IELTS Essay: Car Ownership

IELTS Essay: Car Ownership

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of car ownership from the real IELTS exam.

Be sure to sign up for my full IELTS EBooks here to support my efforts to keep writing these essays for students:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Car Ownership

Car ownership has increased so rapidly over the past thirty years that in many cities around the world there are constant traffic jams.

How true do you think this statement is?

What measures can governments take to discourage people from owning cars?

It has become increasingly common in recent years for cities to be inundated with cars and, consequently, increased levels of traffic. In my opinion, this is a very real phenomenon and governments could do more to encourage other modes of transport.

There is little doubt that the main cause of traffic is more cars in urban areas. One natural consequence of a burgeoning global middle class is a rise in automobile ownership. This is reflected not only in statistics but also in the day-to-day reality of millions living in densely populated cities such as Los Angeles, Beijing, and London. The average person living in those cities must choose between sitting in traffic, using public transport, or residing near to their workplace. There is little chance this pattern will change in the future as many people see owning a car as a sign of social status and a mark of success in life generally.

Since most car owners will not be dissuaded by higher prices, the best method to combat traffic is to stimulate other kinds of transportation. Since most cities already possess public transportation in the form of buses and subways, governments can simply commit to maintaining and expanding existing options. A standout example of this would be the London Underground which has dozens of lines and is maintained to a high standard. Another pragmatic solution would be to encourage the use of bikes and motorbikes. Many European countries do this by providing free bicycles for short rides. In Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, urban planners provide lanes specifically for compact motorbikes where there is far less traffic than in the lanes for bulky cars.

In conclusion, there is clear evidence that cities are more crowded than ever before and the state can curb this trend by enacting policies to promote bicycles and motorbikes in cities. This is a crucial reform not only for quality of life but also the environmental impact.

Analysis

1. It has become increasingly common in recent years for cities to be inundated with cars and, consequently, increased levels of traffic. 2. In my opinion, this is a very real phenomenon and governments could do more to encourage other modes of transport.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. There is little doubt that the main cause of traffic is more cars in urban areas. 2. One natural consequence of a burgeoning global middle class is a rise in automobile ownership. 3. This is reflected not only in statistics but also in the day-to-day reality of millions living in densely populated cities such as Los Angeles, Beijing, and London. 4. The average person living in those cities must choose between sitting in traffic, using public transport, or residing near to their workplace. 5. There is little chance this pattern will change in the future as many people see owning a car as a sign of social status and a mark of success in life generally.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. Add as much detail as possible.

1. Since most car owners will not be dissuaded by higher prices, the best method to combat traffic is to stimulate other kinds of transportation. 2. Since most cities already possess public transportation in the form of buses and subways, governments can simply commit to maintaining and expanding existing options. 3. A standout example of this would be the London Underground which has dozens of lines and is maintained to a high standard. 4. Another pragmatic solution would be to encourage the use of bikes and motorbikes. 5. Many European countries do this by providing free bicycles for short rides. 6. In Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, urban planners provide lanes specifically for compact motorbikes where there is far less traffic than in the lanes for bulky cars.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
  5. This paragraph can be longer.
  6. Don’t repeat yourself.

1. In conclusion, there is clear evidence that cities are more crowded than ever before and the state can curb this trend by enacting policies to promote bicycles and motorbikes in cities. 2. This is a crucial reform not only for quality of life but also the environmental impact.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

It has become increasingly common in recent years for cities to be inundated with cars and, consequently, increased levels of traffic. In my opinion, this is a very real phenomenon and governments could do more to encourage other modes of transport.

There is little doubt that the main cause of traffic is more cars in urban areas. One natural consequence of a burgeoning global middle class is a rise in automobile ownership. This is reflected not only in statistics but also in the day-to-day reality of millions living in densely populated cities such as Los Angeles, Beijing, and London. The average person living in those cities must choose between sitting in traffic, using public transport, or residing near to their workplace. There is little chance this pattern will change in the future as many people see owning a car as a sign of social status and a mark of success in life generally.

Since most car owners will not be dissuaded by higher prices, the best method to combat traffic is to stimulate other kinds of transportation. Since most cities already possess public transportation in the form of buses and subways, governments can simply commit to maintaining and expanding existing options. A standout example of this would be the London Underground which has dozens of lines and is maintained to a high standard. Another pragmatic solution would be to encourage the use of bikes and motorbikes. Many European countries do this by providing free bicycles for short rides. In Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, urban planners provide lanes specifically for compact motorbikes where there is far less traffic than in the lanes for bulky cars.

In conclusion, there is clear evidence that cities are more crowded than ever before and the state can curb this trend by enacting policies to promote bicycles and motorbikes in cities. This is a crucial reform not only for quality of life but also the environmental impact.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

It has become increasingly common in recent years for it happens more and more

inundated with filled with

consequently as a result

increased levels of traffic more cars on the road

very real phenomenon actual development

encourage push, motivate

modes of transport way of getting around

There is little doubt that almost definitely true

urban areas cities

One natural consequence one real result

burgeoning global middle class more people with money

automobile ownership having cars and private vehicles

reflected mirrored

statistics numbers

day-to-day reality real life

densely populated cities such as urban areas with lots of people

average person normal person

sitting in traffic in gridlocked streets

public transport buses, metros, etc.

residing near to their workplace living near where you work

There is little chance this pattern will change in the future not much of a chance it will be different later

sign of social status shows how rich you are

mark of success in life generally shows you have done well in life

dissuaded by not encouraged

best method to combat traffic best way to reduce too many cars on the road

stimulate encourage

possess have

in the form of in the way

subways metros, undergrounds

commit to maintaining and expanding existing options support what is there already

A standout example of this would be a good instance is

London Underground the subway in London

dozens many

maintained to a high standard kept to a good level

pragmatic solution real fix

providing free bicycles for short rides giving bikes to ride around

urban planners provide lanes specifically for compact people who plan cities carve out places for small

far less traffic than in the lanes for bulky cars a lot fewer people than in the places where big cars are

clear evidence good support

crowded lots of people

state can curb this trend government can hold back this pattern

enacting policies to promote putting in place laws to help

crucial reform key change

quality of life standard of living

environmental impact effect on nature

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ɪt hæz bɪˈkʌm ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈkɒmən ɪn ˈriːsnt jɪəz fɔː 
ˈɪnʌndeɪtɪd wɪð 
ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli
ɪnˈkriːst ˈlɛvlz ɒv ˈtræfɪk
ˈvɛri rɪəl fɪˈnɒmɪnən 
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ 
məʊdz ɒv ˈtrænspɔːt
ðeər ɪz ˈlɪtl daʊt ðæt 
ˈɜːbən ˈeərɪəz
wʌn ˈnæʧrəl ˈkɒnsɪkwəns 
ˈbɜːʤənɪŋ ˈɡləʊbəl ˈmɪdl klɑːs 
ˈɔːtəməʊbiːl ˈəʊnəʃɪp
rɪˈflɛktɪd 
stəˈtɪstɪks 
ˈdeɪtəˈdeɪ riˈæləti 
ˈdɛnsli ˈpɒpjʊleɪtɪd ˈsɪtiz sʌʧ æz 
ˈævərɪʤ ˈpɜːsn 
ˈsɪtɪŋ ɪn ˈtræfɪk
ˈpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːt
rɪˈzaɪdɪŋ nɪə tuː ðeə ˈwɜːkˌpleɪs
ðeər ɪz ˈlɪtl ʧɑːns ðɪs ˈpætən wɪl ʧeɪnʤ ɪn ðə ˈfjuːʧə 
saɪn ɒv ˈsəʊʃəl ˈsteɪtəs 
mɑːk ɒv səkˈsɛs ɪn laɪf ˈʤɛnərəli
dɪˈsweɪdɪd baɪ 
bɛst ˈmɛθəd tuː ˈkɒmbæt ˈtræfɪk 
ˈstɪmjʊleɪt 
pəˈzɛs 
ɪn ðə fɔːm ɒv 
ˈsʌbweɪz
kəˈmɪt tuː meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ ænd ɪksˈpændɪŋ ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ ˈɒpʃᵊnz
ə ˈstændaʊt ɪɡˈzɑːmpl ɒv ðɪs wʊd biː 
ˈlʌndən ˈʌndəɡraʊnd 
ˈdʌznz 
meɪnˈteɪnd tuː ə haɪ ˈstændəd 
præɡˈmætɪk səˈluːʃᵊn 
prəˈvaɪdɪŋ friː ˈbaɪsɪklz fɔː ʃɔːt raɪdz
ˈɜːbən ˈplænəz prəˈvaɪd leɪnz spəˈsɪfɪkᵊli fɔː ˈkɒmpækt 
fɑː lɛs ˈtræfɪk ðæn ɪn ðə leɪnz fɔː ˈbʌlki kɑːz
klɪər ˈɛvɪdəns 
ˈkraʊdɪd 
steɪt kæn kɜːb ðɪs trɛnd 
ɪˈnæktɪŋ ˈpɒlɪsiz tuː prəˈməʊt 
ˈkruːʃəl ˌriːˈfɔːm 
ˈkwɒlɪti ɒv laɪf 
ɪnˌvaɪərənˈmɛntl ˈɪmpækt

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

I___________________________________________r cities to be i___________________h cars and, c_______________y, i__________________________c. In my opinion, this is a v____________________n and governments could do more to e____________e other m______________t.

T_________________________t the main cause of traffic is more cars in u_________________s. O___________________________e of a b______________________________s is a rise in a___________________________p. This is r______________d not only in s___________s but also in the d_____________________y of millions living in d_____________________________________s Los Angeles, Beijing, and London. The a____________________n living in those cities must choose between s___________________c, using p__________________________t, or r_______________________________________e. T______________________________________________________________e as many people see owning a car as a s____________________________s and a m___________________________________y.

Since most car owners will not be d_____________________y higher prices, the b__________________________________c is to s_____________e other kinds of transportation. Since most cities already p_______________s public transportation i______________________f buses and s____________s, governments can simply c________________________________________________________________________s. A____________________________________________e the L____________________________________d which has d____________s of lines and is m___________________________d. Another p___________________n would be to encourage the use of bikes and motorbikes. Many European countries do this by p__________________________________________s. In Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, u_____________________________________________________t motorbikes where there is f__________________________________________________________s.

In conclusion, there is c_____________e that cities are more c__________d than ever before and the s_________________________d by e________________________e bicycles and motorbikes in cities. This is a c_______________m not only for q________________e but also the e___________________________t.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/worst-traffic-cities-in-the-world/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Driving

  1. Do you like driving?
  2. Where was the last place you drove?
  3. Where do you like to sit in a car?
  4. Is driving common in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

When cars and cyclists use the same roads, there are often problems.

Why is this the case?

What are the solutions?

https://howtodoielts.com/ielts-writing-task-2-sample-answer-essay-cyclists-and-cars-problems-solutions-real-past-ielts-exam/

IELTS Essay: Social Networking Sites

IELTS Essay: Social Networking Sites

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of social networking sites from the real IELTS exam.

Be sure to sign up for my full IELTS EBooks here to support my efforts to keep writing these essays for students:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Social Networking Sites

Some people think that social networking sites have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many today argue that social media has an overall negative impact on both the average person and society more generally. I am in complete agreement with this opinion as individuals are likely to suffer from an unhealthy addiction and social media can cause fractures in society.

The most obvious effect of social media is on the mental health of individual users. Most people on social media have become to varying degrees addicted to the small dopamine bursts that come from scrolling through their feed, feeling outraged at posts, receiving likes, and making positive or negative comments. Each person is likely to gain satisfaction through a different route but all these self-esteem boosts are unhealthy relative to achieving something in the real world. In some cases, individuals retreat from the real world in favor of a virtual one where the stakes are considerably lower and interactions are safely one-sided.

Additionally, the drawbacks of social media are evident throughout society. There are numerous small groups and communities on Facebook that encourage anti-social impulses. For instance, many people post and read about conspiracy theories online on a daily basis. Over time, these individuals begin to feel isolated from mainstream society and the effects of this can appear during real-world events such as the January 6 insurrection and the Occupy Wall Street movement. Although these actions can be interpreted as protests, the viewpoints being expressed are often too extreme to lead to defensible and pragmatic reform.

In conclusion, social media is an overwhelming negative for both normal citizens and the entirety of society. Since governments are averse to regulation, it is important for individuals to abandon these platforms.

Analysis

1. Many today argue that social media has an overall negative impact on both the average person and society more generally. 2. I am in complete agreement with this opinion as individuals are likely to suffer from an unhealthy addiction and social media can cause fractures in society.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. The most obvious effect of social media is on the mental health of individual users. 2. Most people on social media have become to varying degrees addicted to the small dopamine bursts that come from scrolling through their feed, feeling outraged at posts, receiving likes, and making positive or negative comments. 3. Each person is likely to gain satisfaction through a different route but all these self-esteem boosts are unhealthy relative to achieving something in the real world. 4. In some cases, individuals retreat from the real world in favor of a virtual one where the stakes are considerably lower and interactions are safely one-sided.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.

1. Additionally, the drawbacks of social media are evident throughout society. 2. There are numerous small groups and communities on Facebook that encourage anti-social impulses. 3. For instance, many people post and read about conspiracy theories online on a daily basis. 4. Over time, these individuals begin to feel isolated from mainstream society and the effects of this can appear during real-world events such as the January 6 insurrection and the Occupy Wall Street movement. 5. Although these actions can be interpreted as protests, the viewpoints being expressed are often too extreme to lead to defensible and pragmatic reform.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
  5. This paragraph can be longer.

1. In conclusion, social media is an overwhelming negative for both normal citizens and the entirety of society. 2. Since governments are averse to regulation, it is important for individuals to abandon these platforms.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Many today argue that social media has an overall negative impact on both the average person and society more generally. I am in complete agreement with this opinion as individuals are likely to suffer from an unhealthy addiction and social media can cause fractures in society.

The most obvious effect of social media is on the mental health of individual users. Most people on social media have become to varying degrees addicted to the small dopamine bursts that come from scrolling through their feed, feeling outraged at posts, receiving likes, and making positive or negative comments. Each person is likely to gain satisfaction through a different route but all these self-esteem boosts are unhealthy relative to achieving something in the real world. In some cases, individuals retreat from the real world in favor of a virtual one where the stakes are considerably lower and interactions are safely one-sided.

Additionally, the drawbacks of social media are evident throughout society. There are numerous small groups and communities on Facebook that encourage anti-social impulses. For instance, many people post and read about conspiracy theories online on a daily basis. Over time, these individuals begin to feel isolated from mainstream society and the effects of this can appear during real-world events such as the January 6 insurrection and the Occupy Wall Street movement. Although these actions can be interpreted as protests, the viewpoints being expressed are often too extreme to lead to defensible and pragmatic reform.

In conclusion, social media is an overwhelming negative for both normal citizens and the entirety of society. Since governments are averse to regulation, it is important for individuals to abandon these platforms.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

social media has an overall negative impact on both the average person websites like Facebook hurt most people generally

society more generally all people in a country

I am in complete agreement with this opinion I agree 100%

likely to suffer from probably will be hurt by

unhealthy addiction not a good habit

cause fractures separate people

The most obvious effect of clearest result is

mental health emotional stability

varying degrees addicted to different amounts can’t stop using

small dopamine bursts little bits of pleasure

scrolling through their feed looking through social media

feeling outraged at posts be angry about social media

receiving likes getting thumbs up / love on a post

making positive or negative comments writing good and bad comments

gain satisfaction through a different route feel good in a different way

self-esteem boosts feeling good about yourself

unhealthy relative to achieving something in the real world not good for you compared to doing things in real life

In some cases sometimes

retreat from stop using

in favor of a virtual one caring more about online life

stakes are considerably lower situation is less risky

interactions talking to people

safely one-sided not interacting

Additionally also

drawbacks downsides

evident throughout clear the whole time

numerous small groups and communities many online clubs

encourage anti-social impulses promote being alone

conspiracy theories online on a daily basis crazy ideas every day

Over time as time goes on

feel isolated from mainstream society not feel part of the public discourse

appear during real-world events such as happen in real-life examples including

January 6 insurrection protest in the United States

Occupy Wall Street movement another protest in the United States

actions steps taken

interpreted as protests seen as freedom of speech

viewpoints opinions

expressed said

too extreme to lead to defensible too strong to result in good

pragmatic reform practical change

overwhelming negative for clearly bad for

normal citizens average people

entirety of all of

averse to regulation not interested in making laws

abandon these platforms stop using social media

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ˈsəʊʃəl ˈmiːdiə hæz ən ˈəʊvərɔːl ˈnɛgətɪv ˈɪmpækt ɒn bəʊθ ði ˈævərɪʤ ˈpɜːsn 
səˈsaɪəti mɔː ˈʤɛnərəli
aɪ æm ɪn kəmˈpliːt əˈgriːmənt wɪð ðɪs əˈpɪnjən 
ˈlaɪkli tuː ˈsʌfə frɒm 
ʌnˈhɛlθi əˈdɪkʃ(ə)n 
kɔːz ˈfrækʧəz 
ðə məʊst ˈɒbvɪəs ɪˈfɛkt ɒv 
ˈmɛntl hɛlθ 
ˈveəriɪŋ dɪˈgriːz əˈdɪktɪd tuː 
smɔːl ˈdəʊpəmiːn bɜːsts 
ˈskrəʊlɪŋ θruː ðeə fiːd
ˈfiːlɪŋ ˈaʊtreɪʤd æt pəʊsts
rɪˈsiːvɪŋ laɪks
ˈmeɪkɪŋ ˈpɒzətɪv ɔː ˈnɛgətɪv ˈkɒmɛnts
geɪn ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən θruː ə ˈdɪfrənt ruːt 
sɛlf-ɪsˈtiːm buːsts 
ʌnˈhɛlθi ˈrɛlətɪv tuː əˈʧiːvɪŋ ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪn ðə rɪəl wɜːldɪn sʌm ˈkeɪsɪz
rɪˈtriːt frɒm 
ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv ə ˈvɜːtjʊəl wʌn 
steɪks ɑː kənˈsɪdərəbli ˈləʊə 
ˌɪntərˈækʃənz 
ˈseɪfli wʌn-ˈsaɪdɪd
əˈdɪʃənli
ˈdrɔːbæks 
ˈɛvɪdənt θru(ː)ˈaʊt 
ˈnjuːmərəs smɔːl gruːps ænd kəˈmjuːnɪtiz 
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ ˈænti-ˈsəʊʃəl ˈɪmpʌlsɪz
kənˈspɪrəsi ˈθɪəriz ˈɒnˌlaɪn ɒn ə ˈdeɪli ˈbeɪsɪs
ˈəʊvə taɪm
fiːl ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd frɒm ˈmeɪnstriːm səˈsaɪəti 
əˈpɪə ˈdjʊərɪŋ rɪəl-wɜːld ɪˈvɛnts sʌʧ æz 
ˈʤænjʊəri siks ˌɪnsəˈrɛkʃən 
ˈɒkjʊpaɪ wɔːl striːt ˈmuːvmənt
ˈækʃ(ə)nz 
ɪnˈtɜːprɪtɪd æz ˈprəʊtɛsts
ˈvjuːpɔɪnts 
ɪksˈprɛst 
tuː ɪksˈtriːm tuː liːd tuː dɪˈfɛnsəbl 
prægˈmætɪk ˌriːˈfɔːm
ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ ˈnɛgətɪv fɔː 
ˈnɔːməl ˈsɪtɪznz 
ɪnˈtaɪəti ɒv 
əˈvɜːs tuː ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃən
əˈbændən ðiːz ˈplætfɔːmz

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

Many today argue that s_____________________________________________________________________n and s__________________________________y. I_____________________________________________n as individuals are l___________________m an u_____________________n and social media can c_________________s in society.

T________________________________f social media is on the m_________________h of individual users. Most people on social media have become to v__________________________o the s__________________s that come from s___________________________d, f_______________________________s, r__________________s, and m___________________________s. Each person is likely to g___________________________________e but all these s_______________________s are u__________________________________________________d. I____________________s, individuals r______________m the real world i____________________________________e where the s______________________________r and i____________s are s____________________d.

A________________y, the d________________s of social media are e_________________t society. There are n_____________________________________________s on Facebook that e_____________________________________s. For instance, many people post and read about c_________________________________________________s. O_______e, these individuals begin to f___________________________________y and the effects of this can a_____________________________________s the J__________________________________n and the O_______________________________t. Although these a_________s can be i_____________________s, the v_______________s being e___________d are often t________________________________e and p______________m.

In conclusion, social media is an o_____________________________r both n________________s and the e________________f society. Since governments are a__________________________n, it is important for individuals to a_______________________s.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://time.com/6240981/social-media-addiction-app/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Mobile Phones and Smartphones

  1. What are the advantages of smartphones?
  2. Should children be allowed to own smartphones?
  3. Do you thinks have a major or minor impact on mental health?
  4. Where in your country is it not appropriate to use a phone?
  5. Do you think smartphone usage may decline in the future?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS PDF: Cryptocurrency / Online Currencies

IELTS PDF: Cryptocurrency / Online Currencies

Here is my newest IELTS EBook, featuring the topic of cryptocurrencies and online currencies – which is available only on my Patreon.com/howtodoielts.

The topic for this EBook is:

Online currencies have become more common in recent years.

Why is this?

Is this a positive or negative development?

Sign up for that EBook and more!

IELTS Essay: Roads

IELTS Essay: Roads

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of online transfers of roads from the real IELTS exam.

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IELTS Essay: Roads

As the number of cars increases, more money has to be spent on road systems. Some people think the government should pay for this. Others, however, think that drivers should cover the costs.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some today have argued that the funding for road systems should be the responsibility of governments instead of individuals. In my opinion, although maintaining roads can be considered a public service, private motorists should pay in order to more generally benefit society.

Proponents of governments assuming road costs argue this is a basic service tax-payers expect. In all countries, working adults must pay a certain percentage of their monthly salary to the government. From these contributions, individuals justly feel entitled to a variety of public services ranging from police and fire departments to affordable hospitals and safe infrastructure. Roads are a key component in this contract as most people drive in order to go to work, see friends, and take holidays. The government will itself benefit not only from fulfilling this mandate but also in terms of the financial byproduct of consumers being outside actively contributing to a market economy.

However, forcing drivers to pay these costs will greatly discourage private automobile ownership. This disincentive is crucial today because cities are overcrowded and private vehicles contribute to rising pollution levels. In large cities such as New York City and Tokyo, it is nearly impossible to traverse the city by automobile at peak rush hours. If there were fewer cars on the road, then people could travel more freely on bicycles, on foot, and using public transportation. Additionally, private vehicles are inefficient. Other forms of travel leave relatively small carbon footprints but cars, often carrying only one or two passengers, use more petrol than would normally be required to transport people. Replace cars with more efficient transport options and there would be a marked decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels.

In conclusion, despite the strong argument that tax-payers deserve public infrastructure such as roads, it is more important to discourage individuals from purchasing cars. In the long-term, this will greatly benefit cities and the world as a whole.

Analysis

1. Some today have argued that the funding for road systems should be the responsibility of governments instead of individuals. 2. In my opinion, although maintaining roads can be considered a public service, private motorists should pay in order to more generally benefit society.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Proponents of governments assuming road costs argue this is a basic service tax-payers expect. 2. In all countries, working adults must pay a certain percentage of their monthly salary to the government. 3. From these contributions, individuals justly feel entitled to a variety of public services ranging from police and fire departments to affordable hospitals and safe infrastructure. 4. Roads are a key component in this contract as most people drive in order to go to work, see friends, and take holidays. 5. The government will itself benefit not only from fulfilling this mandate but also in terms of the financial byproduct of consumers being outside actively contributing to a market economy.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. You might add a counterpoint here.

1. However, forcing drivers to pay these costs will greatly discourage private automobile ownership. 2. This disincentive is crucial today because cities are overcrowded and private vehicles contribute to rising pollution levels. 3. In large cities such as New York City and Tokyo, it is nearly impossible to traverse the city by automobile at peak rush hours. 4. If there were fewer cars on the road, then people could travel more freely on bicycles, on foot, and using public transportation. 5. Additionally, private vehicles are inefficient. 6. Other forms of travel leave relatively small carbon footprints but cars, often carrying only one or two passengers, use more petrol than would normally be required to transport people. 7. Replace cars with more efficient transport options and there would be a marked decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
  5. Continue your development.
  6. This paragraph can be longer.
  7. Finish the paragraph strong.

1. In conclusion, despite the strong argument that tax-payers deserve public infrastructure such as roads, it is more important to discourage individuals from purchasing cars. 2. In the long-term, this will greatly benefit cities and the world as a whole.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

Some today have argued that the funding for road systems should be the responsibility of governments instead of individuals. In my opinion, although maintaining roads can be considered a public service, private motorists should pay in order to more generally benefit society.

Proponents of governments assuming road costs argue this is a basic service tax-payers expect. In all countries, working adults must pay a certain percentage of their monthly salary to the government. From these contributions, individuals justly feel entitled to a variety of public services ranging from police and fire departments to affordable hospitals and safe infrastructure. Roads are a key component in this contract as most people drive in order to go to work, see friends, and take holidays. The government will itself benefit not only from fulfilling this mandate but also in terms of the financial byproduct of consumers being outside actively contributing to a market economy.

However, forcing drivers to pay these costs will greatly discourage private automobile ownership. This disincentive is crucial today because cities are overcrowded and private vehicles contribute to rising pollution levels. In large cities such as New York City and Tokyo, it is nearly impossible to traverse the city by automobile at peak rush hours. If there were fewer cars on the road, then people could travel more freely on bicycles, on foot, and using public transportation. Additionally, private vehicles are inefficient. Other forms of travel leave relatively small carbon footprints but cars, often carrying only one or two passengers, use more petrol than would normally be required to transport people. Replace cars with more efficient transport options and there would be a marked decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels.

In conclusion, despite the strong argument that tax-payers deserve public infrastructure such as roads, it is more important to discourage individuals from purchasing cars. In the long-term, this will greatly benefit cities and the world as a whole.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

Some today have argued that many people have made the point that

funding money, resources

road systems streets

responsibility of governments duty of the authorities

maintaining roads keeping streets up

considered a public service for the public good

private motorists people who drive their own vehicles

pay in order to more generally benefit society give money to help everyone out

Proponents of people who support

assuming road costs taking on the expense of streets

basic service tax-payers expect minimum that people who pay taxes want

certain percentage of their monthly salary to the government some amount of their money every month to the state

contributions what they give

feel entitled to a variety of public services ranging from police and fire departments to affordable hospitals and safe infrastructure think they should get things from the government related to health, safety, and roads/buildings

key component crucial part of

contract deal

in order to so that

take holidays go on a trip

benefit not only from fulfilling this mandate good not only to satisfy the deal

in terms of concerning

financial byproduct economic result

consumers being outside actively contributing to a market economy people who buy things adding to the consumer market

forcing drivers to pay these costs making people who drive pay for it

greatly discourage private automobile ownership make people not want to own cars

disincentive does not encourage people to do it

crucial key

overcrowded overpopulated

private vehicles contribute to rising pollution levels cars add to more climate change

In large cities such as in big urban areas like

nearly impossible almost can’t happen

traverse go across

automobile at peak rush hours car when it gets busy

freely when they want

Additionally also

inefficient not a productive way

relatively small carbon footprints comparatively little added to pollution

carrying bringing along

petrol gas

normally be required to usually have to

Replace take the place of

transport options ways of getting around

marked decrease in the consumption of fossil fuels big fall in the use of gas

despite the strong argument that tax-payers deserve regardless of the good point citizens should get

discourage not encourage

In the long-term over time

greatly benefit cities and the world as a whole help urban areas and the whole Earth

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

sʌm təˈdeɪ hæv ˈɑːgjuːd ðæt 
ˈfʌndɪŋ 
rəʊd ˈsɪstɪmz 
rɪsˌpɒnsəˈbɪlɪti ɒv ˈgʌvnmənts 
meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ rəʊdz 
kənˈsɪdəd ə ˈpʌblɪk ˈsɜːvɪs
ˈpraɪvɪt ˈməʊtərɪsts 
peɪ ɪn ˈɔːdə tuː mɔː ˈʤɛnərəli ˈbɛnɪfɪt səˈsaɪəti
prəˈpəʊnənts ɒv 
əˈsjuːmɪŋ rəʊd kɒsts 
ˈbeɪsɪk ˈsɜːvɪs tæks-ˈpeɪəz ɪksˈpɛkt
ˈsɜːtn pəˈsɛntɪʤ ɒv ðeə ˈmʌnθli ˈsæləri tuː ðə ˈgʌvnmənt
ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃənz
fiːl ɪnˈtaɪtld tuː ə vəˈraɪəti ɒv ˈpʌblɪk ˈsɜːvɪsɪz ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm pəˈliːs ænd ˈfaɪə dɪˈpɑːtmənts tuː əˈfɔːdəbl ˈhɒspɪtlz ænd seɪf ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧə
kiː kəmˈpəʊnənt 
ˈkɒntrækt 
ɪn ˈɔːdə tuː 
teɪk ˈhɒlədeɪz
ˈbɛnɪfɪt nɒt ˈəʊnli frɒm fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ ðɪs ˈmændeɪt 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
faɪˈnænʃəl ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkt 
kənˈsjuːməz ˈbiːɪŋ ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ˈæktɪvli kənˈtrɪbju(ː)tɪŋ tuː ə ˈmɑːkɪt i(ː)ˈkɒnəmi
ˈfɔːsɪŋ ˈdraɪvəz tuː peɪ ðiːz kɒsts 
ˈgreɪtli dɪsˈkʌrɪʤ ˈpraɪvɪt ˈɔːtəməʊbiːl ˈəʊnəʃɪp.
ˌdɪsɪnˈsɛntɪv 
ˈkruːʃəl 
ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪd 
ˈpraɪvɪt ˈviːɪklz kənˈtrɪbju(ː)t tuː ˈraɪzɪŋ pəˈluːʃən ˈlɛvlz
ɪn lɑːʤ ˈsɪtiz sʌʧ æz 
ˈnɪəli ɪmˈpɒsəbl 
ˈtrævə(ː)s 
ˈɔːtəməʊbiːl æt piːk rʌʃ ˈaʊəz
ˈfriːli 
əˈdɪʃənli
ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənt
ˈrɛlətɪvli smɔːl ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnts 
ˈkæriɪŋ 
ˈpɛtrəl 
ˈnɔːməli biː rɪˈkwaɪəd tuː 
rɪˈpleɪs 
ˈtrænspɔːt ˈɒpʃənz 
mɑːkt ˈdiːkriːs ɪn ðə kənˈsʌmpʃ(ə)n ɒv ˈfɒsl fjʊəlz
dɪsˈpaɪt ðə strɒŋ ˈɑːgjʊmənt ðæt tæks-ˈpeɪəz dɪˈzɜːv 
dɪsˈkʌrɪʤ 
ɪn ðə ˈlɒŋtɜːm
ˈgreɪtli ˈbɛnɪfɪt ˈsɪtiz ænd ðə wɜːld æz ə həʊl

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

S__________________________________t the f___________g for r______________s should be the r_________________________________s instead of individuals. In my opinion, although m________________s can be c____________________________e, p_____________________s should p__________________________________________y.

P_________________f governments a_______________________s argue this is a b____________________________t. In all countries, working adults must pay a c___________________________________________________________t. From these c______________s, individuals justly f___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________e. Roads are a k__________________t in this c__________t as most people drive i___________o go to work, see friends, and t____________s. The government will itself b_____________________________________________e but also i____________f the f_____________________t of c_____________________________________________________________y.

However, f_________________________________s will g______________________________________p. This d____________e is c_________l today because cities are o______________d and p_______________________________________s. I________________s New York City and Tokyo, it is n_______________e to t__________e the city by a_________________________s. If there were fewer cars on the road, then people could travel more f________y on bicycles, on foot, and using public transportation. A_______________y, private vehicles are i________________t. Other forms of travel leave r__________________________________s but cars, often c________g only one or two passengers, use more p________l than would n________________________o transport people. R__________e cars with more efficient t______________________s and there would be a m______________________________________________s.

In conclusion, d____________________________________________e public infrastructure such as roads, it is more important to d__________________e individuals from purchasing cars. I________________m, this will g_________________________________________________e.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.sixt.com/magazine/travel/best-roads-in-the-world/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Driving

  1. Do you like driving?
  2. Where was the last place you drove?
  3. Where do you like to sit in a car?
  4. Is driving common in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars and riding motorbikes.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?