IELTS Writing Task 2: Walkable Cities (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Prompt

Some people believe that cities should be designed to be walkable, while others argue that this is not practical. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with some irrelevant points
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some unclear referencing
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors

Sample Answer:

In my opinion, cities should be walkable. First, walking is good for health. When people walk, they can avoid diseases. For example, in Japan, many people walk to work and they are healthy. Second, walkable cities are good for the environment. Cars cause pollution, but walking does not. However, some people say that walkable cities are not practical. They think that cities are too big and walking takes too much time. But I disagree. With good planning, cities can be walkable.

Band 7.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but they do not impede communication

Sample Answer:

The debate over whether cities should be designed to be walkable has gained significant attention. Proponents argue that walkable cities promote healthier lifestyles and reduce environmental impact. For instance, studies by Cambridge Assessment English show that residents in walkable cities like Copenhagen experience lower obesity rates and reduced carbon emissions. Additionally, walkable cities enhance community interaction, fostering a sense of belonging. On the other hand, critics contend that walkable cities are impractical for larger urban areas. They argue that the time and effort required to traverse extensive distances can be prohibitive. However, with strategic urban planning, even large cities can incorporate walkable zones. In conclusion, the benefits of walkable cities outweigh the challenges, making them a viable and desirable urban design goal.

Band 8.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and examples
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors

Sample Answer:

The notion of designing cities to be walkable has sparked considerable debate. Advocates highlight the myriad benefits, including improved public health and reduced environmental degradation. For example, research conducted by the World Health Organization indicates that walkable cities like Amsterdam have seen a 20% reduction in respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, walkable urban environments encourage social interaction, thereby strengthening community bonds. Conversely, detractors argue that walkable cities are impractical, particularly in sprawling metropolises. They contend that the infrastructure required to support walkability is exorbitantly expensive and logistically challenging. However, innovative urban planning solutions, such as the implementation of pedestrian-friendly zones and efficient public transportation, can mitigate these issues. In my view, the advantages of walkable cities far outweigh the drawbacks, making them an essential component of sustainable urban development.

Band 9.0 Answer

Score Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear, informed position with fully extended and supported arguments
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with rare errors

Sample Answer:

The concept of designing cities to prioritize walkability has become a contentious issue in urban planning. Proponents of walkable cities assert that such designs promote healthier lifestyles and mitigate environmental harm. Empirical evidence from the Lancet Public Health journal reveals that residents in walkable cities like Barcelona experience a 15% lower incidence of chronic diseases. Additionally, walkable urban environments foster social cohesion, as evidenced by the vibrant community life in cities like Portland, Oregon. Critics, however, argue that walkable cities are impractical, particularly in densely populated areas. They posit that the infrastructure required to support walkability is prohibitively expensive and logistically daunting. Nevertheless, forward-thinking urban planners have demonstrated that with strategic zoning, green spaces, and efficient public transportation, even large cities can achieve a high degree of walkability. In my opinion, the benefits of walkable cities are manifold and indispensable for creating sustainable, livable urban environments.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Proponents (noun): Those who support or advocate for a particular cause or idea.

• Example: Proponents of walkable cities argue for their health benefits.

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

• Example: Walkable cities can mitigate environmental degradation.

1. Empirical (adjective): Based on observation or experience rather than theory.

• Example: Empirical evidence supports the benefits of walkable cities.

1. Posit (verb): To put forward as an explanation or hypothesis.

• Example: Critics posit that walkable cities are impractical.

1. Indispensable (adjective): Absolutely necessary.

• Example: Walkable cities are indispensable for sustainable urban development.

1. Contentious (adjective): Causing or likely to cause an argument.

• Example: The issue of walkable cities is contentious.

1. Vibrant (adjective): Full of energy and enthusiasm.

• Example: Walkable cities foster vibrant community life.

1. Sprawling (adjective): Spreading out over a large area in an unplanned way.

• Example: Walkable cities are impractical in sprawling metropolises.

1. Exorbitantly (adverb): To an excessive or unreasonable degree.

• Example: The infrastructure required is exorbitantly expensive.

1. Logistically (adverb): Relating to the practical organization of an event or activity.

• Example: The challenges are logistically daunting.

1. Zoning (noun): The regulation of the use of land and buildings.

• Example: Strategic zoning can support walkability.

1. Green spaces (noun): Areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation in urban environments.

• Example: Green spaces enhance walkability.

1. Forward-thinking (adjective): Characterized by a willingness to consider change and new ideas.

• Example: Forward-thinking urban planners support walkable cities.

1. Manifold (adjective): Many and various.

• Example: The benefits of walkable cities are manifold.

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

• Example: Walkable cities are essential for sustainable urban development.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear stance on the issue, leading to a lower Task Response score.
2. Inadequate Examples: Some answers lack specific examples or data to support arguments, weakening the overall response.
3. Poor Organization: Answers that are poorly organized or lack clear progression can result in lower Coherence and Cohesion scores.
4. Vocabulary Errors: Using incorrect or overly complex vocabulary can detract from the Lexical Resource score.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

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