Public transportation plays a crucial role in urban development, and this topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on past exam trends and the increasing importance of sustainable urban planning, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that governments should invest in improving public transportation to reduce traffic congestion in cities. Others believe that building more roads is the best solution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question addresses a common urban development dilemma: how to best tackle traffic congestion. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that improving public transportation is the solution
- Discuss the view that building more roads is the solution
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, starting with a Band 8 response.
Band 8 Sample Essay
As cities grow and urbanization accelerates, traffic congestion has become a pressing issue for many governments. While some argue that expanding road networks is the answer, others advocate for enhancing public transportation systems. In my opinion, investing in public transport is a more sustainable and effective long-term solution.
Those who support building more roads argue that it directly addresses the problem by increasing capacity for vehicles. They contend that wider and more numerous roads can accommodate the growing number of cars, thereby reducing congestion. Additionally, improved road infrastructure can facilitate smoother traffic flow and potentially reduce travel times.
However, proponents of public transportation improvements present a more compelling case. They argue that better public transit systems can move more people more efficiently, reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads. This approach not only alleviates congestion but also offers environmental benefits by reducing emissions. Moreover, well-designed public transportation networks can enhance urban mobility, making cities more accessible and livable for all residents, regardless of whether they own a car.
From my perspective, investing in public transportation is the superior solution. While building roads may offer short-term relief, it often leads to induced demand, where more roads simply encourage more car use, ultimately exacerbating the problem. In contrast, efficient public transit systems can break this cycle by providing a viable alternative to private car use. Cities like Singapore and Tokyo demonstrate how comprehensive public transportation networks can effectively manage traffic and support sustainable urban growth.
In conclusion, while both approaches have their merits, improving public transportation offers a more sustainable, equitable, and effective solution to urban congestion. Governments should prioritize investments in efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly public transit systems to create more livable and less congested cities for the future.
(Word count: 295)
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
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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.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: It demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used with flexibility and precision.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately, with only minor errors.
Band 7 Sample Essay
The issue of traffic congestion in urban areas is a significant concern for many cities worldwide. While some believe that expanding road networks is the solution, others argue that improving public transportation is more effective. In my view, enhancing public transport systems is the better approach to addressing this problem.
Advocates for building more roads argue that this directly increases the capacity for vehicles, potentially reducing traffic jams. They believe that wider and additional roads can accommodate the growing number of cars in cities, thus easing congestion. Furthermore, improved road infrastructure might lead to better traffic flow and shorter travel times.
On the other hand, supporters of public transportation improvements present a strong case. They contend that efficient public transit can move larger numbers of people more effectively, thereby reducing the need for private vehicles on the roads. This not only helps to alleviate congestion but also contributes to lower emissions and a cleaner environment. Additionally, well-planned public transport networks can make cities more accessible to all residents, regardless of car ownership.
I believe that investing in public transportation is the more effective solution. While constructing new roads may provide temporary relief, it often leads to increased car usage, ultimately worsening the congestion problem. In contrast, reliable and efficient public transit offers a sustainable alternative to private car use. Many successful cities around the world have demonstrated that comprehensive public transportation systems can effectively manage traffic and support urban growth.
In conclusion, although both approaches have their merits, improving public transportation appears to be a more sustainable and efficient solution to urban congestion. Governments should focus on developing comprehensive public transit systems to create more livable and less congested cities for the future.
(Word count: 282)
Explanation of Band 7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 7 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though with less depth and development compared to the Band 8 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8 essay.
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Lexical Resource: It uses a good range of vocabulary, though with less precision and flexibility than the Band 8 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with good control, but lacks the variety and sophistication of the Band 8 essay.
Band 6 Sample Essay
Traffic congestion is a big problem in many cities today. Some people think the government should make public transportation better to solve this issue, while others believe building more roads is the answer. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who support building more roads think this will directly help with traffic problems. They say that if we have more roads and wider roads, there will be more space for cars, so there will be less traffic jams. Also, better roads might help cars move faster and reduce travel time.
On the other hand, people who want better public transportation have good points too. They say that if buses and trains are better, more people will use them instead of driving cars. This means fewer cars on the roads and less traffic. Also, using public transport is better for the environment because it makes less pollution than lots of cars.
I think improving public transportation is the better solution. Even though building new roads might help for a short time, it usually leads to more people buying and using cars, which makes traffic worse again. But if public transport is good, people will choose to use it instead of driving. Many big cities have shown that good public transport can help manage traffic better.
In conclusion, I believe that making public transportation better is a more helpful way to solve traffic problems in cities. Governments should try to make good public transport systems to help cities have less traffic in the future.
(Word count: 254)
Explanation of Band 6 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas are less developed and the writer’s opinion is less clear than in higher band essays.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are less sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary, but with less precision and variety than higher band essays.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay primarily uses simple sentence structures with some attempts at more complex structures, but with more errors than higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Urban development (noun) – /ˈɜːrbən dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The growth and planning of cities and towns
- Traffic congestion (noun) – /ˈtræfɪk kənˈdʒestʃən/ – The state of having too many vehicles on the road, causing slow movement
- Public transportation (noun) – /ˈpʌblɪk trænspɔːrˈteɪʃən/ – Buses, trains, and other forms of transport that are available to the public
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical systems of a country or region
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being able to be reached or entered
- Induced demand (noun) – /ɪnˈdjuːst dɪˈmænd/ – The phenomenon where increasing the supply of something (like roads) increases the demand for it
- Urbanization (noun) – /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of making an area more urban
- Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Livable (adjective) – /ˈlɪvəbəl/ – Suitable for living in; habitable
Conclusion
The importance of public transportation in urban development is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen from the sample essays, this theme allows for discussion of various aspects including environmental impact, urban planning, and quality of life in cities.
For future practice, consider these potential questions:
- How can governments encourage more people to use public transportation?
- Do you think public transportation should be free? Why or why not?
- What are the environmental benefits of using public transportation over private vehicles?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
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