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Get a Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on sustainable cities. Full breakdown of scoring, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.
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Get a Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on sustainable cities. Full breakdown of scoring, vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.
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Some people believe that cities should be designed to accommodate cars and other motor vehicles, while others argue that cities should be built around public transportation. To what extent do you agree or disagree with either view?
Urban planners face the significant challenge of designing cities that balance the needs of motorists and public transport users. I strongly believe that prioritizing public transportation is the better approach for sustainable urban development.
Cities built around cars lead to numerous environmental and social issues. Vehicle emissions contribute substantially to air pollution, which has severe health consequences for residents. Furthermore, traffic congestion is a daily challenge in many cities, wasting time and fuel. A report by the World Health Organization found that 91% of the world's population lives in areas where air quality exceeds safety limits, with vehicle emissions being a major factor.
In contrast, cities designed for public transportation offer numerous benefits. Efficient public transit systems reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, decreasing air pollution and congestion. Additionally, well-planned public transportation networks provide equitable access to opportunities for all residents, including those who cannot afford private vehicles. For example, cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have successfully implemented bike-sharing programs and expanded public transit options, resulting in cleaner air and more livable urban environments.
Moreover, investing in public transportation can stimulate economic growth. Construction and maintenance of public transit infrastructure create jobs, and efficient transportation systems attract businesses and residents. According to the International Association of Public Transport, every dollar invested in public transportation generates up to five dollars in economic returns.
In conclusion, designing cities around public transportation is a more sustainable and equitable approach than prioritizing motor vehicles. This strategy addresses environmental concerns, promotes social equity, and stimulates economic growth. Urban planners should prioritize public transportation to create healthier, more livable cities for all residents.
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Usage | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Urban planners | Professionals who design and develop urban areas. | Urban planners must consider the needs of all residents. | | Sustainable development| Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future. | Sustainable development requires balancing economic, social, and environmental needs. | | Vehicle emissions | Gases and particles released by vehicles. | Vehicle emissions contribute to air pollution. | | Traffic congestion | Excessive traffic causing delays. | Traffic congestion is a daily challenge in many cities. | | Public transit systems | Networks of public transportation. | Efficient public transit systems reduce air pollution. | | Bike-sharing programs | Programs that allow people to rent bicycles for short periods. | Copenhagen has successfully implemented bike-sharing programs. | | Livable urban environments| Cities that are pleasant and comfortable to live in. | Amsterdam has created livable urban environments through public transit. | | Economic growth | Increase in the production of goods and services in an economy. | Investing in public transportation can stimulate economic growth. | | Equitable access | Fair access to resources and opportunities. | Public transportation provides equitable access to opportunities. | | Stimulate economic growth| Encourage economic development. | Public transit infrastructure stimulates economic growth. | | Motor vehicles | Vehicles powered by motors, such as cars, trucks, and buses. | Cities built around motor vehicles lead to numerous environmental issues. | | Infrastructure | Basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society. | Construction of public transit infrastructure creates jobs. |
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You should write at least 250 words for IELTS Writing Task 2. Responses under this limit may receive a lower score for Task Response.
IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9.
Common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2 include education, technology, society, environment, health, and global issues. Familiarize yourself with a range of topics to be well-prepared.
To improve your score, practice writing under timed conditions, use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures, and ensure your response is well-organized and coherent. Additionally, seek feedback on your writing to identify areas for improvement.
IELTS Writing Task 1 requires you to describe visual information (a graph, chart, table, or diagram) in 150 words. Task 2 is an essay response to a given prompt, requiring at least 250 words. Task 2 carries more weight in your overall Writing score.
Vocabulary is crucial in IELTS Writing Task 2. Using a range of appropriate and precise vocabulary demonstrates your language proficiency and can significantly impact your Lexical Resource score.
No, you should not use bullet points or headings in your IELTS Writing Task 2 response. Your response should be written in full paragraphs and should follow a clear and logical structure.
Allocate your time wisely. Spend about 5 minutes planning your response, 35 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing and editing. Stick to this timeframe to ensure you complete the task within the 60-minute limit.
91% of the world's population lives in areas where air quality exceeds safety limits. (Source: World Health Organization) Every dollar invested in public transportation generates up to five dollars in economic returns. (Source: International Association of Public Transport) 60% of test-takers struggle with maintaining a consistent argument in IELTS Writing Task 2. (Source: Cambridge Assessment English)