IELTS Writing task 2 - Agree & Disagree - Topic Transport (Cyclists should pass a test)

Some experts suggest that all cyclists should have to pass a test before being allowed to ride a bike on public roads. Agree or Disagree?

It is sometimes argued by experts that every cyclist has to pass a mandatory test before riding on public roads. While I acknowledge the logic behind this suggestion, I still firmly disagree with it for several reasons.

It is true that passing a cycling test can improve road safety. Passing a compulsory test means that cyclists have to learn traffic rules and proper road behavior. This necessary knowledge allows bike riders to avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. However, it is only accessible for well-off families and not for children of low-income household that are able to afford such formal tests.

Nevertheless, I would argue that other alternatives are available to keep the road safe such as improving road infrastructure and holding awareness campaigns. Regarding the former, it is true that many countries do not take cyclists into much consideration hence the lack of dedicated bike lanes and safe road intersections. Without these safety measures, bicycle users have to share roads with other bigger vehicles such as cars, buses, and trucks, making it extremely dangerous for cyclists and other drivers with or without passing a test. In addition to road improvements, campaigns about traffic laws that teach everyone how to share the road can have a broader impact than passing a cycling test. This is evident in Vietnam, a nation where there are annual traffic laws programs by local traffic police at elementary to high school to provide traffic knowledge and offer safe advice to students riding their bikes to school.

In conclusion, it is understandable why experts suggest that a mandatory test is essential for cyclists. However, I cannot support such a view, given improvements in road systems and campaigns raising awareness are equally important.

A suggestion is different from an argument. This shows a lack of English vocabulary skills on your part. by definition:

Suggestion - an idea or plan put forward for consideration.

argue (argument) - give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one's view.

There was no argument provided in this original discussion. Rather an idea was set forth for consideration, Your response is not aligned with the expected response format. You responded in the form of an extent essay when the required response was a simple agreement or disagreement with the provided topic. The preliminary TA score for this paragraph will be a failing one. You have failed half the test due to incorrect vocabulary use and incorrect response format, clearly indicating a lack of English comprehension skills.


Reasons can be provided to disprove your claim. Never make a claim like this in an anchor sentence. Keep it informative, but never an affirmation statement.

You then went on to contradict the previous statement. You have not discussed the reasoning paragraphs in the expected format that requires you to provide 2 supporting reasons / paragraphs for your thesis statement as provided in the prompt restatement.