Hi, I'm new around here, but basically I'm writing the IELTS academic this week and haven't had much time previously for IELTS specific prep, so I'm trying to do as much as possible, especially to understand the criteria, as I think my overall English level isn't bad.
I'm most worried about writing, as it is hard to estimate yourself and write exactly what is required. I asked ChatGPT for a random example task 1 and 2 (I know, I know), but know that AI isn't accurate at grading, so getting any human feedback from someone on here, or at least a rough band estimate would be very valuable. I know there is some weirder phrasing (I tried to use specifically higher level vocabulary, as I have previously gotten feedback that it was missing) and one spelling mistake I didn't notice when writing, but decided not to change it, as this is authentically what I wrote in 50 mins
So here are the tasks and responses, if someone would be willing to look over it, I'd be incredibly grateful:
- The chart below shows the percentage of households using different types of energy for heating in a European country from 2000 to 2020.
Data:
| Year | Gas | Electricity | Renewable Energy | Coal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 45% | 20% | 5% | 30% |
| 2010 | 50% | 25% | 10% | 15% |
| 2020 | 55% | 30% | 20% | 5% |
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
- Some people believe that governments should spend more money on public transport, while others think that building more roads is a better solution to traffic problems.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The table presents the percentage of households that used specific types of energy for heating purposes in a European country in the years from 2000 to 2020 in 10 year increments.
The most popular energy source used in all of the years given was gas. Still, gas, electricity and renewable energy all became more common with the passage of time, with only coal having a downward trend.
Expanding further, in the year 2000, gas was the most popular at 45%, while renewable energy was being used the least, at 5%. Between 2000 and 2010 coal became two times less prominent, going all the way from 30% to 15%, while all the other energy types gained 5% of households each. Only in the time period between 2010 and 2020, however, did coal become the rarest kind of energy used. Renewable energy, on the other hand, gained a significant number of users between 2000 and 2020, increasing a whole 15% from its original percentage value, while gas and electricity increased by only 10%.Many people are of the belief that governments ought to increase public transport spending, however others think expanding road systems helps more with traffic issues. I agree with the first sentiment, as while investing in road and interstate projects can solve some problems like congestion and unnecessarily long travel times, it is bad for the environment and leads to exclusivity of travel.
Building more streets and roadways has its pros, including solving problems like excessive congestion in traffic and extended travel times. With smart urban-planning, more roads can help avoid choke-points at intersections and merges, leading to less road rage and decreased urban noise levels. A better street system can also allow more shortcuts and direct paths, shortening travel time.
However, this is not the ideal solution, as building excessive roadways causes habitat destruction and encourages car use, when public transport is more eco-friendly. When large interstates are built in quieter areas, wildlife is forced out by noise pollution and dangerous construction. Elaborate road systems also increase personal car use, which creates a lot of air pollution per person travelling. Public transport burns less fuel per commuter, on the other hand, which guarantees better air quality and minimizes waste.
Moreover, focusing on expanding personal street-based travel options, like building more roads for car use, leads to exclusivity in travel opportunities, due to cars being expensive and inconvenient for many working people in comparison with public transport. Private automobiles are expensive to buy and upkeep, which makes them inaccessible to anyone who is not particularly comfortable financially. They can also cause logistical perils, due to, for example, problems with parking near packed apartment complexes. A well-funded system of public transport is a better option for many people, as it can be a lot cheaper, through options like monthly passes and discounts, and more convenient due to well-planned routes.
To conclude, government investments in public transport offer greater net benefit to citizens than ones in road construction. Properly financed public transport allows accessibility and convenience without compromising the environment, in contrast to roadways, that while solving one traffic-related problem, create others. In my opinion, governments should spend more on public transport to allow people to travel quickly, ecologically, and without financial sacrfices.