IELTS Band 9 Essay About Public transport should be funded by the government so that it can be free
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Public transport should be funded by the government so that it can be free for people who use it”. 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 Answer (Band 9)
Public transport should be funded by the government so that it can be free for people who use it.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The provision of public transportation as a government-funded service, ensuring it remains free for users, is a subject of ongoing debate. While some argue that making public transit complimentary would be an excessive financial burden, I strongly support this initiative due to its potential economic, environmental, and social advantages.
Firstly, subsidizing public transport can significantly alleviate urban congestion. In major cities, heavy reliance on private vehicles contributes to traffic gridlock, leading to reduced productivity and increased stress levels. If public transport were made universally free, more individuals would be incentivized to commute via buses and trains rather than personal cars, thereby mitigating road congestion and improving overall efficiency. This shift would also have profound environmental benefits, as lower traffic volumes equate to diminished carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
Secondly, state-sponsored public transport would enhance social equity. Many individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds struggle with the cost of daily commuting, which can limit their access to employment and education. By eliminating transport fees, governments can foster greater inclusivity, ensuring that financial constraints do not impede one’s ability to participate in society. This policy would be particularly beneficial for low-income workers and students, who often depend on affordable transit options.
Critics may contend that financing such a scheme would necessitate a substantial increase in taxation, placing a strain on the economy. However, the long-term economic benefits outweigh the initial costs. Free public transport can stimulate economic growth by facilitating workforce mobility, reducing absenteeism, and supporting local businesses reliant on commuter traffic. Furthermore, governments could implement progressive taxation strategies, wherein higher earners contribute more, to ensure a sustainable funding model.
In conclusion, the advantages of free, government-funded public transportation far surpass the potential drawbacks. By reducing congestion, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing social equity, such a policy would yield long-term benefits for both individuals and society at large. Consequently, I firmly believe that governments should allocate financial resources to make public transport accessible to all at no cost.
5 Academic Words in the sample for Public transport should be funded by the government so that it can be free for people who use it
Subsidizing /ˈsʌbsɪdaɪzɪŋ/
Example: Many governments are subsidizing renewable energy to encourage sustainable development.Mitigating /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/
Example: Effective traffic management policies play a crucial role in mitigating urban congestion.Disadvantaged /ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪdʒd/
Example: Educational programs should prioritize students from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure equal opportunities.Progressive taxation /prəˈɡrɛsɪv tækˈseɪʃən/
Example: A progressive taxation system ensures that those with higher incomes contribute proportionally more to public services.State-sponsored /steɪt ˈspɒnsərd/
Example: State-sponsored healthcare has significantly improved life expectancy in many countries.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay
Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
Example: “If public transport were made universally free, more individuals would be incentivized to commute via buses and trains rather than personal cars, thereby mitigating road congestion and improving overall efficiency.”
This structure enhances coherence by linking multiple ideas logically and improving sentence variety.Passive Voice for Formal Tone
Example: “Public transport can be subsidized to alleviate urban congestion.”
Using passive voice makes the writing more formal and impersonal, which is suitable for academic writing.Nominalization for Academic Style
Example: “The provision of public transportation as a government-funded service…”
Turning verbs into nouns (e.g., ‘provide’ → ‘provision’) increases formality and conciseness.Conditional Sentences for Hypothetical Situations
Example: “Critics may contend that financing such a scheme would necessitate a substantial increase in taxation.”
Using conditionals strengthens arguments by discussing potential consequences logically.Parallel Structure for Clarity and Flow
Example: “By reducing congestion, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing social equity, such a policy would yield long-term benefits…”
Parallelism improves readability and emphasizes key points effectively.
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