In some cities, people are choosing cars instead of bicycles, while in other cities riding bikes is replacing cars.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. In some cities, people are choosing cars instead of bicycles, while in other cities riding bikes is replacing cars.

Bicycles Replacing Cars vs Cars Preferred Reasons Which Better - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Why is this the case? Which development do you think is better?

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 9 · 359 words.

Urban transportation paradigms are shifting globally, with a stark dichotomy emerging between cities increasingly dominated by automobiles and those actively reverting to bicycle-centric infrastructures. These contrasting trajectories are largely driven by differences in urban planning, economic development, and municipal policy. In my view, the transition toward bicycle-centric urban environments is undoubtedly the superior development, given its profound benefits for public health and long-term environmental sustainability.

The surge in automobile reliance in certain municipalities often stems from urban sprawl and inadequate public infrastructure. In sprawling metropolises, where zoning regulations have historically separated residential areas from commercial districts, commuting by bicycle becomes physically prohibitive due to sheer distance. Furthermore, in many rapidly developing economies, car ownership remains a potent symbol of upward mobility and economic success. Without proactive legal frameworks or public policies to disincentivize driving—such as congestion charges or carbon taxation—citizens naturally gravitate toward the convenience, climate control, and perceived status of private automobiles.

Conversely, the renaissance of cycling in other cities is typically the result of deliberate, progressive urban planning and a cultural shift toward environmental stewardship. Municipalities that have successfully replaced cars with bicycles, such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen, have invested heavily in dedicated cycling infrastructure, prioritizing rider safety and route efficiency over automobile traffic. This shift is frequently championed by local governments aligning with broader international environmental commitments, recognizing that reducing reliance on fossil fuels is a diplomatic and ecological imperative for global sustainability.

Evaluating these two developments, the shift towards bicycle usage is unequivocally more advantageous. The environmental dividends are immediate and substantial; reducing the number of combustion-engine vehicles directly curtails greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates urban air pollution. Moreover, promoting active transport fosters vastly better public health outcomes, combating the rise of sedentary lifestyle diseases. From a civic perspective, prioritizing bicycles over cars reclaims public space, transforming congested, noisy thoroughfares into more habitable, community-focused environments.

In conclusion, while sprawling urban layouts and economic aspirations drive car adoption in some regions, forward-thinking policy and environmental awareness champion the bicycle in others. The proliferation of cycling is undoubtedly the more positive trend, offering a sustainable, healthy, and economically viable blueprint for the future of global urban living.

Examiner feedback

This is a model Band 9 essay. It demonstrates a high level of academic sophistication, presenting a nuanced argument with exceptional linguistic control and logical progression. The response goes beyond simple explanation, analyzing the underlying socio-economic and structural causes of the trends described.

Task Response - 9

- The essay fully addresses all parts of the task by explaining why some cities favor cars while others favor bikes, and providing a clear, well-supported opinion. - The position is established in the introduction and consistently developed throughout the response. - Ideas are sophisticated and fully extended, with specific mentions of urban planning and socio-economic factors.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Cohesion is used so skillfully that it attracts no attention; the flow between ideas is seamless. - Paragraphing is managed excellently, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct, logically sequenced aspect of the argument. - Referencing and substitution (e.g., 'these contrasting trajectories', 'this shift', 'the former') are used with native-level precision.

Lexical Resource - 9

- The writer uses a very wide range of vocabulary with natural and sophisticated control (e.g., 'stark dichotomy', 'prohibitive', 'environmental stewardship', 'curtails'). - Lexical features are used with high precision, demonstrating a deep understanding of collocation and style. - There are no discernible errors in spelling or word formation.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used with full flexibility and accuracy. - Sentence structures are varied, including complex conditionals and participial phrases, without sacrificing clarity. - Punctuation is flawless throughout the text.

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