Public transportation and traffic congestion are recurring themes in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared multiple times in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular subject for test-makers. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in past IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments should subsidize public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Others think that governments should tax private car owners more heavily instead. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks candidates to discuss two contrasting views on how to address traffic congestion and air pollution:
- Subsidizing public transportation
- Increasing taxes on private car owners
Candidates must examine both perspectives and provide their own opinion. This is a classic example of an IELTS Writing Task 2 question that requires a balanced approach and critical thinking.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Traffic congestion and air pollution are pressing issues in many urban areas worldwide. While some advocate for government subsidies on public transportation as a solution, others propose heavier taxation on private car owners. In my opinion, a combination of both approaches would be most effective in addressing these problems.
Subsidizing public transportation can significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. By making public transport more affordable and accessible, governments can encourage more people to use buses, trains, and other shared modes of transportation instead of private vehicles. This shift would result in fewer cars on the roads, thereby reducing traffic jams and emissions. For example, in Singapore, the government heavily subsidizes its public transportation system, resulting in one of the most efficient and widely-used networks in the world, with correspondingly lower levels of traffic congestion compared to other major cities.
On the other hand, increasing taxes on private car owners could also be an effective strategy. Higher taxes would discourage car ownership and usage, particularly for unnecessary trips. This approach follows the “polluter pays” principle, where those who contribute more to pollution and congestion bear a greater financial burden. For instance, London’s congestion charge has successfully reduced traffic in the city center by 15% since its introduction in 2003, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this method.
However, I believe that a balanced approach combining both strategies would yield the best results. Subsidizing public transportation ensures that people have affordable alternatives to private cars, while increased taxes on car owners provide a financial incentive to choose these alternatives. This two-pronged approach addresses both the “carrot” (making public transport more attractive) and the “stick” (discouraging private car use) aspects of behavior change.
In conclusion, while both subsidizing public transportation and increasing taxes on private car owners have their merits, a comprehensive strategy that incorporates both approaches is likely to be most effective in reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. Governments should strive to implement policies that not only discourage private car use but also provide viable and attractive alternatives.
(314 words)
Comparing public transportation and private cars
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and provides a personal opinion.
Balanced argument: Both perspectives are discussed thoroughly, with examples provided for each view.
Personal opinion: The writer clearly states their opinion and provides a reasoned argument for their stance.
Cohesion and coherence: The essay uses a range of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand,” “However,” “In conclusion”) to link ideas and paragraphs smoothly.
Lexical resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary relevant to the topic (e.g., “pressing issues,” “subsidize,” “congestion charge,” “two-pronged approach”).
Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex sentence structures accurately (e.g., “By making public transport more affordable and accessible, governments can encourage…”).
Task response: All parts of the question are fully addressed, with relevant examples and explanations provided.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Traffic congestion and air pollution are big problems in many cities today. Some people think the government should make public transportation cheaper to solve these issues, while others believe taxing car owners more is better. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Making public transportation cheaper is a good idea because more people will use it. If buses and trains are less expensive, people might choose them instead of driving their cars. This can help reduce the number of cars on the roads and make the air cleaner. For example, in my city, when the government lowered bus fares, more people started using buses and there was less traffic.
On the other hand, increasing taxes for car owners could also work. If owning a car becomes more expensive, some people might decide not to buy one or use it less often. This could lead to fewer cars on the roads and less pollution. However, this might not be fair for people who need cars for work or live far from public transport.
In my opinion, I think both ideas have good points, but making public transportation cheaper is better. This is because it gives people a choice without forcing them to pay more money. Also, good public transport can help everyone, not just car owners.
To conclude, while both making public transport cheaper and increasing car taxes can help reduce traffic and pollution, I believe improving and subsidizing public transportation is the better option. It’s a more positive approach that can benefit more people in the long run.
(253 words)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion. However, the paragraphs could be more fully developed.
Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion and examples could be more detailed and specific.
Cohesion and coherence: Basic linking words are used (e.g., “On the other hand,” “However,” “To conclude”), but the essay could benefit from more sophisticated cohesive devices.
Lexical resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but there is less precision and sophistication compared to the Band 8-9 essay (e.g., “big problems,” “cheaper,” “good idea”).
Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with generally good control of grammar. However, there is less variety in sentence structures compared to the higher band essay.
Personal opinion: The writer clearly states their opinion, but the reasoning could be more fully developed.
Examples: The essay provides some examples, but they are more general and could be more specific or detailed.
Urban traffic congestion and air pollution
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Public Transportation and Traffic Congestion
Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌb.sɪ.daɪz/: to help someone or an organization to pay for something by giving them money
Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒes.tʃən/: a situation in which a place is too blocked or crowded, causing difficulties
Polluter pays principle (noun phrase): the practice of making the person or business responsible for causing pollution pay for the damage done to the natural environment
Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsen.tɪv/: something that encourages a person to do something
Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪn.frə.strʌk.tʃər/: the basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/: the act of sending out gas, heat, light, etc., or something that is sent out
Urban sprawl (noun phrase) /ˈɜː.bən sprɔːl/: the spread of a city into the surrounding countryside
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/: causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time
Public transit (noun phrase): another term for public transportation, commonly used in North America
Carbon footprint (noun phrase) /ˈkɑː.bən ˈfʊt.prɪnt/: the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community
Conclusion
The topic of public transportation subsidies and traffic congestion is a common one in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The environmental impact of different modes of transportation
- The role of government in promoting sustainable urban development
- The pros and cons of car-free city centers
- The impact of remote work on traffic patterns and public transportation usage
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, use relevant examples, and express your ideas clearly and coherently. Practice writing essays and share them in the comments section below for feedback and improvement. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!