Public transportation has become a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, with questions about free public transport appearing more frequently in recent years. This trend is likely to continue as urban planning and sustainability remain critical global issues. Let’s explore a common question format and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that governments should provide free public transportation in all major cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should provide free public transportation in major cities. Key points to consider:
- The scope is limited to “major cities,” not all areas.
- It’s asking about “free” public transportation, not just improved or subsidized services.
- The phrase “to what extent” allows for a nuanced response, not just a simple agree/disagree.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
High Band Score Essay
The idea of providing free public transportation in major cities is a topic of considerable debate. While I agree that this approach could offer significant benefits, I believe it should be implemented selectively rather than universally.
There are compelling arguments in favor of free public transport in urban centers. Firstly, it would likely lead to a substantial reduction in private vehicle usage, thereby mitigating traffic congestion and air pollution – two pervasive problems in many metropolises. For instance, when Tallinn, Estonia introduced free public transport in 2013, it saw a 14% decrease in car traffic within the first year. Secondly, free public transportation could enhance social mobility by providing equal access to city resources and job opportunities for all socioeconomic groups. This could potentially narrow the urban inequality gap and foster more inclusive communities.
However, implementing free public transport universally in all major cities presents significant challenges. The primary concern is the enormous financial burden it would place on government budgets. Public transport systems are already heavily subsidized in many cities, and eliminating fare revenue entirely would require massive increases in public spending or cuts in other essential services. Moreover, the quality and efficiency of transport services might suffer without the direct financial accountability that fare-paying passengers provide.
A more balanced approach would be to offer free or heavily discounted public transport to specific groups, such as students, elderly citizens, and low-income families. This targeted strategy could achieve many of the benefits of free public transport while being more financially sustainable. Additionally, cities could experiment with time-limited free transport initiatives, such as during off-peak hours or on high-pollution days, to encourage ridership and assess the impact before committing to a permanent policy.
In conclusion, while free public transportation in major cities could yield substantial societal benefits, I believe a more nuanced and targeted approach is preferable to a universal implementation. By carefully balancing the needs of different urban populations with financial constraints, cities can work towards more sustainable and equitable transportation systems.
(Word count: 309)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high band score (8-9) for several reasons:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view. It discusses both benefits and challenges, showing a balanced perspective.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically connected using cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “mitigating traffic congestion,” “pervasive problems,” and “socioeconomic groups.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, such as “By carefully balancing the needs of different urban populations with financial constraints, cities can work towards more sustainable and equitable transportation systems.”
- Development and Support: Ideas are fully developed with relevant examples and details, such as the reference to Tallinn’s experience with free public transport.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Medium Band Score Essay
Free public transportation in big cities is a topic that many people have strong opinions about. I partly agree that governments should provide this service, but I also think there are some problems with this idea.
One main advantage of free public transport is that it can help reduce traffic and pollution. When people don’t have to pay for buses or trains, they might use them more often instead of driving their cars. This could make the air cleaner and the streets less crowded. Also, free public transport can help poor people who can’t afford to pay for tickets. It gives them a chance to travel around the city easily and maybe find better jobs.
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. The biggest problem is the cost. Public transport systems are very expensive to run, and if people don’t pay for tickets, the government will need to find a lot of money to keep the services running. This might mean higher taxes for everyone. Another issue is that if public transport is free, it might become too crowded and the quality of service might go down.
I think a good solution could be to make public transport free for some groups of people, like students, old people, or those with low incomes. This way, the people who need help the most can get it, but the transport system can still get some money from tickets to keep running well.
In conclusion, while free public transport in major cities has some benefits, I believe it’s better to offer it to specific groups rather than everyone. This approach can help both the people and the transport system.
(Word count: 270)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range band score (6-7) for the following reasons:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at more sophisticated words (e.g., “disadvantages,” “consider”). However, the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
- Development and Support: Ideas are relevant but could be more fully extended. The essay lacks specific examples or data to support its points.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Public transportation (noun): Systems of transport available for public use, such as buses, trains, or subways.
Pronunciation: /ˌpʌblɪk trænspɔːˈteɪʃən/ - Mitigate (verb): To make less severe, serious, or painful.
Pronunciation: /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ - Congestion (noun): The state of being overcrowded, especially with traffic or people.
Pronunciation: /kənˈdʒestʃən/ - Socioeconomic (adjective): Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.
Pronunciation: /ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ - Subsidize (verb): To support financially.
Pronunciation: /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ - Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəbl/ - Equity (noun): The quality of being fair and impartial.
Pronunciation: /ˈekwɪti/ - Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Pronunciation: /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ - Metropolis (noun): A very large and bustling city, often the most important city in a region.
Pronunciation: /mɪˈtrɒpəlɪs/ - Mobility (noun): The ability to move or be moved freely and easily.
Pronunciation: /məʊˈbɪləti/
Conclusion
The topic of free public transportation in major cities is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. As urban planning and sustainability continue to be global priorities, you may encounter variations of this question, such as:
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of free public transportation in cities.
- Some argue that making public transport free would solve traffic problems in cities. Do you agree or disagree?
- To what extent can free public transportation contribute to solving environmental issues in urban areas?
To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing well-structured arguments, using a range of vocabulary, and providing specific examples to support your points. Remember to analyze the question carefully and address all parts of the task in your response.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and get feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- Why Public Transportation Should Be Subsidized for All
- Impact of Autonomous Vehicles on Urban Design
- Why Electric Vehicles Are Essential for Reducing Air Pollution
These resources can provide additional context and vocabulary to enhance your understanding of urban transportation issues, which can be valuable for your IELTS Writing Task 2 preparation.