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IELTS essay, topic: Transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution (discuss + opinion)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 January 2024

This essay topic was seen in recent IELTS test in Romania.

Research has shown that the transportation of products and people is the main source of pollution. Some people believe the government should be in charge of this, while others believe it is the fault of individuals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The increasing problem of pollution, primarily from the transportation of goods and individuals, raises the question of whether the government or the public should be responsible for addressing this issue. In my opinion, both the government and individuals play crucial roles in tackling this issue.

Supporters of government intervention argue that pollution, being a large-scale issue, requires comprehensive and wide-ranging solutions that are beyond the scope of individual capabilities. Governments have the power to enforce laws like stringent emission standards for vehicles, which can significantly influence both corporate and personal behaviors. Furthermore, state investment in sustainable public transportation systems can promote a shift towards environmentally friendly travel. For example, similar government policies in Sweden have successfully reduced transportation pollution, proving how impactful government action can be.

On the other hand, many believe individual actions are the key to solving the issue of pollution. Our personal transport choices greatly affect pollution levels, and if more people chose the eco-friendly options like carpooling, cycling, or public transport over their private vehicles, there would be a significant reduction in pollution levels. It is also equally important for the public to show support for policies and technologies aimed at reducing transport emissions. Advocating for and adopting cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles, and supporting government policies that encourage sustainable practices, can also lead to substantial reductions in pollution.

While both perspectives are valid, I believe that an integrated approach is essential. Governments can create policies and infrastructure for major change, but individual choices are just as important in supporting these efforts. Both entities must work together for effective pollution control.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, this essay would likely achieve a Band 8.

Task Response: Band 8
The essay addresses the task fully, presenting a clear opinion and discussing both views comprehensively. Each viewpoint is supported by relevant examples, such as the reference to Sweden’s policies. The conclusion effectively summarises the essay by reiterating the need for an integrated approach.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organised and logically structured. Ideas are clearly laid out and easy to follow. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as “On the other hand” and “Furthermore.” The conclusion ties back to the introduction, enhancing the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and accurately. Terms like “comprehensive,” “sustainable public transportation systems,” and “integrated approach” demonstrate a strong command of language. The vocabulary is used precisely, enhancing the clarity of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures with high accuracy. Examples include: “Governments have the power to enforce laws like stringent emission standards for vehicles, which can significantly influence both corporate and personal behaviors.” The grammatical accuracy is consistently high, contributing to the clarity and sophistication of the essay.

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IELTS essay, topic: Some countries invest a significant amount of money in promoting the use of bicycles (reasons and effects)

IELTS Model Essay Sample Band 8 January 2024

This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in India.

Some countries invest a significant amount of money in promoting the use of bicycles. Why do you think this is the case? Does it have a positive or a negative impact on individuals and the society?

Sample Band 8 Essay

Environmental concerns and health awareness are increasingly at the forefront of public policy, motivating countries to invest heavily in promoting the use of bicycles. It seems to me that this move benefits almost every member of society and, therefore, the investment is justified.

One obvious reason for this investment is the growing recognition of the environmental benefits associated with cycling. Bicycles, as a clean and green mode of transportation, significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to motor vehicles. Cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen, for instance, have successfully reduced their carbon footprint by implementing extensive cycling infrastructure and encouraging residents to cycle regularly. This shift improves local air quality, making cities more livable and sustainable, while simultaneously contributing to global efforts against climate change.

The promotion of cycling has a profoundly positive impact on public health. Regular bike riding is known to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and enhance overall physical fitness. In Japan, where cycling is currently widely promoted, the population experienced a noticeable decrease in obesity rates and associated health problems. This improvement in public health not only enhances individual quality of life but also eases the burden on public healthcare systems, as a healthier population requires less medical intervention.

In conclusion, the investment in promoting bicycle use by some countries is a strategic response to environmental and health challenges. This approach not only aids in combating climate change and enhancing air quality but also promotes a healthier society. Despite potential initial challenges, the long-term benefits for individuals and society are significant, making this investment a positive and essential step towards a sustainable future.

Teacher’s feedback:

Overall, the essay would likely receive a Band 8. It effectively addresses the task with a clear position, is well-organised, uses a wide range of vocabulary, and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.

Task Response: Band 8
The essay thoroughly addresses the prompt, presenting a clear opinion (“It seems to me that this move benefits almost every member of society …”) and developing it with relevant, extended ideas and examples. The writer discusses both environmental and health benefits, using specific examples of Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Japan, which demonstrates an ability to discuss ideas in depth.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay uses a range of cohesive devices effectively. For example, “for instance” introduces examples, and “therefore” is used for conclusions. Each paragraph has a clear central idea and is well-developed, contributing to the overall coherence of the essay.

Lexical Resource: Band 8
The essay uses a variety of vocabulary appropriate to the task. Words and phrases like “motivating,” “profoundly positive impact,” and “strategic response” demonstrate a strong command of language. The vocabulary is used precisely (“carbon footprint,” “cardiovascular health,” “eases the burden on public healthcare systems”), which enhances the clarity of the argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay includes a mix of complex structures, such as relative clauses (“In Japan, where cycling is currently widely promoted…) and compound sentences (“This improvement in public health not only enhances individual quality of life but also…). The structures are used accurately.

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