IELTS Writing Task 2: Walkable Cities (Discussion) — Band 6-9 Answers

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Your IELTS Writing Task 2 Prompt (Discussion Type)

Prompt: Some people believe that cities should be designed to be walkable, while others argue that cities should be built around motor vehicles. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers by Band Score

Band 6 Answer (Needs Improvement)

Band 6 Answer

In some countries, the cities are very walkable, but other places, cars are more important. I think both have good points.

For walkable cities, the first reason is health. When people walk more, they are fitter. Also, it is good for the environment because there are less cars. But the problem is that some people live far from their work, so walking is not possible.

For car cities, the first point is convenience. Driving is faster than walking, especially when it rains or is very hot. Also, people can carry many things in a car. But the bad thing is pollution and traffic jams.

In my opinion, cities should try to be walkable but also have cars for people who need them. Governments can build more bike lanes and parks to make walking better, but also have good roads for cars.

Why This is Band 6:

• Task Response (TR): 6 - Presents a position but develops ideas in a limited way.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5 - Uses some organizing features but with limited use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 5 - Has frequent grammatical errors that hinder understanding.

Band 7 Answer (Adequate)

Band 7 Answer

The issue of whether cities should prioritize walkability or accommodate motor vehicles is a contentious one. Both perspectives have compelling arguments.

Proponents of walkable cities argue that pedestrian-friendly urban planning promotes healthier lifestyles among citizens. Walking reduces the risk of obesity and related health issues. Additionally, walkable cities contribute to environmental sustainability by decreasing carbon emissions. However, critics point out that walkability may not be feasible in cities with dispersed populations, where long distances between homes and workplaces make walking impractical.

On the other hand, advocates for car-centric cities highlight the convenience and efficiency that motor vehicles provide. Cars allow people to travel longer distances quickly, which is essential for those living in suburban areas. Furthermore, vehicles enable the transportation of goods and services efficiently. Nevertheless, the downside of car-dependent cities includes increased air pollution and traffic congestion.

In my view, a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should invest in infrastructure that supports both walking and driving. This could include developing public transportation systems, creating pedestrian zones, and implementing policies that reduce traffic congestion.

Why This is Band 7:

• Task Response (TR): 7 - Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas but may not always sustain focus.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7 - Arranges information logically but may use cohesive devices less flexibly.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary but may make some errors in word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with some errors.

Band 8 Answer (Good)

Band 8 Answer

Designing cities to be walkable versus building them around motor vehicles is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides.

Those who advocate for walkable cities contend that pedestrian-friendly environments foster social interaction and community cohesion. Walking allows people to engage with their surroundings, leading to a greater sense of belonging. Moreover, walkable cities tend to have lower crime rates and improved public health outcomes. However, opponents argue that walkability may not be suitable for all urban areas, particularly those with large geographical spreads or harsh weather conditions.

Conversely, supporters of car-centric cities emphasize the economic benefits that motor vehicles bring. The automotive industry generates significant revenue and employment opportunities. Additionally, cars provide flexibility and convenience for individuals who need to transport large items or travel long distances. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of car-dependent cities, such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, cannot be ignored.

In my opinion, urban planners should strive to create cities that integrate both walkability and motor vehicle access. This could involve zoning laws that encourage mixed-use developments, investing in public transportation, and promoting car-sharing initiatives. By adopting a holistic approach, cities can maximize the benefits of both walking and driving while minimizing their respective drawbacks.

Why This is Band 8:

• Task Response (TR): 8 - Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas with relevant examples and explanations.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but may occasionally lapse into less precise organization.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but may have occasional errors in word choice.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally good accuracy but may have occasional errors.

Band 9 Answer (Excellent)

Band 9 Answer

The debate surrounding the design of urban environments—whether to prioritize walkability or accommodate motor vehicles—is multifaceted, with compelling arguments on both sides.

Proponents of walkable cities argue that pedestrian-oriented urban planning enhances the quality of life for residents. Walkable communities promote physical activity, which is linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced rates of chronic diseases. Furthermore, walkable cities tend to have lower levels of air pollution, contributing to improved environmental sustainability. However, detractors contend that walkability may not be feasible in all contexts, particularly in cities with vast geographical areas or extreme climates.

Conversely, advocates for car-centric cities highlight the economic advantages associated with motor vehicle dependency. The automotive sector is a significant contributor to the global economy, generating substantial revenue and employment opportunities. Additionally, cars offer unparalleled convenience for long-distance travel and the transportation of bulky items. Nevertheless, the environmental and social costs of car-dependent cities, such as increased air pollution and traffic congestion, are noteworthy.

In my view, the optimal solution lies in creating cities that harmoniously integrate both walkability and motor vehicle access. This could involve implementing smart urban planning strategies, such as developing mixed-use neighborhoods, investing in efficient public transportation systems, and promoting alternative modes of transportation. By adopting a balanced approach, cities can reap the benefits of both walking and driving while mitigating their respective drawbacks.

Why This is Band 9:

• Task Response (TR): 9 - Presents a clear position throughout and extends and supports ideas with relevant, sustained, and supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and skillfully to guide the reader.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision and sophistication, including some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with a high degree of accuracy.

Key Vocabulary for Walkable Cities Discussion

1. Pedestrian-friendly (adj) - Designed for walking; suitable for pedestrians. Example: The new urban plan includes many pedestrian-friendly features.

1. Urban planning (n) - The process of designing and developing cities and towns. Example: Effective urban planning is essential for sustainable cities.

1. Environmental sustainability (n) - The ability to maintain ecological processes and systems. Example: Walkable cities contribute to environmental sustainability.

1. Traffic congestion (n) - The condition of having too many vehicles on the road, causing delays. Example: Car-dependent cities often suffer from traffic congestion.

1. Carbon emissions (n) - The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Example: Walking reduces carbon emissions compared to driving.

1. Community cohesion (n) - The strength of relationships and connections within a community. Example: Walkable cities foster community cohesion.

1. Mixed-use developments (n) - Areas where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are combined. Example: Zoning laws should encourage mixed-use developments.

1. Public health outcomes (n) - The overall health status of a population. Example: Walkable cities tend to have improved public health outcomes.

1. Geographical spreads (n) - The distribution of land and features across an area. Example: Walkability may not be suitable for cities with large geographical spreads.

1. Air pollution (n) - The contamination of the air by harmful substances. Example: Car-dependent cities contribute to air pollution.

1. Economic benefits (n) - Advantages that contribute to financial growth. Example: Car-centric cities have significant economic benefits.

1. Automotive industry (n) - The business sector involved in the manufacture and sale of motor vehicles. Example: The automotive industry generates significant revenue.

1. Greenhouse gas emissions (n) - Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Example: Cars contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Social interaction (n) - The way people communicate and behave with each other. Example: Walkable cities promote social interaction.

1. Urban environments (n) - The surroundings and conditions within cities. Example: Designing urban environments is a complex issue.

1. Public transportation systems (n) - Services that provide mass transit for the public. Example: Investing in public transportation can reduce car dependency.

1. Alternative modes of transportation (n) - Different ways of traveling besides cars. Example: Promoting alternative modes of transportation can reduce traffic congestion.

1. Smart urban planning (n) - Intelligent and efficient strategies for city development. Example: Smart urban planning can integrate walkability and motor vehicle access.

1. Quality of life (n) - The general well-being of individuals and societies. Example: Walkable cities enhance the quality of life for residents.

1. Chronic diseases (n) - Long-term health conditions that progress slowly. Example: Walking reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Ignoring the Discussion Requirement - Some students present only one side of the argument instead of discussing both views as required by the prompt.

1. Lack of Specific Examples - General statements without supporting details weaken the argument and reduce the score.

1. Poor Time Management - Spending too much time on one paragraph can lead to an incomplete response.

1. Grammatical Errors - Frequent grammatical mistakes can lower the score, especially in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criterion.

1. Inadequate Vocabulary - Using repetitive or basic vocabulary limits the score in the Lexical Resource criterion.

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