IELTS Writing Task 2: Cycling Infrastructure (Two Part Question) — Samples

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Two Part Question…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution (Advantages…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change Discussion Sample Band…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Renewable Energy Agree Disagree Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Deforestation Two Part Question Sample…

Sample Prompt

Some governments have invested heavily in cycling infrastructure such as bike lanes and bike-sharing programs. However, many people still prefer to use private cars for daily transportation.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following measures?

• Increasing fines for car usage in urban areas
• Offering tax incentives for companies that provide bicycles for employees

Band 6.0 Answer (Lacks Depth and Coherence)

Increasing fines for car usage and offering tax incentives are good ideas to reduce car use. Cars cause pollution and traffic so we should encourage people to cycle.

Firstly, increasing fines will make people think twice before driving. If it costs more to drive, they will cycle instead. Also, tax incentives will help companies provide bikes for employees. This is good because employees will be healthier and happier.

However, some people might not like these ideas. They might say fines are unfair and tax incentives cost money. But I think these problems are not as important as reducing pollution and traffic.

In conclusion, these measures are effective for reducing car use and should be implemented.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR) 5.0: Addresses both parts of the question but with limited development. Presents a position but lacks clear progression.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 6.0: Ideas are presented but with some repetition and underuse of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR) 6.0: Some appropriate vocabulary but limited range and occasional errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 6.0: Simple sentence forms with some errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 7.0 Answer (Adequate Response)

The implementation of higher fines for car usage and tax incentives for bicycle provision can significantly reduce urban traffic congestion and pollution.

To begin with, imposing stricter penalties for car usage in urban areas can act as a deterrent. When drivers are faced with higher costs, they are more likely to consider alternative modes of transportation such as cycling. This measure not only reduces the number of vehicles on the road but also decreases air pollution, contributing to better public health.

Moreover, offering tax incentives to companies that provide bicycles for their employees is a proactive approach. This encourages a shift towards more eco-friendly commuting options. Employees who cycle to work are generally healthier, which can lead to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs for both the employees and the company.

However, there are potential drawbacks to these measures. Some individuals may find the increased fines for car usage to be financially burdensome, particularly those who rely heavily on their vehicles for work. Similarly, tax incentives may be seen as an additional financial burden on businesses, especially small enterprises.

In conclusion, while there are challenges associated with these measures, the long-term benefits for the environment and public health make them worthwhile.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR) 7.0: Addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear position throughout, and extends arguments with relevant support.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 7.0: Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively, though some transitions could be smoother.
• Lexical Resource (LR) 7.0: Demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 7.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 8.0 Answer (Good Response)

The introduction of higher fines for car usage and tax incentives for bicycle provision represents a strategic approach to mitigating urban traffic congestion and environmental degradation.

The imposition of stricter penalties for car usage in urban areas serves as an effective deterrent. Elevated costs associated with driving incentivize individuals to explore alternative transportation methods, such as cycling. This not only alleviates traffic congestion but also contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions, thereby enhancing air quality and public health.

Furthermore, the provision of tax incentives to companies that offer bicycles to their employees fosters a culture of sustainability. Employees who cycle to work experience numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness and reduced stress levels. Consequently, this initiative can lead to increased productivity and lower absenteeism rates, benefiting both the employees and the employing organizations.

Critics might argue that higher fines for car usage disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who rely on their vehicles for essential daily activities. Similarly, tax incentives may be perceived as an additional financial burden on businesses, particularly small enterprises operating on tight margins.

In spite of these concerns, the long-term advantages of these measures outweigh the short-term challenges. By promoting cycling as a viable alternative to car usage, governments can create more livable, sustainable urban environments.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR) 8.0: Fully addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear position throughout, and extends arguments with relevant, supported, and extended ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 8.0: Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively, though some transitions could be more sophisticated.
• Lexical Resource (LR) 8.0: Demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary with frequent use of less common lexical items appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 8.0: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with occasional errors in grammar and punctuation.

Band 9.0 Answer (Excellent Response)

The strategic implementation of heightened fines for car usage and tax incentives for bicycle provision constitutes a pivotal step in addressing urban mobility challenges and environmental sustainability.

The enforcement of more stringent penalties for car usage in urban areas functions as a powerful disincentive. By escalating the financial repercussions of driving, policymakers can steer citizens towards more sustainable transportation alternatives, such as cycling. This measure not only ameliorates traffic congestion but also mitigates the adverse environmental impacts associated with vehicular emissions, thereby fostering healthier urban ecosystems.

Additionally, the provision of tax incentives to companies that facilitate bicycle usage among employees catalyzes a paradigm shift towards eco-conscious commuting. Employees who adopt cycling as their primary mode of transportation experience a myriad of health benefits, including enhanced physical fitness, improved mental well-being, and increased longevity. Consequently, this initiative can yield substantial economic benefits, including heightened productivity and diminished healthcare expenditures.

Skeptics may contend that heightened fines for car usage disproportionately penalize economically disadvantaged individuals who are dependent on their vehicles for subsistence. Similarly, tax incentives may be perceived as an onerous financial obligation for businesses, particularly those operating within constrained fiscal parameters.

Notwithstanding these contentions, the long-term socio-environmental benefits of these measures are irrefutable. By championing cycling as a cornerstone of urban transportation policy, governments can engender more equitable, healthier, and ecologically resilient communities.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR) 9.0: Fully addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear position throughout, and extends arguments with relevant, supported, and extended ideas with sophisticated development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC) 9.0: Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively, with clear progression and sophisticated transitions.
• Lexical Resource (LR) 9.0: Demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary with frequent use of sophisticated and precise lexical items appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) 9.0: Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Implement (verb) - to put something into effect. Example: Implementing stricter penalties for car usage.
2. Deterrent (noun) - something that discourages someone from doing something. Example: Stricter penalties serve as a deterrent.
3. Alleviate (verb) - to make something less severe. Example: Alleviating traffic congestion.
4. Mitigate (verb) - to make something less severe or intense. Example: Mitigating urban traffic congestion.
5. Catalyst (noun) - something that causes a change or action to happen. Example: The provision of tax incentives catalyzes a paradigm shift.
6. Onerous (adjective) - involving a great deal of effort or difficulty. Example: Tax incentives may be perceived as an onerous financial obligation.
7. Engender (verb) - to cause or produce something, especially a situation or feeling. Example: Championing cycling engenders more equitable communities.
8. Resilient (adjective) - able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. Example: Ecologically resilient communities.
9. Subsistence (noun) - the minimum of material needs for maintaining life. Example: Economically disadvantaged individuals dependent on their vehicles for subsistence.
10. Paradigm (noun) - a typical example or pattern of something. Example: A paradigm shift towards eco-conscious commuting.
11. Ameliorate (verb) - to make something better or more bearable. Example: Ameliorates traffic congestion.
12. Eco-conscious (adjective) - aware of and concerned about environmental issues. Example: Eco-conscious commuting.
13. Livable (adjective) - suitable or good enough to live in or with. Example: Creating more livable urban environments.
14. Fiscal (adjective) - relating to government revenue, especially taxes. Example: Constrained fiscal parameters.
15. Champion (verb) - to support or defend something strongly. Example: Championing cycling as a cornerstone of urban transportation policy.
16. Equitable (adjective) - fair and just. Example: More equitable communities.
17. Adverse (adjective) - harmful or unfavorable. Example: Adverse environmental impacts.
18. Economic (adjective) - relating to the production, development, and management of money, goods, and services. Example: Economic benefits.
19. Commute (verb) - to travel some distance between one's home and place of work on a regular basis. Example: Cycling as their primary mode of transportation.
20. Sustainable (adjective) - able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: Sustainable transportation alternatives.

Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2

1. Ignoring One Part of the Question: Some students focus only on one part of the two-part question, neglecting to address both aspects fully. Always ensure both parts are covered.
2. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to state a clear opinion or position can result in a lower Task Response score. Make sure your stance is evident throughout the response.
3. Overgeneralization: Using vague statements without specific examples or supporting details weakens the argument. Always back up points with relevant evidence.
4. Poor Time Management: Spending too much time on the introduction or conclusion can leave insufficient time for developing the main body paragraphs. Allocate time wisely.
5. Incorrect Grammar and Vocabulary Usage: Using complex vocabulary incorrectly or making frequent grammatical errors can lower your Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy scores. Focus on accuracy over complexity.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 responses scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.