WRITING TASK 2 (ESSAY WRITING)
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?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Answer
Most developed countries experience problems associated with increased traffic volumes and pollution. Some people think that increasing petrol prices would be a good solution to reduce traffic and also pollution in cities. I feel that this would not be a good solution and that there would be other measures that would produce a more viable solution.
If the price of petrol is increased in a country, people will still buy petrol to drive their cars as they will not give up the convenience that private cars give. Cars will still produce pollution because of this. If petrol prices go up, flights will become more expensive. Again, people will sacrifice other areas so that they can travel when they want to. Increasing petrol prices will give more money to the oil companies and the government will also benefit from taxes on this fuel. It will not really benefit normal commuters as they will not give up their cars or their ability to fly to other parts of the world.
Other measures could be much more effective than increasing oil prices. Governments could increase the availability of quality public transport, keeping prices down to encourage commuters to use local buses and trains. In Melbourne, trams are regularly used as they are reliable and inexpensive. The city council also attracts more commuters by making travel free in the city centre. This discourages the use of private cars in the city, thereby reducing traffic volumes and decreasing pollution in the city.
The aviation industry could focus on using lead-free fuels to reduce pollution caused by burning petrol. They could also ensure that engines are clean and frequently updated so they are as environmentally friendly as possible.
Commuters could help the issue by using more public transport and by using their private car less. They could also car-pool which would mean that cars that travel to work in the morning have more than one person. Car pooling could be advertised by the government as a way to reduce the amount of traffic on the roads.
In conclusion, I feel that putting up the price of petrol would not really work as a way to solve pollution and traffic issues. People will be unwilling to give up their personal means of transport. Other measures would be more successful and would make sure that less oil is there to pollute our Atmosphere.
Notes from an IDP's Examiner
Band: 9 (9999)
TR: All parts of the task are addressed. The test taker presents a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended, and well-supported ideas.
CC: Cohesion is used in such a way that it attracts no attention. The shorter fourth paragraph contains a clear central topic so reaches Band 9 as paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately.
LR: A very wide range of vocabulary is used with natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. There is one ‘typo’ [benefit form taxes], which is a minor slip.
GRA: The test taker uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Overall, this is a clear example of a Band 9 performance.