Section A: Directed Writing

Read texts and answer Question 1.

Text A
Sandeep, 54 years

Public transportation systems offer tremendous benefits for both individuals and
communities. Commuters using buses, trains, and trams significantly reduce their
carbon footprint compared to private vehicle users, directly contributing to cleaner
air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in urban areas.

The economic advantages are substantial, with public transport users saving on
fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and parking costs. These savings can amount
to thousands of dollars annually, providing financial relief particularly for lower and
middle-income households.

Public transportation promotes greater social equity by ensuring mobility for

everyone, including those who cannot afford cars, the elderly, people with certain
disabilities, and teenagers. This universal access enhances educational and
employment opportunities across socioeconomic divides.

Dense public transit networks stimulate economic development, with businesses

and housing flourishing near transit hubs. Property values typically increase in areas
with good public transportation access, benefiting homeowners and local tax bases
alike.

From a public health perspective, transit users generally walk more than car
commuters, increasing their physical activity. Additionally, fewer vehicles on roads
leads to reduced traffic accidents and associated injuries and fatalities. The
collective benefits of robust public transportation systems create more livable,
sustainable communities for everyone.

Text B
Taylor, 16 years

Despite its theoretical benefits, public transportation in practice presents numerous

challenges that significantly impact user experience. Rigid schedules and fixed
routes create inflexibility that fails to accommodate the complex travel needs of
modern life, particularly for those with caregiving responsibilities or irregular work
hours.

The time inefficiency is substantial, with many commuters reporting their journeys
take significantly longer by public transit than by car. This issue is compounded by
frequent delays, service disruptions, and the "last mile problem" when destinations
aren't within walking distance of stops or stations.

Personal comfort is often compromised on public transportation, with overcrowding

during peak hours creating uncomfortable, stressful conditions. Privacy concerns
arise as passengers must share confined spaces with strangers, sometimes in
situations that feel unsafe, particularly during late hours.

The infrastructure supporting public transportation frequently suffers from

inadequate maintenance, with aging vehicles, deteriorating stations, and limited
accessibility features for people with disabilities. These conditions create barriers to
usage even for motivated potential riders.
While touted as environmentally friendly, many public transit systems still rely on
diesel buses or outdated technologies that produce significant emissions. Without
proper investment and modernization, public transportation often fails to deliver on
its promised benefits while imposing considerable inconvenience on users.
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Question 1
You have read two comments about public transportation on an urban planning
forum. Your city is hosting a community forum on sustainable urban mobility, and
you have been invited to speak as a student representative.

Write the speech you would deliver at this forum discussing the role of public
transportation in creating sustainable cities.

In your speech you should:

● Evaluate the contrasting perspectives on public transportation presented in
both texts
● Give your own opinion on whether public transportation should be promoted.

Base your speech on what you have read in both texts but be careful to use your
own words. Address both of the bullet points.

Begin your speech with an appropriate greeting and end with a suitable conclusion.
Write about 250 to 350 words.

Up to 10 marks are available for the content of your answer, and up to 15 marks for
the quality of your writing. [25]
Esteemed members of the forum, city planners, and fellow residents,

Thank you for inviting me to speak today. My name is Arslan and I am here as a
student representative to share my perspective on a crucial issue for our urban
future: the role of public transportation in creating sustainable cities. I'm excited to
contribute to this important dialogue.

Many people, specially our senior citizens, call public transportation a revolution for
multiple reasons. I must tell you that lesser private cars means lesser carbon
emission and the argument seems convincing because public transportation will
enhance air quality. It is also equally rational to believe that it will cut fuel costs and
contribute to immense savings. Imagine using that money for your entertainment
and other important things. Moreover, have you ever realised how people feel when
they can't afford expensive cars and see some people screeching their vehicles
before them. Public transportation makes us all equal irrespective of our wealthy
backgrounds. People also prefer to walk, boosting their physical health.

On the contrary, there are some who believe that public transportation was better
for the old times and currently it is not as good as admired. First off, the buses have
the fixed timing that don't always align with the time of individual. If you have a job
at 10:00 am, and the bus is scheduled to leave at 8:00 am, won't you lose your job?
Critics argue that you have to forget about your comfort if you are travelling in
public transportation because the busses are in a state of disrepair. While the
argument has some merit, I remain unconvinced because all buses are not
uncomfortable. They also question the environmental argument as they think that
these buses also use fuel that is harmful. This insight has also some serious
limitations.
As far as I am concerned, Public transportation is the most feasible option because
you can see how the developed countries are focused on it. While I know time
schedule can sometimes be disturbing, it is the problem that has a solution. Time
can be managed and when the only option would be public transportation, which
company will have timings different from that of public transportation? And about
the so-called "discomfort"—sure, a few buses might need a little fixing, but to say
all public transportation is falling apart? That’s pure exaggeration. Have you even
stepped into a modern city bus lately? Air conditioning, clean seats, low floors—
comfort is very much alive. And as for the environmental criticism, yes, buses do
use fuel, but one bus carries fifty people—fifty cars would burn fifty times more fuel.

Without prolonging my talk any further, I would say the public transportation must
not only be promoted, it must be implemented because we want a sustainable
development. Thank you very much for listening to me patiently.