Public transportation is a crucial aspect of urban infrastructure, and the idea of making it free for all citizens has been a topic of debate in recent years. This subject has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams multiple times, with varying frequencies. Based on past trends and current global discussions, it’s likely that this topic will continue to be featured in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS tests:
Some people believe that public transportation should be free for all users. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on whether public transportation should be provided free of charge to all users. It’s important to note that this is an agree/disagree type question, which means you should clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In today’s rapidly urbanizing world, the idea of providing free public transportation for all citizens has gained traction. While this concept has its merits, I disagree with the notion that public transport should be entirely free for all users.
Firstly, offering free public transportation could lead to an unsustainable financial burden on governments. The costs associated with maintaining and upgrading transportation infrastructure are substantial, and without revenue from fares, these expenses would have to be covered entirely by taxpayers. This could result in higher taxes or reduced funding for other essential public services such as healthcare or education.
Moreover, completely free public transport might lead to overuse and overcrowding of the system. When something is free, people tend to use it more frequently, even when unnecessary. This could result in overcrowded buses and trains, potentially reducing the quality of service for those who rely on public transportation for their daily commute.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that there are potential benefits to making public transportation more accessible. A balanced approach could involve offering discounted fares for low-income groups, students, and seniors, while maintaining reasonable prices for the general public. This strategy could encourage more people to use public transport, reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, without placing an excessive burden on public finances.
In conclusion, while the idea of free public transportation for all is appealing, it may not be practical or sustainable in the long run. A more nuanced approach that balances accessibility with financial viability is likely to be more effective in creating an efficient and sustainable public transportation system.
(Word count: 272)
Public transport cost
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether public transportation should be free for everyone is a complex issue. While there are some advantages to this idea, I believe that it is not a practical solution and disagree with making public transport completely free.
One of the main reasons why I disagree is the cost. Public transportation systems are expensive to run and maintain. If they were free, the government would have to pay for everything, which could mean higher taxes for everyone. This might not be fair for people who don’t use public transport often.
Another problem is that free services might be overused. If buses and trains were free, more people might use them even for short distances they could walk. This could make the system very crowded and less comfortable for people who really need it to get to work or school.
However, I do think that public transport should be affordable for everyone. One good idea could be to have special discounts for students, older people, and those with low incomes. This way, people who need help can get cheaper tickets, but the system still gets some money to keep running.
In conclusion, while making public transport cheaper and more accessible is important, I don’t think it should be completely free. A balance between affordability and maintaining a good service is the best approach.
(Word count: 218)
Discounted public transport tickets
Band 5-6 Essay
Some people think public transport should be free for everyone. I don’t agree with this idea because it has some problems.
First, if public transport is free, it will cost the government a lot of money. The government needs money to pay for buses and trains. If they don’t get money from tickets, they might need to raise taxes. This is not good for people who don’t use public transport.
Also, if it’s free, too many people might use it. Buses and trains might get very crowded. This is not comfortable for people who need to use them every day.
But I think public transport should be cheap. Maybe the government can give discounts to students and old people. This way, people who need help can pay less, but the transport system still gets some money.
In conclusion, I think public transport should not be free, but it should be affordable for everyone. This is better for the government and for people who use public transport.
(Word count: 155)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
- Clear position: The writer clearly states their disagreement with the idea in the introduction.
- Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct point, supported by logical reasoning and examples.
- Cohesion and coherence: The essay flows smoothly, using appropriate linking words and phrases.
- Vocabulary: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “unsustainable financial burden”, “overcrowding”, “nuanced approach”).
- Grammar: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with few errors.
- Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
- Clear position: The writer’s opinion is stated, though less strongly than in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Adequate arguments: Main points are presented and supported, but with less depth and sophistication.
- Cohesion: The essay is generally coherent, though transitions between ideas could be smoother.
- Vocabulary: The writer uses a reasonable range of vocabulary, with some less precise word choices.
- Grammar: Sentence structures are generally accurate, with some attempts at complex sentences.
- Task response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, but ideas could be more fully developed.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a lower mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
- Basic position: The writer’s opinion is stated, but in a simple manner.
- Simple arguments: Main points are presented but lack detailed development or examples.
- Basic cohesion: The essay has a simple structure, with basic linking words.
- Limited vocabulary: The writer uses simple vocabulary, with some repetition.
- Grammar: Sentences are generally simple, with some errors that don’t impede understanding.
- Task response: The essay addresses the task, but ideas are underdeveloped and the response is quite short.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue over a period of time
- Urbanizing (verb) /ˈɜːrbənaɪzɪŋ/ – to make an area more urban or city-like
- Traction (noun) /ˈtrækʃn/ – the extent to which an idea, product, etc. gains popularity or acceptance
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Viable (adjective) /ˈvaɪəbl/ – capable of working successfully; feasible
- Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
- Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of being crowded and full of traffic
Conclusion
Modern public transportation system
The topic of free public transportation is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The environmental impact of public transportation
- Government funding for public services
- Urban planning and infrastructure development
- Social equality and access to transportation
Remember to structure your essays clearly, develop your arguments with specific examples, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.
To further enhance your understanding of public transportation issues and their impact on society, you may want to explore related topics such as why eco-friendly transportation should be prioritized and why governments should invest in public health infrastructure. These resources can provide additional context and vocabulary to strengthen your essays on transportation and urban development topics.