Task 2 · · 18 samples

Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? What other measures do you think might be effective?

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Plan your answer

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Ideas to explore

  • A fuel-price rise may discourage optional car journeys, but it can affect people with limited transport choices more heavily.
  • Frequent, affordable and reliable public transport gives commuters a practical alternative to driving.
  • Combine congestion measures, such as peak-time charges, with investments in cleaner vehicles and safe walking or cycling routes.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the problem and state clearly whether higher petrol prices are the best solution.
  2. Explain one benefit and one limitation of increasing fuel prices.
  3. Develop public transport as a main alternative, linking service improvements to reduced car use.
  4. Add one or two complementary measures for congestion and pollution.
  5. Conclude by comparing a price increase alone with a combined approach.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a practical alternative to driving
A realistic option that people can use instead of travelling by car.

Frequent buses would give commuters a practical alternative to driving.

peak-time charges
Fees applied to vehicles travelling in busy areas during the most congested hours.

Peak-time charges could reduce the number of cars entering the city centre.

emissions standards
Official limits on the pollutants that vehicles or other sources may release.

Stricter emissions standards can help reduce pollution from vehicles.

place a heavier burden on
To make a cost or difficulty affect a particular group more severely.

A large fuel-price increase could place a heavier burden on lower-income drivers.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

366 words · Illustrative target band

The proposition of increasing petrol prices has frequently been put forward as a viable strategy for mitigating the issues of traffic congestion and environmental degradation. Although this approach presents certain advantages, it is accompanied by substantial drawbacks. Advocates argue that elevated fuel prices could deter superfluous vehicle usage, consequently resulting in a reduction in the number of optional car…

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AI-completed learning example

365 words · Illustrative target band

Raising the price of petrol is frequently proposed as a strategy to alleviate the escalating issues of traffic congestion and environmental pollution. While this approach has potential merits, it also presents certain drawbacks. On the positive side, increased fuel costs may dissuade individuals from engaging in unnecessary car travel, thereby leading to diminished traffic volume where alternatives are available. A …

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AI-completed learning example

373 words · Illustrative target band

It is undeniable that pollution-related issues and traffic congestion are on the rise. There is a proposal to increase petrol prices as a potential policy to alleviate these problems. However, I strongly believe that raising petrol prices is not the best solution when there are many viable alternatives. While the excessive use of fuel can contribute to pollution, a price change does not provide an alternative journey…

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