AI-powered learning English

English guide

IELTS Writing Task 2:
Electric Cars (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

See 4 IELTS Writing Task 2 electric car problem-solution model answers (Bands 6-9). Learn how to structure, score high, and avoid common mistakes.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Electric Cars (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers | English AIdol Blog

What this guide covers

Search answer

What this page helps you decide

See 4 IELTS Writing Task 2 electric car problem-solution model answers (Bands 6-9). Learn how to structure, score high, and avoid common mistakes.

Focus Quick answer
Includes 2026 update
Best for Practical checklist
Next step Related practice
  1. Scan the direct answer first.
  2. Check examples or score rules.
  3. Open the related practice page.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Electric Cars (Problem Solution) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

The Prompt (Task 2)

Some people believe that the widespread use of electric cars is the best way to reduce air pollution in cities. However, others argue that this is an unrealistic solution and that other measures would be more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

In many cities around the world, air pollution has become a serious issue. One possible solution that many people suggest is using more electric cars. However, I think this is not a good idea.

There are several reasons why electric cars might not be the best solution. First, electric cars are expensive, so not everyone can buy them. Second, while electric cars do not produce emissions themselves, the electricity they use might come from power plants that burn fossil fuels. This means that electric cars might not be as environmentally friendly as people think.

On the other hand, there are other solutions that might be more effective. For example, improving public transportation can reduce the number of cars on the road. Also, encouraging people to walk or ride bicycles can help reduce pollution. These solutions might be more realistic and have a bigger impact.

In conclusion, while electric cars might seem like a good solution, I think other measures would be more effective in reducing air pollution in cities.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a position but with limited development; some aspects of the task may be incomplete.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Ideas are logically ordered but with some unclear progression; some cohesive devices are used but not always appropriately.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with frequent errors in word choice and collocation.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent grammatical errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The increasing use of electric cars is often cited as a potential solution to urban air pollution. However, alternative approaches may prove more effective.

Proponents of electric cars argue that they produce zero tailpipe emissions, thereby improving air quality. Furthermore, advancements in battery technology are making these vehicles more affordable and accessible. However, challenges remain. The electricity generating these cars often comes from non-renewable sources, offsetting their environmental benefits. Additionally, the production of electric cars requires significant resources, raising concerns about their overall sustainability.

Alternative solutions may address these issues more effectively. Expanding public transportation networks can significantly reduce vehicle emissions by decreasing the number of cars on the road. Similarly, promoting carpooling and implementing congestion charges can encourage more sustainable travel behaviors. Additionally, investing in green urban infrastructure, such as bike lanes and pedestrian zones, can further reduce reliance on private vehicles.

In conclusion, while electric cars offer a promising solution to urban air pollution, a multi-faceted approach incorporating public transportation, behavioral changes, and urban planning may be more effective in the long term.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively but may occasionally lapse into less clear progression.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with some less common lexical items but occasional errors.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good control but some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The proliferation of electric cars is frequently heralded as a panacea for urban air pollution. Nevertheless, the efficacy of this solution is debatable, and alternative measures may yield more substantial benefits.

Advocates for electric cars posit that their zero-emission operation can markedly improve air quality, particularly in densely populated urban centers. Moreover, technological advancements have rendered these vehicles more affordable and efficient, making them an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers. However, the environmental benefits of electric cars are not without caveats. The electricity powering these vehicles is often derived from fossil fuel-based power plants, thereby negating some of their ecological advantages. Additionally, the manufacturing process of electric cars involves significant resource consumption, raising questions about their overall sustainability.

Conversely, alternative solutions may offer more comprehensive and immediate benefits. The expansion of public transportation networks can significantly reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing overall emissions. Implementing congestion charges in urban areas can deter private vehicle use, encouraging the adoption of more sustainable transport options. Furthermore, investing in green urban infrastructure, such as bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly zones, can foster a cultural shift towards more environmentally friendly travel behaviors.

In conclusion, while electric cars represent a valuable component of the solution to urban air pollution, a holistic approach that integrates public transportation, behavioral incentives, and urban planning is likely to be more effective in achieving sustainable and lasting improvements.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear position with fully developed ideas, supported by relevant examples and extended arguments.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader through a clear progression of ideas.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision, including less common lexical items.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good control, though some minor errors may occur.

Band 9.0 Answer

The escalating problem of urban air pollution has prompted a surge in advocacy for electric cars as a viable solution. However, a nuanced examination reveals that while electric cars offer certain advantages, they are not a silver bullet, and a multifaceted approach is requisite for substantive improvement.

Proponents of electric cars argue compellingly that their zero-emission operation can dramatically enhance air quality, especially in megacities plagued by smog. Furthermore, recent technological breakthroughs have rendered electric vehicles (EVs) more cost-effective and energy-efficient, making them an increasingly viable option for the masses. Nevertheless, the environmental benefits of EVs are contingent upon the source of the electricity they consume. In many regions, the electricity grid is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating the ecological advantages of EVs. Additionally, the production of EVs involves the extraction of rare earth minerals and the generation of significant waste, posing further environmental challenges.

In contrast, alternative solutions may offer more immediate and far-reaching benefits. The augmentation of public transportation systems can substantially reduce vehicular emissions by curtailing the number of private vehicles on the road. Policymakers could incentivize the use of public transport through subsidies or tax breaks, making it a more attractive option for commuters. Concurrently, the implementation of congestion pricing in urban centers can dissuade private vehicle use, thereby promoting the adoption of more sustainable transport modalities. Moreover, the development of green urban infrastructure, such as expansive bike lane networks and pedestrianized zones, can cultivate a cultural predisposition towards environmentally conscious travel behaviors.

In summation, while electric cars constitute a pivotal element in the arsenal against urban air pollution, a synergistic approach that amalgamates public transportation enhancements, economic incentives, and urban planning innovations is indispensable for achieving sustainable and enduring solutions.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 9.0 – Presents a clear, informed, and supported position with fully developed arguments and examples.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 – Uses cohesive devices skillfully to guide the reader through a clear progression of ideas, with a logical and smooth flow.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and flexibility, including less common lexical items and idiomatic expressions.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with full flexibility and accuracy, with occasional minor errors that do not impede communication.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Proliferation – rapid increase in the number or amount of something
  • Example: The proliferation of electric cars has been rapid in recent years.
  1. Panacea – a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
  • Example: Many people view electric cars as a panacea for air pollution.
  1. Efficacy – the ability to produce a desired result or effect
  • Example: The efficacy of electric cars in reducing pollution is debated.
  1. Heralded – to proclaim or praise as an important event or development
  • Example: Electric cars have been heralded as a solution to urban pollution.
  1. Markedly – in a noticeable or significant way
  • Example: Electric cars can markedly improve air quality.
  1. Caveats – a warning or proviso of a specific stipulated condition
  • Example: There are several caveats to the benefits of electric cars.
  1. Negating – to make something ineffective or invalid
  • Example: The use of fossil fuels negates some benefits of electric cars.
  1. Deter – to discourage someone from doing something
  • Example: Congestion charges can deter private vehicle use.
  1. Foster – to encourage the development of something
  • Example: Green infrastructure can foster sustainable travel behaviors.
  1. Substantive – having a firm basis in reality and therefore important, meaningful, or substantial
  • Example: A substantive approach is needed to reduce air pollution.
  1. Contingent – dependent on something else happening first
  • Example: The benefits of EVs are contingent on the source of electricity.
  1. Amalgamates – to combine or mix a number of things into a single composite whole
  • Example: A successful strategy amalgamates various solutions.
  1. Synergistic – working together to achieve something better than can be achieved separately
  • Example: A synergistic approach is necessary for sustainable solutions.
  1. Predisposition – a tendency to think or behave in a particular way
  • Example: Green infrastructure can create a predisposition towards sustainable travel.
  1. In summation – in conclusion; summarizing the main points
  • Example: In summation, a multifaceted approach is essential.
  1. Indispensable – absolutely necessary
  • Example: A holistic approach is indispensable for reducing pollution.
  1. Augmentation – the process of increasing something
  • Example: The augmentation of public transport can reduce emissions.
  1. Concurrently – happening or existing at the same time
  • Example: Policymakers should implement solutions concurrently.
  1. Subsidies – a sum of money granted by the government to assist an economic sector
  • Example: Subsidies can make public transport more attractive.
  1. Modalities – a particular procedure or set of procedures
  • Example: Sustainable transport modalities include biking and walking.

Common Mistakes

  1. Overgeneralizing – Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or examples.
  1. Lack of Balance – Failing to discuss both views equally, as required by the prompt.
  1. Inadequate Vocabulary – Using basic vocabulary that does not demonstrate a wide lexical range.
  1. Grammatical Errors – Frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the overall quality of the response.
  1. Poor Cohesion – Inadequate use of cohesive devices, leading to a disjointed and confusing response.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Ready to test your writing skills? Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to help you improve.