Public transportation in modern cities is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past trends and current urban development issues, we can expect this theme to remain highly relevant in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question that exemplifies this topic:
Some people think that governments should invest in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion in cities. Others believe that building more roads is the best solution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question encapsulates the ongoing debate about urban transportation solutions, making it an ideal subject for IELTS candidates to tackle. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
The question presents two contrasting views on solving urban traffic congestion:
- Government investment in public transportation
- Building more roads
Candidates are required to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide their own opinion
A well-structured essay should include:
- An introduction presenting the topic and outlining the essay
- Body paragraphs discussing each view
- A paragraph expressing the writer’s opinion
- A conclusion summarizing the main points and restating the writer’s position
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
In many metropolitan areas, traffic congestion has become a pressing issue, prompting debates about the most effective solutions. While some advocate for increased government investment in public transportation, others argue that constructing additional roads is the answer. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this matter.
Proponents of public transportation argue that it is a more sustainable and efficient solution to urban congestion. By investing in comprehensive bus and rail networks, governments can reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads, thereby alleviating traffic jams. Moreover, public transit systems can move larger numbers of people more efficiently, especially during peak hours. This approach also aligns with environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions and promoting greener urban development. The importance of public transportation in reducing air pollution cannot be overstated, as it directly contributes to improved air quality in cities.
On the other hand, those in favor of road expansion contend that increasing road capacity is necessary to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. They argue that wider roads and new highways can distribute traffic more effectively, reducing bottlenecks and congestion. Additionally, improved road infrastructure can enhance overall mobility and accessibility within cities, potentially stimulating economic growth. This perspective often appeals to those who prioritize personal vehicle usage and believe in the continued dominance of car-centric urban planning.
In my opinion, while both approaches have merits, investing in public transportation is the more sustainable and effective long-term solution. The importance of public transportation in urban development extends beyond merely reducing traffic; it shapes cities to be more livable, equitable, and environmentally friendly. Expanding road networks often leads to induced demand, where increased capacity encourages more people to drive, ultimately negating the benefits of road expansion. Conversely, efficient public transit systems can break this cycle by providing viable alternatives to private car use.
In conclusion, while road expansion may offer short-term relief, investing in public transportation presents a more holistic and sustainable approach to addressing urban congestion. Governments should prioritize developing comprehensive public transit networks to create more efficient, environmentally friendly, and livable cities for the future.
(Word count: 395)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a high band score (8-9):
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Moreover”, “On the other hand”, “Conversely”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “pressing issue”, “comprehensive bus and rail networks”, “induced demand”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively without errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Traffic congestion is a big problem in many cities today. Some people think the government should spend money on public transportation to solve this issue, while others believe building more roads is better. This essay will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Investing in public transportation has several advantages. Firstly, buses and trains can carry many people at once, which means fewer cars on the roads. This can help reduce traffic jams, especially during busy times like rush hour. Also, public transport is better for the environment because it produces less pollution than lots of individual cars. How public transportation can help reduce urban pollution is an important consideration for city planners.
On the other hand, some people think building more roads is the answer. They say that more roads give drivers more options, which can spread out traffic and reduce congestion. New roads can also connect different parts of the city, making it easier for people to travel. This can be good for businesses and help the economy grow. Some people also prefer driving their own cars because it’s more convenient and comfortable.
In my opinion, investing in public transportation is better than building more roads. While new roads might help in the short term, they often get full of cars again very quickly. Public transport, however, can move more people using less space. It’s also better for the environment and can make cities nicer places to live. Why public transport should be subsidized is a topic worth considering, as it can make this option more accessible to everyone.
To conclude, although both building roads and improving public transport can help with traffic problems, I believe investing in public transportation is the better choice for long-term benefits to cities and their residents.
(Word count: 345)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting an opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. It uses some cohesive devices, though not always with complete flexibility.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though with some inaccuracy.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is relevant to the task and supported, though the support could be more fully extended in places.
Key Vocabulary
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Traffic congestion (noun) – /ˈtræfɪk kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of having too many vehicles on the roads, causing slow movement
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Public transportation (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk trænspɔːˈteɪʃən/ – forms of transport available to the public, typically run on fixed routes
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Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society
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Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
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Induced demand (noun) – /ɪnˈdjuːst dɪˈmænd/ – the phenomenon where increasing the supply of something (like roads) encourages increased consumption of it
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Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
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Livable (adjective) – /ˈlɪvəbl/ – suitable for living in; comfortable
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Holistic (adjective) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole
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Bottleneck (noun) – /ˈbɒtlnek/ – a point of congestion or blockage, especially in a production process or in a route of travel
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Viable (adjective) – /ˈvaɪəbl/ – capable of working successfully; feasible
These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing urban transportation issues and can help improve the lexical resource aspect of your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays.
In conclusion, the importance of public transportation in modern cities is a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. How urban planning can create more inclusive cities is closely related to this theme and may appear in future exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on various aspects of urban transportation, such as its environmental impact, economic benefits, and role in social equity. Remember to analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.