This essay was written on a topic from “Target Band 7” book (page 54, reprinted with permission).
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task
The best way to reduce traffic accidents is to raise the age limit for younger drivers and to lower the age limit for elderly ones. Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include examples from your experience.
Write at least 250 words
In today’s world the number of traffic accidents is constantly rising as well as the number of injuries and deaths they cause. A better regulative approach is required traffic accidents can be reduced. Some people say that changing the drivers’ age limits is the best solution to the problem. However, there are other, more practical ways to deal with this problem.
One alternative is imposing heavier fines the drivers who exceed the permitted alcohol consumption. According to recent , a great proportion of traffic accidents has alcohol as its reason. Utilising technology and installing devices that detect drunk drivers and lock car ignition can be used to keep people with track record of drunk driving off the roads. On some occasions and for repeat offenders in particular, a prison sentence may also be considered.
Furthermore, people should be better educated and more careful while behind the wheel. To be more specific, people should learn to obey road rules and respect the other drivers instead of causing tension or submitting to road rage. In addition, heavy fines should also be levied for exceeded speed limits. Last but not least, safer and wider roads should be constructed to make for easier and more comfortable driving.
Tightening age limits for drivers can be a complementary approach. For example, the elderly with vision problems or other important health issues should be excluded from driving. Besides, young people under 18 years old are considered immature to drive. However, maturity does not necessarily always increases with one’s age, which is why other measures are needed dangerous driving.
In conclusion, I believe that stronger measures should be implemented for the prevention of traffic accidents, and drivers should have a more responsible attitude. Setting age limits could be helpful but should not be considered the optimal and only solution to the problem.
The writer’s position is clear throughout the essay. There is a logical organisation of information and effective use of paragraphing. The range of vocabulary is wide enough for the student to show flexibility and accuracy of expression. Overall, the control of grammar and punctuation is good, with only a few errors made. The essay is up to the mark and is likely to get Band 8 in IELTS.
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How does this essay score in ‘task response’ part? What I see is problem+solution essay for agree/disagree question.
I can understand the contents and i think it makes all sense but still.. quite curious about how to answer the different types of questions.
+However, maturity does not necessarily always ‘increase’ with one’s age
instead of ‘increases’.
I also wonder if this kind of essay is in the ‘target band 7’ book. Because currently I am about to buy either band 7 or strategy book.
This essay covers the ‘task response’ part well because the writer expresses their disagreement with the statement clearly, and gives reasons why he/she disagrees and what ways would help reduce road accidents better than raising/lowering drivers’ age. When a writer substantiates their claims it creates a good expression on the examiner. This essay did not come from Target Band 7 book – only its topic came from the book. The essay was written by an IELTS test taker, who was studying with the book, and wrote this essay while practicing for his/her exam.
well i am confused because the writer did not started explaining why he partially agrees pls explain and clear my confusion thanks
Hi Simanpreet, the writer explains throughout the essay that there are other measures to reduce traffic accidents, and that limit on drivers’ age is not the best way. This is their reason why they only partially agree with the statement. Also, in the conclusion paragraph, the writer reiterates their position: “I believe that stronger measures should be implemented for the prevention of traffic accidents, and drivers should have a more responsible attitude. Setting age limits could be helpful but should not be considered the optimal and only solution to the problem.”