GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 81
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
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?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Disagreement]
Some believe that raising the price of fuel is the most effective method to solve traffic congestion and pollution issues. I, however, believe that increasing fuel cost is not the answer to the problem as more effective solutions are there to curb traffic jams and environmental pollution.
Theoretically, higher oil prices dissuade people from using private vehicles to save their budget. This means the number of private transports that runs on the roads will decrease and less quantity of greenhouse gases will be released to damage the atmosphere. But in practice, it is a quick-fix solution that will not bring any lasting impacts and can also jeopardize our economy. Moreover, oil cost is not a big deal for those who can afford expensive cars but will add woes to mass people. Since higher oil price makes production cost go higher, prices of essential items will also grow as a result. In consequence, people’s purchasing power will decline and the economy will be negatively affected.
In my opinion, governments can tackle traffic and pollution problems more effectively. First and foremost, the government can improve the public transport system so that citizens can travel comfortably. Secondly, the government should wage an aggressive campaign for an Eco-friendly lifestyle. For example, people can check the goods they buy are packaged in biodegradable packaging which decomposes easily. Last but not least, the government also can encourage corporations to introduce a ‘telecommuting’ and ‘work from home’ culture, which in turn will reduce traffic considerably and will cut greenhouse gas emissions accordingly.
To reiterate, an increase in petrol price is less effective to ameliorate traffic and pollution problems, rather it can hamper economic growth. Improved public transport and public awareness to go eco-friendly can be far better solutions.
Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
In recent times, traffic and pollution have become significant problems in most cities. Some people suggest that the most effective solution to this is to raise the price of petrol. I fully agree with this viewpoint. In addition, there are other measures that can be taken to address the issue.
Firstly, increasing the petrol price would help discourage people from using their vehicles frequently. When the cost of petrol is higher, people would be more cautious about how much they drive and where they go, leading to a decrease in traffic congestion and air pollution. For instance, cities like London, Singapore, and Stockholm have implemented a congestion charge scheme that involves a high cost for using vehicles in congested areas. As a result, there has been a reduction in the number of cars on the roads and a decrease in air pollution.
However, there are some who argue that increasing the price of petrol would affect the economy negatively. For instance, it would increase the cost of transporting goods, leading to higher prices for consumers. In response, governments can provide subsidies for essential goods transport, such as medical supplies or food.
In addition to that, governments should provide incentives for people to use public transportation. This could include reducing fares, increasing the frequency of buses and trains, and providing better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. For example, the city of Amsterdam has a vast network of cycling paths, which encourages people to cycle instead of driving cars. This has reduced traffic congestion and helped improve air quality.
In conclusion, increasing the price of petrol is an effective measure to solve growing traffic and pollution problems. It would encourage people to use their vehicles less frequently and switch to public transportation or other alternatives. Nevertheless, this measure must be coupled with other measures, such as incentives for using public transportation and subsidies for essential goods transport, to ensure that the overall impact on society is positive.