IELTS Writing Task 2: Walkable Cities - Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
Some people think that cities should be designed for walking instead of using cars. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
You should write at least 250 words.
Band 8.0 Sample Answer
Nowadays, urban planners increasingly advocate for pedestrian-friendly cities, arguing that walkability enhances both environmental and public health. I strongly agree with this perspective and believe that prioritizing foot traffic over automobile use offers substantial benefits to society.
Firstly, walkable cities significantly reduce air pollution. According to the World Health Organization, outdoor air pollution contributes to an estimated 4.2 million deaths per year. By designing cities with wide sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and green spaces, urban areas can decrease reliance on fossil fuel-dependent vehicles. For instance, cities like Copenhagen have implemented 'car-free' zones, resulting in a 42% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels since 1990. Additionally, walkable cities promote physical activity, which is crucial for combating obesity and related health issues. A study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that people who walk for transportation are 35% more likely to meet weekly physical activity guidelines than those who do not.
Moreover, pedestrian-friendly cities foster social interaction and community building. When people walk instead of drive, they have more opportunities to engage with their neighbors and local businesses. This social cohesion strengthens community ties and enhances overall quality of life. For example, the introduction of pedestrianized areas in Melbourne has led to a 20% increase in local business revenue, demonstrating the economic benefits of such urban planning.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that cities should be designed with pedestrians in mind. The environmental, health, and social benefits of walkable cities far outweigh the inconveniences of reduced automobile use. Governments and urban planners should prioritize pedestrian infrastructure to create healthier, more sustainable, and connected communities.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (8.0): Presents a clear position throughout the response. Presents, extends, and supports main ideas, but there may be occasional overgeneralization or oversimplification. Uses some less common lexis with some awareness of style and collocation.
- Coherence and Cohesion (8.0): Uses cohesive devices effectively, but there may be some under- or over-use. Arranges information and ideas logically, but there may be occasional unclear referential connections.
- Lexical Resource (8.0): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision. Uses less common lexical items but there may be some inappropriate choices or rare instances of collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (8.0): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Produces frequent error-free sentences with only very occasional errors.
Key Vocabulary
- Walkability (noun): The quality of being easy to walk around. Example: The walkability of a city is improved with well-maintained sidewalks.
- Pedestrian-friendly (adjective): Designed to accommodate and prioritize people walking. Example: Cities with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure encourage walking over driving.
- Urban planners (noun): Professionals who design and develop urban environments. Example: Urban planners advocate for more green spaces in cities.
- Fossil fuel-dependent (adjective): Relying on fossil fuels for energy. Example: Reducing reliance on fossil fuel-dependent vehicles is crucial for environmental sustainability.
- Nitrogen dioxide (noun): A toxic air pollutant. Example: Levels of nitrogen dioxide have decreased significantly in car-free zones.
- Obesity (noun): The condition of being severely overweight. Example: Walking regularly can help combat obesity and related health issues.
- Social cohesion (noun): The bond or connection between members of a community. Example: Walkable cities foster social cohesion and community building.
- Pedestrianized (adjective): Designed for pedestrian use only. Example: The introduction of pedestrianized areas has boosted local business revenue.
- Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: Walkable cities are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- Green spaces (noun): Areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation in urban environments. Example: Cities with plenty of green spaces promote walking and outdoor activities.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower Task Response score. Always state your opinion clearly in the introduction and maintain it throughout the response.
- Overgeneralization: Students often make broad statements without sufficient support. Ensure that each point is backed by specific examples or data.
- Poor Cohesion: Some responses lack logical flow and cohesive devices, making it difficult for the examiner to follow the argument. Use transition words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary can lower your Lexical Resource score. Aim to use a range of less common lexical items appropriately.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly impact your score. Practice using a mix of simple and complex sentence forms and aim for error-free sentences.
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