Many People Believe That Using a Bicycle as Your Main Form of Transport- IELTS Writing Task 2

Many people believe that using a bicycle as your main form of transport has a lot of advantages whereas others think that it has many disadvantages. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Outline

Essay Type

Discussion type

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – Bicycles are widely regarded to be one of the most sustainable means of transport. However, some people have pointed out that bicycles have several shortcomings while others have lauded it as a boon.

Sentence 3 – This essay will examine both these divergent viewpoints.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Cycling is environmentally friendly, economical, and has many health benefits for people.

Paragraph 2 – Bicycles do not permit long-distance travel, have no storage capacity, and leave people vulnerable to weather conditions and road accidents.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be stated that while cycling is not without its share of problems, it is a largely an economical means of transport which has numerous benefits for people such as providing them the opportunity to engage in physical exertion and remain healthy while also proving beneficial for the ecosystem.

Sample Essay

Bicycles are widely cited to be one of the most sustainable means of transport. However, some people have pointed out that bicycles have several shortcomings, while others have lauded them as a boon. This essay will examine both these divergent viewpoints.

Firstly, the chief advantage of a bicycle is its nominal costs as compared to other means of transport. Secondly, it is also beneficial for health, providing an excellent opportunity for cardiovascular exercise. In addition, cycling helps people reduce weight and keeps muscles supple. Research has stated that cycling can help depreciate the symptoms of disorders such as osteoarthritis. Lastly, it is environment-friendly as it has no harmful fume emissions, unlike other vehicles, which will decrease pollution as well as offer a sagacious solution for global warming.

However, there are certain problems associated with cycling as well. It is not conducive for long-distance travel and is time-consuming. Further, it has hardly any capacity for storage rendering it futile for transporting goods. Further, cycling also imperils people to road accidents, as cars and other vehicles often fail to take notice of cyclists on busy roads. Moreover, it involves the additional problem of leaving one to the caprices of weather, unlike other means of transport.

Thus, in conclusion, it can be stated that while cycling is not without its share of problems, it is a largely an economical means of transport which has numerous benefits for people, such as providing them with the opportunity to engage in physical exertion and remain healthy while also proving beneficial for the ecosystem.

Vocabulary

• Cite

Meaning – Mention
Example – She cited all the sources she had referenced in the bibliography section of her research paper.

• Divergent

Meaning – Disparate or contrasting
Example – They seemed to get along well despite their divergent viewpoints and interests.

• Nominal

Meaning – Minimal
Example – The goods were sold for a nominal price.

• Supple

Meaning – Lean
Example – He was able to maintain his supple physique due to exercise.

• Sagacious

Meaning – Having keen judgement and perception
Example – Through his sagacious judgement and hard work, he slowly ascended the ranks of the court.

• Futile

Meaning – Useless
Example – His efforts to convince the others to support his decision were futile.

• Imperil

Meaning – Endanger
Example – The toxic fumes imperilled the lives of the residents who were stuck in the blazing building.

• Caprice

Meaning – Whim or impulse
Example – She left her home on caprice and came to regret it bitterly soon afterwards.

• Exertion

Meaning – Laborious effort
Example – His face was flushed from exertion after he returned from his morning walk.

• Depreciate

Meaning – Decrease or reduce
Example – They decided to depreciate the prices of a selection of products for the summer sale.