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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: [Opinion: In favour of investing more money in improving existing public transport]
Whether a significant amount of money should be disbursed on constructing new railway lines for fast trains or if it should be spent on improving existing public transport is a highly debatable topic. While some people advocate for the construction of new railway lines, others argue that the money should be spent on improving existing public transport. In this essay, we will examine both perspectives and opine that it is better to invest money in improving a country's existing public transportation system.

Proponents of constructing new railway lines for very fast trains argue that it would provide several benefits. Firstly, it will reduce the travel time between cities, and improve the efficiency of transportation. This will lead to economic benefits as businesses would have greater access to markets. Moreover, it will reduce traffic congestion on busy roads. For instance, countries like China, Spain, and Japan have reaped noteworthy benefits from their fast train networks, and those have reduced their citizen's commute time and traffic jams to a great extent.

On the other hand, those who advocate for improving existing public transport argue that it would be a better use of resources. By improving the existing public transport infrastructure, cities would become more accessible, and this would lead to a reduction in car usage. This, in turn, would reduce traffic congestion and pollution, resulting in a cleaner and healthier environment. Moreover, improving existing public transport would make it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of people, providing greater equity in transportation.

In my opinion, while building new fast rail lines may be important for various reasons, improving existing public transport is far more essential and should be a priority. This is because improving existing public transport would make it more accessible and affordable to everyone. It will also decrease pollution and traffic congestion on the one hand and reduce carbon emissions on the other hand.

In conclusion, there are advantages to both constructing new railway lines for fast trains and improving existing public transport. However, improving existing public transport can bring more benefits and seems like a more prudent idea for most countries.

Sample Answer 2: [Opinion: Both should be prioritised]
People, in some countries, advocate for having a fast and extensive rail transportation system while others think that improving the existing road transport is far more important and deserves a bigger chunk of the budget. This essay discusses both views. Personally, I am in favour of developing and enhancing both.

On the one hand, people in favour of having a speedy and reliable train communication system say that trains can carry a large number of passengers and a huge volume of goods at a time, and can remarkably reduce traffic congestion. Rail communication is safer and faster, and can connect cities and towns that build better links than the conventional road transport system. Furthermore, locomotives are already popular in many countries and have greatly improved the communication sector. Due to such advantages, people often opine that more money should be allocated for constructing new fast train lines. For instance, the train systems in China and Russia both have a groundbreaking contribution to improving their overall communication systems, and many other countries have started adopting this model.

On the other hand, others think that public transport plays an essential role in interconnecting the different parts of the cities and most people use this system to travel to different places. Though trains can improve the city transport facilities, it is not an alternative to the existing road transport. That is why the national budget should be utilised for improving public transport for the sake of better communication for mass people. For instance, the train line in the UK has always contributed to a great extent to the overall transport system in the country. Nevertheless, public transport has always been the main commuting mode for UK citizens.

In my opinion, the authority should focus on enhancing and improving the existing public transport system while also developing a fast and vast network of trains so that the different parts of the country become connected. It would be useful to reduce the commute time for passengers while also contributing to national economic growth.

To conclude, if the national budget is fairly distributed for the improvement of the fast and new rail system as well as public transport for the overall expansion and improvement of the transportation system in a country, it will bring more favourable results for the country.

Model Answer 3: [Opinion: it is crucial to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines.]
Some people argue that investing in high-speed rail infrastructure is essential to enhance transportation efficiency and promote economic growth, while others believe that improving the existing public transport system is a more cost-effective and practical approach. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that substantial investments in new high-speed rail networks are necessary for the long-term progress and sustainability of urban transportation.

On the one hand, those who believe in investing and improving existing public transport opine that while constructing new high-speed rail lines offers benefits, improving the existing public transport system should get more priority. This is because investing in the current infrastructure can lead to a more comprehensive and inclusive public transportation network that serves a wider population. In London, for example, the extensive underground network has undergone continuous upgrades and expansions over the years. This investment in existing public transport has resulted in increased accessibility for commuters and a reduction in road congestion, leading to a greener and more sustainable city.

On the other hand, those who support investing in new railway lines for fast trains say that it significantly reduces travel time between cities, making it an attractive and time-saving option for commuters. This increased efficiency not only enhances connectivity but also stimulates business activities and encourages regional development. For example, the Shinkansen bullet trains in Japan have revolutionized travel between major cities, reducing travel times significantly and boosting economic activities in the regions they serve. This has led to increased tourism, business opportunities, and improved overall transportation systems.

In my opinion, prioritizing the construction of new high-speed rail lines is crucial for the future of urban transportation. These new networks can bring about transformative changes, such as faster travel times, increased connectivity, and regional development, which would not be possible with incremental improvements to the existing public transport system alone. 

In conclusion, nations should prioritise developing fast trains and enhancing connectivities between cities and towns as it will enhance connectivity, and facilitate business activities and regional developments.

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