IELTS Writing Task 2: Sustainable Cities - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that governments should focus on creating sustainable cities by investing in public transportation and green spaces. Others argue that individuals should take responsibility for their own environmental impact. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0

The government should make cities more sustainable by building more buses and parks. Some people say that individuals should do more to help the environment, but I think the government should do more.

Cities are becoming more crowded, and the environment is suffering. The government should make cities more sustainable by building more buses and parks. Some people say that individuals should do more to help the environment, but I think the government should do more. For example, in my city, there are not enough buses, so people drive cars, which causes pollution. If the government builds more buses, people will use them instead of driving. Also, parks are good for the environment because they provide green spaces. If the government builds more parks, the air will be cleaner.

Some people say that individuals should take responsibility for their own environmental impact. They say that people should recycle and use less plastic. However, I think the government should do more. Individuals can do some things, but the government can do more. For example, the government can make laws that require companies to reduce pollution. The government can also provide incentives for people to use public transportation. In conclusion, the government should focus on creating sustainable cities by investing in public transportation and green spaces.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and support.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and lack of clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses simple sentence structures with frequent errors.

Band 7.0

While individuals have a role in promoting sustainability, governments must take the lead in creating sustainable cities through infrastructure investments and policy changes.

The creation of sustainable cities requires a concerted effort from both governments and individuals. While individuals have a role in promoting sustainability, governments must take the lead in creating sustainable cities through infrastructure investments and policy changes. For instance, governments can invest in public transportation systems, such as buses and trains, to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. This not only reduces air pollution but also alleviates traffic congestion. Additionally, governments can create more green spaces, such as parks and community gardens, which improve air quality and provide recreational areas for residents.

On the other hand, individuals can contribute to sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices. For example, people can reduce their carbon footprint by recycling, using reusable bags, and conserving energy. However, these individual actions are not enough to address the broader environmental challenges faced by cities. Governments have the resources and authority to implement large-scale changes that can have a significant impact on sustainability. For example, governments can enact laws that require businesses to adopt sustainable practices or provide tax incentives for companies that invest in green technologies.

In conclusion, while individuals have a role in promoting sustainability, governments must take the lead in creating sustainable cities through infrastructure investments and policy changes. By working together, governments and individuals can create a more sustainable future for urban areas.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items and some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.

Band 8.0

The creation of sustainable cities necessitates a collaborative approach, with governments and individuals each playing distinct yet complementary roles.

The creation of sustainable cities necessitates a collaborative approach, with governments and individuals each playing distinct yet complementary roles. Governments, with their extensive resources and regulatory authority, are uniquely positioned to implement large-scale infrastructure projects and policy changes that can significantly enhance urban sustainability. For example, governments can invest in efficient public transportation networks, such as electric buses and high-speed trains, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. Furthermore, governments can create and maintain extensive green spaces, such as urban parks and vertical gardens, which not only improve air quality but also provide recreational areas for residents.

However, the role of individuals in promoting sustainability should not be underestimated. Individuals can contribute to sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. For instance, people can reduce their carbon footprint by using reusable bags, conserving energy, and recycling waste. Moreover, individuals can influence their communities by advocating for sustainable practices and supporting local environmental initiatives. By working together, governments and individuals can create a more sustainable future for urban areas.

In conclusion, the creation of sustainable cities necessitates a collaborative approach, with governments and individuals each playing distinct yet complementary roles. Governments should focus on implementing large-scale infrastructure projects and policy changes, while individuals should adopt eco-friendly practices and advocate for sustainability in their communities. By working together, we can create cities that are not only environmentally friendly but also livable and resilient.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas using appropriate, relevant, and extended examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items and some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with some errors.

Band 9.0

The pursuit of sustainable cities demands a symbiotic relationship between governmental initiatives and individual actions, each amplifying the other's impact.

The pursuit of sustainable cities demands a symbiotic relationship between governmental initiatives and individual actions, each amplifying the other's impact. Governments, as the primary architects of urban development, bear the responsibility of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects and policy changes that can significantly enhance urban sustainability. For instance, governments can invest in state-of-the-art public transportation systems, such as electric buses and high-speed trains, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. Furthermore, governments can create and maintain extensive green spaces, such as urban parks and vertical gardens, which not only improve air quality but also provide recreational areas for residents and promote biodiversity.

However, the role of individuals in promoting sustainability is equally crucial. Individuals can contribute to sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices in their daily lives. For example, people can reduce their carbon footprint by using reusable bags, conserving energy, and recycling waste. Moreover, individuals can influence their communities by advocating for sustainable practices and supporting local environmental initiatives. By working together, governments and individuals can create a more sustainable future for urban areas.

In conclusion, the pursuit of sustainable cities demands a symbiotic relationship between governmental initiatives and individual actions. Governments should focus on implementing large-scale infrastructure projects and policy changes, while individuals should adopt eco-friendly practices and advocate for sustainability in their communities. By working together, we can create cities that are not only environmentally friendly but also livable, resilient, and inclusive.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas using appropriate, relevant, and extended examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with less common lexical items and some sophisticated vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Sustainable (adj.) - able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: Sustainable cities require a balance between urban development and environmental conservation.
2. Infrastructure (n.) - the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. Example: Governments should invest in sustainable infrastructure to support urban growth.
3. Green spaces (n.) - areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an otherwise developed environment. Example: Urban green spaces improve air quality and provide recreational areas for residents.
4. Eco-friendly (adj.) - not harmful to the environment. Example: Adopting eco-friendly practices can help reduce your carbon footprint.
5. Biodiversity (n.) - the variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. Example: Urban parks promote biodiversity by providing habitats for various species.
6. Resilient (adj.) - able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. Example: Sustainable cities are resilient to environmental challenges and natural disasters.
7. Collaborative (adj.) - produced or achieved through collaboration. Example: A collaborative approach is necessary to address the complex challenges of urban sustainability.
8. Regulatory (adj.) - relating to or denoting rules or regulations. Example: Governments have the authority to implement regulatory measures that promote sustainability.
9. Allevate (v.) - make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe. Example: Investing in public transportation can alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution.
10. Enact (v.) - make (a bill or other proposal) law. Example: Governments can enact laws that require businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
11. Advocate (v.) - publicly recommend or support. Example: Individuals can advocate for sustainable practices and support local environmental initiatives.
12. Implement (v.) - put (a decision, plan, law, or procedure) into effect. Example: Governments should implement large-scale infrastructure projects to enhance urban sustainability.
13. Promote (v.) - support or actively encourage (a cause, venture, etc.); further the progress of. Example: Governments can promote sustainability by investing in green technologies.
14. Influence (v.) - have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or on the course of events. Example: Individuals can influence their communities by advocating for sustainable practices.
15. Inclusive (adj.) - including all the services or items normally expected or required. Example: Sustainable cities should be inclusive, providing opportunities and benefits for all residents.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, resulting in a lower score for Task Response.
2. Inadequate Support: Students often present ideas without providing sufficient support or examples, which can lower the score for Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion.
3. Repetition: Repeating the same ideas or vocabulary can indicate a limited range and negatively impact the score for Lexical Resource.
4. Poor Organization: A lack of clear organization and progression of ideas can result in a lower score for Coherence and Cohesion.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can lower the score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

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