Academic Task 2 · Opinion / agree or disagree
Free public transport
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. Suggested practice level: advanced, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
Some people think public transport should be free in cities to reduce congestion and pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
How to approach this question
State how far you agree, then develop reasons that support the same position throughout.
Opinion essays: choose a position and develop your reasons →
Cities essays: test transport proposals, land-use choices and noise responses →
Supporting view: removing fares may encourage some drivers to try buses or trains, especially where services are reliable.
Counterargument: price is not the only barrier. A free bus that rarely runs may not replace car journeys; consider the trade-off between subsidies and service quality.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: state how far you agree and keep that position consistent.
- Body 1: develop your strongest reason with an explanation and a specific example.
- Body 2: develop another reason, or evaluate a counterargument without losing your position.
- Conclusion: answer the question again using the reasoning you have developed.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- fare revenue
- Money collected from passengers' tickets.
The city would need another source of funding to replace fare revenue.
- service frequency
- How often buses or trains arrive.
Improving service frequency could make public transport more convenient.
Ready to write your own answer?
The workspace opens with this question selected, not the sample answer. Plan, write and review your own response. Public AI assessments are currently paused; the writing and study tools remain available.
Start this writing task →