IELTS Writing Task 2: Walkable Cities — Band 6/7/8/9 Samples

Full Prompt

Prompt: Walkable cities have many advantages. What are the benefits of a city that is easy to walk around? Should governments spend more money on pedestrian infrastructure, such as footpaths and crossings? Give relevant support for your answer.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Sample Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Addresses the task but with some irrelevant points. Presents a position but with limited development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically ordered but with some sequencing issues. Uses some cohesive devices but not always appropriately.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Limited range of vocabulary. Some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Limited range of grammar. Frequent grammatical errors.

Sample Answer:

In today's world, walkable cities are becoming more popular. There are many benefits to having a city that is easy to walk around. Governments should spend more money on making it easier for people to walk.

Firstly, walking is good for health. When people walk more, they get exercise. This can help them to stay healthy. Also, walking is good for the environment. Cars cause pollution, but walking does not. If more people walk, there will be less pollution in the city.

Secondly, governments should spend more money on footpaths and crossings. This will make it safer for people to walk. Also, more footpaths will encourage people to walk more. If there are more crossings, people can cross the road more easily. This will make the city a better place to live.

In conclusion, walkable cities have many benefits. Governments should spend more money on making cities easier to walk around. This will help people to stay healthy and the environment to stay clean.

Band 7.0 Sample Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Addresses all parts of the task. Presents a clear position throughout.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized. Uses a mix of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Adequate range of vocabulary. Some less common vocabulary used but with occasional inaccuracies.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Adequate range of grammar. Some errors but they do not impede communication.

Sample Answer:

Walkable cities offer numerous advantages and governments should invest more in pedestrian infrastructure. This essay will discuss the benefits of walkable cities and argue that more money should be spent on footpaths and crossings.

One of the main benefits of walkable cities is improved health. Walking is a form of exercise that can help prevent health problems such as obesity and heart disease. According to the World Health Organization, regular physical activity can reduce the risk of these health issues. Additionally, walking reduces pollution. Cars emit harmful gases that contribute to air pollution. If more people walk, there will be fewer cars on the road, leading to cleaner air.

Moreover, governments should invest in pedestrian infrastructure. Safe and well-maintained footpaths encourage people to walk more. Crossings should be designed to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road safely. This will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also make the city more attractive to tourists. A city that is easy to walk around is more likely to be visited by tourists, which can boost the local economy.

In conclusion, walkable cities have clear benefits for both health and the environment. Governments should prioritize spending on pedestrian infrastructure to create safer and more enjoyable urban spaces.

Band 8.0 Sample Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Fully addresses all parts of the task. Presents a clear and supported position.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized and presented. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Wide range of vocabulary. Uses less common vocabulary appropriately and flexibly.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Wide range of grammar. Only occasional errors, but they are minor and do not affect communication.

Sample Answer:

The concept of walkable cities has gained significant traction in recent years, and for good reason. Walkable cities offer a plethora of benefits, and governments should allocate more resources towards pedestrian infrastructure to enhance urban living.

One of the most compelling advantages of walkable cities is the positive impact on public health. Walking is an accessible form of exercise that can mitigate the risk of chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that regular physical activity can lower the incidence of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, walkable cities contribute to environmental sustainability. By reducing reliance on motor vehicles, cities can significantly decrease their carbon footprint. This not only improves air quality but also mitigates the adverse effects of climate change.

In addition to health and environmental benefits, investing in pedestrian infrastructure can invigorate local economies. Safe and well-designed footpaths and crossings encourage people to spend more time exploring their cities. This can lead to increased patronage of local businesses, from cafes to retail stores. Moreover, walkable cities are more appealing to tourists, who are more likely to spend time and money in areas that are easy to navigate on foot.

In conclusion, the benefits of walkable cities are manifold. Governments should prioritize investments in pedestrian infrastructure to create healthier, more sustainable, and economically vibrant urban environments.

Band 9.0 Sample Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Fully addresses all parts of the task. Presents a clear, detailed, and supported position.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized and presented with a clear progression. Uses a wide range of cohesive devices effectively and flexibly.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Skilful use of a wide range of vocabulary. Uses less common vocabulary appropriately and flexibly.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Uses a wide range of grammatical structures with great flexibility and accuracy. Errors are rare and do not affect communication.

Sample Answer:

The notion of walkable cities has emerged as a cornerstone of urban planning, offering a myriad of benefits that extend beyond mere convenience. This essay will delve into the advantages of walkable cities and argue that governments should allocate more resources towards pedestrian infrastructure to foster healthier, more sustainable, and economically robust urban landscapes.

Primarily, walkable cities play a pivotal role in promoting public health. Regular walking is a simple yet effective form of exercise that can mitigate the risk of a multitude of health issues. The World Health Organization emphasizes that physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases. By designing cities that are easy to navigate on foot, governments can encourage their citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles. Furthermore, walkable cities contribute to environmental sustainability. The reduction of motor vehicle use leads to decreased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which are critical for combating climate change.

In addition to the health and environmental benefits, investing in pedestrian infrastructure can stimulate economic growth. Walkable cities attract tourists and locals alike, boosting the retail and hospitality sectors. Safe and well-maintained footpaths and crossings create an inviting atmosphere that encourages people to spend more time outdoors, thereby increasing foot traffic to local businesses. Moreover, walkable cities are often perceived as more desirable places to live, which can drive up property values and attract new residents.

In conclusion, the advantages of walkable cities are multifaceted and far-reaching. Governments should prioritize investments in pedestrian infrastructure to create urban environments that are not only healthier and more sustainable but also economically vibrant.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Advantages (noun): Benefits or positive aspects. Example: The city offers many advantages.
2. Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. Example: The government is investing in new infrastructure.
3. Plethora (noun): A large or excessive amount. Example: The city offers a plethora of benefits.
4. Compelling (adjective): Evocative, strongly affecting. Example: The evidence is compelling.
5. Mitigate (verb): To make less severe, serious, or painful. Example: Regular exercise can mitigate health risks.
6. Accessible (adjective): Easily reached, entered, or used by people. Example: The city is easily accessible on foot.
7. Sustainability (noun): The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: The city is committed to sustainability.
8. Patronage (noun): The support given to a store, restaurant, or other business by its customers. Example: Local businesses rely on patronage from tourists.
9. Invigorate (verb): To give strength or energy to. Example: The new footpaths will invigorate the local economy.
10. Stimulate (verb): To encourage or provoke something to happen or develop. Example: The new infrastructure will stimulate economic growth.
11. Robust (adjective): Strong and healthy; vigorous. Example: The city has a robust economy.
12. Navigable (adjective): Able to be steered or navigated. Example: The city is easy to navigate on foot.
13. Attract (verb): To cause to come to a place. Example: The city attracts many tourists.
14. Boost (verb): To increase or improve something. Example: The new footpaths will boost the local economy.
15. Perceived (adjective): Regarded in a particular way. Example: The city is perceived as a desirable place to live.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position in their essay. They may discuss the benefits of walkable cities but not explicitly state whether governments should spend more money on pedestrian infrastructure.
2. Irrelevant Points: Students sometimes include points that are not relevant to the prompt. For example, they may discuss the history of walkable cities rather than focusing on the benefits and the need for government investment.
3. Poor Organization: Some essays are poorly organized, making it difficult for the reader to follow the argument. Students should ensure that their essays have a clear introduction, body paragraphs that each focus on one main idea, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can make an essay difficult to understand. Students should proofread their essays carefully to avoid common mistakes such as subject-verb agreement errors and incorrect verb tenses.
5. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can make an essay seem less sophisticated. Students should aim to use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases, to demonstrate their language skills.

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