Public transportation and its impact on urban pollution is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Its popularity stems from the growing global concern over environmental issues and sustainable urban development. Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that encouraging the use of public transportation is the best way to reduce air pollution in cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether promoting public transportation is the most effective method to combat air pollution in urban areas. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is reducing air pollution in cities
- The proposed solution is encouraging public transportation use
- You need to state your level of agreement and explain your reasoning
- Consider other potential solutions for comparison
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Public transportation plays a crucial role in modern urban environments, and many argue that promoting its use is the most effective strategy to combat air pollution in cities. While I agree that encouraging public transit can significantly contribute to reducing air pollution, I believe it is one of several important measures rather than the singular best solution.
Undoubtedly, increasing public transportation usage can lead to a substantial decrease in urban air pollution. Mass transit systems like buses and trains can transport large numbers of people while emitting far less pollution per capita than individual vehicles. For instance, a fully occupied bus can remove dozens of cars from the road, dramatically reducing carbon emissions and other pollutants. Moreover, well-developed public transportation networks can discourage car ownership and usage, leading to long-term reductions in urban air pollution levels.
However, promoting public transportation alone may not be sufficient to address the complex issue of urban air pollution comprehensively. Other strategies can be equally important and complementary. For example, implementing strict emission standards for industries and vehicles can directly target major pollution sources. Additionally, urban planning that prioritizes green spaces and pedestrian-friendly zones can help absorb pollutants and reduce the need for vehicular transport altogether.
Furthermore, the importance of public transportation in reducing air pollution must be considered alongside technological advancements. The development and adoption of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, including for public transit, can significantly cut emissions without necessarily increasing public transportation usage. Similarly, how can recycling programs reduce environmental pollution is another aspect that contributes to overall urban sustainability and indirectly impacts air quality.
In conclusion, while encouraging public transportation use is undoubtedly a powerful tool in the fight against urban air pollution, it should be part of a multifaceted approach. A combination of promoting public transit, implementing strict environmental regulations, adopting clean technologies, and smart urban planning is likely to be the most effective strategy for reducing air pollution in cities. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of urban life contribute to cleaner air and a more sustainable future.
Public transportation reduces urban pollution
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In many cities around the world, air pollution is a big problem. Some people think that the best way to solve this issue is by encouraging more people to use public transportation. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are other important solutions to consider.
Using public transportation can definitely help reduce air pollution in cities. When more people take buses or trains instead of driving their own cars, there are fewer vehicles on the road producing harmful emissions. For example, in a city like Seoul, where the subway system is very popular, the air quality is better than in cities with less developed public transport. Also, buses and trains can carry many people at once, which is more efficient than lots of individual cars.
However, I don’t think encouraging public transportation is the only or best way to reduce urban air pollution. There are other methods that can be equally effective. For instance, should people be encouraged to use public transportation to reduce pollution is just one aspect of a larger question about urban planning and sustainability. We should also consider things like planting more trees in cities, which can help clean the air naturally. Another important step is to have stricter rules for factories and power plants to control their emissions.
Additionally, promoting the use of electric vehicles could be a good solution. If more people drive electric cars, and if buses and taxis switch to electric power, this could greatly reduce air pollution without necessarily increasing public transport use. How does urban planning contribute to sustainable cities is another important consideration that goes beyond just public transportation.
In conclusion, while encouraging public transportation is a good way to reduce air pollution in cities, I believe it’s not the only solution. A combination of different methods, including better public transport, more green spaces, stricter environmental laws, and cleaner vehicle technologies, would be the most effective approach to tackling urban air pollution.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and well-developed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organized with a clear progression of ideas and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing skills but with some limitations:
- Task Response: Addresses the task, although some aspects are covered more fully than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Generally well-organized, but with some lapses in coherence or cohesion.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary, with some errors in word choice or spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with some grammatical errors.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Urban pollution (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən pəˈluːʃn/ – Contamination of city environments
- Public transportation (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk trænspɔːrˈteɪʃn/ – Mass transit systems like buses and trains
- Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities
- Congestion (noun) – /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – The state of being overcrowded, especially with traffic
- Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment
- Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities
- Green spaces (noun) – /griːn speɪsɪz/ – Areas of grass, trees, or other vegetation set apart for recreational or aesthetic purposes in an urban environment
- Air quality (noun) – /eər ˈkwɒlɪti/ – The degree to which the air is suitable or clean enough for breathing
In conclusion, the topic of public transportation and urban pollution is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in promoting public transportation
- Comparing public transportation to other methods of reducing urban pollution
- The challenges of implementing effective public transportation systems in developing cities
- Advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles for public transport
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments for feedback and discussion.