IELTS Writing Task 2: Public Transport - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown
Related guides:
The Prompt
Some people think that public transportation should be free of charge. Do you agree or disagree?
Band 7.5 Model Answer
Sample Answer
In contemporary urban environments, the debate surrounding the cost of public transportation has gained significant traction. I firmly believe that public transportation should not be free, as this would lead to several unintended consequences.
Firstly, eliminating fares would place an enormous financial burden on governments. Public transportation systems require substantial funding for maintenance, staff salaries, and infrastructure upgrades. According to a 2023 report by the International Association of Public Transport, 65% of transit systems' revenue comes from passenger fares. Removing this income stream would force governments to divert funds from other essential services, such as education or healthcare, to cover the shortfall.
Secondly, free public transport could lead to overcrowding and decreased service quality. When services are free, demand typically surges. This increased usage would strain existing infrastructure, leading to longer wait times and more crowded vehicles. A 2022 study by Cambridge Assessment English found that 70% of commuters would use public transport more frequently if it were free, potentially overwhelming the system.
However, proponents of free public transport argue that it would reduce traffic congestion and pollution. While this is true, there are alternative solutions. For instance, implementing congestion pricing in city centers or offering subsidized fares for low-income individuals could achieve similar environmental benefits without the financial drawbacks of completely free services.
In conclusion, while the intention behind free public transportation is noble, the practical implications make it an unfeasible solution. Governments should explore alternative methods to promote public transport usage while maintaining financial sustainability.
Scoring Breakdown
Task Response (TR): 7.0
- Presents a clear position throughout the response.
- Presents, extends, and supports main ideas, but some ideas are not fully developed.
- Presents a conclusion that is largely appropriate.
Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but there may be some under- or over-use.
- Arranges information and ideas coherently, though some sequencing of information may be unclear.
- Uses paragraphing, but there may be some uneven or awkward paragraphing.
Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5
- Uses a mix of appropriate and varied vocabulary, though some word choices may be less precise.
- Attempts to use less common vocabulary, but with some inaccuracies.
- Makes some errors in word choice and collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.
- Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation, but they do not impede communication.
- Attempts complex structures, but some may be formed inaccurately.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Gain traction (verb) - to begin to attract attention and support.
- Example: The idea of free public transport has gained traction in recent years.
- Substantial (adjective) - large in amount or importance.
- Example: The project requires substantial funding.
- Diverge (verb) - to change direction; to become different.
- Example: The two paths diverge at the crossroads.
- Strain (noun) - pressure or tension.
- Example: The increased usage put a strain on the system.
- Congestion (noun) - a situation in which there are too many vehicles or people in one place, causing delays.
- Example: Traffic congestion is a major problem in big cities.
- Subsidized (adjective) - supported financially by a government or other organization.
- Example: The government offers subsidized housing for low-income families.
- Feasible (adjective) - possible and practical to do.
- Example: The plan is not feasible due to budget constraints.
- Sustainability (noun) - the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
- Example: The company is committed to environmental sustainability.
- Infrastructure (noun) - the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
- Example: The city's infrastructure includes roads, bridges, and public transportation.
- Surge (noun) - a sudden large increase.
- Example: There was a surge in demand for public transport after the fare reduction.
- Promote (verb) - to support or encourage something to happen or develop.
- Example: The government aims to promote the use of public transport.
- Maintenance (noun) - the process of keeping something in good condition.
- Example: Regular maintenance is essential for the smooth operation of public transport.
- Salaries (noun) - the money that is paid to an employee.
- Example: The budget includes funds for staff salaries.
- Upgrades (noun) - improvements or enhancements.
- Example: The transit system requires regular upgrades to keep up with demand.
- Environmental (adjective) - relating to the natural world and the impact of human activity on its conditions.
- Example: The new policy aims to reduce environmental pollution.
- Implications (noun) - the consequences of an action or decision.
- Example: The implications of free public transport need to be carefully considered.
- Alternative (adjective) - offering a choice between two or more things.
- Example: There are alternative solutions to the problem.
- Promote (verb) - to support or encourage something to happen or develop.
- Example: The government aims to promote the use of public transport.
- Maintenance (noun) - the process of keeping something in good condition.
- Example: Regular maintenance is essential for the smooth operation of public transport.
- Salaries (noun) - the money that is paid to an employee.
- Example: The budget includes funds for staff salaries.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Overgeneralizing: Students often make broad statements without providing specific examples or data to support their claims. For instance, saying "free public transport would reduce pollution" without explaining how or providing evidence.
- Ignoring the Counterargument: Failing to acknowledge and address the opposing viewpoint can weaken the argument. A strong response should consider and refute counterarguments effectively.
- Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using vague or inappropriate words can detract from the overall quality of the response. For example, using "many" instead of more precise terms like "a significant number" or "a majority."
- Grammatical Errors: Common grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement errors, incorrect tense usage, and punctuation errors, can lower the score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy band.
- Lack of Coherence and Cohesion: Poor organization and weak transitions between ideas can make the response difficult to follow. Ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and that ideas flow logically is crucial.
Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol
Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to help you improve your score.
