Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine you have been using public transport in your city for the past month and you have some thoughts and ideas you want to share. Write a letter to the city's Public Transport Services Manager. In your letter, you should:
- Explain why you are writing.
- Describe your experience, including both good and bad points.
- Suggest ways to improve the public transport service.
- Say how these changes would make you feel about using public transport in the future.
You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Public Transport Services Manager,

My name is Alex Barret, and I've been using our city buses and trains for a month. I want to talk about my rides and how we can make them better.

The buses are mostly on time, which is great. The drivers are nice too. But sometimes the buses are very full, and I have to stand up. It's hard when I have many things to carry. The trains are fast, but they are not clean. There's trash on the seats and the floor.

I think we can put more buses during busy times so it's not so crowded. For the trains, maybe having more cleaners would help. If the buses weren't so full and the trains were cleaner, I would like using public transport more. It would be nicer and I would feel good about leaving my car at home.

Thank you for listening to my ideas.

Sincerely,
Alex Barret

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Public Transport Services Manager,

My name is Alex Johnson, and I've been using our city's public transport for the past month. I wanted to share my thoughts on the experience.

Firstly, I appreciate how punctual the buses and trains have been. It's great to rely on them to get to places on time. The cleanliness of the vehicles is also commendable. However, I've noticed that during peak hours, the buses get extremely crowded, and sometimes I have to wait for the next one.

Another issue is the lack of clear signs at some bus stops, which can be confusing, especially for new riders. Also, the ticketing system seems outdated and could be more user-friendly.

I suggest increasing the number of buses during busy times to reduce overcrowding. Installing more signs and maps at bus stops would also be helpful. An upgrade to the ticketing system, perhaps with a mobile app option, would make the process smoother.

These improvements would make me feel more positive about using public transport. It would be more comfortable and less stressful, encouraging me to choose it over driving.

Thank you for considering my suggestions.

Best regards,
Alex Johnson

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Public Transport Services Manager,

My name is Eleanor Rigby, and as a daily commuter, I am writing to share my feedback on our city's public transport system. Over the past month, I have relied exclusively on buses and trains to navigate our city.

I would like to commend the punctuality and frequency of the services, which have been impressive, ensuring a smooth and reliable commute. The cleanliness of the vehicles is also noteworthy, providing a pleasant travel environment. However, I have encountered a few challenges, such as overcrowding during peak hours and occasional disruptions without timely communication to passengers.

To enhance the experience for all users, I propose the introduction of larger capacity vehicles or increased service frequency during rush hours to alleviate overcrowding. Additionally, implementing a real-time update system via mobile application could significantly improve passenger convenience during service disruptions.

These improvements would not only elevate my personal commuting experience but also encourage me to continue using public transport as a primary means of travel. It would reinforce my confidence in the system's efficiency and commitment to passenger satisfaction.

Thank you for considering my suggestions. I look forward to seeing the positive changes and am excited about the future of public transport in our city.

Best regards,
Eleanor Rigby

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Promptness (noun): This means being on time. If a bus or train is prompt, it arrives and leaves exactly when it is supposed to.
2. Reliability (noun): This is when you can trust that something will work well and be dependable. If public transport is reliable, it means it works the way it's expected to, all the time.
3. Commendable (adjective): Something that is very good and deserves praise. If part of your experience was great, you might say it was commendable.
4. Inconvenience (noun): Trouble or difficulty. If public transport makes you late, it can be an inconvenience.
5. Enhance (verb): To make something better. If you have ideas to make public transport better, you're looking to enhance it.
6. Accessibility (noun): How easy it is for everyone to use something. If buses have places for wheelchairs, they are more accessible.
7. Frequency (noun): How often something happens. If buses come more often, the frequency is higher.
8. Overcrowding (noun): When there are too many people in one place. If a bus is too full, there is overcrowding.
9. Efficiency (noun): Doing something well without wasting time or energy. If public transport is quick and doesn't waste your time, it's efficient.
10. Implement (verb): To start using a plan or system. If the city decides to use your ideas, they will implement them.
11. Feedback (noun): Comments or opinions about how well something works. When you tell the manager what you think about the buses and trains, that's feedback.
12. Fare (noun): The money you pay to travel by bus, train, or other types of transport. If it's not too expensive to ride the bus, you could say the fare is reasonable.
13. State-of-the-art (adjective): Very modern and using the most recent ideas and methods. If the buses have new technology, they might be state-of-the-art.
14. Route (noun): The path or direction that a bus or train follows. If you think the buses should go to more places, you might suggest new routes.
15. Constructive criticism (noun): Helpful comments that are meant to make something better. When you tell the manager what could be better about the buses, but in a nice way, you're giving constructive criticism.

Tips:

1. Clearly state your purpose: Start your letter by explaining why you're writing. You could say something like, "I'm writing to share my experiences and thoughts about our city's public transport system." This helps the manager know right away what your letter is about.

2. Mix the positives with the negatives: When you describe your experience, make sure to talk about the good stuff as well as the problems. For example, you might mention how buses are usually on time (that's a thumbs up!), but they can get really crowded (not so great). It's like giving a balanced review!

3. Offer helpful suggestions: Think of ways to make the buses or trains better and write them down. Maybe suggest more buses during busy times to avoid crowding, or cleaner seats for a nicer ride. It's like you're helping to solve a puzzle to make public transport better for everyone.

4. Paint a picture of the future: Tell the manager how the improvements you suggested would change your feelings about taking the bus or train. You could write something like, "With these changes, I'd be super excited to use public transport every day!" It's like imagining a brighter, happier commute.

5. Wrap up with a friendly closing: End your letter with a kind goodbye, and maybe a thank you for reading your ideas. You could say, "Thank you for considering my suggestions. I look forward to seeing positive changes in our public transport system." It's like saying "see you later" with a smile and a high-five for the future!

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Nowadays, lots of people can look up stuff and read books on the internet. Some people think this means we don't need libraries anymore. But other people say libraries are still a big deal. I'm gonna talk about both sides and then say what I think libraries should do now that we have all this digital stuff.

So, on one hand, folks who think libraries aren't needed might say that everything's online. You can read any book or find any fact with just a few clicks. Like, my friend Alex just types what he wants to know into his phone and boom, he gets answers. Plus, you don't have to leave your house or wait for the library to open. That's super handy.

But then, there's the other side. People who love libraries say they're about more than just books. They're a place where you can go to study or meet people. Libraries have librarians, and they can help you find stuff or learn how to do research. And not everyone has the internet at home. When I was little, I didn't have a computer, so I went to the library to do my homework.

I think libraries should still be around, even with the internet. They should have computers and teach people how to use them. And they can have events, like story time for kids or classes for adults. Libraries can be like a community center, where everyone can learn and be together. That's what I think is important, even now when we have all this technology.

Band 7 Example Answer:

In this modern age, the internet gives us so much information and books that we can read without leaving our homes. Some people say that because of this, we don't need libraries anymore. But others believe that libraries are still a big part of our communities. I think it's important to look at both sides and then talk about how libraries can stay important even when we have the internet.

On one side, there are people who think libraries are not needed. They say that with smartphones and computers, everyone can find what they need online. For example, my friend Emily can read any book she wants on her tablet without going to a library. This is really handy, especially for people who are busy or live far from a library.

But, on the other side, many people, including me, feel that libraries are still very important. Libraries are not just about books; they are places where people can meet, learn, and share ideas. They often have programs for kids, help for people looking for jobs, and quiet spaces for studying. For instance, when I was new in town, the library was a place where I could learn about the community and meet neighbors.

In the digital age, I think libraries should be like community centers with technology and books. They could have more computers and classes on how to use the internet. Also, they could lend out e-books and have more spaces for people to work together. This way, libraries can stay a helpful part of our lives, even when we have so much online.

In conclusion, while the internet lets us read and learn easily, libraries still give us valuable services and a place to come together. By changing a little, libraries can keep being important for all of us.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The advent of digital technology has revolutionized the way we access information and literature. With a plethora of resources available online, some individuals argue that the traditional concept of libraries has become obsolete. However, others believe that libraries still hold significant value in our communities. I will explore both perspectives before delineating my stance on the role of libraries in the digital age.

On one hand, the argument for the redundancy of libraries in the face of digitalization is compelling. People like my friend, Marcus, can now read the latest novels, research articles, and news on their tablets or smartphones from the comfort of their homes. This convenience, coupled with the ability to search for specific information quickly using search engines, makes physical libraries seem less necessary. Moreover, for those concerned with environmental sustainability, digital books eliminate the need for paper, thus reducing deforestation and the carbon footprint associated with book production and transportation.

Conversely, libraries are more than just repositories of books; they are vibrant community hubs that serve a multitude of purposes. Libraries provide free access to literature and information, which is particularly important for individuals like my cousin, Aisha, who cannot afford the luxury of purchasing books or paying for online subscriptions. Additionally, libraries offer a quiet place for study and reflection, which is hard to replicate in the often-distracting online environment. They also host educational programs, workshops, and events that foster learning and community engagement. For instance, my local library runs a weekly coding workshop for teens, which has been instrumental in nurturing young talents in my neighborhood.

In my view, libraries should evolve to complement the digital age rather than compete with it. This means integrating technology by providing access to computers and online databases, while also maintaining the traditional elements that make libraries unique. Libraries could serve as digital literacy centers, helping to bridge the digital divide by teaching community members how to navigate and evaluate online resources effectively.

In conclusion, while the digital age has transformed access to information, libraries still play a crucial role in our communities. They should adapt to the changing landscape by embracing technology, while continuing to provide the invaluable services that go beyond the mere lending of books. Libraries, therefore, remain essential institutions that support lifelong learning and community development in an increasingly digital world.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Access (noun): This means being able to get or use something. For example, you can access books on the internet or at a library.
2. Irreplaceable (adjective): If something is irreplaceable, it means it's so special or unique that it cannot be replaced or copied exactly. Some people feel that libraries are irreplaceable because they offer more than just books.
3. Hub of knowledge (expression): A place where a lot of information or knowledge is available. A library is often called a hub of knowledge because it has lots of books and resources.
4. Digitization (noun): The process of changing something from a physical form into a digital form, like making an eBook from a paper book.
5. Preserve (verb): To keep something the same or keep it safe. Libraries help to preserve books and information.
6. Community center (noun): A place where people in a community can meet, learn, and do activities. Many libraries act as community centers, offering classes and events.
7. Outdated (adjective): Old-fashioned or not useful anymore. Some people might say that libraries are outdated because of the internet.
8. Resourceful (adjective): Able to find quick and clever ways to solve problems. Libraries teach people to be resourceful by helping them find and use information.
9. Engagement (noun): Participation or involvement in an activity. Libraries encourage engagement by getting people involved in reading and learning.
10. Accessibility (noun): The quality of being able to be reached or used easily. Libraries provide accessibility to books for people who might not have the internet or devices to read online.
11. Bridge the gap (expression): To reduce the differences between two things. Libraries help bridge the gap between people who have access to technology and those who don't.
12. Intellectual haven (expression): A safe place for thinking, learning, and studying. Libraries are often seen as intellectual havens.
13. Public domain (noun): Information, music, art, and literature that is not owned by anyone and can be used by everyone. Libraries offer lots of public domain books.
14. Curate (verb): To select, organize, and look after items in a collection or exhibition. Librarians curate collections of books and resources.
15. Evolve (verb): To develop gradually, especially to become better. Libraries are evolving to include more digital services.

Tips:

1. Analyze both sides: Take some time to consider why some people might believe libraries aren't necessary anymore and why others think they're still important. Make notes on both perspectives to help you discuss them equally in your essay.

2. Organize your thoughts: Create a simple outline to sort your ideas. Decide which arguments for and against libraries you will discuss first. This will help you write a well-structured essay that flows nicely from one point to the next.

3. Express your own view clearly: After discussing both sides, make sure to clearly state your opinion on the role of libraries. Use phrases like "In my opinion," or "I believe that" to start your explanation, and support it with personal reasons or examples.

4. Stay on topic: It's easy to wander off into other areas when writing, but try to stick to talking about libraries and their place in the digital age. If you find yourself getting off-track, steer your writing back to the main question.

5. Proofread your essay: After finishing your writing, go back and read through your essay carefully. Look for any grammar mistakes or typos and make sure that your essay makes sense. A clean, error-free essay will give a better impression to the reader.