IELTS Writing Task 2: Electric Cars – Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
Some people think that electric cars will solve environmental problems. Others believe that this is too optimistic. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
The electric cars are good for environment but some people think it is not enough. I think electric cars are good but not perfect solution.
Electric cars are good because they do not pollute air. Many cities have problem with smog and electric cars can help. Also, they are quiet so they do not make noise pollution. But some people say electric cars need electricity which come from coal. If coal is used, then electric cars are not good for environment.
Another problem is that electric cars are expensive. Not everyone can buy them. Also, they need special charging stations which are not everywhere. So, people who live in countryside may have problem charging their cars.
In my opinion, electric cars are good start but not final solution. We need more renewable energy like solar and wind. Also, we should improve public transport. Electric cars can help but they are not enough alone.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a position but lacks development and coherence.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 – Ideas are loosely connected with some basic cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors.
Band 7.0 Answer
While electric cars offer significant environmental benefits, they are not a comprehensive solution to global pollution issues.
On one hand, electric cars reduce air pollution as they do not emit harmful gases. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas where smog is a major problem. Additionally, electric cars are quieter than traditional vehicles, reducing noise pollution. However, the electricity used to charge these cars often comes from non-renewable sources like coal, which negates some of their environmental benefits.
On the other hand, electric cars are currently expensive, making them inaccessible to many people. Furthermore, the infrastructure for charging electric cars is not yet fully developed, especially in rural areas. This limits their practicality for many potential users.
In my view, while electric cars are a step in the right direction, they should be part of a broader strategy that includes investing in renewable energy sources and improving public transportation. This holistic approach would be more effective in addressing environmental problems.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position with some development and extension.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.
Band 8.0 Answer
The proliferation of electric cars is often hailed as a panacea for environmental degradation, but a more nuanced perspective is warranted.
Proponents of electric cars argue that they significantly reduce air pollution by eliminating tailpipe emissions. This is particularly crucial in densely populated urban areas where air quality is a pressing concern. Moreover, the reduced noise levels of electric vehicles contribute to a quieter, more pleasant urban environment. However, critics point out that the electricity powering these vehicles often originates from fossil fuel-based power plants, thereby undermining their environmental benefits.
Additionally, the high cost of electric cars renders them inaccessible to a large segment of the population. The lack of adequate charging infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas, further hampers their widespread adoption. These limitations suggest that while electric cars are a positive development, they are not a comprehensive solution to environmental issues.
In my opinion, electric cars should be part of a broader strategy that includes investing in renewable energy sources and enhancing public transportation networks. This multifaceted approach would be more effective in addressing the complex challenges of environmental degradation.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and relevant support.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader through the response.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
Band 9.0 Answer
The notion that electric cars represent a definitive solution to environmental problems is overly simplistic and warrants a more critical examination.
Advocates of electric cars contend that they substantially mitigate air pollution by eliminating tailpipe emissions. This is particularly pertinent in urban centers where air quality has deteriorated to alarming levels. Furthermore, the reduced noise levels of electric vehicles contribute to a more serene urban landscape. However, detractors argue that the electricity powering these vehicles is often derived from fossil fuel-based power plants, thereby negating their environmental advantages.
Moreover, the exorbitant cost of electric cars renders them unaffordable for a significant portion of the population. The dearth of charging infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas, further exacerbates this issue. These constraints indicate that while electric cars are a positive step, they are not a panacea for environmental degradation.
In my view, electric cars should be integrated into a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the development of renewable energy sources and the enhancement of public transportation systems. This holistic approach would be more efficacious in addressing the multifaceted challenges of environmental degradation.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 – Presents a clear position with fully developed arguments and relevant support.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader through the response with a clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately and naturally.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 – Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Proliferation (noun): Rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
- Example: The proliferation of electric cars is a positive trend.
- Panacea (noun): A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
- Example: Electric cars are often seen as a panacea for environmental problems.
- Nuanced (adjective): Characterized by subtle differences or shades of meaning.
- Example: A nuanced perspective is necessary when discussing electric cars.
- Mitigate (verb): Make less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: Electric cars mitigate air pollution.
- Pertinent (adjective): Relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite.
- Example: This issue is particularly pertinent in urban areas.
- Detractors (noun): A person who disparages someone or something.
- Example: Detractors argue that electric cars are not as environmentally friendly as they seem.
- Exorbitant (adjective): (of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high.
- Example: The exorbitant cost of electric cars is a major barrier to their adoption.
- Dearth (noun): A scarcity or lack of something.
- Example: There is a dearth of charging infrastructure in rural areas.
- Exacerbate (verb): Make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
- Example: The lack of charging infrastructure exacerbates the problem.
- Holistic (adjective): Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
- Example: A holistic approach is necessary to address environmental issues.
- Efficacious (adjective): (of something inanimate) producing a decided, beneficial effect.
- Example: This strategy would be more efficacious in addressing environmental problems.
- Tailpipe emissions (noun): The gases released from the exhaust pipe of a vehicle.
- Example: Electric cars eliminate tailpipe emissions.
- Fossil fuel-based (adjective): Derived from fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
- Example: The electricity powering electric cars is often derived from fossil fuel-based power plants.
- Urban centers (noun): The central or most important part of a town or city.
- Example: Air quality is a pressing concern in urban centers.
- Serene (adjective): Calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil.
- Example: Electric cars contribute to a more serene urban landscape.
- Developed (verb): To bring into existence; create.
- Example: The arguments are fully developed in this response.
- Comprehensive (adjective): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
- Example: A comprehensive strategy is necessary to address environmental issues.
- Multifaceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
- Example: Environmental degradation presents multifaceted challenges.
- Integrated (verb): To combine or coordinate separate elements so as to provide a harmonious whole.
- Example: Electric cars should be integrated into a broader strategy.
- Enhancement (noun): The act or process of increasing or improving something.
- Example: The enhancement of public transportation systems is necessary.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, making their arguments less convincing.
- Inadequate Development of Arguments: Students often present ideas without sufficient development or support, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
- Poor Cohesion and Cohesion: Some students struggle with using cohesive devices effectively, making their writing difficult to follow.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can result in a lower score in Lexical Resource. Students should aim to use a variety of appropriate and less common lexical items.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the response. Students should focus on using a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.
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