Some people believe that the government should spend money on building train and subway lines to reduce traffic congestion. Others think that building more and wider roads is the better way to reduce traffic congestion. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

7.5 / 9

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Introduction

It is often argued that governments should invest in train and

subway

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lines to reduce

traffic

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congestion

Use synonyms

while

Linking Words

others believe that building more and wider

roads

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would be more effective. Both views have some valid points.

However

Linking Words

, I personally favour greater investment in

rail

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transport

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because it can reduce reliance on private

vehicles

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and move large numbers of

commuters

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efficiently.

Body paragraph 1

On the one hand, I believe that governments should give greater priority to train and

subway

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systems. One important advantage is that reliable

rail

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services can reduce people's reliance on private

vehicles

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. When

commuters

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have a convenient alternative, they can travel to work without driving for the entire journey.

For instance

Linking Words

, an office worker living in a residential area could take a bus to a nearby station and complete the rest of the journey by

subway

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. In

this

Linking Words

way, fewer cars would be needed on busy urban

roads

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each day.

Rail

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transport

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also

Linking Words

has a much greater passenger-carrying capacity than private

vehicles

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. A frequent

subway

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service,

for example

Linking Words

, can move thousands of

commuters

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through a busy city centre during peak hours.

This

Linking Words

can reduce pressure on

roads

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and lower the demand for parking, making

rail

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investment a useful long-term use of public funds.

Body paragraph 2

On the other hand

Linking Words

, some people consider

road

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expansion a more practical solution. Giving

vehicles

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additional space can improve

traffic

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flow, particularly during busy periods. If a major two-lane

road

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is widened to four lanes,

for example

Linking Words

, more

vehicles

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can travel along it at the same time, which may shorten journeys in the short term. Wider

roads

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are

also

Linking Words

necessary in smaller towns and locations without

rail

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services because buses, delivery

vehicles

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and emergency services depend on them.

Nevertheless

Linking Words

this

Linking Words

approach may have limitations in major cities. Easier driving can encourage more people to use private

vehicles

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, so the initial improvement may gradually disappear as

traffic

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increases. In some cases,

congestion

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may simply shift to another

road

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or junction rather than disappear completely.

For

Linking Words

this

Linking Words

reason,

road

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construction can be useful where

rail

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transport

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is impractical, but it is less likely to provide a lasting solution to

congestion

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in densely populated cities.

Conclusion

In conclusion,

although

Linking Words

wider

roads

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can improve

traffic

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flow in some locations, I believe that greater priority should be given to train and

subway

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systems. Their ability to reduce private-car use and

transport

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large numbers of

commuters

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makes them a more sustainable approach to

congestion

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, particularly in densely populated cities.

abubakker.siddique898

Sep 30, 2026

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task response

You answer both sides and make your own view clear. To make the answer even stronger, add one short point about the high cost and long time needed to build rail lines.

task response

Your main ideas are clear and well explained. You could make your view more balanced by saying that roads still need money for buses, goods, and areas far from train lines.

task response

Your examples fit the topic well. The office worker and the wider road example help the reader see your ideas. One more real city-based example could make the answer feel even more direct.

coherence and cohesion

Your essay has a clear order: opening, rail view, road view, and ending. Each paragraph has one main job, so it is easy to follow.

coherence and cohesion

You use linking words well, such as “On the one hand”, “On the other hand”, “For instance”, and “Nevertheless”. Try not to use too many long link phrases; sometimes a short sentence can make the flow more natural.

coherence and cohesion

The last paragraph clearly returns to your main view. You can make it even tighter by briefly naming the case where road building is most useful before restating why rail should come first.

task response

You discuss both rail investment and wider roads fairly, while keeping your own view clear from the opening to the end.

task response

The points about fewer cars, high passenger numbers, and more traffic after road growth are useful and well linked to the question.

coherence and cohesion

Your paragraph order is strong, and the ideas move in a clear, natural way.

coherence and cohesion

Examples are placed after the main points, which makes your explanation easy to understand.

Word Count

IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 250 words in writing task 2. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.

A very long essay will not give you a higher band score.

Aim for between 260 to 290 words in writing task 2. This will ensure a concise essay and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 40 minutes to write the essay and you need around 10 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long essay in 30 minutes.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »- a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

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10
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
9
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
0
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 6.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 9.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 8.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

4 paragraphs

405 words

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