Free IELTS Writing · Task 2 · common prompt pattern
Problems / causes and solutions
One complete Task 2 practice with two worked examples, a full model and self-review.
How to use this sample
Study the two worked examples. Use the writing plan and useful language to prepare your response, then submit it to review the model and explanation. Scores exclude the examples; Writing and Speaking use self-review rather than automatic band marking.
Original SUFAS teaching material. This is a focused sample exercise, not a full IELTS examination.
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Two worked examples
Example 1 · Answer the task in a clear introduction
Model answer: Heavy traffic has become a persistent difficulty in many expanding cities. Congestion is often caused by the growing dependence on private vehicles and by transport networks that have not kept pace with urban development. The most effective responses are likely to combine better alternatives to driving with policies that manage demand for road space.
Why: The introduction responds to the particular instructions and establishes the direction of the essay.
Example 2 · Develop one relevant argument
Model answer: One cause is the mismatch between where people live and where they work. When affordable housing is located far from major employment centres, large numbers of commuters travel in the same direction at similar times. If buses and trains are infrequent or unreliable, driving becomes the practical choice even for people who would prefer public transport. Road design can make matters worse: poorly coordinated junctions, limited space for buses and inadequate pedestrian facilities slow journeys and encourage further car use.
Why: The paragraph develops a reason with explanation and relevant support, rather than listing points.
Your independent practice
Writing task
Many large cities experience severe traffic congestion. What are the main causes of this problem, and what solutions would you suggest?
Write at least 250 words. Support your answer with reasons and relevant examples.
Writing plan and useful language
One possible plan
Explain commuting and transport-network causes; propose alternatives, pricing and planning reforms.
Useful language
Verbs in context
rely on private cars · increase bus frequency · manage demand for road space
Phrases to adapt
“Congestion worsens when housing is far from … and public transport is …”
“Better bus services would reduce dependence on cars by …”
Model response and explanation
Heavy traffic has become a persistent difficulty in many expanding cities. Congestion is often caused by the growing dependence on private vehicles and by transport networks that have not kept pace with urban development. The most effective responses are likely to combine better alternatives to driving with policies that manage demand for road space.
One cause is the mismatch between where people live and where they work. When affordable housing is located far from major employment centres, large numbers of commuters travel in the same direction at similar times. If buses and trains are infrequent or unreliable, driving becomes the practical choice even for people who would prefer public transport. Road design can make matters worse: poorly coordinated junctions, limited space for buses and inadequate pedestrian facilities slow journeys and encourage further car use.
Expanding road capacity may relieve pressure temporarily, but it is unlikely to solve the underlying problem on its own. Improved bus frequency, dedicated lanes and integrated ticketing can make shared transport more competitive with private cars. Cities should also create safe walking and cycling routes for shorter journeys. Where a dependable alternative already exists, parking charges or congestion pricing can discourage unnecessary peak-hour driving and generate funds for transport improvements.
Urban planning is equally important. Allowing homes, shops and services to develop closer together can reduce the need for long trips. Employers may also help by introducing flexible start times, thereby spreading commuting demand across the day. These approaches address the number and timing of journeys rather than simply attempting to accommodate more vehicles.
To conclude, congestion results from both transport choices and the physical organisation of cities. Investment in reliable alternatives, carefully designed pricing and more accessible neighbourhoods offers a stronger long-term response than road building alone.
Why this works: Task response: The essay explains several causes and recommends connected solutions rather than simply listing traffic complaints. Coherence and cohesion: Commuting patterns and unreliable alternatives lead logically to transport investment, demand management and urban planning. Lexical resource: “Integrated ticketing”, “congestion pricing” and “peak-hour driving” describe specific interventions. Grammatical range and accuracy: The condition that dependable alternatives should exist before pricing strengthens the reasoning and avoids an indiscriminate policy claim. Your practice: Underline the thesis and each body paragraph’s topic sentence. Identify an explanation and an example, then rewrite one paragraph with clearer reasoning.
Self-review score
Compare your work with the model and tick only points you achieved. This is a self-review checklist, not automatic marking or an IELTS band score.