Traffic congestion has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of exam questions over the past five years. This topic is particularly relevant as urbanization continues to accelerate globally, making it highly likely to appear in future tests. Let’s explore some model essays addressing this crucial urban challenge.
Nội dung bài viết
How urban sprawl contributes to transportation issues is one of the key factors we’ll examine in these sample essays.
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people believe that governments should invest heavily in public transportation to reduce traffic congestion in cities. Others think there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Task Analysis
- Topic: Traffic congestion solutions
- Task type: Discussion + Opinion
- Key requirements:
- Discuss both viewpoints
- Provide personal stance
- Support arguments with examples
Heavy traffic congestion in urban areas showing multiple vehicles
Model Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Traffic congestion has become a pressing issue in metropolitan areas worldwide, leading to debates about the most effective solutions. While some advocate for substantial government investment in public transport, others believe alternative approaches might be more beneficial. In my opinion, while public transportation is crucial, a combination of strategies would be most effective.
Those who support heavy investment in public transportation argue that it provides numerous benefits. Well-developed bus and rail networks can significantly reduce the number of private vehicles on roads, as demonstrated by cities like Singapore where extensive MRT coverage has successfully decreased traffic volume. Furthermore, public transport is more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective for commuters.
The importance of public transport in reducing urban congestion has been proven in many cities globally.
However, proponents of alternative solutions suggest several other effective measures. Traffic management systems, including smart traffic lights and real-time monitoring, can optimize traffic flow. Additionally, implementing congestion pricing, as seen in London, can discourage unnecessary car usage during peak hours. Work-from-home policies and flexible working hours can also significantly reduce rush-hour traffic.
In my view, while public transportation is essential, it should be part of a comprehensive approach. Rapid population growth in cities: benefits only for residents or has negative impacts shows why we need multiple solutions working in tandem. Cities need to combine improved public transport with smart technology, urban planning, and policy measures to effectively address congestion.
Model Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Traffic congestion is a big problem in many cities today. Some people think governments should spend more money on public transport, but others think there are better ways to solve this problem. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Public transport investment has some advantages. When cities have good buses and trains, people don’t need to drive their cars so much. For example, in my city, when the government built a new metro line, many people started using it instead of driving. This helped reduce traffic on the roads.
However, there are other solutions that can help too. Cities can use technology to control traffic lights better. They can also make people pay money to drive in busy areas. Some companies let workers work from home, which means fewer cars on the roads.
I think both public transport and other solutions are important. Cities should improve their buses and trains, but they should also use other methods. This will help solve the traffic problem better than just using one solution.
Urban planning and traffic management solutions implementation
Essay Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization and coherent arguments
- Well-developed examples
- Balanced discussion with clear position
- Effective use of linking devices
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple but accurate sentence structures
- Adequate organization
- Limited range of examples
- Some repetition in ideas
Key Vocabulary
- congestion (n) /kənˈdʒestʃən/ – traffic jam
- metropolitan (adj) /ˌmetrəˈpɒlɪtən/ – relating to a large city
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical systems
- optimization (n) /ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – making most effective use
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
Looking ahead, future IELTS tests might feature questions about advantages and disadvantages of autonomous vehicles and their impact on traffic congestion. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback.
