IELTS Writing Task 2: High Speed Rail - Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Traffic Congestion - Band 6.5 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Road Safety – Band 8.0 Sample with…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Rehabilitation: Band 9.0 Sample Answer
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Influencers - Band 7.0…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice – Band 8.0 Sample…

The Prompt

Some people think that governments should invest in high-speed rail networks, while others believe that investment in road infrastructure is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The development of high-speed rail is very important for many countries. However, some people think that building more roads is better. I think that both are important, but high-speed rail is more beneficial.

High-speed rail can help people travel faster and more comfortably. For example, in Japan, the Shinkansen train allows people to travel between cities quickly. This is good for business and tourism. Additionally, high-speed rail is better for the environment because it produces less pollution than cars and planes.

On the other hand, roads are also important. Many people use cars to travel to work or school. If there are not enough roads, there will be traffic jams. This can cause delays and frustration. Moreover, roads are cheaper to build than high-speed rail networks.

In conclusion, both high-speed rail and roads are important. However, I believe that governments should invest more in high-speed rail because it is better for the environment and can help the economy.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with some confusion.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but with some complex sentences.

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate over whether governments should prioritize high-speed rail or road infrastructure is contentious. Both options have merits, but I firmly believe that investment in high-speed rail is more beneficial.

Proponents of high-speed rail argue that it offers significant advantages. Firstly, it reduces travel time considerably, which is crucial for business professionals and tourists. For instance, the Eurostar train connecting London and Paris has boosted economic ties between these two cities. Secondly, high-speed rail is more environmentally friendly compared to road transport. Trains emit less carbon dioxide per passenger kilometer, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.

Conversely, advocates for road infrastructure highlight its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Roads are essential for connecting remote areas and are more affordable to construct and maintain. In developing countries, where budget constraints are significant, investing in roads can provide immediate benefits to a larger population. Additionally, roads accommodate various types of vehicles, offering flexibility in transportation.

In my opinion, while roads are undeniably important, the long-term benefits of high-speed rail outweigh those of road infrastructure. Governments should allocate more funds to developing high-speed rail networks to foster economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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 with some occasional lapses.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of 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 question of whether governments should prioritize high-speed rail or road infrastructure has sparked intense debate. While both modes of transport have their merits, I am convinced that high-speed rail deserves greater investment.

High-speed rail offers numerous advantages that make it a superior choice. Firstly, it significantly reduces travel time, enhancing productivity and economic growth. The introduction of the TGV in France, for example, has not only facilitated business travel but also boosted tourism, contributing substantially to the national economy. Secondly, high-speed rail is more environmentally sustainable. Trains produce fewer emissions per passenger compared to cars and planes, making them a greener option. This aligns with global initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and combat climate change.

However, it is undeniable that road infrastructure plays a vital role in transportation. Roads provide essential connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas where rail networks may not be feasible. Moreover, roads are more cost-effective to build and maintain, making them a practical choice for governments with limited budgets. The flexibility of roads, accommodating various types of vehicles, further underscores their importance.

Despite these points, I firmly believe that governments should prioritize investment in high-speed rail. The long-term economic and environmental benefits far outweigh those of road infrastructure. By developing extensive high-speed rail networks, governments can foster sustainable growth and improve the quality of life for their citizens.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious: Causing or likely to cause disagreement or conflict.

• Example: The issue of high-speed rail is contentious among policymakers.

1. Proponents: A person who advocates for a cause or proposal.

• Example: Proponents of high-speed rail highlight its economic benefits.

1. Alterative: A choice between two things.

• Example: The alternative to high-speed rail is often road infrastructure.

1. Sustainability: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

• Example: High-speed rail is more sustainable than road transport.

1. Feasible: Possible to do easily or conveniently.

• Example: Building high-speed rail in remote areas may not be feasible.

1. Substantially: To a considerable extent or degree.

• Example: High-speed rail has substantially reduced travel time.

1. Emit: Produce and discharge (something, typically gas or radiation).

• Example: Trains emit less carbon dioxide than cars.

1. Connectivity: The state of being connected by roads or other routes.

• Example: Roads provide essential connectivity in rural areas.

1. Undeniable: Too clear or obvious to be denied or disputed.

• Example: The importance of road infrastructure is undeniable.

1. Flexibility: The quality of bending easily without breaking.

• Example: Roads offer flexibility in accommodating various vehicles.

1. Prioritize: Give or rank in an order according to importance.

• Example: Governments should prioritize investment in high-speed rail.

1. Boost: Increase or improve something significantly.

• Example: High-speed rail can boost economic growth.

1. Align: Bring into cooperation or agreement with a particular policy or alliance.

• Example: High-speed rail aligns with environmental goals.

1. Allocate: Distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose.

• Example: Governments should allocate more funds to high-speed rail.

1. Foster: Encourage the development of something.

• Example: High-speed rail can foster economic growth.

1. Intense: Of extreme force, degree, or strength.

• Example: The debate over high-speed rail is intense.

1. Facilitate: Make an action or process easy or easier.

• Example: High-speed rail facilitates business travel.

1. Contribute: Give (something, often money) in order to help achieve or provide something.

• Example: High-speed rail contributes to economic growth.

1. Underscore: Emphasize the importance of something.

• Example: The importance of roads is underscored by their flexibility.

1. Developing: In the process of change and growth.

• Example: Developing countries may prioritize road infrastructure.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their response, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
2. Inadequate Examples: Using vague or irrelevant examples can weaken the argument and reduce the overall score.
3. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students often struggle with organizing their ideas logically, resulting in a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can restrict the ability to express ideas effectively, impacting the Lexical Resource score.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the response, affecting the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

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