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Boost your IELTS band score with our complete Agree/Disagree Task 2 tutorial. Learn a proven 12-step essay strategy, explore high-band model answers, expand your academic vocabulary and phrases, and test yourself with interactive exercises. Perfect for IELTS Academic candidates aiming for Band 7 and above. - Master IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Agree/Disagree) — Step-by-Step Guide, Model Answers & Interactive Practice - LingExam Language Academy - Lingexam.com

IELTS Writing Task 2 (Agree/Disagree) — Step‑by‑Step Tutorial | LingExam

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 — Agree/Disagree Essay (LingExam | New High‑Band Strategy with Templates & Examples)

Goal: master the classic “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” prompt with a decisive yet calibrated stance, mechanism‑driven reasoning, and clean paragraph architecture. This tutorial shows you how to analyse claims fast, choose a precise degree of agreement, and develop two tightly focused reasons that are provable within forty minutes. Every step includes practical micro‑moves, phrasing you can trust, and pitfalls to avoid so you protect all four band criteria. Hover a step to get a gentle glow for focus. Everything stacks perfectly on mobile.

12 Pro Steps to Ace the Agree/Disagree Essay (New Set)

Label the task and isolate the proposition core within 10–15 seconds. Read the instruction and circle “To what extent do you agree or disagree?” so you don’t drift into Discuss‑Both‑Views. Underline the claim nucleus (what is asserted), and highlight scope words like “in schools,” “for young people,” or “in the near future.” Identify whether the claim is causal, prescriptive, predictive, or evaluative, because each type prefers different evidence. Decide quickly if the statement is absolute or qualified; extreme statements often invite “largely” rather than “completely.” Promise yourself a one‑line thesis that states degree + two abstract reasons. Sketch four paragraphs: Intro, Body 1, Body 2, Conclusion. Avoid topic‑area summaries or definitions that don’t prove anything. Keep your focus on what must be evaluated, not on background. This micro‑discipline prevents off‑task writing and saves time later.

Rewrite the statement as two defendable mechanisms you can explain. Replace vague claims like “is better” with process‑language such as “reduces X by reallocating Y.” Ensure each reason is one‑idea wide so a single paragraph can fully develop it. Draft one credible example per reason (policy, workplace, school, or city case). Prefer realistic scenarios to invented data; IELTS rewards believability. Predict a common counter‑point and plan one rebuttal clause to limit it. Check alignment: if your stance is “largely agree,” both reasons must support agreement, not wander into neutral description. Remove any reason you cannot explain in three clear sentences. This conversion gives you analytical content rather than generic commentary. It also sets up coherent topic sentences that read like mini‑theses.

Craft a thesis that shows degree + rationale without listing examples. Use stance markers such as “fully,” “to a large extent,” or “partly,” and pair them with two abstract reasons. Example: “I largely agree because the policy improves measurable outcomes and protects those most affected.” Avoid meta‑phrases like “This essay will argue”; the thesis itself should argue. Keep grammar tight with one coordinated clause. Maintain scope control using phrases like “in most urban contexts” or “particularly in compulsory education.” A calibrated thesis earns early credit for Task Response. It also prevents contradictions later when you meet nuanced evidence. Keep it readable and free from rare synonyms that distort meaning. Remember: a good thesis predicts the paragraph map cleanly.

Use a three‑move introduction in ~40–55 words. Move 1: neutral context to position the topic without bias. Move 2: faithful paraphrase of the proposition using natural collocations. Move 3: your calibrated thesis. Avoid definitions, quotations, or long histories; they waste time and risk irrelevance. Do not cram examples here; examples belong in the body. Paraphrase, don’t thesaurus‑swap. Keep tone formal‑natural and avoid clichés. This compact opening conserves words for deep explanation where it counts. A short intro also reduces repetition in the conclusion. Aim for clarity over flair.

Follow SEE(R): Statement → Explanation → Example → Result (+Rebuttal). Start with a topic sentence that asserts your strongest reason explicitly. Explain the causal pathway with verbs that show process (allocate, constrain, foster, undermine). Add a short, believable example from policy or practice. Tie it back to the proposition using the same key nouns so cohesion is visible. If a common objection exists, neutralise it with one clause, not a second paragraph. Keep sentences mostly simple with a few controlled complex structures. Avoid piling three ideas into one sentence. Ensure the last line states an outcome that aligns with your thesis. This paragraph must prove your stance, not merely describe context.

Shift angle to avoid repetition and strengthen breadth. If Body 1 was efficiency‑focused, make Body 2 equity‑, wellbeing‑, or opportunity‑focused. Repeat SEE(R) but vary connectors and lexis. Include one sentence acknowledging a reasonable concern and then limit it with conditions (“This risk is mitigated when…”). Keep topic sentences similar in length and weight so the essay feels balanced. Ensure your example differs in domain to show range. Use reference chains (“this measure,” “such restrictions”) to avoid pronoun ambiguity. Finish with a line that clearly supports the thesis. Resist adding a third reason unless you can develop it properly. Depth beats breadth in 40 minutes.

Align stance adverbs with the strength of your proof. “Completely agree” demands uncompromising evidence; if you present mixed or conditional reasons, choose “largely” or “to a great extent.” Use scope signals like “in most cities,” “under exam conditions,” or “with appropriate safeguards.” Avoid hedging away your argument by stacking too many softeners. Keep calibration consistent across body paragraphs. Re‑use the same degree in the conclusion unless new constraints are essential. This harmony improves perceived coherence. It also protects you from sounding contradictory or indecisive. Examiners reward proportionate judgement that fits the evidence you brought.

Reference the opposing view only to strengthen your case. One short concession + rebuttal is enough; do not build symmetrical mini‑essays for both sides. Every sentence must push your stance forward by explaining mechanisms, grounding with examples, or linking back to the prompt. Remove trivia, newsy anecdotes, or general knowledge that doesn’t prove your claim. Use precise academic collocations: “allocate resources,” “undermine engagement,” “evidence‑based.” Keep paragraph focus: one core idea per body. This discipline preserves cohesion and protects Task Response. It also prevents length bloat that steals time from proofreading.

Aim for ~260–310 words across four paragraphs. Intro: 2–4 sentences. Body 1 and Body 2: 5–6 sentences each. Conclusion: 1–2 decisive sentences. If you’re a slower writer, compress the intro and use compact examples. Do not add a Body 3 unless you can fully explain it. Keep time for a 90‑second micro‑check for articles, plural‑singular, and stray repetition. Length alone doesn’t score; mechanism clarity does. Consistency of stance across paragraphs is more valuable than an extra example. Choose neat coherence over maximalism.

Prefer exact verbs and stable collocations over rare synonyms. Use pairs like “foster collaboration,” “curb emissions,” “standardised assessment,” “allocate funding.” Avoid thesaurus swaps that break collocation (“fabricate attention” ❌). Paraphrase the question with transformations, not exotic vocabulary. Recycle key topic nouns to maintain referential cohesion. Use stance hedges (“arguably,” “to a large extent”) sparingly and purposefully. Keep signposting light: “First,” “Second,” “In summary” is enough. This lexical discipline boosts clarity and lowers error risk. It also keeps tone formal‑natural, which examiners prefer.

Mix short, clear main clauses with a few complex sentences for nuance. Use relative clauses to define terms, concessive clauses for calibrated rebuttals, and non‑finite clauses for compact results. Deploy modals (“may,” “should,” “can”) to express policy strength honestly. Avoid comma splices and ensure subject–verb agreement with abstract subjects. Keep article use consistent with topic nouns (“the policy,” “a policy”). Use parallel structure in topic sentences for visual balance. Punctuate contrasts cleanly with “however,” “yet,” or em‑dashes sparingly. Accuracy first; range second. Examiners reward control more than experimentation.

Write a two‑sentence close that sounds inevitable. Sentence 1 restates degree of agreement and compresses your two reasons. Sentence 2 adds scope or a sensible condition (“provided that…,” “especially where…”). Do not introduce new examples or stakeholders. Keep it ~30–40 words so it feels decisive, not rushed. Re‑use a key noun from the question to make the link unmistakable. Maintain the same calibration as the thesis unless you deliberately narrow scope. End on outcome or principle rather than a generic hope. The reader should feel that the conclusion follows logically from what you proved.

Universal Fill‑in‑the‑Gap Template (Click to Copy)

[Introduction]
[Neutral context one sentence]. I [fully/largely/partly] agree that [rephrase the proposition], chiefly because [reason 1—mechanism] and [reason 2—mechanism/condition].

[Body Paragraph 1 — Strongest Reason]
[Topic sentence stating reason 1]. This holds because [explain the causal/mechanistic pathway]. For example, [compact, believable scenario/policy/case]. As a result, [explicit outcome tied to the proposition].

[Body Paragraph 2 — Complementary Reason + Brief Rebuttal]
[Topic sentence stating reason 2]. Specifically, [mechanism/why it works]. For instance, [short, credible example]. [One‑sentence rebuttal limiting a common counter‑point]. Consequently, [outcome linked to the thesis].

[Conclusion]
[Degree of agreement restated] because [condensed logic of reason 1 + reason 2]; this remains valid [scope/conditions if any].

Tip: Keep each body on one core mechanism. Swap the italics with your own keywords and scenarios.

Quick Micro‑Practice (Plug‑and‑Play Prompts)

• “Public funds should prioritise preventive healthcare over hospital treatment. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

• “Generative AI should be integrated across university courses because it enhances learning. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

Official‑Level Task: Agree/Disagree Essay

Question: Some people argue that governments should ban private car use in city centres to improve air quality and reduce congestion. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Write at least 250 words. You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

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Remember to state your stance clearly (fully/largely/partly agree or disagree), develop two focused reasons with realistic examples, and close with a concise conclusion.

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Model Answer & Deep Explanation — Agree/Disagree

Below is a high‑band sample for the prompt in Part 2, followed by a sentence‑level walkthrough explaining exactly how each move meets the IELTS band descriptors. Hover any paragraph or step for a gentle glow. Everything stacks vertically on mobile.

Private cars promise comfort and control, but when they dominate compact city cores the costs spill over to everyone. I largely agree that governments should ban private car use in city centres because targeted restrictions measurably improve air quality and convert scarce street space into higher‑throughput, people‑first mobility.

First, removing private cars from central districts reduces harmful exposure to exhaust and brake‑dust particles where pedestrians live, study, and work. Stop‑start driving and idling concentrate pollutants at pavement level, which is precisely where prams, bus queues and street cafés are located. When through‑traffic is eliminated, buses and delivery fleets can run at steadier speeds and be electrified more quickly, cutting peaks in particulate matter. Cleaner air is not a lifestyle perk but a population‑level health gain that lowers hospital burden and improves daily wellbeing.

Second, reclaiming central streets from private cars unlocks capacity for modes that move more people per hour. Bus‑only corridors and protected cycle lanes carry far more passengers than mixed car traffic, and predictable travel times widen access for students, carers and shift workers. Pedestrian‑first streets also support local commerce: footfall rises when routes are safe, calm and attractive, and small businesses benefit from browsing rather than bumper‑to‑bumper queues. In effect, the same asphalt serves more people, more fairly.

Critics argue that blanket bans can harm residents, traders and people with mobility needs. This concern is reasonable, yet it is not an argument for keeping gridlock. Limited exemptions—emergency services, disability permits, and time‑boxed loading—preserve essential trips without reopening the floodgates to routine car commuting. Park‑and‑ride hubs, perimeter parking and discounted transit passes further reduce disruption while reinforcing the shift away from door‑to‑door driving.

In summary, city‑centre car bans, paired with pragmatic exemptions and strong alternatives, deliver cleaner air, higher person‑throughput and more liveable streets. While outlying areas may require different mixes of measures, dense cores gain the most when private cars are the exception rather than the rule. For these reasons, I agree to a large extent that governments should prohibit private car use in city centres.

The opening frames the topic neutrally (promise vs costs) before a calibrated thesis (“largely agree”), satisfying Task Response by stating degree and direction up front and preventing a drift into “discuss both views.”

The thesis previews two abstract reasons—air quality and capacity reallocation—so the examiner can predict paragraph structure; this is a high‑band coherence signal without listing examples prematurely.

Body 1 uses SEE(R): Statement (ban ➜ less exposure) → Explanation (idling/stop‑start peaks at pavement level) → Example/Mechanism (steady speeds, fleet electrification) → Result (public‑health gain). Clear causality strengthens cohesion.

Lexis is precise but natural: “brake‑dust particles,” “pavement level,” “population‑level health gain.” Strong collocations raise Lexical Resource without sounding memorised or obscure.

The paragraph avoids invented statistics and relies on credible mechanisms (exposure → health effects), which IELTS rewards because it reads as believable and relevant rather than speculative.

Body 2 switches angle to efficiency/equity (throughput, reliability, access), preventing repetition and demonstrating idea range while keeping tight alignment to the proposition.

Economic impact is integrated via “footfall rises” and “window browsing” to widen evaluation beyond transport metrics; breadth helps fulfil the “extent” element of judgement.

A focused rebuttal acknowledges fairness concerns and then limits them with workable conditions (exemptions, loading windows), which is a Band‑8/9 argumentative move: concede briefly, then resolve.

Policy instruments (park‑and‑ride, discounted passes) enhance plausibility. IELTS rewards practicality because it shows the writer can operationalise a claim, not just assert it.

Stance language remains consistent (“largely agree,” “to a large extent”), matching evidence weight and preventing a mismatch between thesis and body—a common coherence error.

Reference chains stay stable (“private cars,” “central streets,” “car bans”), reducing pronoun ambiguity and producing visible lexical cohesion.

Sentence variety mixes short main‑clause impact with controlled complex structures (relative and concessive clauses), meeting Grammar Range while prioritising accuracy.

The conclusion compresses the two reasons and adds scope control (“dense cores”), which shows nuance without introducing new ideas—precisely what examiners expect.

Paragraphs are balanced and remain within ~260–310 words overall, leaving time for proofreading under exam conditions—an implicit time‑management skill.

Overall, the essay stays on task, develops two mechanism‑rich reasons, handles a real objection, and closes decisively—traits consistent with Band 8/9 Task Response and Coherence/Cohesion.

20 Crucial Words for the Agree/Disagree Essay (City‑Centre Car Bans)

Tap any item to expand. Each entry includes British & American IPA, parts of speech, word pattern(s), a context‑based definition, an example sentence with a quick meaning note, a useful synonym, and common learner mistakes. All components are stacked vertically and fully responsive on smartphones.

ban/bæn/ · /bæn/

Part(s) of speech: noun (C); verb (T)

Word pattern(s): impose/lift a ban on + noun/gerund; ban + noun/gerund

Definition: an official prohibition; to officially prohibit by law or policy.

Example: The council imposed a ban on private cars in the old town. (Meaning: formal stop.)

Synonym: prohibition

Common mistakes: Not “ban to do”; say “ban doing” or “ban + noun”.

prohibit/prəˈhɪbɪt/ · /proʊˈhɪbɪt/

Part(s) of speech: verb (T)

Word pattern(s): prohibit + noun/gerund; prohibit sb from doing sth

Definition: to forbid by law or authority.

Example: Signs clearly prohibit cars from entering after 9 a.m. (Meaning: forbid by rule.)

Synonym: forbid

Common mistakes: Use “prohibit from doing,” not “prohibit to do.”

exemption/ɪɡˈzempʃn/ · /ɪɡˈzempʃən/

Part(s) of speech: noun (C/U)

Word pattern(s): exemption for/from; grant an exemption to + sb

Definition: official permission not to follow a rule.

Example: Disability permits qualify for exemptions from the car‑free zone. (Meaning: allowed exception.)

Synonym: waiver

Common mistakes: Preposition: “exemption from a rule,” not “of a rule.”

congestion/kənˈdʒestʃən/ · /kənˈdʒestʃən/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U)

Word pattern(s): reduce/relieve congestion; congestion charge/zone

Definition: overcrowding of roads causing delays.

Example: Car‑free streets sharply reduce congestion near schools. (Meaning: fewer jams.)

Synonym: gridlock

Common mistakes: Do not pluralise generally: ✗ “congestions.”

air quality/eə ˈkwɒləti/ · /er ˈkwɑːləti/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase (U)

Word pattern(s): improve/protect air quality; poor/urban air quality

Definition: the condition of the air, especially its pollution level.

Example: Idling bans improve air quality on busy high streets. (Meaning: cleaner air.)

Synonym: atmospheric cleanliness

Common mistakes: Not “air’s quality”; use the fixed phrase “air quality.”

particulate matter (PM)/pɑːˈtɪkjʊlət ˈmætə/ · /pɑːrˈtɪkjələt ˈmætər/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U)

Word pattern(s): PM2.5/PM10; reduce particulate matter

Definition: tiny airborne particles that can harm health.

Example: Less stop‑start traffic cuts particulate matter near pavements. (Meaning: fewer harmful particles.)

Synonym: fine particles

Common mistakes: Spelling: “particulate,” not “particular.”

idling/ˈaɪdlɪŋ/ · /ˈaɪdlɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U); verb: idle (I)

Word pattern(s): anti‑idling rule; vehicles idle at + place

Definition: running an engine while the vehicle is not moving.

Example: Anti‑idling rules reduce diesel fumes around schools. (Meaning: stop engines wasting fuel.)

Synonym: stationary engine running

Common mistakes: Not “idolling”; watch the double‑l error.

throughput/ˈθruːpʊt/ · /ˈθruːpʊt/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U)

Word pattern(s): throughput per lane/hour; increase throughput

Definition: the number of people or goods moved per unit time.

Example: Bus corridors raise throughput versus mixed car traffic. (Meaning: move more people.)

Synonym: capacity

Common mistakes: One word, not “through put”.

pedestrianisation / pedestrianization/pəˌdestriənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ · /pəˌdɛstriənəˈzeɪʃn/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U); verb: pedestrianise/pedestrianize (T)

Word pattern(s): pedestrianise + street/zone; a pedestrianised area

Definition: converting streets for walking only, removing general traffic.

Example: Pedestrianisation of the centre boosted footfall and safety. (Meaning: car‑free for walkers.)

Synonym: car‑free conversion

Common mistakes: Keep the “‑ise/‑ize” consistent across your essay.

externality/ˌekstɜːˈnæləti/ · /ˌekstɜːrˈnæləti/

Part(s) of speech: noun (C)

Word pattern(s): negative/positive externality; externalities of + X

Definition: side‑effects on others not reflected in price (e.g., pollution).

Example: Private cars impose negative externalities such as noise and fumes. (Meaning: costs others bear.)

Synonym: spillover effect

Common mistakes: Avoid vague “external effects”; use the standard term.

equity/ˈekwɪti/ · /ˈekwəti/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U)

Word pattern(s): equity in access; promote/advance equity

Definition: fairness in how opportunities or resources are distributed.

Example: Exemptions safeguard equity in access for people with disabilities. (Meaning: fair treatment.)

Synonym: fairness

Common mistakes: Don’t confuse with “equality”; equity ≠ identical treatment.

enforce/ɪnˈfɔːs/ · /ɪnˈfɔːrs/

Part(s) of speech: verb (T); noun: enforcement (U)

Word pattern(s): enforce a rule/ban; consistent enforcement

Definition: to make people obey a rule, often with penalties.

Example: Cameras help enforce the low‑emission zone effectively. (Meaning: ensure compliance.)

Synonym: implement (a law)

Common mistakes: Not “force people obey”; say “enforce a rule”.

compliance/kəmˈplaɪəns/ · /kəmˈplaɪəns/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U)

Word pattern(s): compliance with + rule/standard

Definition: the act of following rules or requests.

Example: Clear signage increases compliance with access restrictions. (Meaning: people obey.)

Synonym: adherence

Common mistakes: Preposition: “compliance with,” not “to.”

stakeholder/ˈsteɪkˌhəʊldə/ · /ˈsteɪkˌhoʊldər/

Part(s) of speech: noun (C)

Word pattern(s): key/public/private stakeholders; engage stakeholders

Definition: people or groups affected by or able to influence a decision.

Example: Traders and residents are crucial stakeholders in city‑centre policy. (Meaning: interested parties.)

Synonym: interested party

Common mistakes: Not “stack holder”; pronounce /steɪk‑/ not /stæk‑/.

subsidy/ˈsʌbsɪdi/ · /ˈsʌbsədi/

Part(s) of speech: noun (C); verb: subsidise/subsidize (T)

Word pattern(s): grant a subsidy; subsidise fares/operations

Definition: money from government to lower costs for users/providers.

Example: Fare subsidies help commuters shift from cars to buses. (Meaning: financial support.)

Synonym: financial support

Common mistakes: Spelling “subsidy,” not “subsidity.”

electrification/ɪˌlektrɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ · /ɪˌlɛktrɪfəˈkeɪʃn/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U); verb: electrify (T)

Word pattern(s): electrification of buses/fleets; electrify + fleet

Definition: switching vehicles/equipment to electric power.

Example: Bus electrification magnifies the air‑quality gains from car bans. (Meaning: make vehicles electric.)

Synonym: transition to electric

Common mistakes: Don’t confuse with “electrocution” (injury!).

bottleneck/ˈbɒtlnek/ · /ˈbɑːtlˌnek/

Part(s) of speech: noun (C)

Word pattern(s): relieve/remove a bottleneck; a bottleneck at + place

Definition: a point where flow is restricted and delays build up.

Example: Time‑limited loading windows prevent bottlenecks at entries. (Meaning: avoid choke points.)

Synonym: choke point

Common mistakes: Use “at”: “bottleneck at the junction,” not “of.”

feasibility/ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/ · /ˌfiːzəˈbɪləti/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U); adj.: feasible

Word pattern(s): test/assess feasibility; feasibility of + noun/gerund

Definition: practicality or workability of a plan.

Example: The feasibility of an all‑day ban depends on transit capacity. (Meaning: can it work?)

Synonym: practicality

Common mistakes: Use “feasible to do / that…,” not “feasible for do.”

mitigate/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ · /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/

Part(s) of speech: verb (T); noun: mitigation (U)

Word pattern(s): mitigate + risk/impact/congestion

Definition: to make something less severe or harmful.

Example: Park‑and‑ride hubs mitigate disruption for suburban drivers. (Meaning: reduce negatives.)

Synonym: alleviate

Common mistakes: Not “mitigate against” in this sense; take a direct object.

livability / liveability/ˌlɪvəˈbɪləti/ · /ˌlɪvəˈbɪləti/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U)

Word pattern(s): improve/undermine livability; urban livability

Definition: how pleasant and healthy it is to live in a place.

Example: Reduced noise and fumes increase livability in dense cores. (Meaning: better everyday life.)

Synonym: quality of life

Common mistakes: BrE often “liveability,” AmE “livability”; be consistent in one essay.

20 Crucial Phrases & Expressions (Agree/Disagree • City‑Centre Car Bans)

Tap to expand each phrase. For every entry you’ll see: British & American IPA, parts of speech, word pattern(s), a context‑based definition, a model sentence + quick meaning, a useful synonym, and common learner mistakes. Built for IELTS Task 2 precision and style.

to a large extent/tʊ ə lɑːdʒ ɪkˈstent/ · /tʊ ə lɑːrdʒ ɪkˈstent/

Part(s) of speech: adverbial phrase

Word pattern(s): agree/disagree + to a large extent; valid + to a large extent

Definition: indicates strong but not absolute agreement or truth.

Example: To a large extent, banning private cars improves city‑centre conditions. (Meaning: mostly true.)

Synonym: largely

Common mistakes: Avoid double intensifiers: ✗ “to a very large extent.”

on balance/ɒn ˈbæl.əns/ · /ɑːn ˈbæl.əns/

Part(s) of speech: discourse marker

Word pattern(s): On balance, + clause

Definition: used to introduce an overall judgement after weighing reasons.

Example: On balance, the benefits to air quality outweigh the disruption. (Meaning: overall judgement.)

Synonym: overall

Common mistakes: Not “in balance” for judgement; use “on balance.”

there is a compelling case for …/ðeər ɪz ə kəmˈpelɪŋ keɪs fə/ · /ðer ɪz ə kəmˈpelɪŋ keɪs fɔːr/

Part(s) of speech: fixed academic phrase

Word pattern(s): compelling case for + noun/gerund

Definition: strong reasons support a policy or view.

Example: There is a compelling case for restricting private cars in dense cores. (Meaning: strong justification exists.)

Synonym: strong justification

Common mistakes: Don’t write “case to” + verb; use “case for + noun/gerund.”

a blanket ban/ˈblæŋ.kɪt bæn/ · /ˈblæŋ.kɪt bæn/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Word pattern(s): implement/oppose a blanket ban on + noun/gerund

Definition: a total prohibition with no exceptions.

Example: A blanket ban may be unjust unless exemptions are built in. (Meaning: total ban.)

Synonym: total prohibition

Common mistakes: Overuse; often a qualified ban fits better in essays.

with appropriate safeguards/wɪð əˈprəʊpriət ˈseɪfɡɑːdz/ · /wɪð əˈproʊpriət ˈseɪfɡɑːrdz/

Part(s) of speech: prepositional phrase

Word pattern(s): with safeguards, + clause; adopt safeguards + to + verb

Definition: including measures to reduce risks.

Example: Car‑free zones work with appropriate safeguards for deliveries and disability access. (Meaning: if protections exist.)

Synonym: under proper protections

Common mistakes: Don’t mix with “safe guards” (spelling error).

people‑first mobility/ˈpiːp.l̩ fɜːst məˈbɪləti/ · /ˈpiːp.l̩ fɜːrst moʊˈbɪləti/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Word pattern(s): shift to people‑first mobility; prioritise + people‑first mobility

Definition: transport planning that prioritises pedestrians, cycles, and transit over cars.

Example: Bans can accelerate a shift to people‑first mobility. (Meaning: human‑centred transport.)

Synonym: human‑centred transport

Common mistakes: Hyphenate “people‑first,” not “people first mobility.”

reclaim street space/riːˈkleɪm striːt speɪs/ · /riːˈkleɪm striːt speɪs/

Part(s) of speech: verb phrase

Word pattern(s): reclaim street space for + mode/activity

Definition: convert road area from cars to pedestrians, cycling, or transit.

Example: Cities reclaim street space for cafés and safer cycling. (Meaning: give roads back to people.)

Synonym: repurpose road space

Common mistakes: Not “claim back street space” in formal writing.

negative externalities/ˌneɡətɪv ˌekstɜːˈnælɪtiz/ · /ˌneɡətɪv ˌekstɜːrˈnælɪtiz/

Part(s) of speech: plural noun phrase

Word pattern(s): negative externalities of + noun/gerund

Definition: wider social costs not paid by drivers (e.g., pollution, noise).

Example: Private cars impose negative externalities on city residents. (Meaning: others bear the costs.)

Synonym: spillover costs

Common mistakes: Keep academic tone; avoid vague “bad effects.”

public‑health dividend/ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ ˈdɪvɪdend/ · /ˌpʌblɪk ˈhelθ ˈdɪvɪdend/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Word pattern(s): deliver/realise a public‑health dividend

Definition: measurable health benefits for the population.

Example: Cleaner air yields a public‑health dividend over time. (Meaning: health gains.)

Synonym: population‑health gain

Common mistakes: Don’t use as a verb: ✗ “to dividend health.”

time‑boxed loading/taɪm bɒkst ˈləʊdɪŋ/ · /taɪm bɑːkst ˈloʊdɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Word pattern(s): allow time‑boxed loading for + groups/streets

Definition: permitting deliveries within limited hours to avoid congestion.

Example: Authorities can allow time‑boxed loading for traders. (Meaning: limited delivery windows.)

Synonym: restricted loading hours

Common mistakes: Don’t hyphen‑drop: keep “time‑boxed.”

park‑and‑ride/ˌpɑːk ən ˈraɪd/ · /ˌpɑːrk ənd ˈraɪd/

Part(s) of speech: noun (C/U)

Word pattern(s): expand/build/operate a park‑and‑ride (scheme)

Definition: car parks on the edge of cities linked to public transport.

Example: Park‑and‑ride facilities reduce central congestion. (Meaning: park then take transit.)

Synonym: intercept parking

Common mistakes: Keep hyphens; don’t write “park and ride” as a verb phrase in IELTS.

protected cycle lane/prəˈtektɪd ˈsaɪk.l̩ leɪn/ · /prəˈtektɪd ˈsaɪkl leɪn/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Word pattern(s): install/extend protected cycle lanes

Definition: cycle lanes physically separated from car traffic.

Example: A protected cycle lane carries far more people than a car lane. (Meaning: safer, higher throughput.)

Synonym: segregated bike lane

Common mistakes: Avoid “bicycles road” or “biker street.”

bus‑only corridor/bʌs ˈəʊn.li ˈkɒrɪdɔː/ · /bʌs ˈoʊn.li ˈkɔːrɪdɔːr/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Word pattern(s): create/operate bus‑only corridors

Definition: streets or lanes reserved for buses, improving speed and reliability.

Example: Bus‑only corridors stabilise travel times in the core. (Meaning: bus priority routes.)

Synonym: bus priority lane

Common mistakes: Not “only‑bus.” Use “bus‑only.”

perimeter parking/pəˈrɪmɪtə ˈpɑːkɪŋ/ · /pəˈrɪmɪtər ˈpɑːrkɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U)

Word pattern(s): provide/expand perimeter parking + for + users

Definition: parking at the edge of restricted zones.

Example: Perimeter parking supports traders without reopening streets to cars. (Meaning: edge parking.)

Synonym: fringe parking

Common mistakes: Not “parameter parking” (spelling confusion).

door‑to‑door driving/dɔː tə dɔː ˈdraɪvɪŋ/ · /dɔːr tə dɔːr ˈdraɪvɪŋ/

Part(s) of speech: noun (U)

Word pattern(s): discourage door‑to‑door driving; rely on door‑to‑door driving

Definition: completing entire trips by private car from origin to destination.

Example: Car bans reduce dependence on door‑to‑door driving. (Meaning: full car reliance.)

Synonym: end‑to‑end car use

Common mistakes: Keep hyphens in formal writing.

a one‑size‑fits‑all approach/ə wʌn saɪz fɪts ɔːl əˈprəʊtʃ/ · /ə wʌn saɪz fɪts ɔːl əˈproʊtʃ/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase (idiomatic)

Word pattern(s): not a one‑size‑fits‑all approach; avoid a one‑size‑fits‑all + noun

Definition: a single solution used everywhere regardless of differences.

Example: Urban policies are rarely a one‑size‑fits‑all approach. (Meaning: needs vary.)

Synonym: universal solution

Common mistakes: Don’t omit hyphens; it’s a set expression.

the status quo/ðə ˌsteɪtəs ˈkwəʊ/ · /ðə ˌsteɪtəs ˈkwoʊ/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Word pattern(s): maintain/challenge the status quo

Definition: the existing situation.

Example: Keeping the status quo entrenches congestion and fumes. (Meaning: current system continues.)

Synonym: present state

Common mistakes: Not “status queue.” Watch pronunciation.

evidence‑based policy/ˈevɪdəns beɪst ˈpɒlɪsi/ · /ˈevɪdəns beɪst ˈpɑːləsi/

Part(s) of speech: noun phrase

Word pattern(s): adopt/design evidence‑based policy on + topic

Definition: decisions guided by credible data and research.

Example: Car‑free zones should be part of evidence‑based policy. (Meaning: guided by proof.)

Synonym: data‑driven policy

Common mistakes: Avoid “evidences”; “evidence” is uncountable.

in practical terms/ɪn ˈpræk.tɪ.kəl tɜːmz/ · /ɪn ˈpræk.tɪ.kəl tɝːmz/

Part(s) of speech: adverbial phrase

Word pattern(s): In practical terms, + clause

Definition: considering what can actually be done.

Example: In practical terms, exemptions keep essential trips possible. (Meaning: realistically.)

Synonym: in reality

Common mistakes: Not “in practically terms.”

to the detriment of …/tə ðə ˈdetrɪmənt ɒv/ · /tə ðə ˈdetrɪmənt əv/

Part(s) of speech: prepositional phrase

Word pattern(s): to the detriment of + noun

Definition: causing harm or damage to something.

Example: Prioritising cars is often done to the detriment of pedestrians. (Meaning: harms them.)

Synonym: at the expense of

Common mistakes: Not “to the expense of”; use “at the expense of.”

Interactive Exercise 1 — Words & Phrases from Parts 4–5

Choose the best option. The instant answer with a 10–15 sentence explanation appears immediately after you select. Each question also includes a Deep Answer Key (3–5 sentences) you can expand for a concise recap.

Focus: ban, prohibit, congestion, air quality, externalities, equity, mitigation, throughput, pedestrianisation, evidence‑based policy and key expressions like to a large extent, on balance, public‑health dividend, park‑and‑ride, etc.

Your Score

0 / 10

Interactive Exercise 2 — Words & Phrases Mastery

Round two! Choose the best option. You’ll see the instant answer with a 10–15 sentence explanation right after you select. Open the Deep Answer Key for a tight 3–5 sentence recap.

Focus: prohibit, exemption, idling, equity, enforce/compliance, subsidy, electrification, bottleneck, feasibility, livability — plus precise academic phrasing such as on balance and with appropriate safeguards.

Your Score

0 / 10

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5. Master IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Agree/Disagree) — Step-by-Step Guide, Model Answers & Interactive Practice

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 — Agree/Disagree Essay (LingExam | New High‑Band Strategy with Templates & Examples)

12 Pro Steps to Ace the Agree/Disagree Essay (New Set)

Universal Fill‑in‑the‑Gap Template (Click to Copy)

Quick Micro‑Practice (Plug‑and‑Play Prompts)

Official‑Level Task: Agree/Disagree Essay

Timer & Controls

Custom Timer (minutes)

Your Answer (Max 1000 Words)

Submit Your Writing for Feedback

Submission Preview

Model Answer & Deep Explanation — Agree/Disagree

20 Crucial Words for the Agree/Disagree Essay (City‑Centre Car Bans)

20 Crucial Phrases & Expressions (Agree/Disagree • City‑Centre Car Bans)

Interactive Exercise 1 — Words & Phrases from Parts 4–5

Interactive Exercise 2 — Words & Phrases Mastery

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5. Master IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Agree/Disagree) — Step-by-Step Guide, Model Answers & Interactive Practice

IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 — Agree/Disagree Essay (LingExam | New High‑Band Strategy with Templates & Examples)

12 Pro Steps to Ace the Agree/Disagree Essay (New Set)

Universal Fill‑in‑the‑Gap Template (Click to Copy)

Quick Micro‑Practice (Plug‑and‑Play Prompts)

Official‑Level Task: Agree/Disagree Essay

Timer & Controls

Custom Timer (minutes)

Your Answer (Max 1000 Words)

Submit Your Writing for Feedback

Submission Preview

Model Answer & Deep Explanation — Agree/Disagree

20 Crucial Words for the Agree/Disagree Essay (City‑Centre Car Bans)

20 Crucial Phrases & Expressions (Agree/Disagree • City‑Centre Car Bans)

Interactive Exercise 1 — Words & Phrases from Parts 4–5

Interactive Exercise 2 — Words & Phrases Mastery

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43. IELTS Writing Task 2: Childhood Obesity (Causes & Solutions)

43. IELTS Writing Task 2: Childhood Obesity (Causes & Solutions)

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41. IELTS Academic Writing Task 2 (Outweigh) Guide: Working from Home — Template & Band 6–8 Samples

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