IELTS Writing Task 2: Public Transport (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Topic: Some people believe that public transport is the best way to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Others think that encouraging people to use their own cars is a better solution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a clear position but with some irrelevant points
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with some repetition
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Attempts to use some less common vocabulary but with some errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors that may impede understanding

Answer:

Public transport is a good way to reduce traffic and pollution. It is cheaper than using a car and it is good for the environment. However, some people think that using their own cars is better. They say that public transport is not always convenient and can be crowded. I think that public transport is better because it is more efficient and helps to reduce traffic.

There are many advantages to using public transport. Firstly, it is cheaper than using a car. People do not have to pay for petrol or parking. Secondly, it is good for the environment. Cars produce a lot of pollution, but public transport is more efficient and produces less pollution. Finally, public transport can help to reduce traffic congestion. If more people use public transport, there will be fewer cars on the road.

However, some people think that using their own cars is better. They say that public transport is not always convenient. For example, buses and trains do not always go to the places that people want to go. Additionally, public transport can be crowded, especially during peak hours. This can make the journey uncomfortable.

In conclusion, I believe that public transport is the best way to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. It is cheaper, more efficient, and better for the environment. Although there are some disadvantages, the advantages outweigh them.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary appropriately
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but they do not impede understanding

Answer:

The issue of traffic congestion and pollution has become a significant concern in many urban areas. While some advocate for the use of public transport as a solution, others believe that encouraging the use of private cars is more effective. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my opinion.

On the one hand, public transport offers several benefits. Firstly, it is a cost-effective mode of transportation. Commuters do not have to worry about the expenses associated with fuel, maintenance, and parking. Secondly, public transport is environmentally friendly. It produces fewer emissions per passenger compared to private cars, thereby reducing air pollution. Moreover, public transport can alleviate traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

On the other hand, some argue that private cars offer more convenience. Public transport schedules may not always align with individual needs, and routes may not cover all desired destinations. Additionally, public transport can be overcrowded during peak hours, leading to discomfort and delays. Private cars, on the other hand, offer flexibility and convenience, allowing individuals to travel at their own pace and schedule.

In my opinion, public transport is a more viable solution to the problems of traffic congestion and pollution. While private cars offer convenience, the environmental and economic benefits of public transport outweigh the disadvantages. Governments should invest in improving public transport infrastructure to make it more accessible and efficient.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors

Answer:

The debate surrounding the most effective means of reducing traffic congestion and pollution has gained momentum in recent years. While some proponents advocate for the widespread adoption of public transport, others contend that the promotion of private car usage is a more pragmatic approach. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Proponents of public transport argue that it offers a myriad of advantages. From an economic standpoint, public transport is a cost-effective option for commuters. The elimination of fuel, maintenance, and parking expenses results in significant savings. Furthermore, public transport is an environmentally sustainable mode of transportation. The reduction of emissions per passenger contributes to a decrease in air pollution. Additionally, public transport can mitigate traffic congestion by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road.

Conversely, advocates for private cars posit that they offer unparalleled convenience. Public transport schedules may not always align with individual needs, and routes may not cover all desired destinations. The inflexibility of public transport can lead to discomfort and delays, particularly during peak hours. Private cars, on the other hand, offer the flexibility and convenience of traveling at one's own pace and schedule.

In my view, public transport is a more sustainable solution to the issues of traffic congestion and pollution. While private cars offer convenience, the environmental and economic benefits of public transport are more substantial. Governments should prioritize the development of public transport infrastructure to enhance its accessibility and efficiency.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors

Answer:

The escalating problems of traffic congestion and pollution have sparked a contentious debate regarding the most efficacious means of addressing these issues. While some individuals advocate for the widespread adoption of public transport, others contend that the promotion of private car usage is a more pragmatic approach. This essay will delve into both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Proponents of public transport argue that it offers a plethora of advantages. Economically, public transport is a fiscally prudent option for commuters. The abolition of fuel, maintenance, and parking expenses results in substantial savings. Environmentally, public transport is a sustainable mode of transportation. The reduction of emissions per passenger contributes to a diminution of air pollution. Moreover, public transport can alleviate traffic congestion by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road.

Conversely, advocates for private cars posit that they offer unparalleled convenience. The rigidity of public transport schedules may not always align with individual needs, and routes may not cover all desired destinations. The inflexibility of public transport can lead to discomfort and delays, particularly during peak hours. Private cars, on the other hand, offer the flexibility and convenience of traveling at one's own pace and schedule.

In my view, public transport is a more sustainable solution to the issues of traffic congestion and pollution. While private cars offer convenience, the environmental and economic benefits of public transport are more substantial. Governments should prioritize the development of public transport infrastructure to enhance its accessibility and efficiency. Furthermore, the implementation of policies that incentivize the use of public transport, such as subsidies and tax breaks, can encourage more individuals to adopt this mode of transportation.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Congestion (noun): A situation in which there are too many people or vehicles in one place, causing delays and difficulties.

• Example: The city's traffic congestion is a major problem during rush hour.

1. Emit (verb): To send out or give off something, such as gas, light, or sound.

• Example: Cars emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

1. Allevate (verb): To make something less severe or more bearable.

• Example: Public transport can alleviate traffic congestion by reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

1. Inflexibility (noun): The quality of being unwilling or unable to change or adapt.

• Example: The inflexibility of public transport schedules can be a major inconvenience for commuters.

1. Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

• Example: Public transport is a sustainable mode of transportation that reduces air pollution.

1. Substantially (adverb): To a considerable degree or extent.

• Example: The environmental benefits of public transport are substantially greater than those of private cars.

1. Incentivize (verb): To encourage someone to do something by offering them a reward or benefit.

• Example: Governments should incentivize the use of public transport through subsidies and tax breaks.

1. Pragmatic (adjective): Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

• Example: Some people believe that the promotion of private car usage is a more pragmatic approach to reducing traffic congestion.

1. Efficacious (adjective): Effective in producing a desired result.

• Example: Public transport is an efficacious means of reducing traffic congestion and pollution.

1. Abolition (noun): The act of officially ending or abolishing something, especially a law or practice.

• Example: The abolition of fuel, maintenance, and parking expenses results in substantial savings for commuters.

1. Fiscally (adverb): Relating to government revenue, especially taxes.

• Example: Public transport is a fiscally prudent option for commuters.

1. Diminution (noun): A reduction in the size, importance, or value of something.

• Example: The reduction of emissions per passenger contributes to a diminution of air pollution.

1. Rigidity (noun): The quality of being stiff or unyielding.

• Example: The rigidity of public transport schedules can be a major inconvenience for commuters.

1. Pace (noun): The speed at which someone or something moves or operates or is able to move or operate.

• Example: Private cars offer the convenience of traveling at one's own pace and schedule.

1. Implementation (noun): The process of putting a plan, program, or system into effect.

• Example: The implementation of policies that incentivize the use of public transport can encourage more individuals to adopt this mode of transportation.

1. Subsidy (noun): A sum of money granted by the government or a public body to help an industry or business keep the price of a commodity or service low.

• Example: Governments should provide subsidies to incentivize the use of public transport.

1. Tax break (noun): A reduction in the amount of tax that someone has to pay.

• Example: Tax breaks can be used to incentivize the use of public transport.

1. Adopt (verb): To take up or start to use or follow something, such as a practice or a policy.

• Example: Governments should adopt policies that incentivize the use of public transport.

1. Commensurate (adjective): Corresponding in size, degree, or extent.

• Example: The benefits of public transport are commensurate with its costs.

1. Inconvenience (noun): A situation or event that causes trouble or difficulty.

• Example: The inflexibility of public transport schedules can cause inconvenience for commuters.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide specific examples to support their arguments. This makes their essays less convincing and can result in a lower score for Task Response.

1. Poor Cohesion and Cohesion: Some students struggle with using cohesive devices effectively, resulting in essays that are difficult to follow. This can lead to a lower score for Coherence and Cohesion.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Students often use a limited range of vocabulary, which can result in a lower score for Lexical Resource. It is important to use a variety of vocabulary to demonstrate your language skills.

1. Grammatical Errors: Many students make frequent grammatical errors, which can impede understanding and result in a lower score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy. It is important to proofread your essay carefully to avoid these errors.

1. Off-Topic Discussions: Some students go off-topic, discussing irrelevant points that do not address the prompt. This can result in a lower score for Task Response. It is important to stay focused on the topic and address the prompt directly.

1. Repetition: Students often repeat the same ideas or vocabulary, which can make their essays boring and repetitive. It is important to use a variety of vocabulary and ideas to keep the reader engaged.

1. Poor Structure: Some students fail to structure their essays effectively, resulting in essays that are difficult to follow. It is important to use a clear structure, such as an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, to make your essay easy to follow.

1. Inadequate Length: Students often write essays that are too short, which can result in a lower score for Task Response. It is important to write a well-developed essay that addresses the prompt fully.

1. Overuse of Complex Sentences: Some students try to impress the examiner by using complex sentences, but this can often result in grammatical errors and make the essay difficult to understand. It is important to use a mix of simple and complex sentences to make your essay easy to read.

1. Lack of Critical Thinking: Students often present their arguments without critically evaluating them, which can result in a lower score for Task Response. It is important to present a balanced discussion and evaluate your arguments critically.

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