IELTS Writing Task 2: Walkable Cities - Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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Full Prompt
Some people argue that cities should be designed for walking and cycling, while others believe that planning should prioritize cars. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This is a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay prompt that tests your ability to present a balanced discussion and express a personal viewpoint.
Band 6.0 Sample Answer
View 1: Some people think that cities should be designed for walking and cycling because it is healthier and better for the environment. For example, in some cities, there are special paths for bikes and pedestrians, which helps to reduce traffic and pollution. Additionally, walking and cycling can help people stay fit and reduce the problem of obesity.
View 2: On the other hand, others argue that cities should be planned for cars because they are faster and more convenient. For instance, driving a car can save time when traveling long distances, and it is easier to carry heavy items. Also, in some places, the weather is bad, and walking or cycling is not practical.
My Opinion: In my view, cities should be designed for both walking and cycling as well as cars. A good solution would be to have separate lanes for bikes and pedestrians, as well as enough space for cars. This way, people can choose the best way to travel depending on the situation.
Scoring Breakdown
| Criteria | Band 6.0 Score | Explanation | |------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Task Response | 6.0 | Presents a relevant position but with limited development. Key claims are supported by some examples. | | Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 | Ideas are logically organized but with unclear progression. Cohesive devices are used but not always effectively. | | Lexical Resource | 6.0 | Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas, though some repetition occurs. | | Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 | Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors. Punctuation and spelling are generally accurate. |
Key Vocabulary
- Healthier (adj) - more conducive to good health
- Example: A walkable city promotes healthier lifestyles.
- Environment (n) - the natural world or ecosystem
- Example: Reducing car dependency benefits the environment.
- Pedestrians (n) - people walking, especially in a town or city
- Example: The city has built new paths for pedestrians.
- Convenient (adj) - suitable for someone's comfort or purpose
- Example: Driving is more convenient for long distances.
- Obesity (n) - the condition of being grossly fat or overweight
- Example: Walking and cycling can help reduce obesity.
- Practical (adj) - likely to be effective in real circumstances
- Example: Walking is not practical in bad weather.
- Separate lanes (n) - dedicated pathways for specific types of traffic
- Example: The city should have separate lanes for bikes and cars.
- Progression (n) - the process of developing gradually
- Example: The essay lacks clear progression of ideas.
- Cohesive devices (n) - words or phrases that connect ideas
- Example: The essay uses some cohesive devices but not effectively.
- Repetition (n) - the act of saying or doing something again
- Example: The essay has some repetition of vocabulary.
- Punctuation (n) - marks used in writing to separate sentences and their elements
- Example: The essay has generally accurate punctuation.
- Spelling (n) - the correct way of writing words
- Example: The essay has generally accurate spelling.
- Range (n) - the extent of variety
- Example: The essay has a limited range of vocabulary.
- Complex sentences (n) - sentences with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause
- Example: The essay attempts complex sentences but with errors.
- Dependent clause (n) - a clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence and must be attached to an independent clause
- Example: The essay has some dependent clauses combined with errors.
- Independent clause (n) - a clause that can stand alone as a sentence
- Example: The essay has some independent clauses.
- Position (n) - an opinion or attitude
- Example: The essay presents a relevant position.
- Examples (n) - instances or illustrations that support an idea
- Example: The essay has some examples but not enough.
- Effectively (adv) - in an efficient or successful way
- Example: The essay uses cohesive devices but not effectively.
- Frequent (adj) - happening often
- Example: The essay has frequent errors in complex sentences.
- Generally accurate (adj) - mostly correct
- Example: The essay has generally accurate punctuation.
- Grossly (adv) - to a great degree; excessively
- Example: Obesity is the condition of being grossly fat.
- Gradually (adv) - in a slow and steady way
- Example: The essay develops ideas gradually.
- Comfort (n) - a state of physical ease and freedom from pain or constraint
- Example: Driving is more suitable for someone's comfort.
- Purpose (n) - the reason for which something is done or created
- Example: Driving is suitable for someone's comfort or purpose.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Depth: Band 6.0 responses often provide surface-level examples without exploring the implications or consequences.
- Repetitive Vocabulary: Using the same words or phrases repeatedly instead of varying vocabulary.
- Poor Sentence Structure: Attempting complex sentences but with frequent grammatical errors.
- Weak Cohesion: Ideas may be logically organized but lack clear transitions and cohesive devices.
- Incomplete Development: Not fully developing ideas or providing enough support for claims.
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