In recent years, the topic of public transportation accessibility has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This subject is particularly relevant to test-takers from countries like India, China, and Vietnam, where rapid urbanization has brought transportation issues to the forefront. Based on past trends and current global concerns, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a specific question related to this topic and analyze sample essays across different band scores.

Some people think that public transport should be free and accessible to all citizens. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to express their opinion on whether public transportation should be free and universally accessible. Key points to consider include:

1. The concept of free public transport
2. Universal accessibility
3. Potential benefits and drawbacks
4. Economic implications
5. Social impact

Candidates should clearly state their position and provide well-supported arguments to justify their stance.

The importance of public transportation in reducing air pollution is a crucial aspect to consider when discussing this topic. Let’s examine sample essays that address this question across different band scores.

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9

Public transportation plays a vital role in modern urban life, and the idea of making it free and accessible to all citizens is an intriguing proposition. While I agree that public transport should be widely accessible, I disagree that it should be entirely free for everyone.

Firstly, universal accessibility to public transport is crucial for social equity and urban mobility. By ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their economic status or physical abilities, can access public transportation, we create a more inclusive society. This accessibility can lead to improved job opportunities, better access to education, and enhanced social integration. Moreover, the importance of public transportation in modern cities cannot be overstated, as it reduces traffic congestion and lowers carbon emissions.

However, making public transport entirely free for all citizens may not be the most effective approach. While it seems beneficial at first glance, it could lead to several problems. For instance, the absence of fares might result in overcrowding and overuse of the system, potentially leading to a decline in service quality. Additionally, the financial burden of maintaining and improving the transport infrastructure would fall entirely on the government, potentially leading to higher taxes or budget cuts in other essential areas.

A more balanced approach would be to implement a tiered pricing system with subsidies for low-income groups, students, and senior citizens. This strategy would ensure accessibility for those who need it most while still generating revenue to maintain and improve the system. Cities like Vienna and Tallinn have successfully implemented similar models, demonstrating that affordable, rather than free, public transport can achieve the desired goals of accessibility and sustainability.

In conclusion, while I strongly support making public transport accessible to all citizens, I believe that a carefully structured pricing system is more beneficial than making it entirely free. This approach can ensure the system’s financial sustainability while still promoting social equity and environmental benefits. Governments should focus on creating efficient, affordable, and inclusive public transportation networks that serve the needs of all citizens without compromising on quality or long-term viability.

(Word count: 345)

Public transport accessibility for diverse passengers

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The writer clearly addresses all parts of the question, presenting a nuanced view that agrees with accessibility but disagrees with free transport for all.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (“Firstly”, “However”, “In conclusion”).

3. Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“social equity”, “urban mobility”, “tiered pricing system”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex structures used accurately (“While it seems beneficial at first glance”, “This approach can ensure the system’s financial sustainability”).

5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with explanations and examples, showing depth of critical thinking.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7

In many cities, public transport is becoming more important. Some people think it should be free and everyone should be able to use it. I partly agree with this idea.

On one hand, free public transport can be good for society. If buses and trains are free, more people will use them instead of cars. This can help reduce traffic and pollution in cities. Also, free transport can help poor people who cannot afford to pay for tickets. They can travel to work or school more easily. This can give them better chances in life.

However, making public transport free for everyone might cause some problems. If it’s free, too many people might use it, and it could become very crowded. The government would also need to spend a lot of money to pay for free transport. This money might have to come from higher taxes or from cutting other important services.

I think a good solution is to make public transport cheaper, but not completely free. For example, the government could give discounts to students, old people, and people with low incomes. This way, people who need help can get it, but the transport system still gets some money to run properly.

In conclusion, I believe public transport should be accessible to everyone, but it doesn’t have to be completely free. Making it affordable for all people is more important. This can help create a fair and efficient transport system that benefits everyone in society.

(Word count: 253)

Affordable public transport ticket system

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some areas for improvement:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the question, presenting a balanced view.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but could use more sophisticated linking words.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but somewhat limited. There’s room for more advanced words and phrases.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The grammar is generally accurate, but the structures are mostly simple. More complex sentences would improve the score.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported, but could be expanded with more specific examples or deeper analysis.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
2. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
3. Subsidize (verb) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – support (an organization or activity) financially
4. Congestion (noun) – /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of being crowded and full of traffic
5. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
6. Equity (noun) – /ˈekwəti/ – the quality of being fair and impartial
7. Tiered (adjective) – /tɪəd/ – arranged in tiers or levels
8. Viable (adjective) – /ˈvaɪəbl/ – capable of working successfully; feasible

Should people be encouraged to use public transportation to reduce pollution is another related topic that often appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practicing with such topics can help improve your writing skills and expand your vocabulary on this subject.

Conclusion

The accessibility and affordability of public transport are crucial topics in modern urban planning and likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. When tackling such questions, remember to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide balanced arguments
3. Use specific examples to support your points
4. Demonstrate a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures

To further prepare, consider practicing with related topics such as the pros and cons of offering free public transportation. We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills.