9.5 Question 4 Practice And Model Response

Impact: how much behaviour may change.
Feasibility: cost, authority and time.
Equity: effects on low-income students, younger children and students living far away.
Sustainability: whether benefits continue.
Unintended consequences: displaced traffic, crowding or exclusion.

Model Response

Question 4 Model

The city should prioritise protected walking and cycling routes. This action addresses safety, which is a major concern for families, while also improving health and reducing pollution. Unlike reduced bus fares, safe routes could benefit students who already walk as well as those who might change from cars. The infrastructure would require initial investment, but its benefits could continue for many years.

The policy would not help every student. Those living far from school, younger children and students with mobility needs may still require buses or cars. The city should therefore design accessible crossings and connect routes with public transport. This limitation does not remove the value of the action, but it means the policy must not be presented as a complete solution.

Reducing bus fares would be quicker and could especially help low-income families. However, the sources suggest that reliability, overcrowding and safety also influence decisions, so price reduction alone may have limited impact. Restricting cars near schools could improve immediate safety and air quality, but without alternatives it may simply move congestion to nearby streets and create difficulties for families with genuine access needs.

Protected routes offer the strongest balance of long-term impact, health benefit and environmental improvement. Although fare support may be useful as an additional measure, the city should choose safe walking and cycling infrastructure because it addresses several problems at once and creates a lasting alternative to car travel.

Model Commentary

Why It Works

The recommendation is stated clearly.
Evidence and reasons are connected in a sustained line.
The chosen action’s limitation is acknowledged.
Both alternatives are considered fairly.
Different groups and unintended consequences are included.
The conclusion follows from the criteria used.

Independent Practice

Alternative Recommendation

Write a response recommending reduced bus fares. Show how the policy could be designed so that reliability and crowding do not prevent success.

Question 4 Checklist

Self-Check

Did I state one recommendation?
Did I use evidence and explain its relevance?
Did I assess at least two alternatives?
Did I consider perspectives and unintended effects?
Did I build a connected line of reasoning?
Is the final judgement fully supported?

Lesson Summary

Question 4 requires more than a list of advantages and disadvantages.
A strong answer considers impact, feasibility, equity and sustainability.
Limitations of the chosen action should be acknowledged.
The conclusion must reflect the reasoning developed throughout.