In the IELTS Writing section, test takers need to showcase their proficiency in written English. However, writing task 2 requires you to write an essay responding to a specific topic. This task demands a clear and well-supported argument in response to a viewpoint, argument, or problem. Thus, in this blog, we are going to discuss one of the popular essay topics “Government should spend money on railways rather than roads” in the IELTS writing section. Further, you will find the three sample responses and the required tips to excel in the IELTS essay writing task.
Table of Contents
The IELTS writing task 2 assesses the candidate’s writing skills in both the Academic and General Training (GT) versions of the exam. It is an essay writing task that requires you to express and develop a proper argument or point of view in response to a given prompt. However, the essay should be in a formal tone, with a minimum of 250 words. Further, IELTS writing essay task must be completed in 40 minutes. In the next section, you will find out in detail about the essay topic and how to answer it in the exam.
Also Read: IELTS Writing Task 1
The essay writing task in IELTS requires a clear introduction, structured body paragraphs, and a brief conclusion. As the essay topic “Government should spend money on railways rather than roads” comes under the Agree/Disagree category, it needs clarity and sharpness. You must maintain a balance even with your personal views. While writing the essay, you can use transition words, phrases, and idioms to connect your ideas in your answer. In the table, we have presented a format or structure for writing the Agree/Disagree essay.
| Introduction | Paraphrase the questionGive your opinion |
| Main Body Paragraph 1 | Topic sentence- Outline 1st reason for supporting this viewExplain the ideaGive an example or expand the idea |
| Main Body Paragraph 2 | Topic sentence- Outline 2nd reason for supporting this viewExplain the ideaGive an example and expand the idea |
| Conclusion | Summarize opinion and key reasons |
The below-given section covers the writing task 2 band 9 sample answers for the essay topic “Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.”
Word Limit: Make sure you keep your essay in 250 words!
Here is the first sample answer for your IELTS writing essay task on the topic “Government should spend money on railways rather than roads.”
Introduction
With the fast advancement in transportation technology, the nation is focusing more emphasis on metro systems than roads. In my opinion, I totally agree that the government should spend more money on railways as compared to roads.
Body
Firstly, developing roads is important for the country's economic growth. As roads play an important character in economic progressing. Goods and people have been allowed to move efficiently and effectively. If the road conditions are better, vehicles can go at a faster pace which can increase the rate of transferring resources, which would increase the business activity. For example, Germany’s and Singapore’s road conditions are the best in the world. Therefore, governments should spend money on roads as it beneficially affects the economy.
Secondly, developing railways seems more important than roads. The reason is the proportions of railways are much larger compared to the roads. And they are generally considered more eco-friendly. In developed cities, some tremendous passengers take public transport in their daily lives. The railway system also has faster speed as compared to cars as it can rely on computers that have less bias than humans. For example, MTR in Hong Kong carry around one million citizens to travel in the city. Therefore, governments should spend more capital on railways, as it will bring more beneficial effects than roads.
Conclusion
Overall, I believe that governments should spend more capital on railways development and should put resources on the roads too.
Here is the second sample answer for the IELTS writing essay task is given below.
Introduction
In recent years, there has been a debate about whether the government should prioritize investment in railways over roads. Well, I strongly believe that spending on railways is more advantageous for several reasons.
Body
Firstly, railways are significantly more environmentally friendly as compared to road transport. Trains emit fewer greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, than cars and buses. This generally means that expanding railway networks can help reduce pollution and combat climate change. For example, a study in Europe has shown that railways produce 10% less carbon emissions than road vehicles, highlighting their environmental benefits.
Secondly, railways offer efficient usage of space and resources. Trains can carry a large number of passengers and goods over large distances, which will reduce the need for multiple vehicles on the road. This not only reduces traffic congestion but also maximizes fuel efficiency. For example, a survey conducted in the USA in 2015 that showed increasing investment in railways could reduce fuel consumption by nearly 20%, making it a more sustainable option as compared to road transport.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the roads remain an important way of transport for short journeys and personal travel. However, by reducing emissions and optimizing fuel use, railways always offer a sustainable solution that exceeds the advantages of road transport.
Suggested Read: Life Was Better When Technology Was More Simple
The third sample answer for the IELTS writing task 2 is given below.
Introduction
This discussion has been going on for a long time whether government should spend money on railways rather than roads is a complex one. As far as my research, I feel that roads should be given more priority because of several reasons.
Body
Firstly, roads serve as the backbone of any nation’s transportation system as it helps them interconnect cities, towns, and remote areas to ensure accessibility. On the other hand, railways are limited to the urban and semi-urban regions. If we take India as an example a large number of the population settles in rural areas where roads are essential, for commuting and transporting goods. In addition to this, roads accommodate a range of vehicles ranging from bicycles and cars to buses and trucks. Thus, roads play an important role in both city and inter-city transportation.
Secondly, the construction of roads generally demands lower cost and value and a shorter period in comparison to the development of railways. The intrinsic efficiency in road transportation allows the government to establish and maintain a more expansive network with the same financial means. This flexibility of road systems contributes to their cost effectiveness, and implementation of projects and more immediate responses change the transportation needs. This advantage is crucial in those regions where development is essential for economic growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the railways hold importance in a country’s infrastructure and overall development, the benefits of roads make them more deserving receivers of government funding. So, I disagree that the government should prioritize spending on railways over roads.
Overall, these were all the three sample answers for the IELTS essay writing topic “Government should spend money on railways rather than roads.” In the next section, you will find out about the lexical resources which will help you excel in the essay writing task.
In the above sample responses, there are some of the difficult words that students need to know to improve their IELTS writing essay task. Further, it will also enhance their vocabulary for IELTS exam.
| Lexical Resources | Meaning |
| Progressing | To improve or develop in skills |
| Transferring | To move someone or something from one place to another |
| Proportions | A part of a group when compared to the whole |
| Tremendous | Very great in amount or level |
| Emit | To send out a beam or noise |
| Combat | A fight especially during a war |
| Congestion | A situation in which a place is too blocked |
| Commuting | The activity of travelling regularly between work and home |
| Accessibility | Able to be reached |
| Intrinsic | Being extremely important |
Overall, these are the difficult words that a student must be aware of while using in your IELTS writing essay task. In the last section, you will see some helpful tips to excel in the essay writing task.
Must Read: IELTS Linking Words
Scholars need to understand how to improve the IELTS writing task 2 scores. Thus, we have mentioned some tips and tricks that will help you enhance your IELTS writing task 2 score.
To conclude, we talked about the IELTS writing essay on the topic “Government should spend money on railways rather than roads” with the three sample answers. Further, we also discussed the lexical resources and some tips to excel in the essay writing task. The IELTS essay writing task needs proper techniques and strategies for achieving a high band score. Thus, if you are willing to know more about the essay writing task then join our offline or online IELTS classes at Gradding.com and take our free mock test.
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