The topic of whether governments should provide free public transport is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current global discussions on sustainable urban development, this topic is likely to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that governments should provide free public transport to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Others believe there are better alternative methods. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses the importance of public transportation in reducing air pollution while also considering alternative solutions. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should provide free public transport
- Explore alternative methods to reduce traffic congestion and pollution
- Present your own opinion on the issue
To score well, you need to address all parts of the question, provide relevant examples, and structure your essay coherently.
Band 8 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that could potentially score a Band 8:
Free public transportation has been proposed as a solution to combat increasing traffic congestion and pollution in urban areas. While some argue that this approach would effectively address these issues, others contend that there are more efficient alternatives. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of free public transport argue that it would significantly reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and air pollution. By removing the cost barrier, more people would be encouraged to use buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation instead of their cars. This shift could lead to cleaner air, reduced carbon emissions, and improved quality of life in cities. Moreover, free public transport could benefit low-income groups, enhancing social mobility and reducing inequality.
On the other hand, critics argue that there are more effective methods to address these urban challenges. They suggest that investing in improved infrastructure, such as dedicated bus lanes, bicycle paths, and more efficient public transport systems, could yield better results. Additionally, implementing congestion charges or increasing parking fees in city centers could discourage private car use without the need for free public transport. These measures could potentially be more cost-effective and sustainable in the long run.
In my opinion, while free public transport could be beneficial, a more comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle traffic congestion and pollution effectively. I believe that a combination of strategies, including subsidized (rather than entirely free) public transport, improved infrastructure, and incentives for green transportation, would be more successful. This multi-faceted approach would address the issue from various angles, promoting sustainable urban mobility without placing an excessive burden on government budgets.
In conclusion, while free public transport has its merits, alternative methods should not be overlooked. A balanced approach that incorporates multiple strategies is likely to be more effective in reducing traffic congestion and pollution in our cities.
(Word count: 309)
Benefits of free public transport for urban areas
Band 6 Sample Essay
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that might score a Band 6:
Nowadays, traffic congestion and pollution are big problems in many cities. Some people think the government should make public transport free to solve these issues, but others believe there are better ways. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Free public transport could help reduce traffic and pollution. If buses and trains are free, more people might use them instead of driving their cars. This would mean fewer cars on the roads, less traffic jams, and less pollution from car exhausts. Also, free public transport would help poor people who can’t afford to pay for bus or train tickets.
However, other people think there are better ways to solve these problems. They say that making public transport free would cost the government a lot of money. Instead, they suggest improving the public transport system by adding more buses and trains, or making them faster and more comfortable. Another idea is to make people pay more to drive in the city center, which would encourage them to use public transport even if it’s not free.
In my opinion, I think a mix of these ideas would work best. The government could make public transport cheaper, but not completely free. They could also improve the quality of buses and trains, and maybe charge more for driving in busy areas. This way, we can reduce traffic and pollution without spending too much money.
To conclude, while free public transport might help, I believe a combination of different methods would be more effective in solving traffic and pollution problems in our cities.
(Word count: 263)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay
This essay demonstrates many qualities of a Band 8 response:
- Task Achievement: It fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, with some less common words and phrases.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures with good control and minimal errors.
Band 6 Essay
This essay shows characteristics of a Band 6 response:
- Task Achievement: It addresses the main parts of the task but with less depth and development compared to the Band 8 essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear overall structure but uses simpler linking words and phrases.
- Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary but with less precision and sophistication than the Band 8 essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety and control compared to the Band 8 essay.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Band 8 vs Band 6 Comparison
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Urban mobility (noun) /ˈɜːrbən məʊˈbɪləti/ – The ability to move around a city
- Congestion charge (noun) /kənˈdʒestʃən tʃɑːrdʒ/ – A fee charged to drive in certain areas of a city
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical systems of a country or region
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something
- Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features
- Subsidized (adjective) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/ – Supported with a subsidy (financial assistance)
- Carbon emissions (noun) /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
In conclusion, the topic of free public transport as a solution to traffic congestion and pollution is a complex one that requires careful consideration of various factors. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, remember to practice addressing different aspects of this issue, such as the economic implications, environmental benefits, and potential alternatives. You might encounter similar questions about should people be encouraged to use public transportation to reduce pollution or the pros and cons of offering free public transportation.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your arguments and improve your writing structure for the IELTS exam.