Public transportation is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, frequently appearing in various forms. The question of whether public transportation should be free for all citizens is particularly relevant, especially for candidates from Vietnam where urban development and transportation infrastructure are rapidly evolving. This essay topic allows test-takers to showcase their analytical skills and demonstrate their ability to discuss complex societal issues.
Let’s examine a common IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people think that public transportation should be free for everyone. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Understand the concept of free public transportation
- Consider the advantages and disadvantages of such a policy
- Form an opinion on whether you agree or disagree with the statement
- Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The idea of making public transportation free for all citizens has gained traction in recent years, with proponents arguing that it could alleviate traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of such a policy, I ultimately disagree with the notion that public transportation should be entirely free for everyone.
Firstly, implementing free public transportation would place a significant financial burden on governments and taxpayers. The costs of maintaining and operating public transport systems are substantial, and without fare revenue, these expenses would need to be covered through increased taxation or budget reallocation from other essential services. This could potentially lead to reduced funding for education, healthcare, or infrastructure development, which are equally crucial for societal well-being.
Moreover, a completely free system might lead to overuse and overcrowding of public transportation. When services are free, people tend to use them more frequently, even for short distances they might otherwise walk or cycle. This could result in unnecessary strain on the system, potentially reducing its efficiency and quality of service. In cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where public transport is already struggling to meet demand, free access could exacerbate existing challenges.
However, I do believe that targeted subsidies for certain groups could be beneficial. For instance, offering free or heavily discounted fares to students, elderly citizens, and low-income individuals could promote social equity and increase mobility for those who need it most. This approach would strike a balance between making public transportation accessible and maintaining its financial sustainability.
In conclusion, while the idea of free public transportation for all is appealing, the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits. A more nuanced approach, focusing on targeted subsidies and improving the overall quality and efficiency of public transport, would be a more effective strategy to encourage its use and ensure its long-term viability.
(Word count: 295)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether public transportation should be free for everyone is a complex issue. While there are some advantages to this idea, I generally disagree with making public transport completely free for all citizens.
One main reason why I disagree is the high cost of providing free public transportation. Governments would need to spend a lot of money to cover the expenses of running buses, trains, and other public transport. This money would have to come from somewhere, probably from higher taxes or cutting other important services like education or healthcare.
Another problem with free public transport is that it might become too crowded. If it’s free, more people will use it, even for short trips. This could make the service less comfortable and efficient, especially in big cities like Hanoi where buses are already very full during rush hours.
However, I think there are some good points about making public transport cheaper or free for certain groups. For example, students, old people, and poor families could benefit from free or discounted tickets. This would help them move around the city more easily and save money.
Also, free public transport could help reduce traffic and pollution in cities. If more people use buses and trains instead of cars, there would be less traffic jams and cleaner air. This is important for big cities in Vietnam that often have air pollution problems.
In conclusion, while free public transport for everyone might cause some problems, I believe that making it cheaper for some groups and improving the service could be a good solution. This would encourage more people to use public transport without making it too expensive for the government.
(Word count: 268)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
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Arguments: Both essays present balanced arguments, considering both sides of the issue. The higher band essay provides more detailed explanations and examples.
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Relevance to Vietnam: Both essays include references to Vietnamese cities, making the content more relatable to candidates from Vietnam.
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Coherence: Ensure your essay flows logically from one point to the next, using appropriate linking words and phrases.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Alleviate (verb, /əˈliːvieɪt/): to make a problem or suffering less severe
- Proponent (noun, /prəˈpəʊnənt/): a person who advocates for an idea or course of action
- Subsidies (noun, /ˈsʌbsɪdiz/): money given by the government to help reduce the cost of a service
- Exacerbate (verb, /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/): to make a problem worse
- Nuanced (adjective, /ˈnjuːɑːnst/): characterized by subtle differences or distinctions
- Viability (noun, /ˌvaɪəˈbɪləti/): the ability to work successfully or be sustainable
- Mobility (noun, /məʊˈbɪləti/): the ability to move freely and easily
In conclusion, the topic of free public transportation is a complex one that allows IELTS candidates to demonstrate their analytical and writing skills. When approaching this or similar topics, remember to consider multiple perspectives, use relevant examples (particularly those related to Vietnam), and structure your essay clearly. Practice writing essays on this topic and other related subjects, such as urban development, environmental protection, and government spending priorities. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.