The topic of rising public transport costs has consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams over the past decade. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, this issue remains highly relevant, particularly in developing nations where public transportation challenges significantly impact daily life.
Analysis of Recent IELTS Task 2 Questions
A commonly encountered question format on this topic is:
In many cities, the cost of using public transport is rising. What are the causes of this problem and what measures can be taken to solve it?
This question requires candidates to:
- Analyze causes of increasing public transport costs
- Propose practical solutions
- Structure response in a clear, coherent manner
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Band 8 Model Essay
The escalating cost of public transportation in urban areas has become a significant concern for citizens worldwide. This essay will examine the primary factors behind this trend and suggest viable solutions to address this issue.
Several factors contribute to the rising expenses of public transport systems. Firstly, the increasing operational costs, including fuel prices and maintenance expenses, force transport authorities to raise fares to maintain service quality. Secondly, the aging infrastructure in many cities requires substantial investment in upgrades and repairs, costs which are often passed on to passengers. Additionally, the growing urban population places increased pressure on existing transport networks, necessitating expansion and modernization projects that require significant financial resources.
To address these challenges, both governmental and operational measures can be implemented. The most effective solution would be increased government subsidies to public transport operators, allowing them to maintain reasonable fare levels while covering operational costs. Furthermore, implementing smart technology systems for fare collection and route optimization could improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Public-private partnerships could also be explored to share the financial burden of infrastructure development and maintenance.
In conclusion, while the rising cost of public transport poses significant challenges, a combination of government support and technological innovation can help maintain affordable and efficient public transportation systems.
Band 6.5 Model Essay
Nowadays, many people complain about the high cost of public transport in cities. This essay will discuss why this happens and what we can do about it.
The main reason for expensive public transport is the high cost of running buses and trains. Fuel prices are going up, and companies need to pay more for maintenance. Also, many cities have old buses and trains that need to be replaced, which costs a lot of money. When cities grow bigger, more people use public transport, so companies need more vehicles and workers.
There are several ways to solve this problem. First, the government should give more money to help transport companies keep ticket prices low. They can also encourage people to buy monthly passes instead of single tickets, which would be cheaper for regular travelers. Another solution is to use new technology like electronic tickets to save money on ticket sellers and reduce waste.
In conclusion, while public transport is becoming more expensive, there are ways to make it more affordable. Both the government and transport companies need to work together to find good solutions.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Analysis:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “escalating,” “viable solutions,” “operational costs”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with logical progression
- Strong cohesion between paragraphs
- Relevant examples and explanations
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Simpler vocabulary and structures
- Basic but clear organization
- Limited range of linking devices
- More general examples
- Less sophisticated development of ideas
Key Vocabulary
- escalating (adj.) /ˈeskəleɪtɪŋ/ – becoming higher or more serious
- operational costs (n.) /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃənl kɒsts/ – expenses required for daily business functions
- infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- subsidies (n.) /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/ – money given by government to help reduce costs
- viable (adj.) /ˈvaɪəbl/ – capable of working successfully
Practice Suggestions
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The impact of rising transport costs on different social groups
- Public transport versus private vehicle usage
- Environmental impact of different transport solutions
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.