IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Public Transportation Subsidies (Band 6-9)

Public transportation has become a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, with questions about government subsidies for public transport appearing frequently. This article will provide you with sample essays at different band levels, focusing on the question “Why should public transportation be subsidized for all?” We’ll analyze the topic, present model answers, and offer valuable insights to help you improve your IELTS writing skills.

Analyzing the Topic: Public Transportation Subsidies

The concept of subsidizing public transportation is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. It touches on various aspects of urban planning, environmental concerns, and social equity. Based on recent trends, we can expect this topic to continue appearing in future IELTS exams.

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:

Some people believe that public transportation should be free for all users. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Understanding the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether public transportation should be completely subsidized (free) for everyone. You need to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide reasons and examples to support your view
3. Consider potential counterarguments
4. Draw a logical conclusion

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses the question effectively:

Public transportation plays a vital role in modern urban life, and the idea of making it free for all users is an intriguing proposition. While I believe that completely free public transport may not be feasible or desirable in all cases, I agree to a large extent that public transportation should be heavily subsidized to make it accessible and affordable for the majority of the population.

One of the primary arguments in favor of free public transportation is its potential to significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in cities. By removing the cost barrier, more people would be encouraged to use buses, trains, and metros instead of private vehicles. This shift could lead to fewer cars on the roads, resulting in reduced emissions and improved air quality. For instance, when the city of Tallinn, Estonia, implemented free public transport for residents in 2013, it saw a 14% increase in public transport usage within the first year.

Traffic Congestion

Moreover, free public transportation could promote social equity and improve access to opportunities for lower-income groups. Many people struggle to afford daily commute costs, which can limit their job prospects and access to education. By eliminating this financial burden, cities could foster greater economic mobility and reduce income inequality. A study in Paris showed that when public transport fares were reduced for low-income residents, their mobility increased by 50%, leading to better job access and social inclusion.

However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of completely free public transportation. The most significant concern is the financial burden it would place on governments and taxpayers. Public transport systems require substantial funding for maintenance, upgrades, and operational costs. Without fare revenue, these expenses would need to be covered entirely by public funds, which could lead to higher taxes or reduced spending in other essential areas. Additionally, there is a risk that free services might be overused or not valued as much by users, potentially leading to overcrowding and a lack of respect for the facilities.

A more balanced approach would be to implement a heavily subsidized system with nominal fares. This could involve significantly reduced ticket prices, free travel for specific groups (such as students, elderly, or low-income individuals), and integrated fare systems that allow unlimited travel within a given time period at a low cost. Such a system would still encourage public transport use while maintaining some user contribution to operational costs.

In conclusion, while completely free public transportation may not be universally viable, I strongly support the idea of heavily subsidized public transport systems. By making public transportation more affordable and accessible, cities can address environmental concerns, promote social equity, and enhance urban mobility. The key lies in finding the right balance between public subsidies and user contributions to ensure a sustainable and efficient public transport network.

(Word count: 446)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

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

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view on the topic.

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

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are handled with ease, and there are no noticeable errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of understanding of the topic.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether public transportation should be free for everyone. While this idea has some advantages, I partially agree with this statement because I believe that a completely free system might face some challenges.

One of the main benefits of free public transportation is that it can help reduce traffic and pollution in cities. If people don’t have to pay for buses or trains, they might use them more often instead of driving their cars. This could lead to less traffic on the roads and cleaner air. For example, in some cities that have tried free public transport, they have seen more people using buses and fewer cars on the streets.

Another good point about free public transport is that it can help people who don’t have much money. Some people find it hard to pay for bus or train tickets every day, especially if they have long journeys to work or school. If public transport was free, these people could save money and maybe have more opportunities to find better jobs or go to school.

However, there are some problems with making all public transport free. The biggest issue is the cost for the government. Running buses and trains costs a lot of money, and if no one pays for tickets, the government would have to pay for everything. This might mean higher taxes for everyone or less money for other important things like schools or hospitals.

Also, if public transport is completely free, it might get too crowded. Some people might use it even for very short trips that they could walk, which could make the system less efficient for people who really need it.

I think a good solution would be to make public transport cheaper, but not completely free. The government could give big discounts to students, old people, and people who don’t earn much money. This way, public transport would still be affordable for most people, but there would still be some money to help run the system.

In conclusion, while free public transportation has some benefits, I believe a system with reduced prices for those who need it most would be a better solution. This approach could help reduce traffic and support people with low incomes, while still keeping the transport system sustainable.

(Word count: 368)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

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

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of 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 some paragraphs could be better linked. Basic cohesive devices are used correctly.

3. Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common words, though there may be occasional inaccuracies in word choice or collocation.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant, but some points could be expanded or supported with more specific examples.

Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing on Public Transportation

Here are some useful vocabulary items related to the topic of public transportation subsidies:

1. Subsidize (verb) /ˈsʌb.sɪ.daɪz/: To financially support or aid.
   Example: “The government decided to subsidize public transport to make it more affordable.”

2. Accessibility (noun) /ək.sesəˈbɪl.ə.ti/: The quality of being able to be reached or entered.
   Example: “Improving the accessibility of public transport is crucial for social inclusion.”

3. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/: The basic systems and services that a country or organization needs to function properly.
   Example: “Investing in public transport infrastructure can boost economic development.”

4. Congestion (noun) /kənˈdʒes.tʃən/: The state of being overcrowded, especially with traffic.
   Example: “Free public transport could help reduce urban congestion.”

5. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/: Able to continue over a period of time.
   Example: “We need to find a sustainable model for funding public transportation.”

6. Mobility (noun) /məʊˈbɪl.ə.ti/: The ability to move freely and easily.
   Example: “Affordable public transport enhances urban mobility for all citizens.”

7. Fare (noun) /feər/: The money a passenger on public transport has to pay.
   Example: “Reducing fares could encourage more people to use public transportation.”

8. Commuter (noun) /kəˈmjuː.tər/: Someone who regularly travels between work and home.
   Example: “Many commuters would benefit from subsidized public transport.”

9. Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
   Example: “Increased use of public transport could help reduce carbon emissions.”

10. Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsen.tɪv/: Something that encourages a person to do something.
    Example: “Free public transport could be a powerful incentive for people to leave their cars at home.”

Conclusion

The topic of public transportation subsidies is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments and using appropriate vocabulary, you can craft strong essays on this subject. Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic and related themes, such as:

• The environmental impact of different transportation methods
• Government policies to reduce traffic congestion
• The role of public transport in urban planning

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

For more insights on IELTS Writing Task 2, check out our guides on why public transport should be subsidized and whether governments should provide free public transportation.