In Some Countries, The Government Has Tried to Reduce Traffic- IELTS Writing Task 2

In some countries, the government has tried to reduce traffic. For instance, they imposed a congestion tax during rush hour. Do you think this development is positive or negative?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion type

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 -During peak hours, traffic congestion on the roads is an inescapable occurrence and governments in certain countries have consequently imposed a tax for plying on the roads when it comes to such a time. Some opine that this development is a favourable one, while others disagree and argue that it is a detrimental occurrence.

Sentence 3 – I think that such a development could have adverse implications and in the following essay, I will explore both the sides of this issue.

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Imposing additional taxes can overwhelm the public financially.

Paragraph 2 – It may not be effective in the long-term and may not actually reduce traffic congestion.

Paragraph 3 – The money collected by the government through the tax can be used for additional public welfare and may also reduce pollution by encouraging people to use public transport and other eco-friendly means of transport.

Conclusion

Thus, in conclusion it can be said that while government enforced congestion tariffs may not be advantageous, it also has a few benefits which cannot be ignored.

Sample Essay

During peak hours, traffic congestion on the roads is an inescapable occurrence and governments in certain countries have consequently imposed a tax for plying on the roads when it comes such a time. Some opine that this development is a favourable one, while others disagree and argue that it is a detrimental occurrence. I think that such a development could have adverse implications and in the following essay, I will explore both sides of this issue.

Firstly, the implementation of taxation on road users can economically agonize them. Since people already pay a number of taxes to the government, levying an additional tax specifically during peak hours may act as a financial encumbrance and overwhelm them. Additionally, numerous people are impelled to commute to work during rush hours and penalizing them would be an unfair decision on the part of governmental authorities.

Secondly, this policy may not be sustainable in the long-term and may not actually solve the problems caused by a profusion of traffic. Investing in building a better public transport system, such as an extensive rail network or ferries, may help reduce the overcrowding of roads rather than imposing taxes.

However, on the opposing side of the argument, it can be said that the financial resources obtained through congestion charges can allow the government to use them for enacting public welfare schemes. Imposing a tax for cars creating a bottleneck during peak hours can also encourage people to use more environmentally friendly means of transport or make use of public transport, reducing pollution levels.

Thus, in conclusion, it can be said that while government-enforced congestion tariffs may not be advantageous, it also has a few benefits which cannot be ignored.

Vocabulary

• Inescapable

Meaning – Unavoidable
Example – This summer, the unbearable heat and humidity was inescapable every time you left the house.

• Detrimental

Meaning – Adverse or unfavourable
Example – Consumption of tobacco products has a detrimental impact upon health.

• Agonize

Meaning – Worry or fret
Example – She agonized over her decision to move to a different city.

• Levy

Meaning – Impose
Example – The government levied a tax on all imported products brought into the country.

• Encumbrance

Meaning – Burden
Example – She felt she was being an encumbrance to her hosts, although they said they were happy to have her stay with them.

• Impel

Meaning – Compel or force
Example – Many essential workers were impelled to keep working physically even during the lockdown.

• Commute

Meaning – Travel
Example – I used to commute to college by metro on a regular basis.

• Penalise

Meaning – Punish
Example – The teacher penalised them for chewing gum during lessons.

• Enact

Meaning – Execute or put in force
Example – The law was finally enacted this week after much anticipation.

• Tariff

Meaning – Charge or fee
Example – The money from the tariff charged by the government is used for maintaining the local parks.