You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer

In many countries, people have dividing opinion on how governments should spend budgets on the transport sector. Many believe that governments ought to allocate a substantial amount of money to build new rail lines for high-speed trains between cities, yet others support improving the existing public transport system. In my opinion, governments should put equal emphasis on both projects as both of them are fairly vital for the development of a country’s economy and the living standard of people.

The rationale for spending more budget on faster railway infrastructure is that people can travel easily between cities and towns which creates some ripple effects. Firstly, when a country has extensive fast railway networks, it will reduce logistic costs and consequently reduce the price of many products. Secondly, the number of tourists will increase as they can travel the country in a matter of hours, thereby boosting the tourism industry. Last but not least, the economic gaps between cities will also be reduced as many manufacturers may open their factories in remote cities so as to utilize cheap land and labour wage. Thus, spending huge money in express railways is a wise investment for any government.

Similarly, investing in developing the existing public transport system is of paramount importance. Many pressing issues could be curbed with the governments’ generous budget in the mass transportation system. For instance, traffic congestion will be reduced, resulting in commuters spend less time and cost for traversing. Moreover, it will encourage people to avoid private vehicles as public transportation facilities will become more convenient and cheaper. Consequently, it will gradually reduce the number of private cars on the roads and carbon emissions as well.

In fine, I believe that governments’ investment in fast railway systems and better public transportation facilities are both noteworthy to the development of the nations. The development will be incomplete without one another.

Phân tích từ vựng

Allocate (v): chỉ định

High-speed (adj): cao tốc

Rationale (n): nhân tố cơ bản

Ripple effects (n): hiệu ứng gợn sóng

Last but not least: cuối cùng nhưng không kém phần quan trọng

Paramount (adj): tối cao/hết sức

Emissions (n): khí thải