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Writing Samples
Band 7

In order to solve traffic problems, government should tax private car owners heavily and use the money to improve public transportation. What are the advantage and disadvantages of such a solution? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

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Introduction
One proposed solution to the problem of traffic congestion in busy areas is to
tax
Use synonyms
 private car owners heavily so the government could use that money to improve public transportation.
This
Linking Words
 approach could make buses and trains far better, but it may
also
Linking Words
 place an unfair burden on those who depend on their cars.
Body paragraph 1
People on low incomes are likely to suffer most from
this
Linking Words
tax
Use synonyms
. In countries
such
Linking Words
 as the United States, citizens already pay income
tax
Use synonyms
, consumption
tax
Use synonyms
, and property
tax
Use synonyms
, so an additional charge on car ownership would be felt most heavily by those with the least money.
Moreover
Linking Words
, there is no guarantee that the revenue would actually be spent on public transport, since funds can be mismanaged or diverted to other priorities. In that case, the
tax
Use synonyms
 could do more harm than good.
Body paragraph 2
The main advantage is that the revenue would fund better public transport, persuading many drivers to leave their cars at home. Driving can become extremely stressful, especially during rush hour, which increases the chance of accidents. With better transportation, people would not need to take a risk that can be fatal. With fewer cars on the roads, congestion would
also
Linking Words
 ease, shortening journey times for everyone who still needs to drive. Reliable buses and trains would
also
Linking Words
 give low-income families a cheaper way to travel, partly offsetting the burden of the
tax
Use synonyms
Conclusion
In conclusion, taxing private car owners could fund safer and more efficient public transport, but it risks placing an unfair burden on low-income families. Its success would depend on the revenue genuinely being spent as promised.

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task response
You answer both parts: you show good and bad sides, and you give a clear final view. To make the answer stronger, explain more clearly why a high car tax is fair or not fair in different places. For example, people who live far from buses or trains may have no real choice but to drive.
task response
Your main ideas are clear, but one point needs more care. Better buses and trains may help poor families, yet the car tax may still hurt poor car owners. Show how the plan could deal with this, such as lower tax for people who need a car for work or have no bus service.
task response
The example about the United States is useful, but it is quite general. Add one short real or clear made-up case, such as a worker who drives from a small town because there is no train. This would make your point more real.
coherence and cohesion
The essay has a clear start, two body parts, and an ending. The order is easy to follow. You could make the link between the first body part and the second body part smoother by using a short link such as “However, there are also clear gains from this plan.”
coherence and cohesion
Most links between ideas work well. In the second body part, “With better transportation” is not clear enough because it may mean roads, buses, or trains. Say “With better public transport” so the reader can follow the point at once.
coherence and cohesion
Finish the last sentence of the second body part with a full stop. Also, keep the same key words through the essay: use “public transport” rather than moving between “public transportation” and “transportation.”
task response
You give a balanced answer. You explain both the cost to car owners and the possible good from better public transport.
task response
Your point about money not always being used as planned is important and directly linked to the question.
coherence and cohesion
Each paragraph has one main idea, so the reader can follow your answer easily.
coherence and cohesion
The first and last parts clearly state the main view, and the ending brings both sides together.
Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

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