IELTS General Writing Task 2 — Model Answer Band 8
In the modern world, car ownership is regarded as a right. However, some argue that governments should try to reduce the number of cars on the road by improving public transport, as the growing number of cars on the road causes traffic congestion and pollution. Discuss.
A Discussion and Opinion Essay
with a Direct Approach Introduction
Unquestionably there are many more cars on the roads now than there were even ten yeas ago but whether there are too many, and they are ruining our urban areas, is a matter of some dispute.
The main arguments against this point of view are as follows. Firstly, we cannot claim that there are too many cars in a given place if the majority of people there feel that the numbers are acceptable. Secondly, it is wrong to deprive people of the right to drive their own cars. Public transport is often so poor that it is not a realistic option. Only private cars can enable people to go about their daily lives efficiently and comfortably, for example, commuting to work and going shopping. Thirdly, in most urban areas, even the most congested ones, it is still possible to drive around fairly easily. Buses and bicycles often have special lanes so all forms of transport can co-exist happily together.
However, I feel strongly that there are too many cars in our towns and cities. Roads are becoming more dangerous, with many more serious rode accidents occurring, affecting everyone, including those in cars. Pedestrians and cyclist have less and less space and freedom to move safely. Another point to consider is that large numbers of cars are causing severe pollution, making the air of our cities unpleasant; at times, almost unbreathable. There has been a sharp rise in the number of people suffering from respiratory diseases, and old and valued buildings are being destroyed by chemicals from cars exhausts.
Thus, although many people fiercely defend the right of choice to drive cars in cities, I believe that steps should be taken to reduce their number before they end up taking over and ruining our urban environments.
