Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Making Public Transportation More Accessible

Public transportation accessibility is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, frequently appearing in various forms. This essay question has been observed in past exams and is likely to continue being a relevant subject in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.

Analyzing the Essay Question

Some people believe that governments should make public transportation more accessible to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should improve public transportation accessibility to address traffic and environmental issues. It’s crucial to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your view
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Conclude by restating your opinion

Let’s examine three sample essays of varying band scores to understand how to approach this question effectively.

Accessible Public Transportation

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In my opinion, I strongly agree that governments should prioritize making public transportation more accessible as a means to combat traffic congestion and pollution. This approach offers numerous benefits for urban areas and their residents.

Firstly, enhancing public transportation accessibility can significantly reduce traffic congestion. By providing efficient and convenient alternatives to private vehicles, more people are likely to opt for public transit. This shift can lead to fewer cars on the roads, easing traffic flow and reducing commute times. For example, cities like Singapore have implemented comprehensive public transportation systems, including buses and metros, which has resulted in smoother traffic despite a growing population.

Moreover, increased use of public transportation directly contributes to reducing pollution levels. Public transit vehicles, especially when running on clean energy sources, emit far less pollution per passenger compared to individual cars. This reduction in emissions can lead to improved air quality in urban areas, benefiting public health and the environment. Cities like Oslo have demonstrated the positive impact of accessible public transportation on air quality by investing in electric buses and trams.

However, it is important to acknowledge that improving public transportation accessibility requires significant investment and planning. Governments may face challenges in allocating resources and implementing large-scale infrastructure projects. Nevertheless, the long-term benefits in terms of reduced congestion, improved air quality, and enhanced urban mobility far outweigh these initial obstacles.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that governments should prioritize making public transportation more accessible. While it may present some challenges, the potential to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution makes it a crucial strategy for creating more livable and sustainable cities.

(Word count: 275)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:

1. Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with the statement and maintains this position throughout.
2. Well-developed ideas: Each paragraph focuses on a main idea (reducing congestion, reducing pollution) with explanations and examples.
3. Coherence and cohesion: Ideas flow logically, and paragraphs are well-connected using appropriate linking words.
4. Lexical resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately (e.g., “prioritize,” “combat,” “comprehensive,” “allocating resources”).
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: Various complex structures are used correctly, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I agree that governments should make public transportation more accessible to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. This can help solve many problems in cities.

One reason is that better public transportation can reduce traffic. If buses and trains are easy to use, more people will choose them instead of driving cars. This means fewer cars on the roads and less traffic. For example, in some cities with good public transportation, people can get to work faster than if they drove.

Another important point is that public transportation is better for the environment. Buses and trains can carry many people at once, which means less pollution per person compared to cars. Also, some cities are using electric buses, which are even cleaner. This can help improve air quality in cities.

However, making public transportation more accessible can be expensive and take a long time. Governments need to spend a lot of money on new buses, trains, and stations. Some people might not want to pay higher taxes for this. Also, it can take many years to build new transportation systems.

In conclusion, I believe that governments should try to make public transportation more accessible. Even though it can be challenging, the benefits of less traffic and pollution are very important for cities and people’s lives.

(Word count: 223)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:

1. Clear position: The writer agrees with the statement and maintains this throughout.
2. Developed ideas: Main points about reducing traffic and pollution are explained, though not as thoroughly as in the Band 8-9 essay.
3. Coherence and cohesion: Ideas are logically organized, but transitions between paragraphs could be smoother.
4. Lexical resource: Vocabulary is appropriate but less varied compared to the higher band essay.
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: Sentences are generally well-formed, but there’s less variety in complex structures.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

I think governments should make public transportation better. It can help with traffic and pollution problems in cities.

Good public transportation can make less traffic. If buses and trains are easy to use, people will use them more. This means less cars on the road. For example, in my city, when they made more bus routes, the roads got less busy.

Also, public transportation is good for the environment. Buses and trains make less pollution than lots of cars. This is important because many cities have bad air quality. If more people use public transportation, the air can get cleaner.

But making public transportation better is not easy. It costs a lot of money to buy new buses and build train stations. Some people might not want to pay more taxes for this. Also, it takes a long time to make changes to transportation systems.

In conclusion, I agree that governments should try to make public transportation more accessible. It can help with traffic and pollution, which are big problems in many cities.

(Word count: 161)

Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay

This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 5-6 criteria:

1. Position stated: The writer agrees with the statement, but the opinion is less strongly expressed.
2. Basic ideas development: Main points are presented but lack detailed explanation or specific examples.
3. Simple organization: The essay has a clear structure, but ideas within paragraphs are less developed.
4. Limited lexical resource: Vocabulary is simple and repetitive (e.g., repeated use of “good,” “better”).
5. Basic grammar: Sentences are mostly simple or compound, with few complex structures.

Key Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being able to be reached or entered
2. Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – the state of being crowded and full of traffic
3. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – the basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
4. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
5. Emission (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃn/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
6. Allocate (verb) /ˈæləkeɪt/ – distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose
7. Commute (noun/verb) /kəˈmjuːt/ – a regular journey to and from work
8. Livable (adjective) /ˈlɪvəbl/ – fit or suitable to live in or with
9. Implement (verb) /ˈɪmplɪment/ – put (a decision, plan, agreement, etc.) into effect
10. Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – designate or treat (something) as more important than other things

Conclusion

The topic of making public transportation more accessible is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. It touches on important urban issues such as traffic management, environmental concerns, and government policy. To prepare for this and similar topics, practice writing essays that:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide well-developed reasons and examples
3. Consider counterarguments
4. Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures

Some potential related questions you might encounter include:

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of free public transportation in cities.
• Some people believe that private car ownership should be restricted in urban areas. Do you agree or disagree?
• What measures can governments take to encourage the use of public transportation?

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.