Nowadays many people are now spending more and more time

IELTS Band 9 Essay About Nowadays, many people are now spending more and more time travelling to work or school

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Nowadays, many people are now spending more and more time travelling to work or school. Some people believe that this is a negative development while others think there are some benefits. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

Nowadays, many people are now spending more and more time travelling to work or school. Some people believe that this is a negative development while others think there are some benefits.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The increasing amount of time people spend commuting to work or school has sparked a significant debate. While some argue that this trend has detrimental effects on individuals and society, others believe it offers certain advantages. Both perspectives have valid points, and the impact of commuting largely depends on how individuals and societies manage this time.

On the one hand, those who view long commutes as a negative development highlight the adverse effects on physical and mental health. Prolonged travel can lead to fatigue, stress, and a lack of work-life balance. For instance, studies have shown that individuals who spend more than an hour commuting daily are more likely to experience burnout and reduced productivity. Additionally, long commutes contribute to environmental degradation due to increased vehicle emissions, exacerbating issues like air pollution and climate change. Critics also argue that time spent traveling could be better utilized for leisure, family, or personal development, which are essential for overall well-being.

On the other hand, proponents of commuting argue that it can provide opportunities for personal growth and relaxation. For example, many people use their travel time to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music, which can be both educational and enjoyable. Public transportation, in particular, offers a chance to read, work, or even socialize with fellow commuters. Furthermore, commuting can create a clear separation between work and home life, allowing individuals to mentally prepare for the day ahead or unwind after work. In some cases, living farther from urban centers can also mean access to more affordable housing and a better quality of life.

In my opinion, while commuting has its benefits, the drawbacks often outweigh them. Governments and employers should take proactive measures to reduce commute times, such as promoting remote work, improving public transportation, and developing sustainable urban planning strategies. By addressing these issues, societies can mitigate the negative impacts of commuting while harnessing its potential benefits.

Academic Vocabulary Words in the sample for the Nowadays, many people are now spending more and more time travelling to work or school

Detrimental (/ˌdɛt.rɪˈmɛn.təl/)
- Sentence: Prolonged screen time can have a detrimental effect on children’s eyesight.
Degradation (/ˌdɛɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/)
- Sentence: Environmental degradation is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.
Opportunities (/ˌɒp.əˈtjuː.nɪ.tiz/)
- Sentence: Online learning platforms provide opportunities for people to acquire new skills.
Proactive (/proʊˈæk.tɪv/)
- Sentence: Being proactive in addressing climate change can prevent future crises.
Sustainable (/səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/)
- Sentence: Sustainable farming practices are essential for preserving natural resources.

Advanced Grammar Structures

Conditional Sentences (Second Conditional):
- Example: “If governments invested more in public transportation, commute times would decrease significantly.”
- Explanation: This structure demonstrates hypothetical situations and their potential outcomes, showcasing advanced grammatical range.
Passive Voice:
- Example: “Time spent commuting could be better utilized for personal development.”
- Explanation: The passive voice shifts focus to the action, adding a formal tone to the argument.
Relative Clauses:
- Example: “Public transportation, which is often underutilized, can reduce traffic congestion.”
- Explanation: Relative clauses provide additional information without creating separate sentences, enhancing coherence.
Cleft Sentences:
- Example: “It is the environmental impact of commuting that concerns many policymakers.”
- Explanation: Cleft sentences emphasize specific elements, making arguments more persuasive.
Comparative Structures:
- Example: “Living in urban areas is often more expensive compared to suburban or rural areas.”
- Explanation: Comparative structures highlight contrasts and comparisons, adding depth to the analysis.

These advanced grammatical structures contribute to a higher band score by demonstrating linguistic flexibility, precision, and complexity. They allow the writer to present nuanced arguments and maintain a formal, academic tone throughout the essay.

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