Car-free days have become a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, reflecting growing global concerns about environmental issues and urban planning. This theme has appeared several times in recent years, with variations focusing on the benefits, challenges, and implementation of car-free policies in cities. Based on past trends, it’s likely that questions related to car-free initiatives will continue to be featured in future IELTS exams.
One common question format that has appeared in recent tests is:
Some people think that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to make all private vehicles illegal in city centers. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question asks you to evaluate a proposal to ban private vehicles in city centers as a solution to traffic congestion. The task is to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and form an opinion on whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Key points to consider:
- The scope is limited to city centers, not entire cities.
- The proposal suggests making private vehicles “illegal,” implying a complete ban.
- The main goal is to reduce traffic congestion, but other effects should also be considered.
- You need to discuss both advantages and disadvantages before reaching a conclusion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Traffic congestion is a major problem in many urban areas, and some suggest that prohibiting private vehicles in city centers could be an effective solution. While this approach has some merits, I believe that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages.
On the positive side, banning private vehicles from city centers would undoubtedly reduce traffic congestion in these areas. This would lead to improved air quality, as fewer vehicles would mean less exhaust emissions. Additionally, with fewer cars on the roads, there would be more space for pedestrians and cyclists, promoting healthier and more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Public transport systems would likely become more efficient and widely used, further reducing the overall carbon footprint of urban areas.
However, the disadvantages of such a drastic measure are significant. Firstly, it would severely inconvenience many people who rely on private vehicles for their daily commute or business operations. This could lead to reduced economic activity in city centers, as some businesses might relocate to areas with better accessibility. Moreover, the ban could disproportionately affect elderly or disabled individuals who may find it challenging to use public transportation. There’s also the concern that traffic congestion would simply be shifted to areas surrounding the city center, potentially creating new problem zones.
Furthermore, implementing and enforcing such a ban would require substantial resources and could face significant public resistance. The cost of expanding public transportation infrastructure to accommodate the increased demand would be considerable, and there might be issues with overcrowding during peak hours.
In conclusion, while banning private vehicles in city centers could reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, the negative impacts on individual mobility, economic activity, and certain vulnerable groups are too significant to ignore. A more balanced approach, such as implementing congestion charges, improving public transport, and encouraging remote work, would be preferable to an outright ban.
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and task achievement, key factors in achieving a high band score:
- Clear structure: The essay has a clear introduction, two body paragraphs (advantages and disadvantages), and a conclusion.
- Balanced argument: Both sides of the issue are discussed thoroughly before a conclusion is reached.
- Coherent progression: Ideas flow logically from one to the next, with appropriate use of linking words and phrases.
- Varied vocabulary: The essay uses a range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “drastic measure,” “disproportionately affect,” “public resistance”).
- Complex sentence structures: The writing demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentences, showing good control of grammar.
- Clear position: The conclusion clearly states the writer’s position based on the arguments presented.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Traffic congestion is a big problem in many cities, and some people think that banning private cars in city centers is a good solution. This idea has both good and bad points, but I think the disadvantages are more than the advantages.
The main advantage of banning cars in city centers is that it would reduce traffic. This would make the air cleaner because there would be fewer cars polluting the air. Also, with fewer cars, there would be more space for people to walk and ride bicycles. This could make people healthier. Public transport might also improve because more people would use it.
However, there are several disadvantages to this idea. Many people need their cars to get to work or do their jobs. If they can’t drive in the city center, it might be very difficult for them. Some businesses might move out of the city center if customers can’t drive there easily. Also, old people or disabled people might have trouble if they can’t use their cars. Another problem is that the traffic might just move to other areas around the city center.
It would also be hard to make this rule work. The government would need to spend a lot of money on more buses and trains. People might get angry about not being allowed to drive their cars in the city.
In conclusion, while banning cars in city centers might help with traffic and pollution, I think it would cause too many problems for people and businesses. It would be better to find other ways to reduce traffic, like making public transport better or encouraging people to work from home sometimes.
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good task achievement and coherence, but with some limitations:
- Structure: The essay follows a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
- Task response: The essay addresses the question, discussing both advantages and disadvantages.
- Vocabulary: The vocabulary is generally appropriate but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay (e.g., “big problem,” “good and bad points”).
- Grammar: Sentences are mostly correct but simpler in structure compared to the higher band essay.
- Coherence: Ideas are linked, but with less variety in cohesive devices.
- Development: Ideas are presented clearly but with less depth and fewer examples than the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary
Traffic congestion (noun): overcrowding of roads with vehicles
Pronunciation: /ˈtræfɪk kənˈdʒestʃən/Urban areas (noun phrase): cities and towns
Pronunciation: /ˈɜːrbən ˈeəriəz/Carbon footprint (noun): the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/Disproportionately (adverb): to a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
Pronunciation: /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːrʃənətli/Infrastructure (noun): basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/Congestion charges (noun phrase): fees charged to drivers who enter busy areas of a city during peak hours
Pronunciation: /kənˈdʒestʃən ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪz/Remote work (noun phrase): work done from a location outside of a traditional office
Pronunciation: /rɪˈmoʊt wɜːrk/Public resistance (noun phrase): opposition from the general population to a policy or action
Pronunciation: /ˈpʌblɪk rɪˈzɪstəns/
IELTS Writing Task 2 sample essays on car-free days policy
Conclusion
The topic of car-free days and vehicle restrictions in city centers is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing essays on related themes such as:
- The effectiveness of congestion pricing in reducing traffic
- Promoting cycling and walking in urban areas
- The role of public transportation in sustainable city planning
- Balancing environmental concerns with economic growth in urban development
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.