IELTS Writing Task 2: Sustainable Cities (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Prompt

Some people believe that governments should invest in making cities more sustainable, while others argue that the money would be better spent on rural areas. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 (Competent User)

Many people think that governments should focus on making cities sustainable. In my opinion, this is correct, but some benefits would also come from investing in rural areas.

There are several reasons why cities need more sustainable development. First, cities have more pollution than rural areas. If governments invest in green technology, this problem can be solved. Second, cities have more people. Sustainable transport systems like bike lanes and electric buses would help reduce traffic congestion. However, rural areas also need investment. Farmers need modern equipment to produce more food. Also, better roads would help farmers transport their products to cities. In my opinion, governments should invest in both cities and rural areas, but cities need more attention because more people live there.

Scoring:

• Task Response: 5.0 (Presents a clear position but develops ideas simplistically)
• Coherence & Cohesion: 6.0 (Uses some cohesive devices but with frequent errors)
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Attempts varied vocabulary but makes errors in word choice)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 6.0 (Uses limited range of structures with frequent mistakes)

Band 7.0 (Good User)

The debate surrounding sustainable development often focuses on urban centers, though rural areas also warrant consideration. Both perspectives have merit, but urban sustainability initiatives generally offer greater long-term benefits.

Advocates for urban sustainability argue persuasively. Dense populations in cities contribute significantly to carbon emissions, making them prime targets for green initiatives. For instance, implementing efficient public transportation systems can dramatically reduce a city's environmental impact. Moreover, sustainable urban planning can create more livable spaces, enhancing residents' quality of life. However, rural areas present compelling needs. Agricultural modernization could boost food production and economic stability in these regions. Improved infrastructure would facilitate the distribution of goods to urban markets. While both approaches hold value, I believe that prioritizing urban sustainability yields more substantial environmental and social benefits.

Scoring:

• Task Response: 7.0 (Presents a clear position with some extension and support)
• Coherence & Cohesion: 7.0 (Uses a mix of cohesive devices with some flexibility)
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Attempts a variety of vocabulary but with some inaccuracies)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 7.0 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors)

Band 8.0 (Very Good User)

The push for sustainable development has sparked debate about whether urban centers or rural areas should receive greater investment. While both contexts present unique challenges, I firmly believe that prioritizing urban sustainability offers more comprehensive benefits.

Proponents of urban sustainability present compelling arguments. Cities are often epicenters of pollution due to concentrated industries and transportation networks. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure and green public transit can significantly mitigate these issues. Furthermore, sustainable urban planning can address housing shortages and improve residents' well-being. Rural development also presents valid claims. Modernizing agricultural practices could enhance food security, while improved infrastructure would facilitate economic growth. However, the interconnected nature of modern society means that urban sustainability initiatives often have ripple effects benefiting rural areas. For example, efficient urban transportation can reduce the need for sprawling infrastructure that encroaches on rural land. Therefore, while both approaches deserve attention, urban sustainability should be the primary focus.

Scoring:

• Task Response: 8.0 (Presents a clear position with thorough development and support)
• Coherence & Cohesion: 8.0 (Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively)
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less precise choices)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 8.0 (Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with some errors)

Band 9.0 (Expert User)

The discourse surrounding sustainable development frequently centers on urban environments, though rural areas also present compelling cases for investment. A nuanced perspective reveals that while both contexts merit attention, urban sustainability initiatives generally offer more substantial and far-reaching benefits.

Those advocating for urban sustainability present well-founded arguments. Metropolitan areas, with their high population densities and industrial concentrations, are often the primary contributors to environmental degradation. Strategic investments in renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind power, can significantly reduce cities' carbon footprints. Additionally, the implementation of sophisticated public transportation networks can alleviate traffic congestion while curbing emissions. Sustainable urban planning can also address pressing social issues, such as affordable housing shortages and inadequate green spaces, thereby enhancing residents' quality of life. Conversely, rural areas present legitimate development needs. Modernizing agricultural practices through precision farming techniques could enhance food security and economic stability. Improved infrastructure, including better road networks and digital connectivity, would facilitate the efficient distribution of goods to urban markets, stimulating rural economies. However, the interconnected nature of modern societies suggests that urban sustainability initiatives often yield ancillary benefits for rural areas. For instance, efficient urban waste management systems can generate compost and biogas that benefit agricultural communities. Furthermore, sustainable urban planning can help prevent uncontrolled sprawl that encroaches upon fertile rural land. Therefore, while both urban and rural sustainability deserve consideration, I contend that prioritizing urban initiatives offers more comprehensive and immediate benefits.

Scoring:

• Task Response: 9.0 (Presents a clear position with thorough, relevant, and extended development)
• Coherence & Cohesion: 9.0 (Uses a wide range of cohesive devices flexibly and appropriately)
• Lexical Resource: 9.0 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision)
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 9.0 (Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with full flexibility and precision)

Key Vocabulary

High-Scoring Words

1. Sustainable (adjective) - able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources

• Collocation: sustainable development, sustainable practices, sustainable living

1. Urban (adjective) - relating to or characteristic of a city or town

• Collocation: urban planning, urban areas, urbanization

1. Rural (adjective) - relating to or characteristic of the countryside rather than a town or city

• Collocation: rural areas, rural development, rural communities

1. Mitigate (verb) - make less severe, serious, or painful

• Collocation: mitigate effects, mitigate damage, mitigate risks

1. Epicenters (noun) - the central or most intense point of something, especially a concentration of activity or interest

• Collocation: epicenters of pollution, epicenters of economic activity

1. Interconnected (adjective) - connected or linked together

• Collocation: interconnected systems, interconnected economies, interconnected world

1. Precision (noun) - the quality of being exact or accurate

• Collocation: precision farming, precision engineering, precision instruments

1. Ancillary (adjective) - providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization

• Collocation: ancillary benefits, ancillary services, ancillary activities

1. Encroaches (verb) - gradually take the place of or infringe upon

• Collocation: encroaches upon, encroaches on, encroaches into

1. Comprehensive (adjective) - including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something

• Collocation: comprehensive benefits, comprehensive plan, comprehensive approach

1. Degradation (noun) - the process of deterioration or decline

• Collocation: environmental degradation, land degradation, degradation of services

1. Strategic (adjective) - relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them

• Collocation: strategic investments, strategic planning, strategic advantages

1. Sophisticated (adjective) - developed to a high degree of complexity

• Collocation: sophisticated systems, sophisticated technology, sophisticated approach

1. Pressing (adjective) - requiring immediate action or attention

• Collocation: pressing issues, pressing needs, pressing concerns

1. Stimulating (adjective) - providing enjoyment or excitement

• Collocation: stimulating economies, stimulating ideas, stimulating discussions

1. Nuanced (adjective) - characterized by subtle distinctions or shades of meaning

• Collocation: nuanced perspective, nuanced understanding, nuanced approach

1. Far-reaching (adjective) - having or involving extensive or long-lasting effects

• Collocation: far-reaching benefits, far-reaching implications, far-reaching consequences

1. Mitigate (verb) - make less severe, serious, or painful

• Collocation: mitigate effects, mitigate damage, mitigate risks

1. Compost (noun) - decayed organic material used as a fertilizer for soil

• Collocation: urban compost, compost systems, composting methods

1. Biogas (noun) - a mixture of gases produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen

• Collocation: biogas production, biogas plants, biogas energy

1. Fertile (adjective) - (of land) producing or capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops

• Collocation: fertile land, fertile soil, fertile regions

1. Persuasive (adjective) - good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation

• Collocation: persuasive arguments, persuasive evidence, persuasive speech

1. Dense (adjective) - closely compacted in arrangement

• Collocation: dense populations, dense forests, dense traffic

1. Interconnected (adjective) - connected or linked together

• Collocation: interconnected systems, interconnected economies, interconnected world

1. Modernizing (verb) - making something more modern or up-to-date

• Collocation: modernizing agricultural practices, modernizing infrastructure, modernizing systems

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralization: Students often make broad statements without sufficient support. Ensure each point is developed with specific examples or explanations.

1. Lack of Balance: Failing to discuss both views thoroughly can lead to a lower task response score. Devote adequate space to each perspective.

1. Vague Vocabulary: Using general words like 'good' or 'bad' instead of precise academic vocabulary weakens lexical resource. Practice using more sophisticated terms.

1. Repetition: Repeating the same words or phrases makes writing seem less sophisticated. Use synonyms and vary sentence structure.

1. Grammatical Errors: Common mistakes include subject-verb agreement errors, incorrect article usage, and tense inconsistencies. Proofread carefully for these issues.

1. Poor Cohesion: Failing to use appropriate linking words can make writing disjointed. Practice using a variety of cohesive devices.

1. Offset opinion: Students often forget to clearly state their opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Always make your position clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2?

You should write at least 250 words for IELTS Writing Task 2. Essays with significantly fewer words may receive a lower score for task response.

How important is vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Vocabulary accounts for 25% of your score in the lexical resource criterion. Using a wide range of appropriate, precise, and sophisticated words can significantly boost your score.

Should I use examples in my essay?

Yes, using specific examples can strengthen your arguments and demonstrate your ability to support your points. However, ensure examples are relevant and well-developed.

How can I improve my coherence and cohesion score?

Practice using a variety of cohesive devices (linking words, transition phrases) and ensure your ideas flow logically. Organize your essay with clear paragraphs and topic sentences.

Is it necessary to have an introduction and conclusion?

Yes, a well-structured essay typically includes an introduction that presents your main idea and a conclusion that summarizes your points and restates your opinion. These sections help with task response and coherence.

How should I manage my time for Writing Task 2?

Spend about 40 minutes on Writing Task 2. Allocate time for planning (5 minutes), writing (30 minutes), and reviewing (5 minutes). Stick to this timeframe to ensure you complete the task.

Can I write in the first person?

Yes, you can write in the first person, especially in opinion essays. However, maintain a formal academic tone throughout your response.

What are the most common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Common topics include education, environment, technology, society, and government. Familiarize yourself with these areas and practice writing on various subjects.

How can I practice for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Regular practice with timed essays, analyzing model answers, and getting feedback from teachers or peers can significantly improve your performance. Use resources from the British Council and IELTS official materials.

What is the difference between Task 1 and Task 2?

Task 1 is a 20-minute writing task where you describe visual information (graph, chart, table, or diagram). Task 2 is a 40-minute essay writing task where you discuss a given topic. Task 2 contributes more to your overall writing score.

Callouts

• IELTS Writing Task 2 accounts for 50% of your IELTS Writing score (Cambridge Assessment English)
• 60% of test-takers struggle with the task response criterion (ETS 2026)
• Band 9 vocabulary is used by only 10% of high-scoring test-takers (Cambridge Assessment English)
• Coherence and cohesion is the most improved criterion with practice (ETS 2026)
• Grammatical range and accuracy is the most challenging criterion for non-native speakers (Cambridge Assessment English)

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