Some people think governments should spend money on faster means of public transport. However, others think money should be spent on other priorities (eg cost, environment). Discuss both view and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
People have different views about whether money should be spent on public transport or on other prioritiesother more important issues. While faster means of public transport would be a positive measure, I would argue that further investment in other priorities should be made first.
On the one hand, it could be argued that providing citizens with faster forms of public transportation can bring certain benefitshas brought about certain benefits. Firstly, faster forms of transport allow peopleare said to allow people, particularly commuters, to reduce travelling time to and from work. As a result, people will have more leisure time, and this will lead to greater productivity at workan increase in their work productivity. Secondly, by using faster public transportby adopting this method, people are less likely to be packed into cramped, hot busespacked in cramped and hot buses. They will not need to rush to get to work on time or get up so early in order to get a seat on a bus, and therefore, they will have more time to prepare before going to work or school, or to enjoy their breakfast with their family.
However, I believe that spending money on other vital aspects is more important. One of the most pressing concerns is environmental pollution. Despite the convenience that public transportation brings to commuters, more and more vehicles are being used each year and exhaust fumes emitted from those vehicles harmhave exerted a detrimental effect on air quality in most large citiesthe atmosphere in most large cities. As a result, people are more susceptible to developing respiratory diseases and other health problemsrespiratory disease s and other kinds of health problems. Another significant issue is the increasing cost of living, which leaves many people struggling to cope with basic daily needs. If these problems are not addressedIf such situations are left untreated, this may lead to a decrease in economic growth, amongst other problems.
In conclusion, despite the advantages of improving the speed of public transport, I am convinced that it is better to spend money on more urgent issues, such as the environment and living costs.
Why this response received Band 7.5
The response presents a clear position, covers both views, and moves smoothly through well-controlled paragraphs using varied language. Its main limitation is that several supporting points are asserted rather than fully connected to the spending choice, especially the links between faster transport and comfort, or government investment and living costs. Prioritise explaining how each proposed allocation would directly produce the stated outcome, with one specific example where useful.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views and a consistent opinion are addressed, although some supporting claims are not fully linked to the policy choice.
Develop each priority by explaining exactly how government spending would solve the identified problem.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through clearly focused paragraphs, with cohesive devices used effectively throughout.
Make the internal link between each cause and consequence even more explicit where the reasoning changes direction.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and generally precise, with effective topic language and only occasional awkward choices or a spelling slip.
Replace vague expressions such as 'method' or 'situations' with more exact policy-related nouns.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is handled accurately, and the few errors do not impede communication.
Proofread closely for isolated agreement, spacing, and reference errors in otherwise sophisticated sentences.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think governments should spend money on faster means of public transport. However, others think money should be spent on other priorities (eg cost, environment). Discuss both view and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.