Writing Model Answers

The essay topic below was seen in the Academic IELTS exam in India, April 2018.

Academic Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some cities have vehicle-free days when private cars, trucks and motorcycles are banned from the city center. People are encouraged to use public transportation such as buses, taxis and metro on vehicle-free days. To what extent do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer

Many cities around the world have started introducing vehicle-free days as a first step to banning private cars from the busiest, central city districts. Public transport, such as buses, taxis or the subway, is meant to replace private cars completely on these days. While such prohibition may initially be seen as inconvenience and prompt a negative reaction, it has a potential to improve many aspects of city life.

Undoubtedly, private cars in many cases offer greater convenience compared to public transportation, and busy executives, directors and agents may not welcome the challenges of being forced to use the subway. Some of these high profile individuals rely on cars for their own security and that of valuable equipment they carry to meetings, as well as the ability to work while en-route to the next appointment. Also, many businesses located in the city centre might struggle if delivery trucks were restricted on certain days; this would cause problems with stock levels at various retail shops and supermarkets.

However, the benefits of car-free days are numerous. Reduced congestion will enable public transport to move faster between stops, and also the air quality will improve significantly. Not driving to the city centre will eliminate the eternal parking problem for many people, saving the anxiety and expense. There will be more room for bicycles and their safety will increase due to roads not being overcrowded, not to mention pedestrians whose security will be boosted by monitoring all cars allowed to enter the city centre.

Another important consideration is a change in mindset that vehicle-free days would bring about. Being able to go through the day without a car can be a liberating experience for city workers. This real life demonstration would prove that cars aren’t always necessary and taking a bus or a tram can be just as convenient and fast. By breaking the habit of reliance on private cars people would become more open and receptive to new ways of moving around.

In conclusion, even though some may view prohibition of private cars negatively, for the reasons of improved transportation, better air quality and increased security it seems necessary to introduce vehicle-free days.

You can find more IELTS model essays here.

The essay topic below was seen in the Academic IELTS exam in Hong Kong, April 2018.

Academic Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people say that artists such as painters, writers and musicians affect our life more than scientists. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer

The importance of science to the development of human race has been emphasised throughout history, however, arts may appeal to a broader audience, giving rise to the opinion that artists have a more profound effect on our life.

The way scientific discoveries improve our lives is easier to quantify than art, and for that reason it may appear that the impact of science on everyday aspects of our living is greater than that of arts. From miracles of technology powering our smart phones to newest cures for deadly diseases, science is the main driver responsible for these benefits of living in the 21st century, producing tangible and measurable outcomes.

However, science mainly deals with data and the latter often causes confusion and a sense of overwhelm in people who are not analytically inclined. Art, on the other hand, touches people on a completely different level, it connects to their feelings and senses. Different forms of art, such as music, paintings or books, move us in varying ways; they all have the power to transform a person, change their mood, elicit a sense of happiness and improve well-being in an instant.

Not only feelings, but also human health is in the sphere of influence of arts. Music can be helpful to ease anxiety and improve mental health, aid pain relief or assist physical recovery. For instance, dementia patients benefit from singing in choirs and even the effects of neurological damage can be reduced by listening to a rhythmical tune.

Arts are also thought to contribute to important skills such as concentration and academic achievements. Inspired by a work of art some may wish to create one of their own, and while in the process they may develop the ability to focus on a task for a long period of time and also improve their personal confidence.

In conclusion, I feel that while science is present in many areas of our life and its achievements are more obvious, the influence of arts is greater and it affects people on a considerably deeper level.

You can find more IELTS model essays here.