IELTS Writing Task 2: Road Safety – Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people think that governments should take action to improve road safety, while others believe that individuals should be responsible for their own safety on the roads. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Governments should make roads safer because people are not careful enough.

Some people think that governments should do more to improve road safety. I agree with this because many people are not careful when they drive or cross the road. For example, in my country, there are many accidents because people use their phones while driving. Also, pedestrians often cross the road without looking. If the government makes stricter laws, like giving big fines for using phones while driving, then there will be fewer accidents. However, others say that people should be responsible for their own safety. They argue that if people are not careful, they will get hurt, and it is not the government's fault. But I think the government should still help because not everyone knows how to be safe on the roads.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a position but with limited development and support.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.5 – Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of cohesion.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses a mix of appropriate and inaccurate vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Makes frequent grammatical errors but with some complex sentence forms.

Band 7.0 Answer

The Role of Governments and Individuals in Road Safety

Road safety is a critical issue in many countries, and there is ongoing debate about whether governments or individuals should be primarily responsible for ensuring it. In my opinion, both parties have important roles to play, but governments should take the lead in implementing measures to improve road safety.

On one hand, individuals must take responsibility for their own safety on the roads. For instance, drivers should avoid using their phones while driving, and pedestrians should always look both ways before crossing the street. However, relying solely on individual responsibility is not enough. Many people are not aware of the dangers on the roads, and some may not have the knowledge or resources to stay safe. For example, in developing countries, poor road infrastructure and lack of education contribute to high accident rates. Therefore, governments need to step in to provide better infrastructure, enforce traffic laws, and educate the public about road safety.

In conclusion, while individuals should certainly be responsible for their own safety, governments have a greater role to play in improving road safety through legislation, education, and infrastructure improvements.

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 minor lapses in cohesion.
• 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

Government Intervention is Key to Enhancing Road Safety

The issue of road safety has become increasingly pressing in recent years, with many advocating for government intervention to mitigate the risks associated with road use. While some argue that individuals should bear the responsibility for their own safety, I firmly believe that governments must take a proactive role in improving road safety through legislation, education, and infrastructure development.

Proponents of individual responsibility contend that drivers and pedestrians should be held accountable for their actions on the roads. They argue that adhering to traffic rules, avoiding distractions, and practicing defensive driving are essential for personal safety. However, this perspective overlooks the systemic issues that contribute to road accidents. For instance, inadequate road signage, poor lighting, and the lack of pedestrian crossings can pose significant risks to road users. Furthermore, many individuals may not have access to proper education about road safety, particularly in rural or underdeveloped areas. Therefore, relying solely on individual responsibility is insufficient to address the complexities of road safety.

In contrast, government intervention can address these systemic issues effectively. Governments can implement stricter traffic laws, such as enforcing speed limits and penalizing distracted driving. They can also invest in improving road infrastructure, such as constructing better roads, installing traffic lights, and providing adequate pedestrian facilities. Additionally, governments can launch public awareness campaigns to educate the public about road safety, ensuring that all road users are informed and vigilant.

In conclusion, while individual responsibility is important, government intervention is crucial for enhancing road safety. By addressing systemic issues and promoting public awareness, governments can significantly reduce the number of road accidents and create a safer environment for all road users.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, using a mix of general statements and specific examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Uses cohesive devices effectively, with a clear progression of ideas and a logical organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of vocabulary with less common lexical items and some sophisticated vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Critical (adj.): Of decisive importance; crucial.

• Example: Road safety is a critical issue in many countries.

1. Mitigate (v.): Make less severe, serious, or painful.

• Example: Governments must take a proactive role in mitigating the risks associated with road use.

1. Proactive (adj.): Taking decisive action to improve a situation.

• Example: Governments must take a proactive role in improving road safety.

1. Adhering (v.): Stick fast or firmly to something.

• Example: Drivers should adhere to traffic rules.

1. Systemic (adj.): Relating to a system or systems.

• Example: This perspective overlooks the systemic issues that contribute to road accidents.

1. Inadequate (adj.): Lacking the necessary qualities or resources.

• *Example:** Inadequate road signage can pose significant risks to road users.

1. Penalizing (v.): Impose a penalty on someone.

• *Example: Governments can penalize** distracted driving.

1. Infrastructure (n.): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

• *Example: Governments can invest in improving road infrastructure**.

1. Constructing (v.): Build or erect something.

• *Example: Governments can construct** better roads.

1. Installing (v.): Place or fix something in position ready for use.

• *Example: Governments can install** traffic lights.

1. Facilities (n.): A place, amenity, or piece of equipment provided for a particular purpose.

• *Example: Governments can provide adequate pedestrian facilities**.

1. Launch (v.): Start or set in motion.

• *Example: Governments can launch** public awareness campaigns.

1. Vigilant (adj.): Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

• *Example: Governments can ensure that all road users are vigilant**.

1. Reduce (v.): Make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

• *Example: Governments can reduce** the number of road accidents.

1. Environment (n.): The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates.

• *Example: Governments can create a safer environment** for all road users.

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralizing: Making broad statements without specific examples or evidence.
2. Lack of Cohesion: Failing to use cohesive devices effectively, leading to disjointed ideas.
3. Inaccurate Vocabulary: Using words incorrectly, which can confuse the reader.
4. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that detract from the overall quality of the writing.
5. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or words without adding new information.

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