The topic of government subsidies for public transport to promote environmental conservation is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this subject has appeared frequently and is likely to continue being a popular choice for test makers. Let’s examine a specific question related to this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people believe that governments should subsidize public transport to make it free for all users. Others think this would not be feasible. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the viewpoint that governments should provide free public transport through subsidies.
- Explore the opposing view that free public transport is not feasible.
- Present their own opinion on the matter.
The essay should be balanced, covering both perspectives before concluding with a personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether governments should fully subsidize public transportation to make it free for all users is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While some advocate for this approach as a means to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, others argue that it would be financially unsustainable. In my opinion, while completely free public transport may not be feasible, increased subsidies and reduced fares could strike a balance between environmental concerns and economic realities.
Proponents of free public transport argue that it would significantly reduce private vehicle usage, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas. 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 a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. Moreover, free public transport could enhance social equity by ensuring that low-income individuals have equal access to mobility, potentially improving their job prospects and quality of life.
On the other hand, critics contend that making public transport entirely free is not economically viable for most governments. The costs of maintaining and operating extensive public transportation networks are substantial, and removing fare revenue would place an enormous burden on public finances. This could lead to reduced service quality or frequency as governments struggle to cover operational expenses. Additionally, there are concerns that free services might be overused or abused, leading to overcrowding and increased wear and tear on vehicles and infrastructure.
In my view, while the ideal of free public transport is admirable, a more pragmatic approach would be to significantly increase subsidies to reduce fares without eliminating them entirely. This compromise could still encourage greater use of public transport while maintaining a revenue stream to support operational costs. Governments could implement targeted subsidies for specific groups, such as students, elderly, or low-income individuals, to ensure accessibility for those who need it most. Complementary measures, such as improving service quality, expanding networks, and implementing congestion charges for private vehicles in city centers, could further incentivize the use of public transport.
In conclusion, while free public transport presents an appealing solution to environmental and social challenges, its economic feasibility remains questionable. A balanced approach of increased subsidies and reduced fares, coupled with other supportive policies, could achieve many of the benefits of free transport while maintaining a more sustainable financial model.
(Word count: 389)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about whether governments should make public transport free for everyone by providing subsidies. Some people think this is a good idea, while others believe it’s not possible. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support free public transport say it would help the environment and make life easier for people. If buses and trains were free, more people would use them instead of driving cars. This would reduce traffic jams and air pollution in cities. Also, free transport would help poor people who can’t afford to pay for tickets. They could travel more easily to work or school, which could improve their lives.
However, others argue that making public transport free is not realistic. It would cost the government a lot of money to run buses and trains without charging people. This money would have to come from somewhere, probably higher taxes. Some people worry that if transport is free, too many people might use it, making buses and trains too crowded. There’s also a concern that people might not value the service if they don’t have to pay for it.
In my opinion, while completely free public transport might be difficult to achieve, governments should try to make it cheaper. They could offer more discounts for students, elderly people, and those with low incomes. This would encourage more people to use public transport without making it completely free. Governments could also invest in improving the quality of public transport, making it a more attractive option than driving.
To conclude, free public transport has both advantages and disadvantages. While it might not be possible to make it completely free, I believe governments should work on making it more affordable and efficient for everyone.
(Word count: 299)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think the government should pay for public transport so everyone can use it for free. Other people think this is not possible. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want free public transport say it is good for the environment. If buses and trains are free, more people will use them. This means fewer cars on the roads and less pollution. Also, free transport helps poor people who can’t pay for tickets. They can go to work or school easily.
But some people say free public transport is not a good idea. It costs a lot of money to run buses and trains. If people don’t pay for tickets, the government needs to find this money somewhere else. Maybe they will have to raise taxes. Also, if transport is free, too many people might use it. The buses and trains might get too full.
I think free public transport is a nice idea, but it might be hard to do. Instead, the government could make transport cheaper, but not free. They could give discounts to students and old people. They could also make buses and trains better, so more people want to use them.
In conclusion, free public transport has good and bad points. I think making it cheaper and better is a good idea, but making it completely free might be too difficult.
(Word count: 222)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents a clear position throughout the essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organizes information and ideas with clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: 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.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses the task only partially. The format may be inappropriate in places.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression. Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: 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.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Attempts complex sentences but these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – to support financially
Example: The government plans to subsidize public transport to make it more affordable. - Feasible (adjective) /ˈfiːzəbl/ – possible to do easily or conveniently
Example: Critics argue that free public transport is not economically feasible. - Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of being crowded and full of traffic
Example: Free public transport could help reduce traffic congestion in urban areas. - Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate
Example: Lower fares could incentivize more people to use public transportation. - Pragmatic (adjective) /præɡˈmætɪk/ – dealing with things sensibly and realistically
Example: A pragmatic approach would be to reduce fares significantly without making transport entirely free. - Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Example: The long-term sustainability of free public transport is questionable. - Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities
Example: Maintaining public transport infrastructure requires significant investment.
In conclusion, the topic of government subsidies for public transport remains a crucial and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The environmental impact of different transportation methods
- Government policies to reduce carbon emissions in urban areas
- The pros and cons of car-free city centers
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide balanced arguments before stating your opinion. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.