IELTS Writing Task 2: High Speed Rail (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Many governments are investing heavily in high speed rail networks. Some people argue this is a positive development, while others say the money could be spent more effectively. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers (Side-by-Side)

Band 6 Answer

Task Response (4.0): Presents a clear position but with some irrelevant content. Includes some relevant supporting ideas but lacks development. Coherence & Cohesion (5.0): Uses paragraphs but with unclear progression. Uses cohesive devices but sometimes inappropriately. Lexical Resource (5.0): Attempts a range of vocabulary but with noticeable errors and inappropriate use. Some less common vocabulary attempted. Grammatical Range & Accuracy (5.0): Attempts complex sentences but often inaccurately. Makes frequent grammatical errors that impede communication.

Some people believe that governments should invest in high speed rail. This is good because it can help economy. Also, it can make travel faster. But other people think maybe better to spend money on other things.

For example, high speed rail can create jobs. Also, people can travel between cities very quickly. This is good for business. But some people say maybe better to spend money on roads or airports. Also, high speed rail can be bad for environment. It uses a lot of energy and can destroy nature.

In my opinion, I think high speed rail is good. It can help economy and make travel easier. But governments should also think about environment. Maybe they should use clean energy for trains.

Band 7 Answer

Task Response (6.0): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended supporting ideas. Covers all parts of the task but with some uneven treatment. Coherence & Cohesion (6.0): Uses paragraphs effectively with clear progression. Uses cohesive devices appropriately but sometimes overuses linking words. Lexical Resource (6.0): Uses a mix of appropriate and less appropriate vocabulary. Attempts some less common lexical items with some errors. Grammatical Range & Accuracy (6.0): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that may cause some comprehension difficulties.

The development of high speed rail networks has become a contentious issue among governments. Proponents argue that it boosts economic growth, while opponents contend that funds could be better allocated.

On one hand, high speed rail significantly reduces travel time between cities, facilitating business and tourism. Moreover, the construction and operation of these networks generate substantial employment opportunities. For instance, countries like Japan and France have witnessed considerable economic benefits from their extensive rail systems.

Conversely, critics point out that the initial investment for high speed rail is enormous, and the maintenance costs are substantial. Additionally, the environmental impact cannot be overlooked. The construction of new tracks often results in deforestation and habitat destruction. Furthermore, the energy consumption of high speed trains is considerably higher than that of conventional trains.

In my view, while high speed rail offers undeniable economic advantages, governments should carefully consider the environmental implications. It is crucial to explore sustainable alternatives, such as using renewable energy sources for these trains, before committing to large-scale projects.

Band 8 Answer

Task Response (7.0): Presents a clear position with relevant, fully extended and supported ideas. Covers all parts of the task with a balanced treatment. Coherence & Cohesion (7.0): Uses paragraphs effectively with clear progression and logical sequencing. Uses cohesive devices flexibly and appropriately. Lexical Resource (7.0): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately. Some errors but they don't impede communication. Grammatical Range & Accuracy (7.0): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some flexibility. Has occasional errors but they are not frequent enough to impede communication.

The proliferation of high speed rail networks has sparked vigorous debate regarding their economic viability and environmental sustainability. Proponents extol their economic benefits, whereas detractors highlight the substantial financial outlay and ecological consequences.

Proponents of high speed rail contend that it stimulates economic growth by reducing travel time and facilitating commerce. The Shinkansen in Japan, for instance, has not only connected major cities but also catalyzed regional development. Furthermore, the construction and maintenance of these networks create a multitude of jobs, from engineers to station staff, thereby reducing unemployment rates.

However, critics argue that the initial investment required for high speed rail is prohibitive. The construction of the TGV network in France, for example, incurred costs of over $15 billion. Additionally, the environmental impact is significant. The construction of new tracks often results in deforestation, and the energy consumption of high speed trains is considerably higher than that of conventional trains, contributing to carbon emissions.

In my view, while high speed rail offers substantial economic benefits, governments must prioritize sustainable development. Investing in renewable energy sources for these trains and implementing rigorous environmental impact assessments could mitigate some of the ecological concerns. Ultimately, a balanced approach that considers both economic growth and environmental sustainability is essential.

Band 9 Answer

Task Response (9.0): Presents a clear position with relevant, fully extended and supported ideas. Covers all parts of the task with a balanced, in-depth treatment. Coherence & Cohesion (9.0): Uses paragraphs effectively with clear progression and logical sequencing. Uses cohesive devices flexibly and appropriately to achieve a sophisticated structure. Lexical Resource (9.0): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with great flexibility and precision. Uses less common lexical items appropriately and effectively. Grammatical Range & Accuracy (9.0): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with complete flexibility and accuracy. Rarely makes grammatical errors, and those that do occur are minor.

The advent of high speed rail networks has ignited impassioned discourse concerning their economic efficacy and environmental ramifications. Proponents laud their potential to catalyze economic growth, while skeptics decry the substantial financial expenditures and ecological detriments.

Advocates of high speed rail posit that it engenders economic proliferation by curtailing travel durations and expediting commercial transactions. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link in the United Kingdom, for instance, has not only reduced journey times between London and Paris but also bolstered transnational trade. Moreover, the construction and operation of these networks engender a plethora of employment opportunities, ranging from civil engineers to customer service representatives, thereby augmenting economic activity.

Conversely, detractors contend that the capital outlay for high speed rail is exorbitant. The construction of the Harmonie project in Taiwan, for example, encountered a multitude of financial hurdles, including cost overruns and funding shortages. Furthermore, the environmental repercussions are profound. The construction of new tracks often necessitates the expropriation of land, leading to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. Additionally, the energy consumption of high speed trains is markedly higher than that of conventional trains, thereby exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions.

In my estimation, while high speed rail proffers considerable economic advantages, governments must adopt a holistic approach that prioritizes sustainable development. Implementing stringent environmental impact assessments, investing in renewable energy sources, and exploring alternative transportation modalities could ameliorate some of the ecological concerns. Ultimately, a judicious balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship is paramount.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): Controversial, causing disagreement

• The issue of high speed rail remains contentious among policymakers.

1. Facilitate (verb): To make easier, to assist

• High speed rail facilitates business travel between cities.

1. Prohibitive (adjective): So expensive that it prevents something from happening

• The costs of high speed rail can be prohibitive for developing countries.

1. Catalyze (verb): To cause or accelerate a reaction or event

• The new rail link catalyzed economic development in the region.

1. Expropriation (noun): The act of taking something, especially property, with authority

• The construction of high speed rail often involves the expropriation of land.

1. Ramification (noun): A consequence of an action or decision

• The environmental ramifications of high speed rail are significant.

1. Exacerbate (verb): To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

• High speed trains exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Impassioned (adjective): Showing strong emotion

• The debate about high speed rail has become increasingly impassioned.

1. Holistic (adjective): Considering the complete system rather than its parts

• A holistic approach to transportation planning is essential.

1. Skeptics (noun): People who question or doubt something

• Skeptics argue that high speed rail is not a viable solution.

1. Detractors (noun): People who criticize something

• Detractors highlight the environmental impact of high speed rail.

1. Impede (verb): To delay or prevent something from happening

• Frequent grammatical errors can impede communication.

1. Facilitate (verb): To make easier, to assist

• High speed rail facilitates business travel between cities.

1. Augment (verb): To make something greater by adding to it

• The construction of high speed rail augments economic activity.

1. Judicious (adjective): Having or showing good judgment

• A judicious balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship is paramount.

1. Paramount (adjective): More important than anything else

• Environmental sustainability is paramount in transportation planning.

1. Proliferation (noun): Rapid increase in the number or amount of something

• The proliferation of high speed rail networks has sparked debate.

1. Viability (noun): The ability to be done or to succeed

• The economic viability of high speed rail is often questioned.

1. Ramification (noun): A consequence of an action or decision

• The environmental ramifications of high speed rail are significant.

1. Exacerbate (verb): To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse

• High speed trains exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Remember to state your position explicitly.
2. Uneven Treatment of Both Views: Some students spend too much time on one side of the argument, leaving the other side underdeveloped. Ensure you dedicate equal time to both views.
3. Overuse of Linking Words: Students often overuse linking words like 'moreover', 'however', and 'in addition', which can make the writing seem repetitive. Vary your linking words and use them appropriately.
4. Inappropriate Vocabulary: Using advanced vocabulary incorrectly can detract from your score. Stick to words you are confident using, and avoid using words you are unsure of.
5. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement mistakes, incorrect tense usage, and punctuation errors, can lower your score. Proofread your essay carefully to avoid these mistakes.
6. Off-Topic Content: Some students include irrelevant information that does not address the task. Stay focused on the topic and ensure all your points are relevant.
7. Lack of Examples: Supporting your arguments with relevant examples can strengthen your essay. Include specific examples to illustrate your points.
8. Poor Paragraph Structure: Each paragraph should focus on one main idea. Poor paragraph structure can make your essay difficult to follow. Organize your paragraphs clearly and logically.

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