The topic of expanding public transportation systems to reduce traffic congestion is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Its relevance to urban planning, environmental concerns, and quality of life makes it a prime candidate for IELTS essay questions.
One particularly common variation of this topic is:
Some people believe that governments should invest more money in improving roads and highways, while others think governments should focus on improving public transportation instead. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should invest in roads and highways
- Discuss the alternative view of investing in public transportation
- Give your own opinion on which approach is better
Key points to consider:
- Pros and cons of each approach
- Short-term vs long-term effects
- Environmental impact
- Economic considerations
- Social implications
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In many cities worldwide, traffic congestion has become a major problem, prompting debates on how best to address this issue. While some argue for increased investment in road infrastructure, others advocate for improving public transportation systems. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those in favor of expanding roads and highways argue that this approach directly addresses the problem of insufficient road capacity. By widening existing roads and constructing new highways, traffic flow can be improved, reducing congestion and travel times. Additionally, better road infrastructure can enhance safety and accommodate the growing number of private vehicles, which many see as a symbol of economic progress and personal freedom. Proponents also contend that improved roads benefit not just private car owners but also commercial vehicles, potentially boosting economic activity.
On the other hand, supporters of investing in public transportation systems argue that this approach offers a more sustainable and efficient solution to traffic congestion. Expanding and improving public transit options such as buses, trains, and metros can significantly reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads. This not only alleviates congestion but also leads to reduced air pollution and lower carbon emissions, addressing environmental concerns. Furthermore, a well-developed public transportation system can provide more equitable mobility options for all citizens, including those who cannot afford private vehicles or are unable to drive.
In my opinion, while both approaches have their merits, investing in public transportation is the more beneficial strategy in the long term. Although road expansion may offer short-term relief, it often leads to induced demand, where improved roads encourage more people to drive, ultimately resulting in renewed congestion. In contrast, efficient public transportation systems can accommodate more people in less space, making them a more scalable solution for growing urban populations. Moreover, the environmental benefits of reduced private vehicle usage align with global efforts to combat climate change.
In conclusion, while improving roads and highways may seem like a direct solution to traffic congestion, investing in public transportation offers more comprehensive and sustainable benefits. Governments should prioritize the development of efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly public transit systems to address not only congestion but also broader urban and environmental challenges.
(Word count: 358)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that would likely earn it a Band 8 or 9 score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion. It provides a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically sequenced. Cohesive devices are used effectively and appropriately.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Some examples include:
- “prompting debates”
- “insufficient road capacity”
- “symbol of economic progress”
- “sustainable and efficient solution”
- “induced demand”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. It includes complex sentences and shows flexibility in expression. For example:
- “While some argue for increased investment in road infrastructure, others advocate for improving public transportation systems.”
- “Although road expansion may offer short-term relief, it often leads to induced demand, where improved roads encourage more people to drive, ultimately resulting in renewed congestion.”
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Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with clear reasoning and relevant examples. The essay shows a nuanced understanding of the topic, considering short-term vs. long-term effects, environmental impacts, and social implications.
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Conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces the writer’s opinion, providing a strong finish to the essay.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Traffic congestion is a big problem in many cities today. Some people think governments should spend more money on improving roads and highways, while others believe it’s better to focus on public transportation. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support improving roads say that it can help reduce traffic jams. When roads are wider and there are more highways, cars can move faster and there’s less congestion. This can save time for people who drive to work or school. Also, better roads can be safer and can help businesses that use trucks to transport goods. Some people think having a car is important for freedom and convenience, so they want the government to make driving easier.
On the other hand, people who support public transportation say it’s a better solution. Buses and trains can carry many more people than cars, so they can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This means less traffic and also less pollution, which is good for the environment. Public transport can also be cheaper for people to use than owning a car, especially for those who don’t have much money.
In my opinion, I think improving public transportation is the better choice. While making roads better might help for a short time, eventually more people will buy cars and use the new roads, so the traffic problem will come back. But if we have good public transport, more people will use it instead of driving. This can help solve the traffic problem for a longer time. It’s also better for the environment because it reduces air pollution and helps fight climate change.
To conclude, although both improving roads and public transportation have their benefits, I believe investing in public transport is the better solution for reducing traffic congestion and creating more sustainable cities.
(Word count: 309)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates qualities that would likely earn it a Band 6 or 7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and stating the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a central topic, but the links between ideas could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, generally appropriate for the task. However, it lacks the sophistication and precision of higher band scores. Some good uses include:
- “traffic congestion”
- “transport goods”
- “freedom and convenience”
- “sustainable cities”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. There are some attempts at more complex structures, but they are less frequent and varied compared to higher band essays.
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Development and Support: Main points are supported with relevant ideas, but the level of detail and explanation is less than in higher band essays. The arguments are clear but could be more fully elaborated.
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Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion, providing a satisfactory ending to the essay.
Overall, this essay demonstrates a good understanding of the task and presents relevant ideas with some support. The language used is clear and generally accurate, but lacks the sophistication and flexibility seen in higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some key vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and parts of speech:
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congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒestʃən/
- Definition: a situation in which a place is too crowded, especially with traffic
- Example: “Traffic congestion has become a major problem in many cities.”
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infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/
- Definition: the basic systems and structures that a country or organization needs to work properly
- Example: “Investing in road infrastructure can improve traffic flow.”
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sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/
- Definition: able to continue over a period of time; causing little or no damage to the environment
- Example: “Public transportation offers a more sustainable solution to traffic problems.”
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alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/
- Definition: to make something less severe or unpleasant
- Example: “Expanding public transit options can alleviate congestion.”
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induced demand (noun phrase) /ɪnˈdjuːst dɪˈmænd/
- Definition: the phenomenon where increasing the supply of something (like roads) encourages increased consumption of it
- Example: “Road expansion often leads to induced demand, resulting in renewed congestion.”
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equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/
- Definition: fair and impartial
- Example: “A well-developed public transportation system provides more equitable mobility options.”
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scalable (adjective) /ˈskeɪləbl/
- Definition: able to be changed in size or scale
- Example: “Efficient public transportation systems are a more scalable solution for growing urban populations.”
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advocate (verb) /ˈædvəkeɪt/
- Definition: to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
- Example: “Others advocate for improving public transportation systems.”
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prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/
- Definition: to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first
- Example: “Governments should prioritize the development of efficient public transit systems.”
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accommodate (verb) /əˈkɒmədeɪt/
- Definition: to provide space or capacity for
- Example: “Public transportation can accommodate more people in less space.”
Conclusion
The topic of expanding public transportation to reduce traffic congestion is a crucial issue in urban planning and environmental policy. It’s likely to remain a popular subject in IELTS Writing Task 2 due to its relevance to modern society and its potential for diverse arguments.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The environmental impact of different transportation methods
- The role of technology in improving urban transportation
- The economic effects of investing in public transportation versus road infrastructure
- The social implications of prioritizing public transport over private vehicles
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.