IELTS WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words about the following topic:

Some people argue that the best way to reduce traffic congestion is to improve public transportation systems. Others believe that expanding road networks is the solution. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

Outline:

    1. Introduction:
      • Paraphrase: Traffic congestion is a significant problem in urban areas, and there are contrasting views on how to tackle it.
      • Main Opinion/Idea: This essay will discuss both perspectives of improving public transportation systems and expanding road networks to reduce traffic congestion.
    2. Body (Detail 1):
      • Supporting sentence: Advocates of enhancing public transportation argue that it can reduce traffic congestion by encouraging more people to use efficient and reliable public transport options, leading to fewer vehicles on the roads.
    3. Body (Detail 2):
      • Supporting sentence: On the other hand, proponents of expanding road networks believe that this approach can offer immediate relief in congested areas by accommodating the increasing number of vehicles.
    4. Conclusion:
      • Summarize: In conclusion, both improving public transportation and expanding road networks have their merits in addressing traffic congestion.
      • Restate Main Opinion/Idea: A comprehensive approach that combines efficient public transportation investment and smart road expansion strategies is crucial to effectively alleviate traffic congestion and create sustainable urban environments.

Essay:

Traffic congestion is a pressing issue in many urban areas, and there are differing views on how best to address it. Some advocate for enhancing public transportation systems, while others argue for the expansion of road networks. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives based on my personal experiences and knowledge.

Supporters of improving public transportation argue that it can significantly reduce traffic congestion. By providing efficient and reliable public transport options, more people may choose to leave their cars at home, thus reducing the number of vehicles on the roads. This approach has the potential to decrease traffic jams and lower carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly solution. From my own experiences, using well-developed public transportation systems has allowed me to avoid traffic snarls and reach my destination in a timely manner.

On the other hand, proponents of expanding road networks believe that this is the key to easing traffic congestion. By constructing new roads and widening existing ones, they aim to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles on the streets. This approach can offer immediate relief in areas where traffic is currently congested, but it may also encourage more people to rely on private vehicles, potentially leading to even more traffic in the long run. I have witnessed cases where road expansions have temporarily eased traffic, but the relief was short-lived as congestion returned with more vehicles on the wider roads.

In conclusion, both improving public transportation systems and expanding road networks have their merits in addressing traffic congestion. However, I believe that a comprehensive approach is essential. Cities should invest in efficient and accessible public transportation to encourage its use while simultaneously implementing smart road expansion strategies where necessary. By combining these approaches, we can effectively alleviate traffic congestion and create more sustainable and livable urban environments.

Essay: 

Traffic congestion is a common issue in urban areas, and there are contrasting views on how to address it effectively. Some individuals contend that the most effective approach to reduce traffic congestion is to enhance public transportation systems, while others firmly believe that expanding road networks is the solution. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives based on personal experiences and knowledge.

Supporters of improving public transportation argue that it can be a viable solution to ease traffic congestion. By investing in efficient and reliable public transport options, more people may be encouraged to use public transportation, leading to a reduction in the number of vehicles on the roads. This, in turn, can alleviate traffic jams and reduce air pollution, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. From my own experiences, utilizing well-developed public transportation has allowed me to avoid the stress of driving in heavy traffic and arrive at my destination more quickly.

On the other hand, proponents of expanding road networks believe that this is the key to tackling traffic congestion effectively. By constructing new roads and widening existing ones, they aim to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles. This approach can provide immediate relief in areas where traffic is currently congested. However, it may also lead to a higher dependency on private vehicles, potentially exacerbating traffic in the long run. I have witnessed instances where road expansions initially eased traffic, but as more vehicles occupied the wider roads, congestion returned.

In conclusion, both improving public transportation systems and expanding road networks have their merits in addressing traffic congestion. However, I believe that a combination of both approaches is crucial for a comprehensive solution. Cities should invest in enhancing public transportation to promote its use and at the same time adopt smart road expansion strategies where necessary. By adopting a balanced approach, we can effectively mitigate traffic congestion and create more sustainable and livable urban environments.

Essay:

Traffic congestion is a complex urban challenge that has sparked a debate on the most effective solution. While some advocate for enhancing public transportation systems as the best approach to alleviate traffic, others firmly believe that expanding road networks is the key. In this essay, I will delve into both perspectives and present my own opinion based on my experiences and knowledge.

Supporters of improving public transportation argue that it is a more sustainable and efficient means to combat traffic congestion. By investing in modern and reliable public transport infrastructure, more individuals may opt for public transportation, reducing the number of private vehicles on the roads. This can result in reduced traffic congestion, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and improved air quality. From my own experiences, using well-developed public transportation systems has allowed me to navigate through busy city centers with ease, avoiding the stress and delays associated with driving.

On the other hand, proponents of expanding road networks contend that this is the most viable solution to tackle traffic congestion. By constructing new roads and widening existing ones, they aim to provide additional space for vehicles, which can temporarily alleviate congestion in heavily trafficked areas. However, some argue that this approach might encourage more people to use private cars, eventually leading to a resurgence of traffic problems. I have observed instances where road expansions initially provided relief, but over time, the congestion returned due to increased private car usage.

In conclusion, both improving public transportation systems and expanding road networks have their merits in addressing traffic congestion. However, I firmly believe that the most effective and sustainable solution lies in a combination of both approaches. Cities should invest in modernizing public transportation to make it an attractive option for commuters while also adopting smart road expansion strategies where needed. By integrating these solutions, we can effectively reduce traffic congestion, improve urban mobility, and create more sustainable and livable cities.