Writing Task: Solve Riverton’s traffic congestion problem, provide two solutions and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the solutions.
Introduction (provided by the book): Riverton’s unusual geography causes it to have bad traffic congestion. People have to travel from their homes on one side of the river and desert to their offices and schools on the other. Unfortunately, there is only one main road running through the city centre and just one bridge which connects the residential and business areas. Moreover, the only public transport is a bus which uses the same road. There is also a junction near the housing area where the traffic builds up during the two rush hours when people commute to work or drop off their children at school. After a long period of study, we have proposed two possible solutions to the traffic problems in Riverton. Both solutions have advantages and disadvantages.
Body paragraph 1:
Topic sentence with Solution 1.
Explanations of the advantages and disadvantages of solution 1.
Concluding sentence for the first body paragraph (the concluding sentence rephrases the main idea or the topic sentence with different words; you may add a concluding comment, such as your opinion or a prediction; you may also summarize the main points).
Use transport collocations correctly. Use correct language for making suggestions.
Use first conditionals (if, if … not, unless)
Body paragraph 2: Topic sentence with Solution 2.
Explanations of the advantages and disadvantages of solution 2.
Concluding sentence for the second body paragraph (the concluding sentence rephrases the main idea or the topic sentence with different words; you may add a concluding comment, such as your opinion or a prediction; you may also summarize the main points).
Use transport collocations correctly.
Use correct language for making suggestions. Use first conditionals (if, if … not, unless)
Conclusion (provided by the book): In conclusion, of the many solutions which we have considered, these two had the most advantages. Although these plans are not perfect, there is no doubt that they will help reduce the traffic congestion in Riverton. This will have benefits both for people’s health and for the environment. The people of Riverton should support these solutions.
Select two of the solutions from the list:
Solution 1: Build a tunnel
Advantages: people would be happy as they could still drive
Disadvantages: Expensive to build; would take a long time to build; would eventually fill with traffic
Solution 2: encourage people to cycle
Advantages: cheap and quick
Disadvantages: too hot to cycle over a desert; it can be dangerous; not many people would want to change to cycling
Solution 3: park-and-ride bus system
Advantages: fairly quick; people would like it more than cycling; could have a dedicated bus lane to get to the schools and offices
Disadvantages: designed to keep people from driving in the centre, but the problem is getting to the centre; people don’t like buses; the bus might get stuck in other traffic congestion
Solution 4: Move the residential area to the other side of the river
Advantages: a long-term solution that completely solves the congestion problem
Disadvantages: very expensive; people won’t want to move
Solution 5: road tax
Advantages: cheap and quick to implement; makes money for the government
Disadvantages: it may not stop people from using their cars, they’ll just pay more money to drive; will make people dislike the government
Solution 6: ferry
Advantages: people could drive their cars onto the ferry, which would reduce road traffic
Disadvantages: there will be a queue for cars to board, which might not be very frequent; may be expensive to run; fairly expensive to build; would take a while to build a port and a new road to reach the ferry.
(Source: Unlock Reading & Writing and Critical Thinking 3, Unit 3)
SUGGESTED ESSAY 1
Introduction: Riverton’s unusual geography causes it to have bad traffic congestion. People have to travel from their homes on one side of the river and desert to their offices and schools on the other. Unfortunately, there is only one main road running through the city centre and just one bridge which connects the residential and business areas. Moreover, the only public transport is a bus which uses the same road. There is also a junction near the housing area where the traffic builds up during the two rush hours when people commute to work or drop off their children at school. After a long period of study, we have proposed two possible solutions to the traffic problems in Riverton. In this essay, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these solutions.
Body paragraph 1: One solution to Riverton’s traffic congestion problem is to build a tunnel. The advantage of this solution is that people would be happy as they could still drive. However, building a tunnel is expensive and would take a long time to construct. Moreover, a tunnel would eventually fill with traffic, and the problem would resurface. If the tunnel is not built properly, it could collapse, and accidents could occur. To make this solution effective, the government would have to impose a toll on the tunnel to limit the number of cars using it.
Body paragraph 2: Another solution to Riverton’s traffic congestion problem is to encourage people to cycle. This solution is cheap and quick, and it has the potential to reduce traffic congestion. However, the desert heat makes cycling uncomfortable, and it can be dangerous for cyclists. Moreover, not many people would want to change to cycling. To make this solution effective, the government would have to invest in cycle paths, bike-sharing schemes, and cycling infrastructure.
Conclusion: Although both solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, they can help reduce the traffic congestion in Riverton. Building a tunnel would keep people happy but would be expensive, and encouraging people to cycle would be cheap and quick but not practical for everyone. There is no doubt that both solutions require investment, planning, and implementation, but they are worth pursuing. In the long run, reducing traffic congestion will have a positive impact on people’s health and the environment. It is crucial for the people of Riverton to support these solutions to solve their traffic congestion problem.
SUGGESTED ESSAY 2
Introduction: The city of Riverton has been struggling with severe traffic congestion due to its unique geography. The residents have to travel from one side of the river and desert to the other for work and school, and there is only one main road and bridge connecting the residential and business areas. After extensive research, we have proposed two potential solutions to tackle Riverton’s traffic problem. In this essay, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions.
Body paragraph 1: One solution to Riverton’s traffic congestion is to implement a park-and-ride bus system. This system involves building parking lots on the outskirts of the city, and people can park their cars there and take a bus to their destination. The advantage of this solution is that it is relatively quick to implement and can be more appealing than cycling. Additionally, dedicated bus lanes can be constructed to provide a smooth ride to the schools and offices. However, the primary issue with this solution is that it is designed to prevent people from driving in the city centre, but the problem is getting to the centre. Furthermore, people do not generally like taking buses, and the bus might get stuck in other traffic congestion on the way. To make this solution work, it is essential to create a reliable and efficient bus system that can reduce the overall time of travel for the residents.
Body paragraph 2: Another solution to Riverton’s traffic congestion is to move the residential area to the other side of the river. This solution is a long-term approach that can address the problem entirely. By constructing residential areas on the other side of the river, people can quickly go to their destination without adding to the congestion. The advantage of this solution is that it can permanently solve the traffic congestion issue. However, it is very expensive and can be challenging to persuade residents to move. The construction of the new residential area also requires a significant amount of time and resources, which can be a significant downside. To make this solution successful, the government will have to provide attractive incentives to the residents, such as subsidized housing or employment opportunities in the new area.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while there are many possible solutions to Riverton’s traffic congestion problem, we have presented two of the most feasible options. The park-and-ride bus system can be implemented relatively quickly, but it may not fully address the issue. On the other hand, moving the residential area to the other side of the river can solve the traffic problem permanently, but it is very costly and time-consuming. Both solutions require significant investments and planning to make them successful. Nevertheless, addressing the traffic congestion issue in Riverton is crucial for the well-being of the residents and the environment. The people of Riverton should support these solutions, and the government must take decisive action to address the traffic issue.
SUGGESTED ESSAY 3
Introduction: Riverton, a city with an unusual geography, is plagued with heavy traffic congestion. The lack of efficient transportation and infrastructure means that people have to travel from their homes on one side of the river to their workplaces and schools on the other. With only one main road and a single bridge connecting residential and commercial areas, traffic builds up during rush hours, causing delays and frustration. After a thorough analysis, we have identified two viable solutions to tackle Riverton’s traffic woes. Both of these solutions have their advantages and disadvantages.
Body paragraph 1: One possible solution is to improve the public transport system in Riverton by introducing a metro or subway system. The advantages of this solution include faster commute times, reduced traffic congestion, and decreased air pollution. It would also offer a more affordable option for commuters, as well as reducing the number of cars on the road. However, the construction and maintenance of a subway system require a considerable investment of time and money. Additionally, it may not be feasible to build due to the city’s terrain or other logistical challenges.
Body paragraph 2: Another potential solution is to implement a carpooling system. Carpooling is a popular and environmentally-friendly way to reduce traffic congestion, as it encourages people to share their rides to work or school. It would help cut down on the number of cars on the road, decrease pollution, and ease parking issues. Moreover, it would reduce commuting costs for individuals. However, carpooling may not be a viable option for everyone, as it may be inconvenient for those with non-standard working hours or unusual commutes. It may also be challenging to find a suitable carpooling partner or group, leading to a lack of participation.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the two solutions proposed, the introduction of a subway system and a carpooling system, have significant advantages that could address the traffic congestion problem in Riverton. However, they also have some downsides that require careful consideration. While a subway system offers faster commute times and a more affordable option for commuters, it requires significant investment and may not be feasible. Carpooling, on the other hand, can decrease traffic and pollution, but may not be a viable option for everyone. It is essential to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each solution to determine the best way forward. Ultimately, the people of Riverton must support these solutions if they are to succeed in reducing traffic congestion and improving the quality of life in the city.
SUGGESTED ESSAY 4 (with different solutions and advantages or disadvantages)
Introduction: Riverton suffers from severe traffic congestion due to its unique geography. The city is divided by a river and a desert, and the only way to travel between the residential and business areas is through one main road and a single bridge. As a result, traffic congestion is a major problem, especially during rush hours. To address this issue, we have proposed several potential solutions, two of which will be discussed below.
Body paragraph 1: One solution to reduce traffic congestion in Riverton is to introduce a tram system. Advantages of this solution include a potential reduction in car usage, which would help to ease traffic on the city’s main road. Trams are an efficient and reliable mode of transport, which would provide a fast and safe means of travel for commuters. Additionally, trams are environmentally friendly and could help to reduce air pollution in the city. However, the disadvantages of this solution are that it can be costly to construct and maintain the infrastructure needed for a tram system. Furthermore, some people may not want to use the tram, and it may take time to encourage people to switch from driving to using public transport.
Body paragraph 2: Another solution to address Riverton’s traffic congestion is to encourage remote working. This can be done by incentivizing companies to offer flexible working arrangements or to allow their employees to work from home. The advantages of this solution include a reduction in the number of cars on the road during rush hour, as well as a reduction in commuting times for employees who work remotely. Additionally, remote working can improve work-life balance, and reduce the stress associated with commuting. However, the disadvantages of this solution include potential technical difficulties associated with remote working, such as connectivity and security issues. Furthermore, not all jobs can be done remotely, and some employees may prefer to work in a traditional office environment.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Riverton’s traffic congestion problem can be addressed through various potential solutions, including the introduction of a tram system and encouraging remote working. Both solutions have advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered. Ultimately, the best solution will depend on various factors, such as cost, feasibility, and public opinion. However, addressing traffic congestion in Riverton is crucial for the health of residents and the environment, and we encourage further discussion and action to resolve this issue.
SUGGESTED ESSAY 5
Introduction: Riverton suffers from heavy traffic congestion due to its unique geography. The residential areas are on one side of the river and desert while the business districts and schools are on the other. Unfortunately, there is only one main road that passes through the city center and only one bridge that connects the two areas. Furthermore, the only available public transport is a bus that shares the same road with private vehicles. The junction close to the residential area also experiences significant traffic buildup during the morning and evening rush hours. After conducting extensive research, we have proposed two potential solutions to Riverton’s traffic issues, both of which have their pros and cons.
Body Paragraph 1: One solution to alleviate Riverton’s traffic congestion is implementing a road tax. The road tax involves charging a fee for using the roads within the city, which aims to discourage people from using private vehicles. It is a quick and affordable solution that generates revenue for the government. However, there are some downsides to this approach. The road tax might not be enough to deter people from driving, especially those who can afford it. Instead, it may just become an additional expense for them. Also, the implementation of a road tax may lead to public discontent and dislike towards the government.
Body Paragraph 2: Another solution to ease traffic in Riverton is to introduce a park-and-ride system. This system would require people to park their vehicles outside the city centre and then take public transport to their destinations. It is a fast and cost-effective solution that could also reduce traffic congestion within the city centre. Moreover, a dedicated bus lane could be reserved for the park-and-ride buses to ensure faster and smoother transportation. However, there are potential drawbacks to this approach. The system is designed to keep people from driving within the city centre, but the primary issue is getting to the centre. Some people may not be willing to give up the convenience of driving directly to their destination. Also, there may be public dissatisfaction towards using buses, and the buses may also get stuck in traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Conclusion: In conclusion, while several options have been considered to address the traffic congestion problem in Riverton, the implementation of a road tax and a park-and-ride system seems to be the most feasible solution. Although both solutions have their advantages and disadvantages, they could significantly improve traffic flow within the city. By implementing these solutions, people’s quality of life can improve, and the environment can also benefit. Therefore, the people of Riverton should consider supporting these suggestions.
