WRITING TASK 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge.
Write about the following topic:
In order to solve traffic problems, governments should tax private car owners heavily and use the money to improve public transportation. What are the advantages and disadvantages of such a solution?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer:
In recent years, traffic congestion has become a major issue in many urban areas around the world. To address this problem, some people argue that governments should impose heavy taxes on private car owners and utilize the revenue to enhance public transportation. While this solution may have its advantages, it also comes with several disadvantages.
One of the main advantages of taxing private car owners heavily is that it can potentially reduce the number of cars on the road. With higher taxes, some individuals may opt to use public transportation or carpool, leading to a decrease in traffic congestion. Additionally, the revenue generated from these taxes can be used to improve and expand public transportation systems, making them more efficient and accessible to a larger population. This, in turn, could encourage more people to use public transportation instead of driving their own cars.
However, there are also several disadvantages to this solution. Firstly, heavy taxes on private car owners may disproportionately affect low-income individuals who rely on their cars for daily transportation. This could lead to financial strain and limited mobility for those who cannot afford the increased costs. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this solution depends on the availability and reliability of public transportation. If public transportation systems are not adequately improved with the additional revenue, people may continue to rely on their cars, rendering the tax ineffective in reducing traffic congestion.
In conclusion, while imposing heavy taxes on private car owners to improve public transportation may have the potential to alleviate traffic problems, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of this solution. Governments should carefully assess the impact of such taxes on different socioeconomic groups and ensure that the revenue is effectively utilized to enhance public transportation. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that considers various factors, including infrastructure development and alternative transportation options, may be necessary to effectively address traffic congestion in urban areas.
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