The topic of whether governments should provide free public transportation has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on historical data from various IELTS preparation websites, this topic has appeared frequently in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular subject for future exams. Let’s explore this topic in depth with sample essays and analysis to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Question
One of the most common variations of this topic is:
Some people think that governments should provide free public transport to reduce traffic and pollution. Others think there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should provide free public transport
- Explore alternative solutions to reduce traffic and pollution
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Let’s break down this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Traffic congestion and air pollution are significant issues in many urban areas worldwide. While some advocate for free public transportation as a solution, others believe there are more effective alternatives. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of free public transport argue that it would encourage more people to use buses and trains instead of private vehicles. By eliminating fare costs, the government could incentivize commuters to leave their cars at home, thereby reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions. Moreover, this approach could benefit low-income individuals who struggle with transportation costs, promoting social equity and improving access to employment opportunities.
However, critics contend that there are more efficient ways to address these urban challenges. They suggest that investing in improved infrastructure, such as dedicated bus lanes or expanded metro systems, could yield better results. Additionally, implementing congestion pricing in city centers or offering tax incentives for carpooling and electric vehicles might prove more cost-effective in the long run. These alternatives could target the root causes of traffic and pollution without placing an undue burden on public finances.
In my opinion, while free public transport is an appealing idea, it may not be the most practical solution. The cost of maintaining a fare-free system could be prohibitively expensive for many governments, potentially leading to reduced service quality or increased taxes. Instead, I believe a combination of targeted investments in public transport infrastructure and smart policies to discourage private car use would be more effective. This approach could include subsidized fares for low-income groups, improved service frequency, and the implementation of park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of cities.
In conclusion, while free public transportation has its merits, a more nuanced and multi-faceted approach is likely to yield better results in combating traffic congestion and pollution. Governments should consider a range of strategies that balance social, environmental, and economic factors to create sustainable urban transportation systems.
Word count: 309
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and vocabulary use, key factors in achieving a high band score. Let’s break down its strengths:
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Structure: The essay follows a clear four-paragraph structure – introduction, two body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion with the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas flow logically, with appropriate use of linking words (e.g., “However,” “Moreover,” “Additionally”).
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Vocabulary: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “incentivize,” “congestion pricing,” “prohibitively expensive”).
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Grammar: Complex sentence structures are used effectively throughout the essay.
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people think that governments should make public transport free to help reduce traffic and pollution problems. Others believe there are better ways to solve these issues. This essay will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Those who support free public transport say it would encourage more people to use buses and trains instead of cars. If people don’t have to pay for tickets, they might choose to leave their cars at home. This could help reduce traffic on the roads and lower air pollution from car exhausts. Also, free transport could help poor people who find it hard to pay for bus or train fares.
On the other hand, some people think there are better solutions. They say that improving the quality of public transport, like making buses more frequent or trains more comfortable, could be more effective. Another idea is to charge drivers more for using their cars in busy city areas. This might make people think twice about driving and choose public transport instead.
In my opinion, while free public transport sounds like a good idea, it might be too expensive for governments to maintain. I think a mix of different approaches would work better. For example, governments could make public transport cheaper but not completely free, and at the same time improve the service. They could also introduce policies to discourage car use in city centers.
To conclude, although free public transport could help reduce traffic and pollution, I believe a combination of different strategies would be more effective in solving these problems.
Word count: 268
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good control of language but lacks some of the sophistication seen in the Band 8-9 essay. Here’s why it falls into the Band 6-7 range:
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Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are generally well-linked, but the essay could benefit from more sophisticated linking phrases.
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Vocabulary: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied compared to the higher band essay.
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Grammar: Sentence structures are generally accurate but less complex than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion could be more developed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsɛntɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
- Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒɛstʃən/ – the state of being overcrowded, especially with traffic
- Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
- Prohibitively (adverb) /prəˈhɪbɪtɪvli/ – to a degree that prohibits the use or purchase of something
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Subsidized (adjective) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzd/ – supported financially, often by the government
- Fare (noun) /feə/ – the price charged for a journey on public transport
- Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
Conclusion
The topic of free public transportation is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The pros and cons of car-free city centers
- The role of technology in improving public transportation
- Comparing public transport systems in developed and developing countries
- The impact of remote work on urban transportation needs
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures, and fully address all parts of the question. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your IELTS Writing skills.
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