Task 2 · · 18 samples

Governments should spend money on railways rather than roads. To what extend do you agree or disagree with this statement?

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain how carrying many passengers in one train can reduce emissions per traveller compared with relying on individual cars.
  • Connect reliable rail services with fewer commuter car journeys, reduced congestion and improved urban air quality.
  • Acknowledge that roads provide direct access to rural areas and destinations not served by rail, so prioritising rail does not require neglecting roads.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the funding comparison and state clearly whether you agree.
  2. Develop the environmental argument with a cause-and-effect explanation.
  3. Add a separate argument about rail capacity, connectivity or business travel.
  4. Concede the continuing value of roads and clarify that they still require essential funding.
  5. Conclude by restating the priority and describing a balanced approach.
Useful vocabulary & examples
railway investment
Government spending on rail infrastructure or services.

Railway investment can improve the reliability of services between major towns.

well-connected services
Transport services that link effectively with other routes or places.

Well-connected services can make rail a more practical option for commuters.

road congestion
Heavy traffic that slows movement on roads.

Reliable trains may help reduce road congestion during busy commuting periods.

rural access
The ability of people in countryside communities to reach services and destinations.

Road funding remains important for rural access where railway routes are limited.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

362 words · Illustrative target band

Railways and roads are a convenient mode of transport. There are a lot of projects undertaken by the Government to develop both railways and roads. Railways are a cost-friendly option for traveling long distances in a shorter amount of time and more funds should be provided by the authorities for their development, but they can’t replace the road access needed for many destinations. Railways can be useful for moving…

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AI-completed learning example

364 words · Illustrative target band

Infrastructure development is one of the basic requirements in any developing nation. Some are of the notion that money is to be spent on railways in comparison with roads. I agree that the government should spend more on railways as the longest distance can be travelled with the cheaper cost. Both sides are elaborated below. The relevance of each route still needs to be examined. Railways can be useful for moving m…

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AI-completed learning example

357 words · Illustrative target band

In the modern era, a huge amount of money is dedicated to the construction and renovation of infrastructures, and due to the limited budget, authorities must decide which foundation is more necessary. Some individuals believe that railways are in higher priority instead of roads. I, personally, consider erecting roads more vital than railways, although, allocating resources to useful rail projects also has a place. …

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