IELTS Writing Task 2: Public Transport (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Public transport is an essential service in modern cities. Some people argue that governments should invest more in public transport, while others believe that individuals should be responsible for their own transportation needs. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The public transport is very important for people in cities. Some people think government should spend more money on it, but others say people should take care of their own transport. I think both are important.

Firstly, government should invest in public transport. In my country, the buses are very old and sometimes break down. If government spends more money, they can buy new buses and make people happier. Also, good public transport helps the environment because fewer people will use cars. For example, in Singapore, the MRT is very good and many people use it.

Secondly, people should also take care of their own transport. Some people waste money on taxis every day. They should buy a bicycle or learn to drive. In my city, many people take the bus but they are always late for work because the buses are slow. If they have their own car, they can be on time.

In conclusion, I think both views are good. Government should make better public transport, but people should also try to take care of their own transport needs.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development and some irrelevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with frequent lapses in logic.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with frequent errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

Public transportation plays a crucial role in urban life, yet opinions differ on who should bear the responsibility for its improvement. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my view.

On one hand, governments should prioritize investment in public transport infrastructure. In many cities, overcrowded buses and trains lead to daily inconveniences. For instance, in Mumbai, India, the local train system is often packed beyond capacity, causing discomfort and delays. Improved public transport can alleviate these issues and promote economic growth by facilitating commuting. Additionally, enhanced public transport reduces traffic congestion and pollution, as evidenced by cities like Copenhagen where cycling lanes and efficient buses have significantly reduced car usage.

Conversely, individuals should also take responsibility for their transportation needs. Relying solely on public transport can be inconvenient and time-consuming. In cities with unreliable public transport, such as Lagos, Nigeria, many people prefer owning private vehicles for flexibility. Moreover, personal transportation options like bicycles or carpooling can reduce dependence on public transport and ease the burden on government resources.

In my opinion, while individuals should explore personal transportation solutions, governments must take the lead in improving public transport. A balanced approach ensures that both public and private transportation needs are met effectively.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some lapses in logic.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The role of public transport in urban life is undeniable, yet the question of responsibility for its improvement remains contentious. This essay will explore both viewpoints before advocating for a government-led approach.

Proponents of government investment argue that public transport is a collective good that requires substantial funding. In cities like Tokyo, Japan, the efficient and extensive rail network is a testament to significant government investment. This investment has not only improved commuting experiences but also contributed to the city's economic vitality. Furthermore, public transport reduces carbon emissions, addressing environmental concerns. For example, London's congestion charge has incentivized public transport use, leading to a reduction in traffic-related pollution.

Conversely, those who advocate for individual responsibility highlight the inefficiencies and inconveniences of public transport. In cities with inadequate public transport, such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, many residents opt for private vehicles to avoid delays and overcrowding. Personal transportation options can also reduce the financial burden on governments, allowing resources to be allocated to other critical areas like healthcare and education.

In my view, while individuals should explore personal transportation solutions, the primary responsibility lies with governments. A well-funded public transport system benefits society as a whole, promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development and relevant, extended examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and logical flow.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items and few errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally accurate.

Band 9.0 Answer

The debate surrounding the responsibility for improving public transport in urban areas is multifaceted. This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives before advocating for a government-led approach.

Advocates of government investment contend that public transport is a public good that necessitates substantial funding. In cities like Singapore, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system exemplifies the benefits of significant government investment. The MRT has not only enhanced commuting experiences but also contributed to the city-state's economic competitiveness. Moreover, public transport mitigates traffic congestion and reduces carbon emissions, aligning with global environmental goals. For instance, the introduction of electric buses in cities like Oslo, Norway, has significantly lowered emissions, demonstrating the positive impact of government intervention.

Conversely, proponents of individual responsibility argue that reliance on public transport can be inconvenient and inefficient. In cities with inadequate public transport infrastructure, such as Lagos, Nigeria, many residents prefer private vehicles for flexibility and convenience. Personal transportation options can also reduce the financial burden on governments, allowing resources to be allocated to other critical areas like healthcare and education. However, this perspective overlooks the collective benefits of a well-funded public transport system.

In my view, while individuals should explore personal transportation solutions, the primary responsibility lies with governments. A robust public transport system promotes economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Governments should prioritize investment in public transport infrastructure to ensure that all residents have access to efficient and reliable transportation options.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development and relevant, extended examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and logical flow.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with sophisticated and less common lexical items and few errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar and punctuation.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Crucial: Essential or of great importance. Example: Public transport plays a crucial role in urban life.
2. Infrastructure: The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society. Example: Government investment in transport infrastructure is vital.
3. Alleviate: Make less severe or more bearable. Example: Improved public transport can alleviate daily inconveniences.
4. Congestion: A situation in which there are too many people or vehicles in one place, causing delays and difficulties. Example: Public transport reduces traffic congestion.
5. Inconvenience: A situation or event that causes trouble or difficulty. Example: Relying solely on public transport can be inconvenient.
6. Flexibility: The ability to be easily modified or adapted. Example: Many people prefer owning private vehicles for flexibility.
7. Efficient: Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. Example: The MRT system is an efficient public transport option.
8. Collective: Done by people acting as a group. Example: Public transport is a collective good.
9. Economic vitality: The strength and health of an economy. Example: Improved public transport contributes to economic vitality.
10. Environmental sustainability: The ability to maintain or improve the quality of the environment for future generations. Example: Public transport promotes environmental sustainability.
11. Testament: Evidence or proof of something. Example: The MRT system is a testament to significant government investment.
12. Incentivize: To encourage someone to do something by offering a reward or benefit. Example: The congestion charge incentivized public transport use.
13. Multifaceted: Having many different aspects or features. Example: The debate surrounding public transport is multifaceted.
14. Critically evaluate: To assess something carefully and in detail, considering both positive and negative aspects. Example: This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives.
15. Robust: Strong and healthy; able to withstand or overcome adverse conditions. Example: A robust public transport system promotes economic growth.
16. Social equity: The fair and just distribution of resources and opportunities among all members of society. Example: A well-funded public transport system promotes social equity.
17. Commuter: A person who travels some distance to work on a regular basis. Example: The MRT system enhances commuting experiences.
18. Carbon emissions: The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. Example: Public transport reduces carbon emissions.
19. Resident: A person who lives in a particular place. Example: Many residents prefer private vehicles for flexibility.
20. Allocate: To distribute something according to a plan or formula. Example: Resources should be allocated to other critical areas like healthcare and education.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their introduction, leading to a lower Task Response score.
2. Inadequate Development: Students often provide insufficient development of their ideas, resulting in a lack of depth in their arguments.
3. Irrelevant Examples: Using examples that do not directly support the argument can weaken the essay and lower the Task Response score.
4. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students may struggle with organizing their ideas logically, leading to a disjointed and confusing essay.
5. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can result in a lower Lexical Resource score, as examiners look for a variety of words and phrases.

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