Air pollution is a pressing global issue, and the role of public transportation in mitigating this problem has become a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, this theme is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people believe that governments should invest more money in public transportation to reduce air pollution, while others think there are better alternative approaches. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that government investment in public transportation can reduce air pollution
2. Explore alternative approaches to reducing air pollution
3. Provide their own opinion on which approach is more effective

Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-band response.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Air pollution is a critical environmental challenge facing many countries today. While some advocate for increased government investment in public transportation as a solution, others argue that alternative approaches may be more effective. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.

Proponents of government investment in public transportation argue that it can significantly reduce air pollution by decreasing the number of private vehicles on the roads. By providing efficient, affordable, and widely accessible public transit options, governments can encourage more people to use buses, trains, and subways instead of personal cars. This shift would lead to fewer vehicle emissions, thereby improving air quality in urban areas. Moreover, modern public transportation systems often utilize cleaner technologies, such as electric buses or hybrid trains, further contributing to pollution reduction.

On the other hand, those who favor alternative approaches argue that public transportation alone may not be sufficient to address the complex issue of air pollution. They propose a multi-faceted strategy that includes promoting renewable energy sources, implementing stricter emissions standards for industries, and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. These measures, they contend, would tackle air pollution more comprehensively by addressing various sources of emissions, not just those from private transportation.

The importance of renewable energy for reducing air pollution cannot be overstated. By transitioning to cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind power, countries can significantly reduce emissions from power plants, which are major contributors to air pollution.

In my opinion, while investing in public transportation is undoubtedly beneficial, a combined approach that incorporates multiple strategies would be most effective in combating air pollution. Governments should prioritize the development of efficient public transit systems while simultaneously implementing policies to promote cleaner energy sources and incentivize the use of low-emission vehicles. This comprehensive approach would address the issue from multiple angles, maximizing the potential for significant air quality improvements.

In conclusion, while increased investment in public transportation can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes other innovative solutions. By adopting a holistic approach, governments can more effectively tackle the complex challenge of air pollution and create cleaner, healthier environments for their citizens.

(Word count: 367)

Public transportation reduces air pollution in urban areas

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Air pollution is a big problem in many cities around the world. Some people think that governments should spend more money on public transportation to reduce this pollution, while others believe there are better ways to solve the problem. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Supporters of investing in public transportation say it can help reduce air pollution. When governments provide good bus and train services, more people will use them instead of driving their own cars. This means fewer cars on the roads and less pollution from car exhausts. Also, many new buses and trains use cleaner energy, which is better for the environment.

However, other people think there are better ways to reduce air pollution. They suggest that governments should focus on things like using more renewable energy, making stricter rules for factories, and encouraging people to buy electric cars. These ideas could help reduce pollution from different sources, not just from transportation.

Why electric vehicles are essential for reducing air pollution is an important point to consider. As more people switch to electric cars, the amount of pollution from vehicles could decrease significantly.

In my opinion, I think both views have good points. Investing in public transportation is important, but it’s not enough on its own to solve the air pollution problem. I believe governments should improve public transportation and also work on other solutions like promoting clean energy and electric vehicles. This way, they can tackle the problem from different angles and have a better chance of reducing air pollution.

To conclude, while investing in public transportation can help reduce air pollution, it’s important to use other methods too. Governments should consider a mix of different approaches to effectively deal with the air pollution problem and create cleaner cities for everyone.

(Word count: 309)

Diverse strategies for reducing air pollution in cities

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Air pollution is a big problem today. Some people think governments should spend more money on buses and trains to reduce pollution. Others think there are better ways. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who support public transportation say it can help reduce pollution. If there are more buses and trains, less people will drive cars. This means less pollution from cars. Also, new buses and trains are cleaner and don’t make much pollution.

But some people think there are better ways to reduce pollution. They say governments should use more clean energy, make stricter rules for factories, and encourage people to buy electric cars. These ideas can help reduce pollution from different places, not just from cars.

The role of renewable energy in reducing air pollution is very important. If we use more solar and wind power, we can make less pollution from power plants.

I think both ideas are good. Improving public transportation is important, but it’s not enough to solve the whole problem. Governments should make public transportation better and also try other ways to reduce pollution. They should use clean energy and help people buy electric cars too.

In conclusion, spending money on public transportation can help reduce pollution, but it’s not the only way. Governments should use different methods to make the air cleaner in our cities.

(Word count: 234)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the essay
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
• Uses a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression throughout

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
• Information and ideas are organized coherently, but there may be a lack of overall progression

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but development is not always clear
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors
• Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression

Comparison of IELTS essay quality levels

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or bad
2. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
3. Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate (someone) to do something
4. Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃ(ə)nz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
5. Renewable (adjective) /rɪˈnjuːəb(ə)l/ – (of a natural resource or source of energy) not depleted when used
6. Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
7. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
8. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
9. Efficient (adjective) /ɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/ – achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense
10. Implement (verb) /ˈɪmplɪment/ – put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect

Conclusion

The topic of public transportation’s role in reducing air pollution is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By studying these sample essays and understanding the criteria for different band scores, you can improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the test. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:

• The effectiveness of car-free zones in city centers for reducing air pollution
• The role of urban planning in promoting sustainable transportation
• The impact of work-from-home policies on reducing traffic-related air pollution

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and get valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.

The benefits of renewable energy in reducing pollution is another important topic you might want to explore to broaden your understanding of environmental issues often discussed in IELTS Writing Task 2.