Real IELTS Writing Task 2 Question from Dubai | Band 8 Sample + Essay Blueprint

Here’s one of the latest IELTS Task 2 questions reported by students in Dubai this year.

Some people believe that an efficient public transport system is the most important factor in the development of a modern city. Others argue that other services, including healthcare and education should take priority.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.

Task 2 Blueprint: Writing a balanced opinion essay

Real IELTS Writing Task 2 Question from Dubai | Band 8 Sample + Essay Blueprint: A Comprehensive Guide

Main requirement of the Essay:

• Discuss both the views
• Present and discuss your view
• Support ideas with reasons and relevant examples

Brainstorming

First view:

• Enhances connectivity that drives businesses

Second View:

• Healthcare ensures a healthy population
• Education provides a skilled workforce

Writer’s view (Balanced): Both are important for long-term progress. Efficient transport connects people to opportunities, while good public services improve their living standards.

Essay Structure:

Introduction: Paraphrasing sentence stating both the sides; Writer’s viewpoint

Body Paragraph1: Discuss first view (Public Transport)

Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the second view (Other Servies)

Body Paragraph 3(optional): Writer’s own view (Balanced)

Conclusion: Summary of all the main points + Writer’s viewpoint

Tip: Always state your opinion clearly in the introduction and restate it in the conclusion.

Sample Answer:

The growth of modern cities has sparked a debate regarding the essential services that contribute the most towards urban development. While some believe that efficient public transportation is the key, others argue that certain services, such as healthcare and education are more important. In my opinion, a sustainable development can be achieved by giving equal emphasis to all these vital areas.

On the one hand, those who highlight the significance of public transport in modern cities believe fast and reliable modes of transportation ensure connectivity that helps people and businesses thrive. Well-developed transport networks, such as metro systems and bus routes, reduce travel times and make cities more accessible. The Dubai metro serves millions of residents and business travellers, providing convenient access between key locations, including Dubai International Airport, ultimately boosting economies by directly connecting various commercial hubs.

On the other hand, it is believed that there are some sectors that should be prioritized, such as healthcare and education. A healthy and educated population forms the backbone of a prosperous city. When citizens have access to quality medical facilities, they are less likely to suffer from preventable diseases, leading to a more efficient workforce. Similarly, well-developed educational institutions help produce skilled professionals who can contribute to innovation and economic progress. Countries such as Finland and South Korea, which have consistently invested in these areas, enjoy higher living standards and sustainable urban growth.

In my opinion, the overall growth of contemporary cities depends on maintaining a balance between transport infrastructure and all other crucial services. For a long-term development public transport would enhance economic connectivity, but its benefits can be sustained only if people are healthy and well-educated. To illustrate, if a city builds new metro lines, but does not provide enough hospitals and schools, people may travel easily, but struggle with poor health and limited job skills.  This imbalance would affect productivity and the quality of life.

To conclude, the progress of a modern city depends on the physical infrastructure as well as public services. Therefore, a harmonious development of the urban centres is possible only by investing thoughtfully in transportation networks as well as social sectors, such as healthcare and education.

Academic collocations used:

• sustainable development
• well-developed transport networks
• forms the backbone of a prosperous city
• access to quality medical facilities
• produce skilled professionals
• boosting economies
• contribute to innovation and economic progress
• maintaining a balance between
• enhance economic connectivity
• harmonious development of urban centres

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