IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Public Transportation and Urban Congestion (Band 6-9)

The topic of public transportation and urban congestion is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this issue is likely to appear frequently in future tests due to its global relevance. Let’s explore a specific question related to this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Urban congestion and public transportation

Analyzing the Question

Should Governments Prioritize Public Transportation To Reduce Urban Congestion?

This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should focus on developing public transportation as a solution to urban congestion. To answer effectively, you need to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your view
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Offer a balanced conclusion

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Urban congestion has become a pressing issue in many cities worldwide, prompting debates about effective solutions. In my opinion, governments should indeed prioritize public transportation as a primary strategy to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas. This essay will explore the reasons behind this stance and examine its potential impact.

Firstly, investing in efficient public transportation systems can significantly reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads. By providing reliable, affordable, and convenient alternatives such as buses, trains, and metros, governments can encourage citizens to opt for public transit instead of driving their cars. This shift can lead to a substantial decrease in traffic volume, thereby easing congestion. For instance, the implementation of an extensive metro system in Seoul, South Korea, has dramatically reduced car usage and improved traffic flow in the city.

Moreover, prioritizing public transportation aligns with broader environmental goals. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent concern, promoting sustainable modes of transport is crucial. Public transit vehicles, especially those powered by electricity or alternative fuels, emit fewer greenhouse gases per passenger compared to private cars. This not only helps in reducing urban congestion but also contributes to improved air quality and reduced carbon footprint of cities.

However, it is important to acknowledge that focusing solely on public transportation may not be sufficient to solve all urban congestion problems. Complementary measures, such as improving urban planning, implementing smart traffic management systems, and encouraging cycling and walking, should also be considered. These approaches can work in tandem with enhanced public transportation to create a more comprehensive solution to urban congestion.

In conclusion, while a multi-faceted approach is necessary to address urban congestion fully, prioritizing public transportation should be a key component of governmental strategies. Its potential to reduce traffic volume, coupled with environmental benefits, makes it a compelling solution. As cities continue to grow, investing in efficient and sustainable public transit systems will be crucial for creating more livable urban environments.

Word count: 309

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to its:

1. Clear position and coherent argument
2. Logical structure with well-developed ideas
3. Relevant examples and explanations
4. Consideration of counterarguments
5. Sophisticated vocabulary and sentence structures
6. Effective use of cohesive devices
7. Minimal grammatical errors

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In many cities, traffic jams are a big problem. Some people think governments should focus on making public transportation better to solve this issue. I agree with this idea, and I will explain why in this essay.

First, good public transportation can help reduce the number of cars on the roads. If buses and trains are cheap, comfortable, and run often, more people will use them instead of driving their own cars. This means fewer vehicles on the streets and less traffic. For example, in my city, when the government added more bus routes, many people started taking the bus to work instead of driving.

Another reason why public transportation is important is that it’s better for the environment. Buses and trains can carry many people at once, which means they use less fuel per person than cars do. This helps to reduce air pollution in cities, which is good for people’s health and the planet.

However, some people might say that improving public transportation is expensive and takes a long time. While this is true, I think the benefits are worth the cost and effort. In the long run, having good public transportation can save money by reducing the need for new roads and parking spaces.

In conclusion, I believe governments should make public transportation a priority to help solve urban congestion problems. It can reduce traffic, help the environment, and even save money over time. While it may be challenging to implement, the benefits for cities and their residents make it a worthwhile goal.

Word count: 261

Essay Analysis

This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range due to its:

1. Clear position and overall coherence
2. Adequate development of ideas
3. Some relevant examples
4. Basic vocabulary with some attempt at more sophisticated words
5. Generally correct grammar with some errors
6. Simple but effective paragraph structure
7. Limited use of cohesive devices

Key Vocabulary

Here are some important vocabulary items used in the essays:

1. Urban congestion (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən kənˈdʒestʃən/ – overcrowding in city areas
2. Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – to make a problem or suffering less severe
3. Opt for (phrasal verb) – /ɒpt fɔːr/ – to choose or decide to take a particular course of action
4. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
5. Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
6. Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
7. Implement (verb) – /ˈɪmplɪment/ – to put a plan or system into action

Conclusion

The topic of public transportation and urban congestion is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The pros and cons of car-free city centers
• The role of technology in solving traffic problems
• Balancing public transportation development with other urban infrastructure needs

Remember to structure your essays clearly, provide specific examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.