The topic of electric vehicles replacing gasoline-powered cars has been increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on sustainable transportation, this subject is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should focus on reducing the number of private cars on the roads, while others believe that governments should build more roads for them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view of reducing private car usage
- Discuss the view of building more roads for private cars
- Provide their own opinion on the issue
The topic is closely related to the debate between electric and gasoline vehicles, as reducing private car usage often involves promoting alternative transportation methods, including electric vehicles.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change and urban congestion have sparked a heated debate about the role of private vehicles in modern society. While some argue that governments should prioritize reducing the number of cars on roads, others contend that building more infrastructure is the solution. In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines both strategies while promoting sustainable alternatives like electric vehicles is the most effective way forward.
Those who advocate for reducing private car usage argue that this approach would significantly decrease traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas. By investing in public transportation systems, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, governments can encourage citizens to adopt more sustainable modes of travel. This shift would not only improve air quality but also promote healthier lifestyles and more livable cities. Moreover, reducing dependence on private cars could lead to a more equitable society, as it would improve mobility options for those who cannot afford personal vehicles.
On the other hand, proponents of building more roads argue that this strategy would alleviate traffic congestion and support economic growth. They contend that a well-developed road network is essential for efficient transportation of goods and services, which is crucial for a thriving economy. Additionally, they argue that many people rely on private vehicles for their daily commute and that limiting this option could negatively impact their quality of life and productivity.
In my view, a comprehensive approach that incorporates elements of both strategies while promoting electric vehicles is the most effective solution. Governments should invest in improving public transportation and creating pedestrian-friendly urban spaces to reduce reliance on private cars. Simultaneously, they should strategically expand road infrastructure where necessary, but with a focus on accommodating electric and hybrid vehicles. This could include building charging stations along highways and implementing policies that incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles.
By combining these approaches, governments can address the immediate need for improved transportation while paving the way for a more sustainable future. This balanced strategy would not only reduce emissions and congestion but also support economic growth and individual mobility needs.
In conclusion, while reducing private car usage and building more roads are both valid approaches to addressing transportation challenges, a nuanced strategy that incorporates both while promoting electric vehicles offers the most promising path forward. This comprehensive approach can help create more sustainable, efficient, and livable cities for future generations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The issue of private cars on roads is a big problem in many countries. Some people think governments should try to reduce the number of cars, while others believe more roads should be built. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who want to reduce private cars say it will help with traffic jams and pollution. They think if there are fewer cars, the air will be cleaner and roads less crowded. This could make cities nicer places to live. They suggest improving buses and trains so people don’t need cars as much.
On the other hand, people who want more roads say it will help traffic move better. They think more roads mean less traffic jams and faster travel times. This could be good for business and make life easier for people who need to drive.
In my opinion, both ideas have good points, but I think reducing cars is better in the long run. While more roads might help for a while, they will eventually get full again. Reducing cars and improving public transport can help solve the problem for longer. It’s also better for the environment.
I also think electric cars could be part of the solution. They are cleaner than normal cars and could help reduce pollution. Governments could encourage people to use electric cars while also improving public transport.
In conclusion, while both reducing cars and building roads have their merits, I believe focusing on fewer cars and better public transport, along with promoting electric vehicles, is the best way forward. This approach can help create cleaner, less crowded cities for everyone.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Many people have different ideas about cars on roads. Some think there should be less cars, but others want more roads. I will talk about both ideas and say what I think.
People who want less cars say it’s good because there will be less traffic and less pollution. They think buses and trains should be better so people don’t need cars. This could make cities cleaner and nicer.
But other people think more roads are good. They say it will help cars move faster and make less traffic jams. They think this is good for work and for people who need to drive a lot.
I think both ideas have good points. Less cars could be good for the air and make cities nicer. But more roads could help people get to work faster. It’s hard to choose which is better.
Maybe electric cars could help. They don’t make as much pollution as normal cars. The government could help people buy electric cars and also make buses and trains better.
In the end, I think we need to think about both ideas. We should try to have less cars, but also make sure people can still get around easily. Electric cars and better public transport could be a good way to do this.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Cohesive devices are used effectively throughout
- Develops ideas with clear progression and appropriate supporting details
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some evidence of style and flexibility
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒes.tʃən/ – the state of being crowded and full of traffic
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Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – able to continue over a period of time
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Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsen.tɪ.vaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
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Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhen.sɪv/ – complete and including everything that is necessary
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Livable (adjective) /ˈlɪv.ə.bəl/ – pleasant or suitable to live in
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Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
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Alleviate (verb) /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/ – to make something bad such as pain or problems less severe
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Equitable (adjective) /ˈek.wɪ.tə.bəl/ – fair and impartial
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Pave the way (idiom) – to create a situation that makes it possible or easier for something to happen
Conclusion
The debate between reducing private car usage and expanding road infrastructure, with the additional consideration of electric vehicles, is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. As this issue continues to be a global concern, it’s likely that similar questions will appear in future exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles compared to traditional cars.
- Should governments provide incentives for people to switch to electric vehicles?
- How can cities balance the needs of drivers, pedestrians, and public transportation users?
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!