IELTS Writing Task 2: Should Public Transportation Be Free to Reduce Traffic Congestion? (Sample Essays for Different Band Scores)

The question of whether public transportation should be free to reduce traffic congestion is a common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This issue has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Its frequency is due to its global significance, especially in urban areas facing increasing traffic problems. Let’s examine a specific question related to this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Free public transportation concept

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that governments should make public transportation free of charge in order to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in cities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

This question asks for your opinion on a proposal to make public transportation free as a solution to urban traffic and pollution problems. Key points to consider:

1. The main idea: Making public transportation free
2. The expected outcomes: Reducing traffic congestion and pollution
3. The context: Urban areas (cities)
4. The task: Express your level of agreement or disagreement

To answer this question effectively, you need to:

• Clearly state your position
• Provide reasons and examples to support your view
• Consider potential counterarguments
• Use appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Traffic congestion and pollution are major issues plaguing urban areas worldwide, and some argue that providing free public transportation could be an effective solution. While I agree that this approach could have some benefits, I believe it is not a comprehensive answer to these complex problems.

There are several potential advantages to making public transport free. Firstly, it would undoubtedly encourage more people to use buses, trains, and subways instead of private vehicles. This shift could lead to a significant reduction in the number of cars on the road, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and decreasing air pollution from vehicle emissions. Moreover, free public transportation would be particularly beneficial for low-income individuals, improving their mobility and access to job opportunities, which could have positive ripple effects on the economy.

However, this proposal also has significant drawbacks. The most obvious concern is the enormous cost to governments, which would likely lead to increased taxes or reduced spending in other vital areas such as healthcare or education. Additionally, without fares to cover operational costs, there’s a risk that the quality and frequency of public transport services might decline, potentially counteracting the initial benefits. Furthermore, simply making public transport free does not address other factors contributing to traffic congestion, such as poor urban planning or inadequate infrastructure.

A more balanced approach would be to implement a combination of strategies. Governments could offer subsidized, rather than entirely free, public transportation, coupled with investments in improving and expanding public transport networks. This could be complemented by other measures like congestion pricing in city centers, promoting cycling and walking infrastructure, and encouraging flexible work arrangements to reduce peak hour traffic.

In conclusion, while free public transportation could contribute to reducing traffic congestion and pollution, it is not a panacea. A multi-faceted approach that combines various strategies is more likely to yield sustainable results in addressing these urban challenges.

(Word count: 309)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Clear position: The writer agrees partially but presents a nuanced view.
2. Well-developed ideas: Each paragraph explores a specific aspect of the issue in depth.
3. Coherent structure: The essay flows logically from introduction to conclusion.
4. Advanced vocabulary: Words like “plaguing,” “comprehensive,” “alleviating,” and “panacea” are used effectively.
5. Varied sentence structures: The essay includes a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
6. Strong conclusion: The final paragraph summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In many cities, traffic congestion and pollution are big problems. Some people think that making public transportation free could help solve these issues. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are some problems with it.

There are some good reasons to make public transport free. First, if buses and trains are free, more people will probably use them instead of driving their cars. This could help reduce traffic on the roads and also cut down on pollution from car exhaust. Also, free public transport would be very helpful for people who don’t have much money, making it easier for them to travel to work or school.

However, there are also some disadvantages to this idea. The biggest problem is that it would cost the government a lot of money. This might mean higher taxes or less money for other important things like hospitals or schools. Another issue is that if public transport is free, it might become very crowded and the quality of service might go down.

I think a better solution would be to make public transport cheaper but not completely free. The government could also try other things to reduce traffic, like improving bike lanes or encouraging people to work from home sometimes. This way, we can help solve the problem without spending too much money.

In conclusion, while free public transport might help reduce traffic and pollution, it’s not a perfect solution. I believe a mix of different approaches would work better to solve these problems in our cities.

(Word count: 267)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Clear position: The writer partially agrees with the statement.
2. Adequate development: The main ideas are explained, though not as thoroughly as in the Band 8-9 essay.
3. Logical structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
4. Appropriate vocabulary: The language is clear, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay.
5. Sentence variety: There is some variation in sentence structures, but less than in the higher-band essay.
6. Conclusion: The final paragraph summarizes the main points effectively.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Traffic and pollution are big problems in cities today. Some people say that if the government makes public transport free, it will help solve these problems. I think this is a good idea, but it also has some problems.

Free public transport can help in some ways. If buses and trains are free, more people will use them. This means less cars on the road, so less traffic and pollution. It’s also good for poor people who can’t afford to pay for transport.

But there are also bad things about this idea. It will cost the government a lot of money to make all public transport free. This might mean less money for other important things like schools and hospitals. Also, if public transport is free, maybe too many people will use it and it will become very crowded.

I think maybe the government should make public transport cheaper, but not free. They can also do other things to help with traffic, like making more bike lanes or telling people to work from home sometimes.

In conclusion, free public transport might help with traffic and pollution, but it’s not the only answer. The government should try different ways to solve these problems.

(Word count: 195)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a lower mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Position stated: The writer’s opinion is clear, though not very nuanced.
2. Basic development: Ideas are presented but not fully explained or supported.
3. Simple structure: The essay has a basic introduction, body, and conclusion.
4. Limited vocabulary: The language is simple and repetitive.
5. Simple sentences: There is little variation in sentence structure.
6. Brief conclusion: The final paragraph restates the main idea but doesn’t add much depth.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Traffic congestion (noun) – /ˈtræfɪk kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of having too many vehicles on the roads, causing delays
2. Public transportation (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk trænspɔːrˈteɪʃən/ – buses, trains, etc. that anyone can use
3. Alleviate (verb) – /əˈliːvieɪt/ – to make a problem or suffering less severe
4. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
5. Subsidize (verb) – /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪz/ – to help someone or something by paying part of the cost
6. Panacea (noun) – /ˌpænəˈsiːə/ – something that will solve all problems
7. Multi-faceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
8. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to continue over a period of time
9. Counteract (verb) – /ˌkaʊntərˈækt/ – to reduce or prevent the bad effect of something
10. Ripple effect (noun) – /ˈrɪpəl ɪˈfekt/ – the continuing and spreading results of an event or action

In conclusion, the question of whether public transportation should be free to reduce traffic congestion is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. While it offers potential benefits, it also comes with significant challenges. As you practice writing essays on this topic, remember to consider multiple perspectives, use specific examples, and structure your arguments clearly.

We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2. Additionally, you might want to explore related topics such as urban planning, environmental policies, or sustainable transportation for further practice.