Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Same questionCompare 4 different answers (Band 7.5–8)

Sample Response

1

The transportation infrastructure is a critical decision that requires a comprehensive analysis. While some favour investing more in railways than in roadsinvesting more in railways than roads, I oppose this approachI oppose the idea. In this essay, I will present arguments against the exclusive focus on railways and demonstrate that investing in roads is often more important.

2

One primary reason to invest in roadsOne primary reason for advocating investment in roads is their versatility and accessibility. Roads provide a convenient and flexible mode of transportation, allowing direct access to various locations, including remote areas that may not be connected by rail networks. In regions with dispersed populations and limited railway coverage, well-maintained roads ensure that communities have adequate access to essential services, such as healthcare and education. For instance, in rural areas of developing countries, roads are often athe lifeline for transporting goods and connecting communities, facilitating economic activities and social interactions.

3

Furthermore, investing in roads can improve freight transportenhance the transportation of goods and bolster tradebolster trade and commerce. Roads provide an efficient means of transporting goods over shorter distances, offering businesses greater flexibility and reducing logistics costs. For instance, in many countries, a significant portion of freight transport relies on trucks and other road-based vehicles, making roads crucial for ensuring the smooth movement of goods between industries and markets.

4

Finally, investing in road infrastructure supports various transport modessupports various forms of transportation, including private cars, buses, and motorcycles. This range of transport optionsThis inclusivity ensures that people from all walks of life, including those who cannot easily access railways, have reliable and accessible transportation options. For instance, public buses often play a vital role in providing affordable and convenient transportation for many individuals, particularly in cities with limited or no rail systems.

5

In conclusion, focusing exclusively on the railway system at the expense of roads would be a shortsighted approach to transportation development. Roads play an equally crucial and sometimes more important rolean equal, and sometimes more, crucial role in providing accessibility, promoting trade, and supporting various forms of transportation.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.0

The essay presents a clear, nuanced disagreement and develops three persuasive reasons for substantial road investment: access to remote communities, efficient short-distance freight, and support for multiple transport modes. Its strongest feature is the consistent use of relevant examples to connect infrastructure with services, trade, and mobility. The main limitation is limited acknowledgement of railways' strengths; prioritise a brief comparison showing when rail deserves investment and why roads should still receive equal or greater priority.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

8.0
Scoring rule

The position is clear throughout and the case for road investment is fully developed with relevant explanations and examples.

Next step

Acknowledge rail's advantages for high-capacity or low-emission travel, then explain why geography and transport needs still make a railway-first policy too rigid.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

8.0
Scoring rule

Focused body paragraphs, clear topic sentences, and natural transitions create strong progression from accessibility to freight and inclusive mobility.

Next step

Make the comparison with railway spending slightly more explicit in each body paragraph to sharpen the response to 'rather than roads'.

LR

Lexical Resource

8.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is flexible, precise, and natural across infrastructure, accessibility, logistics, trade, and public transport.

Next step

For further refinement, vary repeated references to 'roads' where terms such as 'road networks' or 'road infrastructure' remain precise.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0
Scoring rule

A wide range of complex structures is used accurately, with strong control and only rare minor imperfections.

Next step

Maintain this accuracy while tightening the slightly awkward opening to 'Transport infrastructure requires careful investment decisions'.

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IELTS Writing Task 2

Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Your response

Words0
40:00

Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.