Public transportation accessibility is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on inclusive urban planning, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to be featured in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and analyze it in depth.

Some people think that public transit should be accessible to all, even if this means higher taxes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question addresses the importance of public transportation in cities and raises several key points:

1. The concept of universal accessibility in public transit
2. The potential need for increased taxation to achieve this goal
3. The balance between public benefit and individual financial burden

To effectively answer this question, candidates must consider both sides of the argument and clearly state their position.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Public transportation plays a vital role in modern urban life, and the question of its accessibility to all citizens is a matter of great importance. While some argue that ensuring universal access to public transit may lead to higher taxes, I firmly believe that the benefits of such an approach far outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Firstly, accessible public transportation is essential for creating an inclusive society. When all members of a community can easily use buses, trains, and other forms of public transit, it promotes equal opportunities for education, employment, and social engagement. This is particularly crucial for individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those from lower-income backgrounds who may not have access to private vehicles. By removing barriers to mobility, we can foster a more equitable and cohesive society.

Secondly, widespread access to public transportation can significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in cities. As more people opt for public transit over private vehicles, there will be fewer cars on the roads, leading to decreased emissions and improved air quality. This aligns with the global effort to combat climate change and create more sustainable urban environments. The importance of public transportation in reducing air pollution cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the health and well-being of city residents.

While it is true that improving and expanding public transit systems may require additional funding, potentially leading to higher taxes, the long-term economic benefits should not be overlooked. Efficient and accessible public transportation can boost productivity by reducing commute times and stress levels for workers. It can also stimulate local economies by increasing foot traffic to businesses and creating jobs in the transportation sector. These economic advantages can help offset the initial costs and potentially lead to a more prosperous society overall.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that public transit should be made accessible to all, even if it means a temporary increase in taxes. The social, environmental, and economic benefits of inclusive public transportation far outweigh the short-term financial costs. By investing in accessible transit systems, we invest in a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future for all members of society.

Accessible public transportation in a modern city

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The idea of making public transportation accessible to everyone is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s important, even if it means we have to pay more taxes. I partly agree with this idea because it has both good and bad points.

On the positive side, when public transport is easy for everyone to use, it helps a lot of people. For example, old people, disabled people, and poor people who can’t afford cars can still go to work, visit friends, or go shopping. This makes life fairer for everyone. Also, if more people use buses and trains instead of cars, it can help reduce pollution in cities, which is good for everyone’s health.

However, there are some problems with this idea too. The main issue is that making all public transport accessible might cost a lot of money. This could mean that taxes go up, and not everyone will be happy about paying more, especially if they don’t use public transport often. Some people might think it’s unfair to pay for something they don’t use much.

Another point to consider is that even if public transport is made accessible, some people might still prefer to use their cars. This means that all the money spent on improving public transport might not be used as much as we hope.

In conclusion, I think making public transport accessible for everyone is a good idea, but we need to think carefully about how to do it without making taxes too high. Maybe we could find other ways to pay for it, like getting businesses to help or using money from other areas. It’s important to find a balance between helping people and not putting too much pressure on taxpayers.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Public transport is very important in cities today. Some people think everyone should be able to use it easily, even if we have to pay more taxes. I agree with this idea because it can help many people.

First, when buses and trains are easy to use, it helps old people and disabled people. They can go to different places without problems. This is good because everyone should have the same chances in life.

Also, if more people use public transport, there will be less cars on the roads. This means less pollution, which is good for our health and the environment. Should people be encouraged to use public transportation to reduce pollution? Yes, I think so.

But some people might not like paying more taxes. They might think it’s not fair if they don’t use public transport much. This is a problem that needs to be solved.

In my opinion, making public transport easy for everyone to use is a good thing. Even if taxes go up a little, it can help many people and make our cities better. We should try to find ways to do this without making taxes too high.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position
• Presents well-developed ideas with logical progression
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly
• Demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Uses cohesive devices effectively throughout
• Manages all aspects of coherence and cohesion skillfully

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some inaccuracies
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
• Has generally good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors
• Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
• Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
• Some errors in grammar and punctuation but they do not impede communication
• Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Accessibility (noun) – /ækˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
2. Universal (adjective) – /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsl/ – applicable to all cases
3. Inclusive (adjective) – /ɪnˈkluːsɪv/ – not excluding any section of society
4. Equity (noun) – /ˈekwəti/ – the quality of being fair and impartial
5. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
6. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities
7. Congestion (noun) – /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of being overcrowded, especially with traffic
8. Mobility (noun) – /məʊˈbɪləti/ – the ability to move or be moved freely and easily
9. Taxation (noun) – /tækˈseɪʃn/ – the practice of imposing taxes
10. Cohesive (adjective) – /kəʊˈhiːsɪv/ – characterized by or causing cohesion

Conclusion

The topic of public transit accessibility is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams due to its global significance. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of public transportation in reducing urban inequality
• Balancing public transit improvements with environmental concerns
• The impact of accessible public transportation on economic development

Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and always address all parts of the question. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.