IELTS Writing Task 2 Transport Sample Answers: Band 6/7/8/9

Understanding the Prompt

Prompt: Some people think that governments should invest more in public transportation, while others believe that building more roads is the better solution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers

Band 6 Answer

Sample Answer:

Public transportation is a big problem in many cities. Some people say that governments should spend more money on buses and trains. Others think that building more roads is better. I think both are important.

On one hand, public transportation is good for the environment. Cars cause pollution, but buses and trains use less fuel. Also, public transport can carry many people at once, which reduces traffic. For example, in Delhi, the metro has helped reduce congestion.

On the other hand, more roads can help people travel faster. In cities like Mumbai, traffic jams are common because there are not enough roads. Building new roads can make travel easier for people who drive.

In my opinion, governments should do both. They should invest in public transportation to help the environment and reduce traffic. At the same time, they should build more roads to help people who drive. This way, everyone can benefit.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Band 6 - Presents a clear position but with some irrelevant details.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 6 - Ideas are logically organized but some sentences are awkwardly connected.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Band 6 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with some errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 6 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but can form simple sentences.

Band 7 Answer

Sample Answer:

The issue of transport infrastructure is a contentious one, with differing opinions on whether governments should prioritize public transportation or road construction. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Proponents of public transportation argue that it is more sustainable and efficient. For instance, cities with well-developed metro systems, such as Tokyo, have significantly reduced carbon emissions and traffic congestion. Additionally, public transport can accommodate a large number of commuters, thereby alleviating the burden on individual vehicles.

Conversely, advocates for road construction contend that more roads can improve mobility and economic growth. For example, in cities like Bangalore, the expansion of road networks has facilitated faster commutes and better access to businesses. Moreover, roads are essential for areas where public transport is not feasible.

In my view, a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should invest in both public transportation and road infrastructure to cater to diverse needs. Prioritizing one over the other would be shortsighted and could lead to long-term problems.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Band 7 - Presents a clear position with relevant examples and extends ideas effectively.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 7 - Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions between paragraphs.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Band 7 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary but may occasionally use less precise words.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 7 - Makes some grammatical errors but generally uses a range of structures accurately.

Band 8 Answer

Sample Answer:

The debate over whether governments should invest more in public transportation or road construction is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. This essay will explore these arguments before presenting a nuanced perspective.

Those who advocate for public transportation highlight its environmental and economic benefits. For example, cities like Singapore have seen a significant reduction in air pollution and traffic congestion due to their efficient public transport systems. Furthermore, public transport can stimulate economic growth by making commuting more accessible and affordable for a broader population.

On the other hand, proponents of road construction argue that it can enhance mobility and support economic activities. In cities like Hyderabad, the development of highways and flyovers has not only reduced travel time but also facilitated the growth of industries and businesses. Additionally, roads provide essential connectivity in rural and suburban areas where public transport may not be viable.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is essential. Governments should prioritize public transportation in urban areas to reduce environmental impact and congestion. Simultaneously, they should invest in road infrastructure to support economic growth and connectivity in less accessible regions. This dual strategy would address the diverse needs of different communities.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Band 8 - Presents a clear position with relevant examples and extends ideas effectively with nuance.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 8 - Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and a well-structured argument.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Band 8 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 8 - Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with generally good accuracy.

Band 9 Answer

Sample Answer:

The question of whether governments should prioritize public transportation or road construction is a multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration. This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives before presenting a well-reasoned conclusion.

Advocates for public transportation emphasize its environmental and socio-economic advantages. For instance, cities like Copenhagen have achieved remarkable success in reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion through extensive investment in public transport. Moreover, efficient public transport systems can enhance social equity by providing affordable and accessible mobility options for all citizens.

Conversely, proponents of road construction argue that it can significantly improve mobility and economic productivity. In cities like Chennai, the construction of new highways and expressways has not only reduced travel time but also boosted trade and commerce. Additionally, roads are crucial for connecting remote areas where public transport may be impractical.

In my view, a balanced approach is paramount. Governments should allocate substantial resources to both public transportation and road infrastructure. In urban areas, prioritizing public transport can mitigate environmental degradation and congestion. Meanwhile, investing in road networks can foster economic development and improve connectivity in less accessible regions. This comprehensive strategy would ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): Band 9 - Presents a clear position with relevant examples and extends ideas effectively with depth and nuance.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Band 9 - Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and a well-structured argument.
• Lexical Resource (LR): Band 9 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items used appropriately and flexibly.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Band 9 - Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with generally good accuracy and some sophisticated structures.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contention (noun): a point of argument or dispute. Example: The issue of transport infrastructure is a contentious one.
2. Sustainable (adjective): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: Public transportation is more sustainable and efficient.
3. Congestion (noun): a situation in which there are too many people or vehicles in one place, causing delays. Example: Cities with well-developed metro systems have significantly reduced traffic congestion.
4. Mobility (noun): the ability to move or be moved freely and easily. Example: Road construction can enhance mobility and economic growth.
5. Nuanced (adjective): characterized by subtle differences or shades of meaning. Example: This essay will explore these arguments before presenting a nuanced perspective.
6. Stimulate (verb): to encourage or arouse interest or activity in something. Example: Public transport can stimulate economic growth.
7. Feasible (adjective): possible to do easily or conveniently. Example: Roads provide essential connectivity in rural and suburban areas where public transport may not be feasible.
8. Comprehensive (adjective): including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something. Example: This comprehensive strategy would ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.
9. Alleviate (verb): to make something less severe or more bearable. Example: Public transport can alleviate the burden on individual vehicles.
10. Paramount (adjective): more important than anything else; supreme. Example: A balanced approach is paramount.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear opinion, making their essays appear indecisive.
2. Irrelevant Examples: Using examples that do not directly relate to the prompt can weaken the argument.
3. Poor Cohesion: Inadequate use of linking words and phrases can make the essay hard to follow.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Relying on basic vocabulary can result in a lower Lexical Resource score.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

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