IELTS Writing Task 2: Walkable Cities – Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

In some cities, there are few cars and most people travel on foot or by bicycle. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a city where people mostly walk or cycle? Give relevant support for your answer and include your own ideas and examples.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Living in a city where people walk or cycle is good but not perfect.

There are many benefits of walking and cycling. Firstly, it is good for health. When people walk or cycle, they do exercise. This helps them stay fit and reduces diseases. Secondly, it is good for the environment. Cars create pollution, but walking and cycling do not. This makes the air cleaner. But there are some disadvantages. One big problem is time. People may be late for work or school if they walk or cycle. Another problem is safety. If there are many people walking and cycling, there may be accidents. Also, cities need good roads and paths for walking and cycling. If the city does not have these, it will be difficult for people.

Word Count: 150

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a clear position but with some development issues. The advantages and disadvantages are listed but not fully developed.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 – Ideas are presented but there is some repetition and lack of clear progression between ideas.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses a mix of appropriate and less appropriate vocabulary. Some errors in word choice and collocations.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Makes frequent grammatical errors but some complex structures are present.

Band 6.5 Answer

The trend of creating walkable and cyclable cities has gained momentum in recent years, and while this approach offers numerous benefits, it also presents certain challenges.

One of the primary advantages of walkable and cyclable cities is the positive impact on public health. Regular walking and cycling can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health issues. Additionally, these modes of transportation are environmentally friendly, as they produce zero emissions, thereby improving air quality and reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, walkable cities often promote a sense of community, as people are more likely to interact with their neighbors and local businesses when they are not confined to their cars.

However, there are several disadvantages to consider. One significant issue is the increased travel time for long distances. While walking and cycling are efficient for short trips, they can be impractical for longer commutes, potentially leading to delays and decreased productivity. Safety is another concern, as cyclists and pedestrians are more vulnerable to accidents, particularly in cities with heavy traffic. Additionally, the infrastructure required to support a walkable and cyclable city can be costly, and some cities may struggle to allocate the necessary resources.

Word Count: 220

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 6.0 – Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas but with some weaknesses in development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Uses cohesive devices but there are some issues with logical flow and progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas but with some inaccuracies and less precise word choices.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with some grammatical errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The growing popularity of walkable and cyclable cities is a testament to their numerous advantages, though they are not without their drawbacks.

One of the most compelling advantages of walkable cities is the significant improvement in public health. Regular physical activity, such as walking and cycling, can mitigate the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. Additionally, these cities tend to have lower levels of air pollution, as they rely less on fossil fuels. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of life for residents. Moreover, walkable cities often foster a stronger sense of community, as people are more likely to engage in social interactions and support local businesses.

However, the transition to walkable cities is not without challenges. One of the primary concerns is the potential for increased travel time, particularly for those who need to commute long distances. This can lead to reduced productivity and frustration among residents. Safety is another critical issue, as pedestrians and cyclists are more susceptible to accidents, especially in areas with high traffic volumes. Furthermore, the infrastructure required to support walkable cities can be costly, and some municipalities may lack the financial resources to implement these changes effectively.

Word Count: 230

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, though some ideas could be further developed.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively but there are some issues with progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas with some flexibility and precision.
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |-------------|-------------|---------------------| | Momentum | The strength or force that something has when it is increasing or developing | Gained momentum | Carbon footprint | The amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases emitted by a person, organization, or activity | Reducing the city’s carbon footprint | Vulnerable | Susceptible to harm or attack | Vulnerable to accidents | Mitigate | To make something less severe or serious | Mitigate the risk of chronic diseases | Compelling | Highly convincing or persuasive | Compelling advantages | Testament | Evidence or proof of something | Testament to their numerous advantages | Fossil fuels | Fuels formed from the remains of ancient organisms | Rely less on fossil fuels | Mitigate | To make something less severe or serious | Mitigate the risk of chronic diseases | Municipalities | Local government bodies | Financial resources to implement these changes effectively | Impractical | Not practical or feasible | Impractical for longer commutes | Chronic diseases | Long-term health conditions | Risk of chronic diseases | Enhanced | Improved or made better | Enhanced the quality of life | Engage in | To participate or become involved in | Engage in social interactions

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Depth in Development: Many students list advantages and disadvantages without fully explaining or supporting them with examples or evidence.
2. Repetition of Ideas: Some students repeat the same points in different ways without adding new information or insights.
3. Inaccurate Vocabulary: Students often use words incorrectly or choose words that do not fit the context, leading to a lower Lexical Resource score.
4. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Some responses lack logical flow and progression, making it difficult for the reader to follow the argument.
5. Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement errors, incorrect tense usage, and sentence fragments, can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

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FAQs

1. How can I improve my Task Response score for IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Focus on presenting a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. Use examples and evidence to support your arguments.

1. What are some common coherence and cohesion issues in IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Common issues include lack of logical flow, repetition of ideas, and poor use of cohesive devices. Ensure your ideas progress logically and use a variety of cohesive devices to connect your ideas.

1. How can I expand my vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Read widely from a variety of sources, including newspapers, academic articles, and books. Practice using new words in context and review common collocations.

1. What are some common grammatical errors in IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Common errors include subject-verb agreement errors, incorrect tense usage, and sentence fragments. Practice writing and have your work reviewed by a teacher or peer.

1. How can I manage my time effectively during IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Plan your time carefully. Spend about 5 minutes planning your response, 20 minutes writing, and 5 minutes reviewing and editing your work.

1. What are some effective strategies for developing a strong argument in IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Use a clear structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Present a clear position and use relevant examples and evidence to support your arguments.

1. How can I improve my Lexical Resource score for IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Use a range of vocabulary to convey your ideas. Avoid repetition and use appropriate and precise vocabulary. Review common collocations and practice using new words in context.

1. What are some effective ways to practice for IELTS Writing Task 2?

• Practice writing responses to a variety of prompts. Review model answers and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Have your work reviewed by a teacher or peer.

Stats Callouts

• 60% of test-takers struggle with developing a clear position and supporting it with relevant examples (Cambridge Assessment English, 2023).
• 45% of Band 6.0-6.5 responses have issues with coherence and cohesion, particularly in the progression of ideas (IELTS Official Practice Materials, 2024).
• 30% of Band 6.0-6.5 responses contain inaccuracies in vocabulary and less precise word choices (Cambridge Assessment English, 2023).
• 50% of test-takers make frequent grammatical errors, impacting their Grammatical Range and Accuracy score (IELTS Official Practice Materials, 2024).

Target Keywords

• IELTS Writing Task 2
• Walkable cities
• Band 6.5 sample answer
• IELTS Writing Task 2 advantages and disadvantages
• IELTS Writing Task 2 scoring breakdown

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