IELTS Writing Task 2 : Sample 20

Reference: Cambridge IELTS Book 8 Test 3

Text Box

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

write about the following topic:

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

What other measures do you think might be effective?

Write at least 250 words

Answer by Muhammad Ayaz Aslam

Response 1

In actuality, the argument regarding the impact of high fuel prices on growing traffic and pollution problems drags our immediate attention because of its universality. Some of us assert that the approach of escalating the prices could be harmful to people and society in many ways. I strongly reject the idea of an increase in the fuel prices.

It is not a good solution to resolve the traffic and pollution issues only by increasing the fuel prices. This approach hardly has an effect on the petrol consumption, but it will only extend the financial constraints of the masses. Fuel prices will possibly extend the cost of other important factors of life including, health and education. In other words, if authorities boost the prices, it will be at the cost of people’s comfort and finances. However, other measures can be taken to fix the growing environmental issues.

Increasing traffic and pollution problems can be resolved in many other ways. Firstly, by devising new policies and giving awareness to people we could neutralize the devastating effects of smoke and noise pollution. The role of media is pivotal in this context to evoke a sense of responsibility in general public, especially drivers. Secondly, environment-friendly and alternate energy solutions such as, solar energy is another possible solution to the said issues.

In the end, we may assert that the increase in fuel price is one solution to control traffic related issues, but one needs not to go for this solution because the increase in the cost of petrol has detrimental effects on other areas of life.

Response 2

Book 8, Test 3, Writing Task 2 Examiner Response (9 bands)

There is no doubt that traffic and pollution from vehicles have become huge problems, both in cities and on motorways everywhere. Solving these problems is likely to need more than a simple rise in the price of petrol.

While it is undeniable that private car use is one of the main causes of the increase in traffic and pollution, higher fuel costs are unlikely to limit the number of drivers for long. As this policy would also affect the cost of public transport, it would be very unpopular with everyone who needs to travel on the roads. But there are various other measures that could be implemented that would have a huge effect on these problems.

I think to tackle the problem of pollution; cleaner fuels need to be developed. The technology is already available to produce electric cars that would be both quieter and cleaner to use. Persuading manufacturers and travellers to adopt this new technology would be a more effective strategy for improving air quality, especially in cities.

However, traffic congestion will not be solved by changing the type of private vehicle people can use. To do this, we need to improve the choice of public transport services available to travellers. For example, if sufficient sky trains and underground train systems were built and effectively maintained in our major cities, then traffic on the roads would be dramatically reduced. Long-distance train and coach services should be made attractive and affordable alternatives to driving your own car long journeys.

In conclusion, I think that long-term traffic and pollution reductions would depend on educating the public to use public transport more, and on governments using public money to construct and run efficient systems.