Urban planning and its impact on transportation are recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its relevance in modern society. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Task
Some people think that governments should focus on reducing traffic congestion by improving public transportation. Others believe that building more roads is the best way to reduce traffic. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on how to reduce traffic congestion:
- Improving public transportation
- Building more roads
You are required to:
- Discuss both views
- Provide your own opinion
Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your position.
Urban Planning and Transportation
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Traffic congestion is a growing concern in many cities worldwide, and there are differing opinions on how governments should address this issue. While some argue for enhancing public transportation systems, others advocate for the construction of additional roads. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Proponents of improving public transportation argue that this approach can significantly reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads. By investing in efficient and reliable public transit systems, such as buses, trains, and metros, governments can encourage more people to opt for these alternatives over personal cars. This shift not only alleviates traffic congestion but also contributes to reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality in urban areas. Moreover, well-planned public transportation networks can provide more equitable access to mobility for all citizens, regardless of their economic status.
On the other hand, those who support building more roads contend that this strategy directly addresses the issue of insufficient road capacity. They argue that expanding road infrastructure can accommodate the increasing number of vehicles and alleviate bottlenecks that cause traffic jams. Additionally, new roads can provide alternative routes, dispersing traffic and reducing pressure on existing thoroughfares. Advocates of this approach also point out that improved road networks can enhance connectivity between different areas, potentially stimulating economic growth and development.
In my opinion, while both approaches have their merits, I believe that improving public transportation is the more sustainable and effective long-term solution. Enhancing public transit not only addresses traffic congestion but also promotes environmental sustainability and social equity. Moreover, continually expanding road networks may lead to induced demand, where the availability of more roads encourages more people to drive, ultimately perpetuating the cycle of congestion.
In conclusion, while building more roads may offer a quick fix, investing in comprehensive and efficient public transportation systems provides a more holistic and sustainable approach to tackling urban traffic issues. Governments should prioritize the development of integrated public transit networks, complemented by policies that encourage their use, to create more livable and less congested cities for the future.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific point. Linking words and phrases are used effectively to ensure smooth transitions between ideas.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Examples include “alleviates,” “equitable access,” “bottlenecks,” and “perpetuating the cycle.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex sentence structures used accurately. For instance, “By investing in efficient and reliable public transit systems, such as buses, trains, and metros, governments can encourage more people to opt for these alternatives over personal cars.”
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples, showing depth of thought and analysis.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Traffic congestion is a big problem in many cities. Some people think the government should make public transportation better to solve this, while others say building more roads is the answer. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Improving public transportation can help reduce traffic. If buses and trains are good and cheap, more people will use them instead of driving cars. This means fewer cars on the roads and less traffic. Also, public transportation is better for the environment because it produces less pollution than lots of individual cars.
On the other hand, building more roads can also help with traffic problems. More roads mean more space for cars, so traffic can move faster. New roads can also connect different parts of a city, making it easier for people to travel. Some people think this is a quicker way to solve traffic issues.
In my opinion, I think improving public transportation is better than building more roads. While new roads might help for a short time, they might also encourage more people to buy cars, which could make traffic worse in the long run. Good public transportation can help more people and is better for the environment.
To conclude, both improving public transportation and building more roads can help with traffic problems. However, I believe that focusing on public transportation is a better long-term solution for cities and the environment.
(Word count: 234)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence in several areas but has room for improvement:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, discussing both viewpoints and stating the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Some basic linking words are used, but more sophisticated cohesive devices could enhance the flow.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words like “pollution.” However, there’s room for more varied and sophisticated vocabulary.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences generally accurately. However, more varied and complex structures could elevate the score.
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Development of Ideas: While main ideas are present, they could be elaborated on more fully with specific examples or deeper analysis.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Urban planning (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and organizing urban areas
- Congestion (noun) – /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – Overcrowding or clogging, especially of roads
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – Basic physical structures needed for society to operate
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting resources
- Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – To make a problem or suffering less severe
- Induce (verb) – /ɪnˈdjuːs/ – To bring about or give rise to
- Equitable (adjective) – /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – Fair and impartial
- Thoroughfare (noun) – /ˈθʌrəfɛər/ – A main road or public highway
- Connectivity (noun) – /ˌkɒnekˈtɪvɪti/ – The state of being connected or interconnected
- Holistic (adjective) – /həˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected
Conclusion
The topic of urban planning and transportation solutions is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, consider practicing with similar prompts such as:
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of car-free zones in city centers.
- Some people believe that cycling should be promoted as a main mode of transport in cities. Do you agree or disagree?
- To what extent can technology solve urban transportation problems?
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your response, and use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures in your essay. Practice writing essays on these topics and feel free to share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active approach to learning will significantly improve your IELTS Writing skills.
