IELTS General Task 2: Traffic Around Schools
IELTS Writing Practice — AI-Powered Feedback
Writing Prompt
Write about the following topic:
In many residential areas, roads become extremely congested when parents drive their children to and from school.
What problems does this cause? What measures could reduce this traffic?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
Show Band 8–9 model answer
In numerous neighbourhoods, the daily school run creates serious traffic congestion around schools. This situation leads to a range of safety, environmental and social problems. However, with coordinated action by local authorities, schools and parents, it can be effectively tackled.
The most immediate problem is road safety. At peak times, cars double-park, perform sudden U-turns and block pedestrian crossings, creating a hazardous environment for children walking or cycling to school. Young pupils may find it hard to judge distances and speeds, so the risk of accidents rises sharply. In addition, idling vehicles generate noise and air pollution. Over time, this can damage children’s respiratory health and diminish residents’ quality of life. Congested streets also mean longer journey times for buses and emergency vehicles, undermining public transport reliability and potentially delaying urgent medical care.
Several measures could help to reduce this traffic. Firstly, local councils could establish ‘school streets’, where access by private cars is restricted or banned during drop-off and pick-up times. Trials in parts of London have shown that such schemes not only cut congestion but also increase walking and cycling. Secondly, schools could organise supervised ‘walking buses’, where groups of children walk along set routes with adult volunteers. This would reassure parents concerned about safety while reducing the number of car journeys. Thirdly, staggered start and finish times within and between nearby schools could spread traffic more evenly, preventing severe peaks. Finally, improving cycle lanes, pavements and safe crossings would encourage active travel, especially if combined with educational campaigns highlighting the health and environmental benefits.
In conclusion, school-related congestion threatens safety, health and the smooth functioning of local roads. A mix of traffic restrictions, well-designed infrastructure and behaviour-change initiatives could substantially alleviate the problem.
Why this response works
This essay would likely achieve a high band because it maintains a clear position throughout and addresses both parts of the question fully. Ideas are logically organised with a clear progression from problems to solutions, supported by specific and relevant examples such as ‘school streets’ and ‘walking buses’. Cohesion is strong, using referencing and paragraphing effectively without overused linkers. The range of vocabulary (e.g. ‘double-park’, ‘idling vehicles’, ‘behaviour-change initiatives’) and complex structures is wide and generally accurate, with only minor, if any, grammatical slips.
Your Answer
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