IELTS Writing Task 2: High Speed Rail - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
Related guides:
The Prompt
Some people believe that governments should invest in high-speed rail networks to reduce road traffic, while others argue that this is a waste of money. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
The high-speed rail is a good way to reduce traffic on the roads. Some people think that it is a waste of money, but I disagree.
Firstly, high-speed rail can reduce traffic. Many people drive cars every day, and this causes traffic jams. If more people take the train, there will be fewer cars on the road. This is good for the environment too, because trains produce less pollution than cars.
However, some people say that high-speed rail is expensive. Building trains and tracks costs a lot of money. Also, not everyone can afford to buy tickets. But I think the government should still invest in this because it has long-term benefits.
In conclusion, I believe that high-speed rail is a good investment. It can reduce traffic and help the environment. The government should spend money on this project.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but lacks clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but attempts complex structures.
Band 7.5 Answer
The development of high-speed rail networks has been a contentious issue, with proponents advocating for reduced road traffic and opponents dismissing it as an economic burden.
On one hand, high-speed rail can significantly alleviate traffic congestion. With the increasing number of private vehicles, roads are often clogged, leading to wasted time and increased pollution. High-speed trains offer a swift and efficient alternative, encouraging people to leave their cars at home. Additionally, these networks can stimulate economic growth by connecting cities and facilitating business travel.
On the other hand, critics argue that high-speed rail is an exorbitant investment. The construction and maintenance of such infrastructure require substantial financial resources, which could otherwise be allocated to other pressing needs like healthcare or education. Moreover, the initial cost of tickets may deter lower-income individuals from using these services, potentially exacerbating social inequalities.
In my view, the benefits of high-speed rail outweigh the drawbacks. While the initial investment is high, the long-term advantages for the economy, environment, and society make it a worthwhile endeavor. Governments should prioritize this development, ensuring that ticket prices are regulated to remain accessible to all.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively, with clear progression.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Uses a range of vocabulary flexibly and appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good accuracy.
Band 9.0 Answer
The debate surrounding the investment in high-speed rail networks has intensified, with proponents highlighting its potential to mitigate road traffic and detractors emphasizing its financial implications.
Proponents of high-speed rail argue that it offers a sustainable solution to traffic congestion. With urbanization and car ownership on the rise, roads are increasingly gridlocked, leading to productivity losses and environmental degradation. High-speed trains, with their capacity to transport large numbers of passengers quickly and efficiently, present an attractive alternative. Furthermore, these networks can foster regional integration, boosting economic activity and creating jobs.
Conversely, critics contend that high-speed rail is an economically unsustainable venture. The capital expenditure required for construction and maintenance is colossal, often diverting funds from other critical sectors. Additionally, the operational costs can be prohibitive, potentially leading to ticket price hikes that exclude lower-income groups. There is also the risk of underutilization, as evidenced by some existing networks that fail to meet passenger demand.
In my opinion, the advantages of high-speed rail are more compelling. While the initial outlay is substantial, the long-term benefits for the economy, environment, and society are undeniable. To ensure accessibility, governments should implement subsidy schemes or regulated pricing structures. Moreover, thorough feasibility studies and public consultations should precede any investment to guarantee the project's success.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, with clear progression and paragraphing.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary flexibly and appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with full flexibility and accuracy.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Contentious (adj): causing or likely to cause people to argue.
- Example: The issue of high-speed rail is contentious among policymakers.
- Allevate (v): make (suffering, deficiency, or fear) less severe.
- Example: High-speed rail can alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas.
- Exorbitant (adj): (of a price or cost) unreasonably high.
- Example: The exorbitant cost of high-speed rail construction is a concern.
- Deter (v): discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
- Example: High ticket prices may deter lower-income individuals from using high-speed rail.
- Exacerbate (v): make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.
- Example: The high cost of tickets could exacerbate social inequalities.
- Swift (adj): happening quickly or promptly.
- Example: High-speed trains offer a swift alternative to driving.
- Efficient (adj): achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense.
- Example: High-speed trains are an efficient mode of transportation.
- Stimulate (v): encourage or incite (someone) to do something.
- Example: High-speed rail can stimulate economic growth.
- Clogged (adj): filled or blocked with something that prevents movement or flow.
- Example: Roads are often clogged with traffic during rush hour.
- Gridlocked (adj): (of a road or traffic system) completely blocked with traffic.
- Example: The city's roads are frequently gridlocked during peak hours.
- Colossal (adj): extremely large or great.
- Example: The colossal cost of high-speed rail construction is a concern.
- Prohibitive (adj): so expensive that it is impossible or very difficult to afford.
- Example: The prohibitive cost of high-speed rail tickets is a barrier for many.
- Underutilization (n): the state of not being used to its full potential.
- Example: Some high-speed rail networks suffer from underutilization.
- Feasibility (n): the state or degree of being easily or practically possible.
- Example: A thorough feasibility study should precede any investment in high-speed rail.
- Consultation (n): a discussion or meeting for the purpose of discussing and reaching an agreement or decision.
- Example: Public consultation is essential for the success of high-speed rail projects.
- Subsidy (n): a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may be kept low.
- Example: Subsidies can make high-speed rail tickets more affordable.
- Regulated (adj): controlled or governed by rules or laws.
- Example: Regulated pricing structures can ensure the accessibility of high-speed rail.
- Undeniable (adj): impossible to deny or dispute.
- Example: The benefits of high-speed rail are undeniable.
- Outlay (n): an amount of money spent on something.
- Example: The initial outlay for high-speed rail is substantial.
- Integrate (v): combine or coordinate separate elements to work together effectively.
- Example: High-speed rail can integrate regional economies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the Task: Failing to address both views and present a clear opinion.
- Lack of Specific Examples: Using vague or general statements without supporting evidence.
- Poor Organization: Not structuring the essay with clear paragraphs and cohesive devices.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary instead of a range of words.
- Grammatical Errors: Making frequent mistakes in grammar and sentence structure.
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.
