Giải chi tiết đề thi thật IELTS Writing 2024 – Từ Band 6.0 đến 8.5

Task 2: In many cities, planners tend to arrange shops,
schools, offices, and homes in specific areas and separate them from each other. Do you think the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages.

Band 6.0-6.5

In many cities, planners separate areas for shops, schools, offices, and homes, keeping them apart from each other. Some people believe this policy is beneficial, while others think it has drawbacks. In my opinion, the advantages of separating these areas outweigh the disadvantages.

One of the main benefits of this policy is that it helps reduce traffic congestion. When shops, offices, and schools are in separate areas, people can avoid busy city centers. For example, if shops are concentrated in one district, people do not need to travel to other parts of the city for shopping, which can help reduce traffic. Additionally, keeping residential areas away from busy commercial zones makes neighborhoods quieter and safer for families and children.

Another advantage is better urban planning. By organizing the city into specific zones, planners can create more functional and organized spaces. It also allows for proper infrastructure development, such as better roads, public transport, and services suited to each zone.

However, there are some drawbacks. Having to travel between different zones for work, school, or shopping can be time-consuming and inconvenient. It also means people need to rely more on transportation, which can increase costs and pollution.

In conclusion, while separating shops, schools, offices, and homes can cause some inconvenience, the advantages of reducing traffic and better urban planning outweigh these disadvantages.


Band 7.0-7.5

In many urban areas, city planners often designate specific zones for shops, schools, offices, and homes, keeping them apart from each other. This method of urban planning has both benefits and drawbacks. In my view, the advantages of this policy outweigh the disadvantages.

One of the main benefits of zoning is that it helps to reduce traffic congestion. When shops, offices, and schools are clustered in distinct areas, it prevents overcrowding in one part of the city. For instance, if commercial districts are separated from residential neighborhoods, it can ease the pressure on transportation networks, making commuting more efficient. Additionally, keeping residential areas away from busy districts ensures a quieter and more peaceful living environment.

Another significant advantage is the improved organization of city spaces. By dividing the city into specific zones, planners can better allocate resources such as public transportation, utilities, and infrastructure. This ensures that each area has facilities tailored to its needs, leading to more functional and livable cities.

On the downside, separating these zones can increase dependency on transportation. People often need to travel long distances to access essential services, which can lead to higher transportation costs and increased pollution. It may also create a sense of isolation in residential areas, as residents may feel cut off from the vibrant life of the city.

In conclusion, while there are some disadvantages to separating shops, schools, offices, and homes, such as increased travel time, the benefits of reduced traffic congestion and better urban organization make this policy worthwhile.


Band 8.0-8.5

Urban planners in many cities often adopt a zoning policy, where residential areas are separated from commercial, educational, and office spaces. This approach to city planning has sparked debate, with some arguing that it creates inefficiencies while others believe it leads to a more organized urban environment. I firmly believe that the advantages of such zoning far outweigh the disadvantages.

One of the key benefits of zoning is its ability to alleviate traffic congestion. By designating specific areas for businesses, schools, and residential neighborhoods, planners can distribute traffic more evenly throughout the city. For example, if commercial districts are concentrated in certain areas, this prevents the centralization of all activities in one location, thus easing the pressure on roads and public transport. This, in turn, reduces commute times and lowers stress for daily travelers.

Moreover, zoning contributes to improved quality of life for residents. Keeping residential areas separate from noisy, crowded business districts provides a quieter and more peaceful living environment. Families, especially those with children, benefit from safer streets with less traffic and reduced air pollution. Additionally, the clear distinction between zones allows for more efficient infrastructure development, as public transport and other services can be tailored to the specific needs of each area.

However, the policy is not without its downsides. One major drawback is the increased reliance on private transportation, as residents must travel longer distances to access services located in other zones. This can contribute to environmental pollution and higher travel costs, particularly for lower-income individuals.

In conclusion, while zoning policies may lead to greater travel distances and transportation challenges, the benefits of reduced traffic congestion, better urban planning, and improved living conditions outweigh these drawbacks. Therefore, I believe this approach should be encouraged in urban development.


Here is a detailed breakdown of what makes the three versions of the IELTS Task 2 essays different across the levels:


Band 6.0-6.5:

  • Vocabulary: The vocabulary used in this version is basic and straightforward. Words like “reduce,” “busy,” and “quiet” are simple but clear.
  • Sentence Structure: The sentences are mostly simple and compound sentences. Complex sentences are used sparingly. For example, “When shops, offices, and schools are in separate areas, people can avoid busy city centers.”
  • Ideas & Arguments: The ideas are clear but not highly developed. The writer addresses the main points but does not dive deeply into them. The focus is on explaining the advantages and disadvantages in a very general way.
  • Examples: The examples used are generic and not very specific. For instance, “if shops are concentrated in one district, people do not need to travel to other parts of the city.”
  • Coherence & Cohesion: The essay follows a clear structure but does not use many linking devices (e.g., “furthermore,” “in addition”). The transitions between ideas are simple.

Band 7.0-7.5:

  • Vocabulary: The vocabulary is more varied, including words like “congestion,” “allocate,” and “livable.” These are less common words that enhance the argument.
  • Sentence Structure: There is a wider range of sentence structures, including complex sentences. For example, “By dividing the city into specific zones, planners can better allocate resources such as public transportation, utilities, and infrastructure.”
  • Ideas & Arguments: The writer provides more in-depth explanations of the benefits and drawbacks. The discussion is more detailed, and the argumentation is clearer. The writer examines both sides of the argument and explains why the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
  • Examples: The examples are more specific and tailored to support the arguments better. For instance, “if commercial districts are separated from residential neighborhoods, it can ease the pressure on transportation networks.”
  • Coherence & Cohesion: The essay uses more linking words and phrases to create smooth transitions between ideas, such as “for instance,” “on the downside,” and “in conclusion.” This enhances the flow of the essay and makes it easier to follow.

Band 8.0-8.5:

  • Vocabulary: The vocabulary is advanced and sophisticated. Words like “alleviate,” “centralization,” “distribute,” “nuanced,” and “reliance” show a high level of language proficiency.
  • Sentence Structure: The sentences are longer and more complex, with a variety of structures. The use of passive voice (“planners can distribute traffic more evenly”) and advanced linking phrases (“this, in turn, reduces”) adds to the sophistication of the writing.
  • Ideas & Arguments: The writer delves deeper into the topic and provides a more nuanced discussion. The argument is more developed, and the points are explained in a more insightful way. There is a balanced discussion of both views before coming to a reasoned conclusion.
  • Examples: The examples are even more detailed and closely tied to the argument. For example, “by designating specific areas for businesses, schools, and residential neighborhoods, planners can distribute traffic more evenly throughout the city.”
  • Coherence & Cohesion: The essay is very well-organized with seamless transitions between paragraphs and ideas. The use of more advanced linking devices (“on the downside,” “this, in turn,” “therefore”) makes the essay more cohesive and engaging.

Key Differences Across the Levels:

  1. Vocabulary:
    • Band 6.0-6.5: Basic, everyday vocabulary.
    • Band 7.0-7.5: More varied vocabulary with some less common words.
    • Band 8.0-8.5: Advanced and sophisticated vocabulary with precise word choices.
  2. Sentence Structure:
    • Band 6.0-6.5: Simple and compound sentences.
    • Band 7.0-7.5: A variety of complex sentences and occasional use of passive voice.
    • Band 8.0-8.5: Wide range of complex sentence structures, including passive voice and longer, more nuanced sentences.
  3. Ideas & Argumentation:
    • Band 6.0-6.5: Basic discussion with general ideas.
    • Band 7.0-7.5: More in-depth explanation of ideas with specific points.
    • Band 8.0-8.5: Deep, nuanced discussion with detailed analysis of both sides and well-reasoned arguments.
  4. Examples:
    • Band 6.0-6.5: General examples that could apply to any situation.
    • Band 7.0-7.5: More specific examples that are closely related to the topic.
    • Band 8.0-8.5: Detailed, insightful examples that add depth to the argument.
  5. Coherence & Cohesion:
    • Band 6.0-6.5: Simple transitions and limited use of linking words.
    • Band 7.0-7.5: Clearer structure with more linking devices.
    • Band 8.0-8.5: Highly cohesive with advanced linking phrases and a well-organized argument.

These elements determine the difference in scoring between the three levels and show how progression in complexity, vocabulary, and argumentation contributes to higher band scores.


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