Band 9 Sample Question

Some people believe governments should invest more in public transportation to cut congestion and pollution, while others argue that improving education and healthcare is more important for national development. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Band 9 Sample Answer

Introduction. It is often claimed that transport spending is the quickest way to reduce urban ills, whereas others contend that schools and hospitals deserve priority. This essay argues that although mass transit delivers immediate environmental benefits, human capital investments in education and healthcare should take precedence because they underpin long‑term prosperity.

Body 1 — Public transport first view. Well-designed metro and bus networks can shift commuters from private cars, curbing emissions and reclaiming time otherwise lost in traffic. Congestion pricing and electrified fleets, when funded consistently, also stimulate greener technologies and cleaner air. These outcomes lift urban quality of life and make cities more productive in the short run.

Body 2 — Education & healthcare second view. By contrast, nations thrive when citizens are healthy and skilled. Investment in early childhood, teacher training, and preventative medicine lowers inequality and raises lifetime earnings. Without literate, healthy workers, even state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure sits underused; in other words, transport depends on the people who design, maintain, and use it effectively.

Body 3 — My opinion: phased balance. While core services should lead, budgets should sequence reforms: protect funding for clinics and schools, then expand rapid transit in dense corridors. This approach yields near‑term environmental gains without delaying the compounding returns of human capital, creating resilient growth that survives political cycles.

Conclusion. In sum, public transport spending is vital, but enduring development starts with healthy students and a skilled workforce. Therefore, governments should prioritise education and healthcare while rolling out targeted transit upgrades.