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

318 words · Illustrative target band

For development and prosperity of a country a well organised infrastructure is highly essential. For that reason, there should be more investment on rail tracts, instead of construction of more roads by higher authorities, it has become an elusive topic of debate among people. I align with the fact that allocating funds for railway construction should be a priority, although this does not mean that road networks can …

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AI-completed learning example

368 words · Illustrative target band

In our contemporary society, the question of whether the government should allocate financial support to the improvement or construction of railways rather than roads has raised numerous debates among individuals and caused a division of communities into two perspectives. Some individuals believe that it would be undeniably beneficial if authorities spent money on railways while others favour roads. I support rail pr…

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AI-completed learning example

361 words · Illustrative target band

It is argued that the government should invest in railways instead of roads. Although some people could think that roadways are essential, I completely agree with this point of view, because rail lines are more environmentally friendly and they could prevent traffic congestion. Funding railways could develop green travel. Primarily, investing in underground or tram services can give travellers a shared alternative. …

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