Public transportation has become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. The subject of prioritizing public transport over private vehicles is particularly relevant, given its impact on urban development, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of this topic, including sample essays for different band scores, to help you excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Topic and Its Relevance in IELTS
The topic of public transport versus private vehicles has appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts over the past few years. Its popularity is likely due to its global relevance and the ongoing debates surrounding urban planning and environmental concerns. Based on trends in recent exams, we can expect this theme to continue appearing in future tests.
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people think that governments should invest more money in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Others believe that building more roads is the better solution. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should invest more in public transportation
- Discuss the alternative view of building more roads
- Provide your own opinion on which solution is better
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question in your essay to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Traffic congestion and air pollution are pressing issues in many cities worldwide, and there is ongoing debate about the best ways to address these problems. While some argue for increased investment in public transportation, others believe that constructing more roads is the solution. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Proponents of investing in public transportation argue that it is a more sustainable and efficient solution to urban congestion. By improving and expanding public transport networks, governments can encourage more people to leave their cars at home, thus reducing the number of vehicles on the roads. This approach not only alleviates traffic congestion but also significantly reduces air pollution, as fewer private vehicles means lower carbon emissions. Moreover, well-developed public transportation systems can enhance social mobility and accessibility, particularly for lower-income groups who may not be able to afford private vehicles.
On the other hand, those who advocate for building more roads argue that this approach directly addresses the issue of congestion by increasing the capacity of existing road networks. They contend that many people prefer the convenience and flexibility of private vehicles, and that expanding road infrastructure is necessary to accommodate this preference. Additionally, improved road networks can facilitate the movement of goods and services, potentially boosting economic activity.
In my opinion, while both approaches have their merits, investing in public transportation is the more sustainable and effective long-term solution. Simply building more roads often leads to induced demand, where the increased capacity encourages more people to drive, ultimately resulting in renewed congestion. In contrast, efficient public transportation systems can move large numbers of people with far less environmental impact and use of urban space. Furthermore, as cities grapple with the challenges of climate change, prioritizing public transport aligns with broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and creating more livable urban environments.
In conclusion, while road construction may offer short-term relief, investing in public transportation provides a more comprehensive and sustainable solution to urban congestion and pollution. Governments should focus on developing efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly public transport systems to create more sustainable and livable cities for the future.
(Word count: 339)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Traffic congestion and air pollution are big problems in many cities. Some people think the government should spend more money on public transport to solve these issues, while others believe building more roads is better. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Investing in public transportation has several advantages. Firstly, it can reduce the number of cars on the road, which helps to decrease traffic jams and air pollution. Good public transport systems like buses and trains can carry many people at once, which is more efficient than everyone driving their own car. Also, public transport is often cheaper for people to use, especially for those who cannot afford a car.
However, some people argue that building more roads is a better solution. They think that more roads will allow traffic to flow more smoothly and reduce congestion. This could also help reduce air pollution because cars won’t be stuck in traffic for so long. Additionally, many people prefer the convenience of driving their own cars and don’t want to use public transport.
In my opinion, I think investing in public transportation is the better solution. While building more roads might help in the short term, it doesn’t solve the problem in the long run. As cities grow, more people will buy cars, and the new roads will become congested again. On the other hand, good public transport can continue to serve more people without causing more pollution or taking up more space in the city.
To conclude, although both approaches have their merits, I believe that improving public transportation is a more sustainable and effective way to tackle traffic congestion and air pollution in cities. Governments should focus on making public transport more efficient, comfortable, and accessible to encourage more people to use it.
(Word count: 290)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Nowadays, many cities have problems with traffic and pollution. Some people think the government should spend more money on buses and trains. Others think building more roads is better. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Public transport is good because it can help reduce traffic. When more people use buses and trains, there are fewer cars on the road. This means less traffic jams and less pollution. Public transport is also cheaper for many people, especially those who don’t have much money.
But some people think more roads are better. They say new roads will make traffic move faster. This might also help reduce pollution because cars won’t be stuck in traffic for a long time. Many people like driving their own cars because it’s more convenient.
I think public transport is the better choice. Building more roads might help for a short time, but soon there will be more cars and traffic again. Good public transport can help more people travel without making more pollution.
In conclusion, I believe improving public transport is better than building more roads. It can help solve traffic and pollution problems for a longer time. The government should make buses and trains better so more people will want to use them.
(Word count: 198)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with accuracy.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately, with only rare minor errors.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows a competent handling of the task, though with some limitations:
- Task Response: All parts of the task are addressed, but some aspects are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control and only occasional errors.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task in a general way, but some points are underdeveloped.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall organization is visible, but not always logical. Paragraphing is present but not always effective.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, adequate for basic communication but lacking precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex structures is attempted, but errors are frequent.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Congestion (noun) – /kənˈdʒes.tʃən/ – overcrowding or clogging
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the ability to continue over a period of time
- Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/ – basic systems and services necessary for a country or organization
- Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Accessibility (noun) – /əkˌses.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
- Induced demand (noun phrase) – /ɪnˈdjuːst dɪˈmænd/ – the phenomenon where increasing the supply of something (like roads) increases the demand for it
- Livable (adjective) – /ˈlɪv.ə.bəl/ – suitable for living in
- Efficient (adjective) – /ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/ – working well and not wasting time or energy
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – able to continue over a period of time
- Prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒr.ə.taɪz/ – to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first
Conclusion
The topic of prioritizing public transport over private vehicles is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments and practicing with sample essays like those provided, you can improve your ability to tackle this subject effectively.
For further practice, consider writing your own essay on the following related topic:
Some people believe that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to make all public transportation free. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
We encourage you to write your essay and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare for similar questions in the IELTS exam.