In some countries, bicycles are increasingly replacing cars, while in others, people prefer driving over cycling.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. In some countries, bicycles are increasingly replacing cars, while in others, people prefer driving over cycling.

Bicycles Replacing Cars vs Cars Preferred Reasons Positive Negative - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

What are the reasons behind this trend? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 8.5 · 297 words.

In some countries, bicycles are increasingly replacing cars, while in others people prefer driving over cycling. This essay will examine the reasons behind this trend and argue that the growing use of bicycles is largely a positive development.

One major reason for the rise of cycling in certain countries is strong government investment in cycling infrastructure. Well-maintained bike lanes, traffic-calmed city centres, and secure parking make cycling safe and convenient. In addition, increasing awareness of environmental issues has encouraged people to reduce their carbon footprint, and bicycles are seen as a practical way to combat air pollution and climate change. Economic factors also play a role, as cycling is significantly cheaper than owning and maintaining a car, particularly in urban areas with rising fuel and parking costs.

By contrast, in countries where driving remains dominant, practical limitations often discourage cycling. Long commuting distances, extreme weather conditions, and a lack of dedicated cycling infrastructure make bicycles an unrealistic option for many people. Furthermore, car-oriented urban planning and cultural perceptions of cars as symbols of comfort or social status reinforce reliance on private vehicles. For families or workers who need to transport goods, cars are often viewed as essential.

In my opinion, this trend towards increased cycling is a positive development. It contributes to reduced traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and improved public health through increased physical activity. While cycling cannot entirely replace cars, especially in rural or poorly planned areas, encouraging its use in cities can significantly improve quality of life. With appropriate policies and infrastructure, the benefits of cycling clearly outweigh its limitations.

In conclusion, the contrasting preferences for bicycles and cars are driven by infrastructure, environmental awareness, and practical considerations. Overall, the growing adoption of bicycles represents a positive step towards more sustainable and healthier societies.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptionally strong essay that mirrors the quality of a native or near-native speaker. It fully addresses the prompt with a sophisticated level of language and logical structure. To reach a perfect 9, the writer could include more specific, concrete examples to ground the theoretical arguments.

Task Response - 8

- The essay sufficiently addresses all parts of the task by explaining why cycling is increasing in some areas and why driving is preferred in others. - The writer’s position (that the growth of cycling is a positive development) is clear and consistent throughout the response. - Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples such as infrastructure investment and environmental awareness, though a slightly more specific real-world example (e.g., mentioning Amsterdam or Copenhagen) could have pushed this to a 9.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- Information is organized logically, with a clear introduction, two distinct body paragraphs for each side of the trend, and a clear conclusion. - Cohesive devices (e.g., 'By contrast', 'Furthermore', 'In addition') are used effectively and naturally to link ideas. - Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression from the reasons behind the trends to the personal opinion is seamless.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide range of vocabulary is used with precision (e.g., 'traffic-calmed', 'carbon footprint', 'urban planning', 'social status'). - Lexical choices are sophisticated and appropriate for an academic context. - There are virtually no errors in spelling or word formation, showing strong control of collocations.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. - Sentences are consistently error-free, utilizing complex structures such as subordinate clauses and passive forms effectively. - Punctuation is used correctly to enhance the clarity of the arguments.

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