The topic of public transportation’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is becoming increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on environmental issues, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future exams. Let’s explore a related question that has been featured in past IELTS tests:

Some people believe that encouraging the use of public transportation is the best way to reduce air pollution in cities. Others think that there are more effective ways to reduce air pollution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that promoting public transportation is the most effective way to reduce air pollution in urban areas.
2. Explore alternative methods for reducing air pollution in cities.
3. Provide a personal opinion on which approach is more effective.

Sample Essays

Band 8 Essay

Air pollution in urban areas is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. While some argue that encouraging public transportation use is the most effective solution, others believe there are more impactful approaches. In my opinion, a combination of strategies, including but not limited to promoting public transit, is necessary to combat this complex issue.

Proponents of public transportation argue that it significantly reduces the number of private vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing emissions. By encouraging more people to use buses, trains, and subways, cities can effectively lower their carbon footprint. Moreover, modern public transportation systems often utilize cleaner technologies, such as electric or hybrid engines, further minimizing their environmental impact. For instance, cities like London and Paris have seen notable improvements in air quality after implementing extensive public transportation networks and policies that discourage private car use in city centers.

Public transportation in London

However, critics argue that there are more effective ways to reduce air pollution. One such approach is the implementation of strict emission standards for industries and vehicles. By enforcing rigorous regulations on factories and mandating the use of cleaner technologies in automobiles, cities can directly target major sources of pollution. Additionally, investing in renewable energy sources for power generation can significantly reduce overall emissions. The advantages of using renewable energy sources extend beyond just air quality improvement, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

In my view, the most effective approach to reducing air pollution in cities involves a multi-faceted strategy. While promoting public transportation is undoubtedly crucial, it should be part of a broader plan that includes stricter emission controls, investment in clean energy, and urban planning that prioritizes green spaces. Cities like Singapore have demonstrated the success of such comprehensive approaches, combining efficient public transit with stringent vehicle quotas and extensive green initiatives.

Singapore cityscape with green spaces

In conclusion, while encouraging public transportation use is a valuable tool in combating urban air pollution, it is not the sole solution. A holistic approach that incorporates various strategies is necessary to effectively address this complex environmental challenge and create cleaner, more livable cities for future generations.

(Word count: 336)

Band 6-7 Essay

Air pollution in cities is a big problem these days. Some people think that making more people use public transport is the best way to solve this, but others believe there are better solutions. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On one hand, encouraging public transportation can help reduce air pollution. When more people use buses and trains, there are fewer cars on the roads. This means less exhaust from cars and cleaner air. Also, many modern buses and trains use cleaner fuels or electricity, which is better for the environment. For example, in some big cities, they have made it easier and cheaper to use public transport, and this has helped to improve air quality.

On the other hand, there are other ways to reduce air pollution that some people think are more effective. One way is to make stricter rules for factories and cars about how much pollution they can produce. Another approach is to promote recycling programs to reduce environmental pollution, which indirectly contributes to cleaner air. Also, using more renewable energy like solar and wind power can help reduce pollution from power plants. Some cities have tried these methods and seen good results in improving air quality.

Renewable energy sources: wind and solar

In my opinion, I think the best way to reduce air pollution in cities is to use a mix of different methods. Encouraging public transport is important, but it’s not enough on its own. We should also have strict rules for pollution, use more clean energy, and teach people about how to be more environmentally friendly. By doing all these things together, we can make our cities cleaner and healthier.

To conclude, while promoting public transportation is a good way to reduce air pollution, it’s not the only solution. We need to use many different approaches to tackle this problem effectively and make our cities better places to live.

(Word count: 316)

Band 5 Essay

Air pollution in cities is very bad now. Some people say using more buses and trains is the best way to fix it. Other people think there are better ways. I will talk about both ideas and say what I think.

First, making more people use public transport can help. When people use buses and trains, they don’t use their cars. This means less smoke from cars and cleaner air. Many buses and trains now use clean energy, which is good. In some cities, they made public transport cheaper, and it helped make the air better.

But some people say other things work better to reduce pollution. They think making strict rules for factories and cars about pollution is good. Also, using more solar and wind power can help because it doesn’t make pollution. Some cities tried these things and it worked well to make the air cleaner.

I think the best way to reduce air pollution is to do many things together. Using more public transport is good, but we should also have rules about pollution and use clean energy. We should also teach people how to be good for the environment. If we do all these things, we can make cities cleaner and better to live in.

In the end, making more people use public transport is good for reducing air pollution, but it’s not the only way. We need to do many things to fix this problem and make our cities nicer places.

(Word count: 228)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8 Essay

This essay demonstrates:

• Clear organization with a logical flow of ideas
• Advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures
• Thorough discussion of both viewpoints with relevant examples
• A well-developed personal opinion
• Coherent paragraphs with clear topic sentences and supporting details

Band 6-7 Essay

This essay shows:

• Good organization with clear paragraphs
• Adequate vocabulary with some attempts at more complex expressions
• Discussion of both viewpoints, though with less depth than the Band 8 essay
• A personal opinion that is stated clearly but could be more developed
• Some use of examples, though less specific than in the higher band essay

Band 5 Essay

This essay demonstrates:

• Basic organization with an attempt at paragraph structure
• Limited vocabulary with some repetition
• Simple sentence structures
• A basic discussion of both viewpoints without much depth
• A personal opinion that is stated but not well supported
• Lack of specific examples or details to support arguments

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
2. Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc.
3. Public transportation (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk trænspɔːrˈteɪʃən/ – Forms of transport available to the public, typically managed on a scheduled basis.
4. Emission standards (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃən ˈstændərdz/ – Rules or regulations that set specific limits on the amount of pollutants that can be released into the environment.
5. Renewable energy sources (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenərdʒi ˈsɔːrsɪz/ – Energy sources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
6. Urban planning (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and regulating the use of urban space.
7. Multi-faceted approach (adjective + noun) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd əˈproʊtʃ/ – An approach that has many different aspects or features.
8. Holistic strategy (adjective + noun) – /hoʊˈlɪstɪk ˈstrætədʒi/ – A comprehensive approach that considers all parts of a system as interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.

Conclusion

The topic of public transportation’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The impact of electric vehicles on urban air quality
• The role of urban green spaces in combating climate change
• The effectiveness of government incentives for electric cars
• The relationship between climate change and wildlife habitats

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentences, and support your arguments with specific examples. Practice writing on these topics and share your essays in the comments section below for feedback and improvement. This active engagement will help you develop the skills necessary to excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2.