IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1110 - Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads
- Details
- Last Updated: Sunday, 16 March 2025 11:16
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 583736
IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer 1: [Agreement]
Governments want to ensure a safe and fast mode of transportation for their citizens and businesses. Thus many express their view that governments should focus on improving railways rather than roads. I concur with the statement and my reasons will be explained in this essay.
First, railways are safe both for citizens and merchants. The number of road accidents and highway casualties in many countries is far higher than that of railway accidents. Thus investing in a safer mode of transportation that is also fast is a much more prudent idea for any government. It is also an efficient mode of transport as rails can carry hundreds of people and several hundred tonnes of goods at a time while road transport is not built for that. For example, some shuttle trains are many times faster than those of private cars and public buses while also can carry a much higher number of passengers at a time. Thus improved railways would save valuable time while offering a safe mode of commuting for more people and businesses.
Moreover, modern rails are more environmentally friendly - and are run by green energy like solar power and electricity - while road vehicles burn fossil fuels and cause harm to the environment. Climate change is a huge concern for every government in the world, and the modern rail transportation system causes far less damage to the environment. Considering environmental benefits, governments should invest in railways rather than roads. For instance, many developing countries in Europe have invested heavily in developing their train system and reduced carbon emissions as a result of this initiative.
In conclusion, I believe that a government - either in a developed or a developing country - should invest in building a safer, faster, greener and more reliable transportation system, and the railway, for this reason, should get an obvious priority.
Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
The allocation of funds for transportation infrastructure is a crucial decision that governments must make to facilitate the movement of people and goods efficiently. Some argue that prioritising investment in railways over roads is the more prudent approach. In this essay, I will present arguments in favour of spending money on railways and demonstrate that this strategy can yield substantial benefits for the nation.
One compelling reason to direct funds towards railways is their potential to reduce traffic congestion and ease the burden on existing road networks. As urban centres grow and populations increase, roads become increasingly congested, leading to traffic delays, increased air pollution, and higher accident rates. By developing and expanding railway systems, governments can offer an alternative mode of transportation, encouraging more people to opt for trains instead of personal vehicles. For example, in Japan, the Shinkansen high-speed rail system has significantly reduced travel times between major cities, resulting in decreased road traffic and improved overall transportation efficiency.
Moreover, investing in railways can enhance sustainability and mitigate environmental impacts. Trains are generally more energy-efficient compared to cars, trucks, and buses, which rely on fossil fuels. By promoting rail travel, governments can lower carbon emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. For instance, in several European countries, governments have invested heavily in modernizing and expanding their railway networks to encourage eco-friendly transportation choices, resulting in decreased carbon footprints and a cleaner environment.
Finally, prioritising developing railways has the potential for spurring economic development and regional connectivity. Efficient and well-connected rail networks facilitate the movement of goods and people between different regions, promoting trade and commerce. This, in turn, attracts investments and creates job opportunities in various sectors. For instance, in China, the extensive development of high-speed rail lines has played a pivotal role in connecting remote regions to major economic hubs, fostering economic growth, and reducing regional disparities.
In conclusion, directing government funds towards railway infrastructure presents numerous significant benefits, including alleviating traffic congestion, reducing environmental impact, and fostering economic development. By investing in railways, governments can create a more sustainable, efficient, and interconnected transportation system that benefits both citizens and the environment.
Model Answer 3: [Disagreement]
The transportation infrastructure is a critical decision that requires a comprehensive analysis. While some favour investing more in railways than roads, I oppose the idea. In this essay, I will present arguments against the exclusive focus on railways and demonstrate that investing in roads is often more important.
One primary reason for advocating investment in roads is their versatility and accessibility. Roads provide a convenient and flexible mode of transportation, allowing direct access to various locations, including remote areas that may not be connected by rail networks. In regions with dispersed populations and limited railway coverage, well-maintained roads ensure that communities have adequate access to essential services, such as healthcare and education. For instance, in rural areas of developing countries, roads are often the lifeline for transporting goods and connecting communities, facilitating economic activities and social interactions.
Furthermore, investing in roads can enhance the transportation of goods and bolster trade and commerce. Roads provide an efficient means of transporting goods over shorter distances, offering businesses greater flexibility and reducing logistics costs. For instance, in many countries, a significant portion of freight transport relies on trucks and other road-based vehicles, making roads crucial for ensuring the smooth movement of goods between industries and markets.
Finally, investing in road infrastructure supports various forms of transportation, including private cars, buses, and motorcycles. This inclusivity ensures that people from all walks of life, including those who cannot easily access railways, have reliable and accessible transportation options. For instance, public buses often play a vital role in providing affordable and convenient transportation for many individuals, particularly in cities with limited or no rail systems.
In conclusion, focusing exclusively on the railway system at the expense of roads would be a shortsighted approach to transportation development. Roads play an equal, and sometimes more, crucial role in providing accessibility, promoting trade, and supporting various forms of transportation.
Sample Answer 4: [Partial Agreement]
Some people believe that the government should invest more in the rail system and build more railroads rather than diverting funds to improve highways and road transportation systems. I partially agree with the statement as I believe that the decision to build railways or roads should be made based on the geography and requirements of the country, and a balance in developing both systems will bring far better results.
To begin with, when a country has extensive rail networks, it will positively affect the logistic costs. The selling price of many goods would be cheaper since a single locomotive will carry tonnes of crops, goods or liquor. However, a government needs to do some feasibility studies about the geological conditions of an area before planning to improve railroads. It is a fact that some areas might not be suitable for railways, as those areas might have swamps or rocky mountains, for example. In such areas, the government should focus on improving road or water transportation. For instance, Borneo in Indonesia is one of the largest islands in the world, but most of the areas are swamps. So it is not suitable for railroads but good for an integrated water and road transportation system.
On top of that, by building integrated subway stations in city areas, and enhancing road transports, the traffic congestion could be avoided. For example, Singapore has an excellent train network - called MRT - as well as efficient road transportation, therefore, people can use both MRT and cars. As a result, Singapore is free from traffic congestion and air pollution.
In conclusion, a government should invest in constructing railroads where applicable, but also improve its road transportation system in order to carry more goods and reduce traffic congestion and pollution. An integrated road and train system can ensure that.
[By - Darwin Lesmana]
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Essay type:
Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree).
Main question of this essay:
Should governments prioritise investment in railways over road infrastructure?
Arguments in favour of investing in railways:
1. Environmental sustainability:
Railway systems are considerably more environmentally friendly compared to road transport, reducing carbon emissions and air pollution significantly. Investing in railways can help tackle global environmental issues such as climate change and urban air pollution. For instance, high-speed trains and electric railways dramatically reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional vehicles on roads.
2. Efficient and economical transportation:
Railways can move large numbers of passengers and heavy freight efficiently and economically, easing traffic congestion on roads. By improving rail services, governments can reduce dependence on cars, decreasing commuting times and boosting productivity. For example, countries like Japan and Germany have extensive rail networks that efficiently move millions daily, significantly reducing road congestion.
3. Reduced environmental impact:
Rail transport is more environmentally friendly than road transport, emitting fewer greenhouse gases per capita. Prioritising rail infrastructure can significantly reduce air pollution and carbon emissions. For example, high-speed trains powered by renewable energy sources can dramatically lower greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Enhanced safety:
Railways generally offer a safer means of transportation compared to roads, reducing accident rates significantly. By encouraging rail travel, governments can reduce traffic accidents and fatalities. For example, countries with extensive railway networks, like Japan, experience lower accident rates than countries heavily dependent on road transportation.
5. Long-term environmental benefits:
Investing in railways promotes sustainable development, helping nations achieve long-term environmental goals. Rail transportation requires less energy per passenger compared to road vehicles, making it a greener option. For example, Scandinavian countries have successfully integrated rail networks to achieve environmental sustainability targets.
Arguments in favour of investing in roads:
1. Flexibility and accessibility:
Road networks provide essential accessibility and convenience, connecting remote or rural areas that are often not reachable by railways. Effective road infrastructure ensures equitable development and accessibility. To illustrate, well-maintained roads significantly enhance mobility for isolated communities.
2. Essential for short-distance transportation:
Roads are crucial for daily commuting, local businesses, and short-distance travel, where railways are less practical. Investments in roads directly benefit the local economy and improve residents' daily life. For instance, road networks facilitate door-to-door delivery services, crucial for small businesses and retailers.
3. Greater flexibility and independence:
Roads provide individuals the freedom and flexibility to travel at their convenience. Unlike railways, roads offer accessibility to virtually all areas, enhancing convenience and autonomy. For example, private vehicles enable residents of rural areas to access services quickly without reliance on public transport schedules.
4. Immediate economic benefits:
Investing in road infrastructure provides immediate economic returns through job creation, stimulation of local businesses, and enhanced trade. Better roads improve logistical efficiency, supporting regional economic growth. For example, new road construction projects stimulate employment and economic activity in local communities.
5. Lower upfront cost and faster development:
Roads can be built and maintained at lower initial costs compared to railway infrastructure, allowing faster implementation of essential transport links. For example, developing countries often prefer roads to quickly improve connectivity, boosting trade and commerce more rapidly than rail investments.
6. Constructing rails is not feasible in all locations:
Railway infrastructure requires significant planning, large spaces, and substantial investments, which makes rail construction impractical in certain geographical areas. For example, building railways in mountainous regions or densely populated urban areas can be prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging.
7. Trains are not effective in small cities:
In smaller towns or rural areas, trains may not attract enough passengers to justify the high costs of maintenance and operations, making roads a more practical transportation solution. For instance, local bus services or personal vehicles can better serve small communities with limited commuter traffic.
As far as safety is concerned, the railway system offers safer communing for both passengers and goods. The number of road accidents and highway casualties is higher than that of railway accidents. Thus investment in a safer way of transportation for goods and passengers could be a much more prudent idea. On the other hand, the price is one of the other key factors in transportation. Moreover, trains can carry hundreds of people and several tonnes of goods at a time while buses, trucks and private cars can carry only a few. Therefore, railway transportation decreases the total cost of transport and could be beneficial for people and governments alike.
Finally, from the environmental point of view, road-based transportations produce more greenhouse gases and cause more air pollutions than railway transportation systems. They are contributing to global warming which threatens our life on earth.
In conclusion, safety, speed, price, and environmental issues are important factors for passenger and goods transportation. As far as these factors are concerned, railway transportation could be considered as the safest, fastest, cheapest, and cleanest form of transportation. So I believe the government would invest more in railways than roads.
Firstly, nowadays, the population has been drastically increasing at such a speed that in many countries governments have faced the issue of overpopulation. On the other hand, various types of public transportation systems like buses, monorails, and subways can’t respond to the needs of residents in overcrowded areas. Thus rich people have to buy their own cars to fulfil their requirements. City-dwellers need more roads rather than railways, hence governments should make plans in order to develop and expand roads. The other problem associated with extending railways is the matter of accessibility. Trains are not accessible from all areas which are hard to reach including the top of the mountains and bottom of valleys. So, how can residents who live in such areas travel to other regions? So, the best approach to solve this problem is building roads instead of railroads.
Although trains are a good transportation system for carrying huge cargoes and even large number of people between certain destinations, they have some serious disadvantages. From the environmental point of view, trains that travel long distances use coal or gasoline as their fuel. Burning these fuels produce lots of greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide which has a negative impact on global warming. Furthermore, railways need a strong foundation, which costs much, in order to withstand the weight of trains and their loads for years. Even a small amount of changes in the vertical or horizontal direction may result in the deflection of trains from their route.
On the other hand, the costs of building roads are insignificant in comparison with railways. Therefore, it would be better for governments to invest their budgets to develop more roads instead of railroads.
To conclude, the governments should assign budgets for building roads rather than railways considering the benefits it can bring.
Report