Public transportation for students is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and the increasing focus on sustainable urban development, it’s highly likely that questions related to government funding for student transportation will continue to be a popular subject in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question and explore sample essays for different band scores.

Students using public transport

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that governments should pay for public transportation for students. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question requires you to express your opinion on whether governments should fund public transportation for students. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.

Key points to consider:

• The role of government in education and student welfare
• Economic implications of free public transport for students
• Potential benefits and drawbacks of such a policy
• Alternative approaches to supporting student transportation

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In an era where education is paramount for societal progress, the question of government-funded public transportation for students has gained significant attention. I firmly believe that governments should indeed provide free public transport for students, as this policy can yield substantial benefits for both individuals and society at large.

Firstly, subsidizing student transportation can significantly increase access to education, particularly for those from lower-income backgrounds. By removing the financial barrier of commuting costs, governments can ensure that all students, regardless of their economic status, have equal opportunities to attend schools and universities. This inclusivity is crucial for fostering social mobility and reducing educational inequalities, which are key factors in a nation’s long-term economic and social development.

Moreover, encouraging the use of public transportation among students can have profound environmental benefits. As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing issue, promoting sustainable travel habits from a young age is essential. By providing free public transport, governments can reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads, thereby decreasing carbon emissions and alleviating traffic congestion in urban areas. This not only contributes to environmental conservation but also improves the overall quality of life in cities.

Additionally, this policy can instill a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement in young people. When students utilize public transportation, they interact with a diverse cross-section of society, enhancing their social skills and broadening their perspectives. This exposure to different demographics can foster greater social cohesion and prepare students for active citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world.

However, critics may argue that such a policy could be financially burdensome for governments. While this concern is valid, the long-term benefits arguably outweigh the initial costs. Investing in student mobility can lead to increased educational attainment, which in turn contributes to a more skilled workforce and higher economic productivity. Furthermore, the reduced need for parking spaces and road maintenance due to decreased private vehicle usage can offset some of the costs associated with subsidizing public transport.

In conclusion, government funding for student public transportation is a policy with far-reaching positive implications. By enhancing educational access, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering social integration, this initiative aligns with the broader goals of societal progress and equality. While implementation may pose challenges, the potential benefits make it a worthwhile investment in our collective future.

(Word count: 379)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a high band score (8-9) for several reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position that is consistently maintained throughout.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used naturally (e.g., “societal progress”, “social mobility”, “civic responsibility”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately. Complex sentences are frequent and error-free.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant supporting ideas and examples.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The idea of governments paying for public transportation for students is a topic that many people have different opinions about. In my view, I agree that governments should provide this service to a large extent, as it can bring many benefits to students and society.

One of the main reasons why I support this idea is that it can help students save money. Many students come from families that don’t have a lot of money, and paying for transportation every day can be very expensive. If the government pays for their transport, it means students can use that money for other important things like books or food. This can make their lives easier and help them focus more on their studies.

Another good reason for governments to pay for student transport is that it’s better for the environment. When more students use public transport instead of private cars, it means there are fewer cars on the road. This can help reduce pollution and traffic in cities, which is good for everyone’s health and makes the city a nicer place to live.

Also, when students use public transport, they learn important life skills. They have to be responsible for getting to their destination on time and learn how to navigate the city. These are useful skills that can help them in the future when they start working.

However, some people might say that this could cost the government too much money. While this is a valid concern, I think the benefits are worth the cost. The government could save money in other areas or find ways to make the transport system more efficient to cover these expenses.

In conclusion, I believe that governments should pay for public transportation for students because it can help students financially, benefit the environment, and teach important life skills. While there may be some challenges, the positive impacts on students and society make it a worthwhile investment.

(Word count: 321)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position, though the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes inaccurate or mechanical.

3. Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, but some repetition occurs. The language used is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with some errors that do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant, but some points could be extended further with more specific examples or deeper analysis.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌb.sɪ.daɪz/ – to help someone or an organization to pay for something by giving them money

2. Social mobility (noun phrase) /ˌsəʊ.ʃəl məʊˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the ability to move to a higher social class

3. Civic responsibility (noun phrase) /ˌsɪv.ɪk rɪˌspɒn.sɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/ – the duties and obligations of citizens in society

4. Attainment (noun) /əˈteɪn.mənt/ – the act of achieving something

5. Burdensome (adjective) /ˈbɜː.dən.səm/ – difficult to do or deal with

6. Cohesion (noun) /kəʊˈhiː.ʒən/ – the act or state of sticking together tightly

7. Navigate (verb) /ˈnæv.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ – to find the right direction to travel by using maps or other equipment

8. Efficient (adjective) /ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ – working or operating quickly and effectively in an organized way

9. Implications (noun) /ˌɪm.plɪˈkeɪ.ʃənz/ – the effects or consequences of an action or decision

10. Inclusivity (noun) /ɪnˌkluːˈsɪv.ə.ti/ – the practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized

Conclusion

The topic of government funding for student public transportation is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. It touches on important themes such as education accessibility, environmental sustainability, and social equality. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with variations like:

• Should public transportation be free for all citizens, not just students?
• What are the potential drawbacks of government-funded public transportation for students?
• How can governments balance the costs and benefits of providing free public transport for students?

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to clearly state your position, support it with well-developed arguments, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately. Practice writing essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.