One way to solve the problem of congestion is to increase tax on

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آوریل 8, 2025
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IELTS Band 9 Essay About One way to solve the problem of congestion is to increase tax on

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “One way to solve the problem of congestion is to increase tax on”. 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 March 2025.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

One way to solve the problem of congestion is to increase tax on private vehicles.

Do the advantages of this solution outweigh its disadvantages?

One proposed solution to the growing problem of congestion in urban areas is to increase taxes on private vehicles. This approach aims to reduce the number of cars on the road, thereby alleviating traffic jams and air pollution. While there are clear benefits to this strategy, there are also some notable disadvantages that need to be considered. This essay will discuss both sides of the argument before concluding whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

On the one hand, increasing the tax on private vehicles could have significant environmental benefits. By making driving more expensive, individuals may be encouraged to use public transport or alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling or walking. This shift would reduce the overall number of cars on the roads, which would, in turn, lead to less emission of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, thereby improving air quality. Moreover, fewer cars on the road would result in less congestion, reducing the time spent in traffic and contributing to a more efficient transportation system.

However, there are some drawbacks to this solution. One of the main concerns is that increasing taxes on private vehicles may disproportionately affect lower-income individuals. Those who rely on their cars for commuting or other essential activities may struggle to afford the increased costs, which could lead to social inequality. Additionally, some people may simply choose to absorb the extra costs, which would not necessarily result in a decrease in car usage. In such cases, the intended environmental benefits might not be fully realized.

Another disadvantage is that the increase in taxes could have a negative impact on the economy. Private vehicles are an essential part of the transportation infrastructure, and any reduction in their usage could affect industries such as the automobile sector, public transportation, and delivery services. These industries provide jobs and contribute to economic growth, so a decrease in demand could result in job losses and a reduction in overall productivity.

In conclusion, while increasing taxes on private vehicles could have substantial environmental and congestion-related benefits, the potential drawbacks, such as social inequality and negative economic impacts, should not be ignored. In my opinion, the disadvantages do not outweigh the advantages, but the solution should be implemented alongside other measures, such as improving public transportation and offering subsidies for environmentally friendly vehicles, to mitigate the negative effects.

Academic Vocabulary in sample for One way to solve the problem of congestion is to increase tax on

Congestion (/kənˈdʒɛstʃən/)
- Sentence: Traffic congestion is a serious issue in many large cities around the world.
Air pollution (/ɛər pəˈluːʃən/)
- Sentence: Reducing the number of private vehicles on the road can help combat air pollution and improve public health.
Environmental (/ɪnˌvaɪərənˈmɛntəl/)
- Sentence: The environmental impact of cars cannot be ignored in the fight against climate change.
Emission (/ɪˈmɪʃən/)
- Sentence: Cars emit harmful emissions that contribute to global warming and health problems.
Drawbacks (/ˈdrɔːbæks/)
- Sentence: One of the drawbacks of higher vehicle taxes is that it may disproportionately affect those with lower incomes.

Grammar Structures Used

Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses:
- “This approach aims to reduce the number of cars on the road, thereby alleviating traffic jams and air pollution.”
- Using complex sentences adds depth and sophistication to the argument. The use of a subordinate clause (“thereby alleviating…”) provides additional information, linking the cause and effect.
Modal Verbs for Opinion:
- “In my opinion, the disadvantages do not outweigh the advantages.”
- The use of “do not” with a modal verb (“do”) gives a firm opinion while maintaining a polite and balanced tone.
Contrast Structures with Linking Words (e.g., “However”):
- “However, there are some drawbacks to this solution.”
- Linking words like “however” signal a shift in the argument, allowing the writer to introduce a counterpoint effectively.
Conditional Sentences:
- “If the tax on private vehicles is increased, people may be encouraged to use public transport.”
- Conditional sentences allow the writer to hypothesize about the possible outcomes of the proposed solution, making the argument more comprehensive and nuanced.
Passive Voice:
- “By making driving more expensive, individuals may be encouraged to use public transport.”
- The passive voice is used here to focus on the action (“encouraged”) rather than the subject performing it, which can make the sentence sound more formal and academic.

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