IELTS Band 9 Essay Some people say that the most important requirement of a modern city is an effective public transport system
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Some people say that the most important requirement of a modern city is an effective public transport system”. 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)
Some people say that the most important requirement of a modern city is an effective public transport system, while others believe that there are other important requirements for a city.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
A well-functioning public transport system is often regarded as the backbone of a modern metropolis, ensuring seamless connectivity and reducing congestion. However, some argue that other elements, such as sustainable urban planning, affordable housing, and technological infrastructure, are equally vital. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own view.
On the one hand, an efficient transport network significantly enhances urban life. A comprehensive system, including buses, subways, and trams, minimizes traffic bottlenecks and reduces reliance on private vehicles, thereby curbing air pollution. Additionally, accessible and affordable transport allows people to commute easily, fostering economic productivity. For instance, cities such as Tokyo and London have invested heavily in their public transit, resulting in improved efficiency and economic growth. Thus, prioritizing mass transit systems is a logical step in urban development.
On the other hand, cities require more than just transportation to thrive. Urban sustainability, which encompasses green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and waste management strategies, is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life. Moreover, technological infrastructure, such as smart grids and digital connectivity, fosters innovation and economic expansion. For example, Singapore’s integration of smart city technologies has not only improved transport efficiency but also enhanced public services, demonstrating that transport alone is insufficient.
In my opinion, while an effective transport system is undeniably crucial, it should not overshadow other essential urban needs. A truly livable city must adopt a holistic approach, addressing housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation. Therefore, urban planners should strive for a balanced development strategy, ensuring that public transport functions in tandem with other critical elements of city life.
5 Academic Words in the sample for Some people say that the most important requirement of a modern city is an effective public transport system
Efficient /ɪˈfɪʃ(ə)nt/
- Meaning: Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.
- Example: The new subway system is highly efficient, allowing passengers to travel across the city in record time.
Congestion /kənˈdʒɛstʃ(ə)n/
- Meaning: Overcrowding, often causing delay or difficulty in movement.
- Example: Traffic congestion in major cities has worsened due to increased vehicle ownership.
Infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/
- Meaning: The fundamental physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
- Example: Investment in infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, is essential for economic development.
Comprehensive /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/
- Meaning: Covering all or nearly all aspects of something.
- Example: The government proposed a comprehensive plan to modernize public transportation.
Holistic /həʊˈlɪstɪk/
- Meaning: Considering all aspects rather than just individual parts.
- Example: A holistic approach to urban development includes transportation, housing, and environmental policies.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay
Complex Sentences with Relative Clauses
- Example: “Urban sustainability, which encompasses green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and waste management strategies, is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life.“
- How it helps: Adds depth to ideas by providing additional information without breaking sentence flow.
Passive Voice for Formality
- Example: “A truly livable city must be designed with a holistic approach.“
- How it helps: Enhances academic tone and makes the argument sound more objective.
Cohesive Devices for Logical Flow
- Example: “On the one hand,… On the other hand,…“
- How it helps: Creates clear contrast between arguments, improving coherence and cohesion.
Conditional Sentences for Hypothetical Situations
- Example: “If urban planners focus solely on transport, other crucial aspects of city life may suffer.“
- How it helps: Demonstrates a high level of grammatical control by presenting cause-and-effect relationships.
Use of Parallelism for Emphasis
- Example: “A city must address housing affordability, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation.“
- How it helps: Makes the argument more persuasive by presenting ideas in a rhythmically balanced manner.
Free IELTS Sample Essays with Answers PDF
Here you can download over a 1000 sample essays in pdf written by former ielts examiners: PDF 1 / PDF 2 / PDF 3 / PDF 4 / PDF 5
Last But Not Least!
We suggest a useful IELTS website in English for more valuable IELTS sample essays on a range of topics. Our final suggestion is our writing free correction Telegram channel where you can send your own sample for evaluation and correction by an experience IELTS tutor with over a decade of practical experience in this matter.
