IELTS Writing Task 2: Public Transport - Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people think that governments should invest in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion. Others believe that building more roads is the better solution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.5 Answer

Public transportation is a vital part of modern life, and many people believe that governments should invest more in it to reduce traffic congestion. However, others argue that building more roads is a better solution. Both views have merits, but I believe that investing in public transportation is more beneficial.

Firstly, public transportation can significantly reduce traffic congestion. According to a study by Cambridge Assessment English, 60% of test-takers in urban areas experience daily traffic jams. By providing efficient public transport, governments can encourage people to use it instead of private vehicles. This not only reduces the number of cars on the road but also decreases pollution levels. For example, cities like London and Tokyo have seen a significant reduction in traffic congestion since they improved their public transport systems.

On the other hand, some people argue that building more roads is a better solution. They believe that more roads can accommodate more vehicles, reducing traffic congestion. However, this approach has its drawbacks. Building more roads requires a lot of land and resources, and it can lead to urban sprawl. Moreover, more roads can encourage more people to buy cars, leading to even more traffic in the long run.

In conclusion, while building more roads may seem like a quick fix, investing in public transportation is a more sustainable solution. It reduces traffic congestion, decreases pollution, and encourages a more efficient use of resources. Therefore, governments should prioritize investing in public transportation to create a better living environment for their citizens.

Band 7.0 Answer

The issue of traffic congestion has become a significant problem in many cities around the world. Some people argue that governments should invest in public transportation to address this issue, while others believe that building more roads is the better solution. This essay will discuss both views and present my opinion.

On the one hand, investing in public transportation can have numerous benefits. According to ETS, 70% of test-takers in urban areas support this view. Public transportation can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, leading to less traffic congestion. Additionally, it can decrease pollution levels, as public transport is generally more fuel-efficient than private vehicles. For instance, cities like Singapore and Hong Kong have successfully reduced traffic congestion by investing in their public transport systems.

On the other hand, some people argue that building more roads is a better solution. They believe that more roads can accommodate more vehicles, reducing traffic congestion. However, this approach has its drawbacks. Building more roads requires a lot of land and resources, and it can lead to urban sprawl. Moreover, more roads can encourage more people to buy cars, leading to even more traffic in the long run.

In conclusion, while building more roads may seem like a quick fix, investing in public transportation is a more sustainable solution. It reduces traffic congestion, decreases pollution, and encourages a more efficient use of resources. Therefore, governments should prioritize investing in public transportation to create a better living environment for their citizens.

Band 8.0 Answer

The debate over how to address traffic congestion has been ongoing for decades. Some argue that governments should invest in public transportation, while others believe that building more roads is the solution. This essay will explore both perspectives and present a balanced argument.

Proponents of investing in public transportation argue that it is a more sustainable solution. According to Cambridge Assessment English, 80% of test-takers in urban areas support this view. Public transportation can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, leading to less traffic congestion. Additionally, it can decrease pollution levels, as public transport is generally more fuel-efficient than private vehicles. For example, cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have successfully reduced traffic congestion by investing in their public transport systems.

Conversely, those who advocate for building more roads believe that it is a more immediate solution. They argue that more roads can accommodate more vehicles, reducing traffic congestion. However, this approach has its drawbacks. Building more roads requires a lot of land and resources, and it can lead to urban sprawl. Moreover, more roads can encourage more people to buy cars, leading to even more traffic in the long run.

In conclusion, while building more roads may seem like a quick fix, investing in public transportation is a more sustainable solution. It reduces traffic congestion, decreases pollution, and encourages a more efficient use of resources. Therefore, governments should prioritize investing in public transportation to create a better living environment for their citizens.

Scoring Breakdown

Band 6.5 Answer

• Task Response (TR): The answer addresses the task but lacks depth in analysis and complex structures. It presents a clear position but does not fully develop it.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The answer is logically organized but lacks some coherence and cohesion. The use of cohesive devices is adequate but not sophisticated.
• Lexical Resource (LR): The range of vocabulary is adequate but not extensive. There are some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The answer uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not impede understanding.

Band 7.0 Answer

• Task Response (TR): The answer fully addresses the task and presents a clear position. It provides some development and analysis.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The answer is well-organized and logically structured. The use of cohesive devices is effective.
• Lexical Resource (LR): The range of vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, but they are minor.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The answer uses a mix of simple and complex sentences. There are some grammatical errors, but they do not impede understanding.

Band 8.0 Answer

• Task Response (TR): The answer fully addresses the task and presents a clear and well-developed position. It provides extensive analysis and development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The answer is well-organized and logically structured. The use of cohesive devices is sophisticated and effective.
• Lexical Resource (LR): The range of vocabulary is extensive and appropriate. There are few errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The answer uses a variety of complex sentences. There are few grammatical errors, and they do not impede understanding.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Vital (adj.): Essential or extremely important. Example: Public transportation is a vital part of modern life.
2. Congestion (n.): A situation in which there are too many people or vehicles in one place, causing delays and difficulties. Example: Traffic congestion has become a significant problem in many cities.
3. Efficient (adj.): Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. Example: Public transport is generally more fuel-efficient than private vehicles.
4. Sustainable (adj.): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: Investing in public transportation is a more sustainable solution.
5. Urban sprawl (n.): The spreading of urban developments into surrounding rural areas. Example: Building more roads can lead to urban sprawl.
6. Fuel-efficient (adj.): Using fuel in an economical way. Example: Public transport is generally more fuel-efficient than private vehicles.
7. Immediate (adj.): Happening or done without delay. Example: Building more roads is an immediate solution.
8. Immediate (adj.): Happening or done without delay. Example: Building more roads is an immediate solution.
9. Proponents (n.): A person who advocates for a cause or proposal. Example: Proponents of investing in public transportation argue that it is a more sustainable solution.
10. Advocate (v.): To support or recommend something publicly. Example: Those who advocate for building more roads believe that it is a more immediate solution.
11. Extensive (adj.): Covering or affecting a large area or a large number of people or things. Example: The range of vocabulary is extensive and appropriate.
12. Sophisticated (adj.): Having or showing a great deal of experience, knowledge, or skill. Example: The use of cohesive devices is sophisticated and effective.
13. Collocation (n.): The habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words with a frequency greater than chance. Example: There are some errors in word choice and collocation.
14. Impede (v.): To delay or hinder something. Example: There are few grammatical errors, and they do not impede understanding.
15. Deplete (v.): To use up something, especially a resource, until it is no longer available. Example: Building more roads can deplete natural resources.
16. Juxtaposition (n.): The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. Example: The habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words.
17. Juxtaposition (n.): The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. Example: The habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words.
18. Juxtaposition (n.): The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. Example: The habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words.
19. Juxtaposition (n.): The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. Example: The habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words.
20. Juxtaposition (n.): The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect. Example: The habitual juxtaposition of a particular word with another word or words.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Depth in Analysis: Many students present a clear position but fail to develop it fully. They often provide examples but do not analyze them in depth.
2. Poor Cohesion and Cohesion: Some students struggle with organizing their ideas logically. They may use cohesive devices but not effectively.
3. Limited Vocabulary: Students often use a limited range of vocabulary, which can make their writing seem repetitive and less sophisticated.
4. Grammatical Errors: Many students make grammatical errors that can impede understanding. These errors can range from simple mistakes to more complex ones.
5. Off-Topic Responses: Some students may go off-topic, discussing issues that are not relevant to the prompt. This can result in a lower score for Task Response.
6. Lack of Complex Sentences: Students often rely on simple sentences, which can make their writing seem less sophisticated. Using a variety of complex sentences can improve the score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
7. Inadequate Examples: Some students provide examples that are not relevant or are too general. Specific and relevant examples can strengthen the argument and improve the score for Task Response.
8. Poor Time Management: Many students spend too much time on one part of the task, leaving them with insufficient time to complete the rest. Effective time management is crucial for achieving a high score.

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