycling networks can reduce traffic congestion.

1. Carbon emissions (noun) – The release of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

• Example: Cycling can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions.

1. Active lifestyle (noun) – A way of life that involves regular physical activity.

• Example: Cycling promotes an active lifestyle.

1. Judiciously (adv.) – In a careful or prudent manner; with good judgment.

• Example: Funds could be more judiciously directed towards other projects.

1. Incentive (noun) – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

• Example: Financial incentives can encourage more people to cycle.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Students often fail to present a clear opinion, making their arguments less convincing.
2. Overgeneralization: Using broad statements without specific examples or evidence.
3. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or vocabulary without adding new information.
4. Poor Organization: Not structuring the essay with clear paragraphs and cohesive devices.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the clarity and coherence of the essay.

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