31. Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve the growing traffic and pollution problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?

What other measures do you think might be effective?

Sample Answer 1

Band 8.5

Addressing the global issues of traffic congestion and pollution is undoubtedly crucial. While restricting car usage may have some benefits, it is not necessarily the optimal solution.

Governments can adopt a multifaceted approach to tackle these challenges effectively. Firstly, a strategic investment in public transportation infrastructure, coupled with efforts to enhance its accessibility and convenience, would encourage more people to shift from private cars to public modes of transport. This would not only alleviate traffic congestion but also contribute to reducing pollution.

Another viable option involves implementing restrictions on car usage in specific zones, such as city centers or areas with high traffic density. This targeted approach can help in managing congestion where it matters most, without imposing a blanket ban on all car users.

The imposition of parking fees is an additional measure that could motivate individuals to explore alternative transportation methods. However, it is crucial to consider the potential side effects, such as increased prices for goods. This may disproportionately affect individuals in hilly areas heavily reliant on road transportation. Fluctuations in gasoline prices can lead to inflation, impacting the cost of essential goods like bread. Therefore, a balanced and nuanced approach is essential.

For long-term solutions, focusing on improving public transportation and investing in alternative fuels emerges as a more sustainable strategy. By making public transportation more accessible and affordable, governments can incentivize its use while simultaneously contributing to economic growth. Prohibiting car usage within city limits can further encourage the adoption of eco-friendly modes of transport, aligning with a more comprehensive and forward-looking approach to addressing traffic congestion and pollution.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Undoubtedly (adverb): Without doubt; certainly. 

Example: Addressing traffic congestion and pollution is undoubtedly crucial.

Multifaceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.

 Example: A multifaceted approach is needed to tackle these challenges.

Infrastructure (noun): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or an enterprise. 

Example: Investment in public transportation infrastructure is key.

Accessibility (noun): The state of being able to be easily obtained or used by someone. 

Example: Enhancing public transport accessibility encourages its use.

Viable (adjective): Practically workable; feasible. 

Example: Implementing restrictions in specific zones is a viable option.

Targeted (adjective): Directed specifically at a particular problem or group of people. 

Example: This approach involves targeted restrictions on car usage.

Blanket (adjective): Covering or affecting everything, often without careful consideration or discrimination. 

Example: A blanket ban wouldn't work for all car users.

Nuanced (adjective): Showing subtle differences or shades of meaning; carefully judged.

Example: A nuanced approach is needed for parking fees.

Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain level or rate. 

Example: Investing in alternative fuels is a sustainable strategy.

Incentivize (verb): Encourage someone to do something by offering them something they want. Example: Making public transport affordable incentivizes its use.

Comprehensive (adjective): Including everything that is important or relevant. 

Example: A comprehensive approach addresses all aspects of the problem.

Forward-looking (adjective): Considering or planning for the future. 

Example: This approach is forward-looking and eco-friendly.

31. Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve the growing traffic and pollution problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?

What other measures do you think might be effective?

Sample Answer 2

Band 8.5

Traffic congestion and pollution have become indisputable problems in contemporary society. Some contend that increasing the price of fuel is the most effective solution, but I partially disagree. Although increasing the price of fuel may have some effect, there are other measures that may be just as or even more effective.
  On the one hand, increasing the price of fuel can discourage excessive use of private vehicles, thereby reducing traffic and pollution levels. People may contemplate alternative modes of transportation, such as public transit, cycling, or carpooling, if fuel prices rise. Moreover, the additional revenue generated by higher gasoline prices could be used to improve public transportation infrastructure, thereby encouraging individuals to rely less on private vehicles.

However, increasing gasoline prices alone is not a sufficient solution. First, it could have a disproportionate impact on low-income commuters who rely significantly on private vehicles. This has the potential to exacerbate social inequality. Second, it is essential to consider the accessibility and dependability of alternate modes of transportation. Investing in public transportation systems, enlarging bicycle lanes, and enhancing pedestrian infrastructure should be essential components of any solution. In addition, instituting policies that encourage remote work or flexible working hours could reduce peak-hour traffic volume.

Increasing the price of fuel may have some positive effects on traffic and air pollution, but it should not be the only solution. A comprehensive strategy that invests in alternative modes of transport and promotes flexible work arrangements would be more effective in addressing these issues.

Difficult Words/Phrases with Example Sentences:

Indisputable (adjective): Impossible to argue against or deny. 

Example: Traffic congestion and pollution are indisputable problems.

Contend (verb): To argue or maintain that something is true. 

Example: Some contend that fuel price hikes are the best solution.

Partially disagree: Somewhat disagree, while acknowledging possible benefits. 

Example: I partially disagree with increasing fuel prices as the sole solution.

Discourage (verb): To make someone less likely to do something. 

Example: Higher fuel prices can discourage excessive car use.

Contemplate (verb): To think carefully about something. 

Example: People might contemplate alternative transport options.

Exacerbate (verb): To make something worse. 

Example: Higher prices could exacerbate social inequality.

Accessibility (noun): The state of being able to be easily obtained or used. 

Example: Public transport needs good accessibility to be viable.

Dependability (noun): The quality of being reliable and able to be trusted. 

Example: Reliable public transport is key to influencing travel choices.

Component (noun): A part of something larger. 

Example: Investing in bike lanes is a crucial component of the solution.

Instituting (verb): To introduce or establish something officially. 

Example: Remote work policies can be instituted to reduce traffic.

Comprehensive (adjective): Including everything that is important or relevant. 

Example: A comprehensive approach addresses all aspects of the problem.

31. Increasing the price of petrol is the best way to solve the growing traffic and pollution problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with the statement?

What other measures do you think might be effective?

Sample Answer 3

Band 8

There is little room for doubt that the last 50 years have witnessed a significant increase in environmental degradation compared to the previous 200 years, with pollution emerging as a major global concern. The proposal to increase the price of petrol as a measure to address traffic and pollution issues is a subject of controversy, with compelling arguments both for and against.

Certainly, there are numerous advantages to raising the price of fuel. One key benefit is the potential reduction in traffic congestion on roads. As individuals become more cost-conscious due to higher petrol prices, they may opt for private vehicles less frequently, leading to a decrease in road traffic. This shift in behavior could contribute to savings for individuals and simultaneously address the issue of traffic congestion. Another positive outcome is the potential improvement in public health. With fewer private vehicles on the road, the overall environmental pollution is likely to decrease, positively impacting the physical, mental, and psychological well-being of individuals. Thus, increasing petrol prices could be considered an effective strategy to combat pollution.

Despite these advantages, there are alternative measures to address traffic and pollution problems. Government authorities have the power to influence the pricing of private vehicles, and an increase in vehicle prices could deter excessive use, thereby alleviating traffic congestion. Implementing policies such as the odd-even rule for private vehicles could also prove beneficial in addressing these challenges.

In conclusion, while increasing the price of petrol presents certain advantages in mitigating environmental degradation, alternative measures such as regulating vehicle prices and implementing usage policies could also play a crucial role in addressing traffic and pollution issues. The key lies in adopting a comprehensive and well-balanced approach to tackle these pressing problems.