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The
IELTS TASK 2
Writing EXAMPLE PACK
Benjamin Adams Page 1 of 44
Task 2 Writing Example Pack
ielts7.guru(c) 2016
Contents Part 1: Introduction
4
How to use this book
4
How to write a good IELTS Task 2 Essay
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List of essay questions
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Part 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essays
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 1: Housing
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 2: Uniforms
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 3: Sport
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 4: Online shopping
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 5: Pre-prepared food
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 6: Renewable energy
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Part 3: Opinion Essays
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Opinion Essay 1: Security Cameras
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Opinion Essay 2: New technology and consumers
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Opinion Essay 3: Tourism
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Opinion Essay 4: The Internet
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Opinion Essay 5: Practical Skills
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Opinion Essay 6: Space exploration
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Part 4: Two-points-of-view Essays
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Two-points-of-view Essay 1: Public health
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Two-points-of-view Essay 2: Children’s education
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Two-points-of-view Essay 3: The death penalty
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Two-points-of-view Essay 4: Unhealthy habits
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Two-points-of-view Essay 5: University education
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Two-points-of-view Essay 6: Global competition
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Part 5: Problem-solution / Cause-effect Essays
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Problem-solution Essay 1: Fossil fuels
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Problem-solution Essay 2: Mega cities
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Problem-solution Essay 3: Inactivity
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Problem-solution Essay 4: Local shops vs Chain stores
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Problem-solution Essay 5: Fresh water
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Problem-solution Essay 6: Ageing society
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Task 2 Writing Example Pack
Part 6: Other “direct question” Essays
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Direct Question Essay 1: Job satisfaction
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Direct Question Essay 2: Mass production
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Direct Question Essay 3: Handwriting in school
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Direct Question Essay 4: World travel
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Direct Question Essay 5: Success
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Direct Question Essay 6: The news
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Part 1: Introduction How to use this book All the essays in this book use the strategies and tips available on www.ielts7.guru. The first thing you need to do is look at: The Task 2 Writing How-to Guide The best approach is to use the samples to look at how the following are used: • • • • •
A direct introduction Topic Sentences Overall structure Natural coherence and organisation A clear conclusion
Follow this approach: 1. Look at an example essay and notice the structure, topic sentences, and how ideas are supported. 2. Brainstorm your own ideas to the question. It doesn’t matter if you reuse ones from the examples. 3. Write your own answer to the same question using many phrases and patterns from the example. Time yourself. Make a note of where you are when you reach 35 minutes, but then continue until you have finished your conclusion. 4. Use another five minutes to read through your essay using the checklist on the next page. 5. Repeat this process with other examples of the same general essay type. This will increase your familiarity with the phrases. Over time, your writing speed and language will improve. 6. Remember, although it is often suggested that you spend 40 minutes on Task 2, it doesn’t actually matter. The main thing is that you have enough time to plan, write, and edit. It is a good idea to get into this habit now so that you don’t have a problem in the exam.
Note: this book is written in British English. However, you can use American spelling and usage if you like. The key thing is to be consistent when you write in the exam.
Good luck with your IELTS Study! Remember, if you need more help with preparing for you IELTS exam, or you are looking at improving your academic writing while at University, contact us here at www.ielts7.guru!
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How to write a good IELTS Task 2 Essay Here are several tips that will help you write a band 7 IELTS Task 2 Essay. To do better than this, you generally need to be more natural and more accurate with your language use.
1. Answer the question directly Address each part of the question in your essay. Make sure that your conclusion clearly answers each one.
2. Have a clear and simple organisation that follows the question Write one paragraph for each part of the essay question. For example, if there are two smaller individual questions, write one paragraph about each one.
3. Use simple and direct topic sentences Write very clear and fairly simple topic sentences for each paragraph. Make sure you use a different sentence structure for each one. For example, you could write two different topic sentences as follows: 1. Working hard can lead to many health problems. 2. There are several monetary benefits of hard work.
4. Develop your ideas logically and clearly. Don’t worry about being original or especially clever Cleverness is not important. Having relevant and developed ideas is. Therefore, generally focus on having two or three main ideas in each paragraph. Then, for each idea, develop and extend it by: a. explaining it further. E.g. by writing additional detail b. giving an example c. giving a reason why this is useful, important etc. d. explaining the likely result of doing (or not doing) something, and explain why this supports your main idea
5. Don’t worry about being complicated. Focus on including a mix of simple and complicated sentences Although you need to have some complex sentences get a 7 or better, you also need accuracy. The best way to do this is to have a large number of 100% correct simple sentences, and a number of easily formed complex sentences that are also correct. Having short, 100% correct topic sentences helps with this.
6. Have a short direct introduction and a short conclusion that summaries your main ideas AND answers the question directly Don’t waste time on a lengthy introduction. Get straight to the point, and make sure that your last introduction sentence directly links to what you will write about.
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List of essay questions “Advantage and disadvantage” essay questions 1. Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to living in an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages with living in house compared with living in an apartment? 2. It is common for larger companies to require their staff to wear uniforms at all times. What are the benefits for a company of having a uniform? How can a uniform benefit the staff? 3. Every year many countries seek to host international sporting competitions, such as the Olympics. What benefits does hosting an international sports competition bring to the host country? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? 4. Online shopping is growing in popularity. What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online for both individuals and companies? 5. It has become increasingly popular for people to eat pre-prepared food either out or at home. What are the advantages of eating in this way? What problems can it cause? 6. Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, have shown great promise. However, they have often disappointed in practice. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these forms of power generation compared to fossil fuels?
“Opinion essay” / “Thesis essay“ essay questions 1. In the fight against crime, police forces and governments are increasingly using security cameras in public places. Some people are opposed to this, saying that it invades our privacy. What do you think? 2. New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming the lives of consumers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? 3. Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and contributes a great deal to economies around the world. However, the damage tourism can cause to local cultures and the environment is often ignored. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 4. The Internet allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are. On the other hand, it also isolates us and encourages people not to socialise. To what extent do you agree or disagree ? 5. Some people think that school children need to learn practical skills such as car maintenance or bank account management along with the academic subjects at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree? 6. Space exploration is much too expensive and the money should be spent on more important things. Do you agree? Page 6 of 44
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“Two points of view” / “Both sides“ essay questions 1. Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. 2. Some people believe teachers should have the final say about children’s education, while others believe parents should make these decisions. Discuss both sides. 3. Some people believe that the death penalty is necessary for certain crimes, while others argue that it should never be used. Discuss both points of view. 4. Some say that unhealthy habits should be banned. However, others believe that everyone should be free to make their own decisions about what they do. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion. 5. It is argued by some that university education should be free for all who want it. However, others believe that people should pay for their own education. Discuss both positions. 6. Global competition often leads to changes in employment patterns. Some people believe that the government should protect local workers from these changes. However, others argue that this competition benefits the local economy. Discuss both points of view.
“Problem - solution” / “Cause - effect” essay questions 1. Fossil fuels have been the main driver of economic growth for the last 100 hundred years. Explain how fossil fuels have achieved this, outline the main problems their use causes, and suggest alternative solutions. 2. Around the world mega cities are now home to an ever larger share of the world’s population. What problems are caused by this shift? What measures can governments take to deal with these issues? 3. Throughout the developing world more and more adults are less active and as a result less healthy. Discuss the causes of inactivity and outline some solutions to this problem. 4. As large shopping chains expand, many local stores are unable to compete and close. What are the reasons for this? What actions can be taken to solve this problem? 5. In developing countries, people in cities and rural areas suffer from a lack of fresh water. Discuss the main causes of this problem and suggest several courses of action. 6. In many developed countries the population is ageing rapidly. What are the reasons for this change? What problems can this lead to? How can societies manage this shift?
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Other “direct question” essay questions 1. As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction of all workers? 2. The mass production of cars has revolutionised the way people live and work. What alternatives might there be? How will these changes in transport effect our working and private lives? Will cars still be vital in the near future? 3. For many years, handwriting has been a vital part of a person’s primary schooling. However, recently there has been a shift to typing. Should schools still require handwriting in school? How necessary is it to write by hand in today’s society? 4. World travel was revolutionised in the 20th century to the extent that the world has now become a global village. What factors will influence travel this century? Will travel continue to grow or will it become less popular? 5. Some believe that wealth is the best measure of a persons’ success. Do you agree with this idea? In your view, what makes a person successful? 6. Increasingly, news organisations are including social media and Internet media stars as news sources and commentators. Why are news organisations doing this? How important is it for the news to be produced by professional journalists? What will the news situation look like in the future?
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Part 2: Advantages and Disadvantages Essays Ben’s notes Advantages and disadvantages essays are often the first kind of essays you learn when preparing for IELTS Task 2 Writing. Although the questions can be fairly easy to understand, remember to: 1. Read the question carefully! People often misunderstand exactly what the question is about 2. Use different topic sentence patterns for your body paragraphs. Take a look at the ones in the examples to get some ideas. 3. Use different kinds of body paragraph organisation. In one paragraph, you could use “First, Second, Third” but in the next body paragraph, use phrases such as “One issue is, Another is …” This helps you use different kinds of language. 4. Don’t just list your main ideas. Remember to include a mix of examples, reasons, and possible results to support your main ideas. 5. Stick to your plan! Planning and then following your plan helps you focus on using the language and connecting your ideas in the best way that you can.
Common essay structure Short, direct introduction • Background statement introducing the issue • A statement saying what this essay will do, or ask a question to answer later. Body Paragraph 1: • Topic sentence: “Have” sentence. E.g. “To start with, [something] has several advantages.” • First, advantage + reason, example, possible result • Second, advantage + reason, example, possible result Body Paragraph 2 • Topic sentence: “There” sentence E.g. “However, there are a number of problems too.” • One issue is, problem + reason, example, possible result • Another issue is, problem + reason, example, possible result Short conclusion: • Summary sentence. Eg. “Although [the things I don’t agree with], [the thing I do agree with.]” • Final opinion sentence to fully and directly answer the question. E.g. “Therefore, I believe …”
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 1: Housing
Question: Some people prefer to live in a house, while others feel that there are more advantages to living in an apartment. Are there more advantages than disadvantages with living in house compared with living in an apartment?
Band 8+ Native Answer Recently, many people have become more concerned about whether they should live in an apartment or in a house. The question is, which is better? On the one hand, there are several reasons why living in an apartment is superior. First, they are smaller than houses, which means they tend to be much easier to look after and keep clean. This is especially helpful if you are busy working and entertaining and therefore are not interested in maintenance. Second, since they are smaller, apartments are generally much cheaper. As a result, they are a good option if you are flatting as a student, or if you are planning a place to buy as your first home. On the other hand, living in a house may be more beneficial in some situations. To start with, they are often better for families with young children who need space to run around, because they generally have an outside front or back yard. Another reason is that modern houses tend to be quieter than apartments as the latter pack more people into multiple floors in a building. Finally, in many cities, buying and living in a house is an excellent investment, and it is partly for this reason that many people aspire to buying a home as they age. In conclusion, the choice of living in either an apartment or a house totally depends on your current situation, especially your age, wealth, and whether or not you have children. Therefore, there is not one correct answer. Words: 253
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 2: Uniforms
Question: It is common for larger companies to require their staff to wear uniforms at all times. What are the benefits for a company of having a uniform? How can a uniform benefit the staff?
Band 8+ Native Answer Uniforms have become widespread among companies where there is a lot of face to face contact with customers. The question is, how exactly do uniforms benefit employers and employees? Firstly, there are several reasons why companies and employers prefer their employees to wear uniforms. One is that it makes all the employees look similar. This is often a vital component of branding as it enables companies to project a coherent and complete image of their company. Another reason is that it enables customers to immediately know who is and is not a staff member, which is likely to lead to improved customer service, and therefore improved sales. Finally, having everyone look similar has an important psychological effect - group identification. In other words, similar clothing helps define a group, which also strengthens loyalty to each other and by extension the company. Secondly, wearing uniforms can be useful for employees. The single most important reason is that it means you do not need to wear your own clothes at work. For many workers, this is a huge benefit since it protects your own clothes from wear and tear. Moreover, this tends to be a cheaper option than wearing your own clothes since uniforms are designed to be durable. In many cases the company or the employer pays for the uniform or subsidises it. This is still the case even if you are required to pay for the uniform yourself. Also, since it can lead to greater group loyalty as mentioned above, wearing them can actually make work more enjoyable. In conclusion, uniforms have a range of benefits ranging from the economic to the psychological. Interestingly, wearing them is not only advantages for companies but also for workers. Words: 285
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 3: Sport
Question: Every year many countries seek to host international sporting competitions, such as the Olympics. What benefits does an international sporting competition bring to the host country? Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Band 8+ Native Answer Recently, it has become increasingly common for countries to try to host sporting tournaments. The question is, is this actually a good idea? To begin with, on the surface it seems that there are several benefits of hosting an international sporting competition. Most are economic. Most politicians claim that these events will boost jobs in the short term, rejuvenate dilapidated areas in the medium term, and boost awareness of the country in the long term. In the latter view, holding an International event is a form of marketing, and so may promote future earnings from international trade and tourism. Another reason perhaps the most important - is national pride. Holding an important event signals to the world that a country must be taken seriously. In other words, it demonstrates a country has the capacity to manage and run a huge event and play on equal footing with the world’s largest powers. However, it is necessary to ask if these benefits actually outweigh the costs. Firstly, in nearly every case, events such as the Olympics have been awarded to cities that promise incredible new facilities and local development. As a result, most cities borrow billions of dollars to fund their extravagant construction promises. Secondly, construction on a massive scale also brings social disruption. For example, the Olympic Games in Beijing were heavily criticised for forcibly removing locals living in and near the construction sites. Finally, none of this may matter if the benefits from games bore fruit. Unfortunately, numerous studies have shown that hosting the Olympics does not increase revenue from tourism, and has a minimal impact on a countries international image, and in fact puts cities billions in debt - often for facilities they do not need. In conclusion, although hosting International sporting events seems to profit the host, in general they are hugely expensive and disrupt society. Therefore, unless a Sporting Event can be held in fairly cheap manner, I believe that cities and countries should not seek to run them. Words: 330
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 4: Online shopping
Question: Online shopping is growing in popularity. What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online for both individuals and companies?
Band 8+ Native Answer Recently, shopping online has become increasingly common for people and companies. The question is, is this actually a good idea? On the one hand, using the Internet to buy goods and services has a number of clear benefits. Firstly, the Internet allows the buyer to immediately compare prices, which means they can usually get a much better price. This benefits all customers. Secondly, because a shopper usually needs to pay upfront, companies can be paid immediately instead of having to wait for anywhere up to 60 or 90 days for payment (this is especially true for Business to Business transactions). Finally, using the Internet to shop is particularly useful for disabled and ill individuals who may find it difficult to get around physically. Instead, they can easily view catalogs and compare products from the comfort of their own homes. On the other hand, it can cause some problems too. One concern is that for most transactions, customers need to use a Credit Card, or at least a Debit Card that is issued through a Credit Card company. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to have one, and for those who do, it can lead to overspending and the accumulation of credit card debt. Another issue is the possibility of Credit Card fraud. This is where criminals steal your credit card information and use it to purchase items at your expense, damaging credit and wrecking lives. Finally, it is another nail in the coffin of social interactions. Young people already tend to interact less and less in person, and by removing the need to actually visit shops, they have fewer and fewer opportunities to experience real conversations. In conclusion, although shopping online brings many economic advantages to both individuals and companies, there are risks mainly due to the use of Credit Cards and reduced social interaction. Therefore, I believe that online shopping is a positive that we should continue to use provided that people take some basic precautions. Words: 326
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 5: Pre-prepared food . Question: It has become increasingly popular for people to eat pre-prepared food either out or at home. What are the advantages of eating in this way? What problems can it cause?
Band 8+ Native Answer Over the last few years, eating pre-cooked or fast food has become increasingly common. The question is, is this actually a good idea? On the one hand, there are several reasons why we choose to eat pre-packaged and junk food. First and foremost, it is undeniably convenient. As time becomes ever more precious, we are prepared to sacrifice other things for more. Take for example the busy parent. Arriving at home after 8 or 9 hours of work after picking up children, cooking is suddenly an awful prospect. Who can deny the attraction of microwaving a pizza and calling it “dinner”? Secondly, fast food usually tastes incredible. Food companies spend millions on researching the perfect combination of chemicals, salts and flavours that make us want to consume their products. On the other hand, it can cause some problems too. The biggest issue is that consuming large amounts of pre-made food means that people are not consuming sufficient fruit, vegetables and other good foods. In addition, it typically leads to excessive sugar, fat, and salt consumption. Both of these impact our health in negative ways. A secondary concern is that cooking less, which is the natural result of the above habit, results in people forgetting how to cook, and therefore how to make good food choices. If this is what the parents do, their children will have even worse eating and dietary habits, which probably will lead to various long term health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and even heart attacks. In conclusion, although eating pre-made or instant food can be detrimental to your health, it is an understandable choice. Therefore, I believe that eating pre-prepared food is totally acceptable as long as it is done in moderation and people maintain healthy cooking and eating habits. Words: 304
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Advantages / Disadvantages Essay 6: Renewable energy
Question: Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, have shown great promise. However, they have often disappointed in practice. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these forms of power generation compared to fossil fuels?
Band 8+ Native Answer Over the last few years, countries have been increasingly concerned about the use of fossil fuels. As a result, they have started to promote renewable energy. The question is, is this actually a good idea? On the one hand, there are two main benefits of renewable energy. First and foremost, it is often promoted as low-carbon alternatives, meaning that it will help to reduce the total amount carbon emissions into atmosphere, and thereby in the long run help ameliorate climate change. Solar power and Wind power are the most well-known examples of this. Another advantage is that it energy is by definition infinite. In other words it will never run out. This is in direct contrast to fossil fuels, which may be finite. On the other hand, it can cause some problems too. The biggest issue is that these energy sources are often not quite as green as people believe. Take wind power for example. Throughout the world there have been anecdotes of local birds being sucked in and destroyed by the spinning turbines. Another slightly different example is hydropower. What could be cleaner than water falling? The truth of the matter is that this usually requires a dam, which means either damming an existing river, or diverting part of one into a valley. Either way a natural area is destroyed in the name of green energy. Finally, most renewables produce intermittent energy, meaning that the amount produced varies throughout the day. As a result, fossil fuel power stations still need to be maintained to provide power when the renewable sourced electricity is low. In conclusion, although renewable energy is low-carbon and should never run out, it is not totally green. Therefore, while I believe we need to promote it, we also need to be realistic about what it can really do. Words: 305
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Part 3: Opinion Essays Ben’s notes One of the common problems with opinion essays is the idea of a balanced or a one-sided essay. Most of the time you are expected to write a “balanced” essay. However, when you have a firm point of view on a topic, you do not need to do this. The other problem is that many students misunderstand what a “thesis” or “opinion-led” essay actually is, and whether or not you need to write one. Always remember that there is no one way to answer and essay. You do not need to start with a “this” or “opinion” with an opinion essay if you do not want to do. It is totally acceptable to discuss different aspects of the question and then reach a decision in your conclusion.
To help you with this try to follow the following steps: 1. Read the question carefully! People often misunderstand exactly what the question is about 2. Brainstorm ideas around the question. Do you have enough ideas to talk about one point of view? Or are you better off discussing it in more than one way? 3. Decide how you will tackle the problem as you plan out your answer. Make brief notes for your topic sentences, as well as examples and reasons. 4. When you write your introduction, make sure you start in a simple and direct way that fits your plan. For example, your last introduction sentence could be: “This essay will explain why smoking should be banned.” Or, it could be “This essay will discuss whether or not this is a good idea.” 5. Stick to your plan! helps you focus on using the language and connecting your ideas in the best way that you can. 6. Read over your essay again at the end and check that the introduction, topic sentences, and conclusion all directly related to the question.
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Opinion Essay 1: Security Cameras
Question: In the fight against crime, police forces and governments are increasingly using security cameras in public places. Some people are opposed to this, saying that it invades our privacy. What do you think?
Band 8+ Native Answer These days, an increasingly large number of people are concerned about their security, and so there is more public surveillance than ever before. However, others believe that this threatens our privacy. This essay will discuss whether this is correct. To start with, supporters of public surveillance usually have two main arguments. The first one is prevention. It is often argued that having cameras everywhere in public spaces, including streets and transportation areas, discourages potential criminals from committing crimes, as having them increases the chance of capture. This is the second reason. More cameras increases the likelihood of recording a criminal either in the act, or immediately before and after their crime, which in turn leads to identification and eventual capture. Given both of these points, it is no wonder that police are keen on surveillance. That said, regardless of how necessary public cameras are, privacy advocates make several important points. First, they rightly point out that some spaces must be off limits. For example, no one wants a government employee looking into your home. Second, there are genuine concerns about people knowing where you are at all times. In many places, this could threaten the right of freedom of movement Third and finally, there is the problem of trusting the police and the government. Many governments have used technology against their own people. What is to stop them from doing the same with public cameras? In conclusion, while there are genuine security needs that require public surveillance, the privacy of the people must be protected as much as possible. In my view, public surveillance is a necessary evil and therefore, while it must exist, there must be reasonable restrictions regarding what can be recorded, as well as use of the data and who can access it. Words: 295
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Opinion Essay 2: New technology and consumers
Question: New technologies and ways of buying and selling are transforming the lives of consumers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Band 8+ Native Answer Over the last few years, new forms of shopping and commerce have increased more than ever. The question is, has this trend changed the lives of consumers? First of all, the most obvious example is the Internet. As networks have been faster and access become cheaper, Internet-based business and services have suddenly taken off. This means it is easier than ever before to shop online and get rapid delivery, which in turn makes it easier for people to get what they need without visiting real brick-and-mortar stores. Another related change is the so-called sharing economy. This is mainly powered by the rise in the number of Smartphones and has given rise to new business models such as Uber, which matches people who need a ride to those who own cars. This now means that the average person can get the equivalent of a taxi during rush hour, late at night, or during intense rain. That said, for most people the impact of these changes has not fundamentally changed their lives. Online shopping may make it easier for people to get what they need, but generally people still shop in person for food and clothing. Similarly, the sharing economy may make it easier or cheaper for to travel, but it will not totally replace staying in hotels. Or, in the case of Uber, paying someone to drive their own car is not much different from paying a taxi driver to drive a taxi. In conclusion, although the Internet and the rise in Smartphones is in many ways easier, cheaper, faster or more convenient, our lives are not significantly different. Therefore, I believe that in most cases our lives have only changed on the edges. However, who knows what the future will bring? 291 words
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Opinion Essay 3: Tourism
Question: Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and contributes a great deal to economies around the world. However, the damage tourism can cause to local cultures and the environment is often ignored. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 8+ Native Answer Recently, tourism has become an important source of income and economic growth. However, some groups are worried that countries are focused on growth at the expense of the local culture and environment. The question is, is this true? To begin with, it cannot be denied that large numbers of tourists have an impact on the environment. Firstly, the areas around tourist attractions are often covered in garbage. Take for for example, Cox's bazar, which is the largest tourist area of Bangladesh. Now, this area has become so unhygienic that tourists often think twice before visiting. Secondly, the growth of resorts and hotels causes problems with the local water supply, electricity, and sewage systems. In other words, there are so many addition people that the local infrastructure cannot cope, and as a result the additional sewage pollutes local beaches and rivers. This is especially true on small islands. Turning to culture, the story is more mixed. In some situations, since locals are more exposed to foreign cultures, language, foods and forms of dress, they start to adopt some of them. For instance, many people in Goa are now dressing and talking like tourists. A related issue is when locals put on culture shows for tourists. Although this is a way of preserving some aspects of local culture, it usually distorts them, and therefore turns culture into a form of entertainment. To conclude, although encouraging tourism clearly has an impact on both the local environment and local cultures, it is hard to see whether these are actually ignored. It is more likely that currently economic growth is prioritised. Therefore, I only partially agree with the statement. Words: 269
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Opinion Essay 4: The Internet
Question: The Internet allows us to stay connected with each other no matter where we are. On the other hand, it also isolates us and encourages people not to socialise. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 8+ Native Answer Over the last few years, the Internet has become a vital part of our lives, our work and societies. It is undoubtedly changed the way we socialise. The question is, has it made us more isolated? To start with, in some ways the Internet has undoubtedly made us less isolated. First, almost anyone can now stay in touch with friends and family from 1000s of kilometres way - for free. This means it is possible to maintain family ties even if you are living apart, and so it helps you sustain relationships. Second, it is much easier than ever to find people who have similar interests, problems, and situations as you. To put it another way, before the Internet, if you lived in a small town, you could be easily be alone, but now the world wide web enables everyone to find a community of like-minded souls and therefore feel a sense of belonging. Turning to friends, the story is quite clear cut. There is little evidence that people have fewer real life friends than before, and there is no real evidence that the more time you spend online, the fewer real life contacts you have. In fact, a recent study showed that people really only have four to five extremely close people at any point in their lives, which means it is unlikely that using Facebook or spending time on online has reduced this for most people. However, it is a mixed situation with personal relationships. The Internet, and the sex industry more specifically, is affecting the ability of some men to establish relationships. Japan is a case in point. There is now a group of Japanese men who prefer the varied kinds of sexual interactions that they get online over that of women. Now, as a result, these men spend almost no time talking to real women face to face, and even prefer their virtual relationships to that of real women. In conclusion, although the Internet can cause problems for the few who are vulnerable, in many ways it has enriched our lives. Therefore, I believe completely disagree with the statement. Words: 353
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Opinion Essay 5: Practical Skills
Question: Some people think that school children need to learn practical skills such as car maintenance or bank account management along with the academic subjects at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 8+ Native Answer Increasingly, educators and parents are increasingly concerned that children are not able to deal with the practical challenges of living and working after school. The question is, should they be learning these kinds of skills in addition to traditional subjects? First of all, there are several benefits of acquiring a new skill. The first merit is personal development. For example, if someone learns playing guitar at school initially, it can be rewarding at a later stage of their life if they take it professionally. As a result, the chance of being successful in life is much higher. The second point is how this learning would impact society in general. When all students were effectively equipped with work and life skills, they would not be a liability to society anymore. Instead, they would start contributing to the economy, and the nation would have outstanding economic growth. On the other hand, catering to practical skills has some drawbacks too. The most important issue is that it will require extra time which can hinder the acquisition of core subjects. For example, if vehicle maintenance was the skill, it would take a large number of hours, possibly crowding out the learning time available to other classes. Another issue is workload. Is giving school-going children additional work actually plausible? Most parents would argue that pushing them to do extra-curricular activities would negatively impact a significant portion, as as not all students have the skills or interest. Likewise, for example, many parents would feel that their children do not need to learn how to open a bank account, since they can deal with it themselves. In conclusion, although acquiring life skills may increase the chance of general success later in life, considering the additional stress required, it is not a good idea to teach them at school. Therefore, I do not support this plan. Words: 310
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Opinion Essay 6: Space exploration
Question: Space exploration is much too expensive and the money should be spent on more important things. Do you agree?
Band 8+ Native Answer Recently, large numbers of of people have become concerned about spending our resources on exploring space. The question is, is investing in space exploration a good use of money, or would we be better off spending it on our lives here on Earth? This essay will argue that more needs to be done on Earth first. To start with, too many of our people lack basic nutrition and access to clean water. Firstly, millions of people are starving despite the fact that the rich world is suffering from an obesity epidemic. For example, many African children die from starvation, or although they may have enough food to get through early childhood, the lack of basic nutrients, such as vitamins, means they are stunted and are more limited intellectually. Similarly, poor access to clean water for drinking, bathing, cooking, and sanitation means that diseases spread rapidly through the population. Cholera is an awful example of this. Sadly, all of these problems are readily preventable with a portion of the resources we devote to space. Furthermore, it cannot be denied that we face a tremendous number of ecological problems in the world today. One area is air pollution. Global megacities, such as Beijing and Hong Kong, have suffered from this for years. People wear masks and even purchase fresh air from Switzerland so as not to be poisoned by the smog. Another area of concern is global warming and the destruction of the oceans. Mankind is destroying its home. In conclusion, regardless of any scientific or economic benefits that may come from exploring space, it is obvious that humanity needs to invest its scarce resources at home first. I believe we cannot look outwards while our children suffer from preventable diseases and poor nutrition, and while we let our planet die. Words: 299
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Part 4: Two-points-of-view Essays Ben’s notes I have read many of these kinds of essays from students. I have noticed that many get mixed up and try to talk about the advantages and disadvantages instead. This confusing, because if you do this, you are often writing about the advantages and disadvantages of having a particular point of view. Instead, you need to focus on the reasons for each argument. To help you with this, focus on starting sentences with words that talk about the views of the people on each side. For example: • • • • • • • •
Some believe that Others argue that It is argued that It can be argued that It is often / sometimes said that They say this because This is because They reason that
When you read the example essays, you will notice that ideas are often supported by talking about the consequences. For example: • If this were done, x would happen • They argue that this is a terrible idea because it would result in noun / something happening. To help you with this try to follow the following steps: 1. Read the question carefully! Underline the key positions to discuss. 2. When you brainstorm, make notes on why each side is likely to believe their position. Add examples, and consequences (the impacts) of doing it or not doing it. 3. When you re-read your essay, look through all the ways you referred to the people. Can you replace any of the references with phrases above?
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Two-points-of-view Essay 1: Public health
Question: Some people say that the best way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. Others, however, say that this would have little effect on public health and that other measures are required. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
Band 8+ Native Answer There is no denying the fact that overall health is on the decline. One possibility is to increase of sports facilities, while others believe that this will not achieve much and suggest alternative solutions. This essay will look at both of these options. On the one hand, increasing the amount of places people have available to play sports will no doubt have numerous benefits. One positive is there would be a larger variety of sports people could play, and, therefore, attract a wider group of people. This would provide an opportunity to members of the public who are not interested in the standard, run-of-the-mill sports to also participate in something. Another benefit is that since the areas would probably be less crowded, it may lead to more families deciding to play sports together, which would could create a mindset that will benefit not just one, but future generations too. On the other hand, simply building more stadiums and arenas is not the only thing that needs to be done to improve public health. First of all, people need to take responsibility for themselves and change their lifestyles, from what and when they eat, to when and how much they exercise. Each person is different and must address his own needs intelligently. Furthermore, there should be more dietary control measures, either by the government or health officials. Individuals who fall into a serious risk category should not be allowed to continue making terrible decisions. Someone might have to be put in charge of making those decisions for them. In conclusion, even though more sports facilities could allow more people to be interested in playing sports, this alone is insufficient to improve public health. Therefore, I believe a wider range of options should be looked at. Words: 297
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Two-points-of-view Essay 2: Children’s education
Question: Some people believe teachers should have the final say about children’s education, while others believe parents should make these decisions. Discuss both sides.
Band 8+ Native Answer With so much pressure on students nowadays to excel academically, the question arises of who should make the final decision regarding children’s education. Some believe this should be the responsibility of teachers, while others think that this should be left up to parents. This essay will discuss both points of view. On the one hand, there are several reasons why teachers are in a good position to make this decision. One reason is that they see the students every day and interact closely with them, giving them a deeper insight into their development. This allows them to have a continuous evaluation of the child and his or her needs. Another is that teachers have professional training, which allows them to consider numerous options more carefully, such as whether a child needs extra math or English help. This means they are generally in a better position to make decisions regarding an educational nature. On the other hand, It can be argued that parents should be ultimately responsible for their child’s educational future. First of all, at the end of the day, they are the ones who have to support and encourage their children through the hardships. Their decisions might be made based on discussions they had with their child, as well as consultations with the teacher. Secondly, parents have a deeper connection with their children than teachers and will sacrifice everything they can to see the child succeed, which makes their decisions more likely to include the child’s personality and emotional well-being, rather than just realistic educational concerns. In conclusion, even though teachers are qualified to guide children’s education, it is still the parents who sacrifice more and know their children more deeply. Therefore, I firmly believe the final decision about a child’s education should rest with the parents. Words: 298
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Two-points-of-view Essay 3: The death penalty
Question: Some people say that the death penalty is necessary for certain crimes, while others argue that it should never be used. Discuss both points of view.
Band 8+ Native Answer It is often said ‘Let the punishment fit the crime’. Some believe that this should definitely be the case regarding the death penalty. However, it is also argued that this form of punishment is cruel and inhumane and therefore should never be considered. The question is, which view is correct? To start with, it is possible to argue that the death penalty is needed in our society. One reason is the overflowing prison system in a lot of countries. Simply giving convicted serial killers and other kinds of threats to society a lifelong environment to separate them from society is not a long-term solution and simply puts extra stress on normal society in the form of extra taxes. Another reason is that executing some people might deter potential criminals from committing crimes. As long as they believe they could be killed for their transgressions, they might think twice about it. That said, there are a variety of reasons for never supporting the death. Firstly, it is a completely final solution. If a person is executed, but then is discovered to be innocent, there is no way to rectify the situation and this will cause tremendous heartache for his or her loved ones. Secondly, so far, there is no form of execution that can be proven to be completely humane and painless. For example, death by fatal injection not only often goes wrong, but we now realise it causes minutes of unacceptable pain before death. In conclusion, even though the death penalty involves occasionally executing innocent people, the long-term social and economic benefits are more important. Therefore, I believe that although it is unpleasant, there is a need for the death penalty in our legal system. Words: 285
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Two-points-of-view Essay 4: Unhealthy habits
Question: Some people say that unhealthy habits should be banned. However, others believe that everyone should be free to make their own decisions about what they do. Discuss both points of view and give your own opinion.
Band 8+ Native Answer Drinking, smoking, and eating fatty foods are all known to be bad for you. Are these habits so bad for society that they should be banned? Or, should adults be free to make their own decisions? This essay will look at both perspectives. To start with, it can be argued that unhealthy habits should be banned. Clearly, certain unhealthy habits, for example smoking tobacco, and drinking alcohol, waste time, money, and medical resources. The main argument is if these habits were banned, we wouldn’t need to use resources to heal the illnesses these habits cause, and a result not only would people live longer and be less sick, societies would have more resources to spend on other areas such as education. However, just because it something is not necessarily healthy, it is not always acceptable to ban it. One reason is often the difference between a healthy and unhealthy habit is completely subjective. For example, vegans consider eating meat, dairy, and even honey, to be unhealthy and bad. It is difficult to argue that people should be prevented from eating honey! Another point is the government generally should not take away a person’s ability to choose. Choosing what to do and when to do it is a vital aspect of being and adult. In fact, it can be argued that as long as you are not hurting anyone else then you should be able to do what you want. Finally, it has been shown that whenever something is banned it only gives rise to crime. The connection between alcohol prohibition and the rise organised crime in the U.S. in the 1920’s is a case in point. In conclusion, although bad habits cause a lot of problems in society, and some probably should be restricted, banning them is likely to lead to main unforeseen outcomes including, problems with becoming an adult, and even crime. Therefore, I believe that as little as possible should be banned. Words: 324
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Two-points-of-view Essay 5: University education
Question: It is argued by some that university education should be free for all who want it. However, others believe that people should pay for their own education. Discuss both positions.
Band 8+ Native Answer One of the most important things that a person can do to have a better life is to get an education. But, should people pay their own way or should education be free for all? This essay will discuss both sides of the debate. To start with, many people think that education should be free for everyone. They argue that educating citizens makes a country stronger and smarter. College educated citizens have been shown to cause less crime and make more money. However, in some countries, high costs for education mean that only the privileged few can afford to go. This leaves poor people, the people who need education the most, on the bottom of the economic ladder for generations. However, free education would fix this problem. It would lift the impoverished into the middle class, making them happier, healthier, and more productive members of society. That said, it can be argued that at least some people should pay for their education. One argument goes that if everyone has access to unlimited education, then the quality of education will decrease. This can be seen in recent employer surveys that show that recent college graduates are not prepared for the workforce. Another point is that college degrees become more meaningless as more people get them. In other words, if everyone has the same level of degree, then it is more difficult to differentiate yourself from everyone else. In this case, free education is unlikely to help the poor move up the economic ladder. In conclusion, although providing a free education can create a stronger and smarter citizenry, it can also lower educational quality, and make it more difficult to distinguish yourself within that society. Therefore, I believe while education should available to everyone, if you are not poor, it is better for you to pay for it. Words: 306
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Two-points-of-view Essay 6: Global competition
Question: Global competition often leads to changes in employment patterns. Some people believe that the government should protect local workers from these changes. However, others argue that this competition benefits the local economy. Discuss both points of view.
Band 8+ Native Answer Recently, governments and workers have been concerned about the effects of globalisation n local jobs. Some believe the best response is to protect workers by limiting trade while it is also said the lower prices benefit everyone in the economy. The question is, who is right? To start with, people in favour of restricting trade make the following arguments. Firstly, being open to global trade means local workers are also competing with foreign ones. This often results in local jobs moving to new locations and many loose their jobs. Since these people have no jobs they spend less money and don’t pay as much tax as they did when they were employed. This can severely damage the local economy, causing local business and even entire cities to fail. Flint Michigan is a good example of what can happen when local jobs are outsourced. That said, economists generally support freer trade. Their main position is that cheaper prices are better for the economy than protecting local workers. Although uncompetitive jobs disappear, there is a net benefit to society. Cheaper overseas products mean more people can buy more of them, whether it is food, or computers, or even the can afford to buy things they previously could not afford. This means the same wages can purchase more, resulting in an increase in standards of living. In conclusion, although many governments try to protect workers by preventing trade, lower prices benefits the average consumer and lifts their standard of living. Therefore, given that globalisation is an extremely complex topic I am not sure what side to choose. Words: 264
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Part 5: Problem-solution / Cause-effect Essays Ben’s notes One of the first things an IELTS student does when they see something that looks like a problemsolution essay, is they immediately start writing in a certain way. Don’t do this! Instead, you need to carefully look at exactly what you have to write about. This is because there are many different ways these kinds of questions can work. They often mix different kinds of questions. For example, you might have to: A. Discuss at least two solutions and choose one B. Describe problems e.g. talk about the negative effects to these problems C. Evaluate a solution that the question already gives you D. Explain the causes of something e.g. explain the things that cause a problem E. Or any combination of the above This means that the first thing you need to do is look at the question carefully! Note: • I use “problem-solution essays” to refer to all the combinations above. To help you with this try to follow the following steps: 1. Read the question carefully! Decide how many paragraphs you need to write, and whether you need to write about problems, explain causes, or offer solutions. 2. When you brainstorm, make sure you use appropriate language to that paragraph: 1. Problems 1. Explain why it is a problem. Give examples, and use some effect language. 2. Causes 1. explain the underlying causes and immediate causes. Use cause language e.g. this leads to …, this causes…. 3. Solutions 1. Suggest options. E.g. One possibility is … 2. Explain this in more detail and/or offer an example 3. Explain how this solution will solve the problem. E.g. Doing this would …. 4. Point out the obstacles involved with this solution. E.g. is it expensive, would it take a long time to work? 3. When you re-read your essay, make sure you have written about each section of the question, and check that you answered the final question (if any).
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Problem-solution Essay 1: Fossil fuels
Question: Fossil fuels have been the main driver of economic growth for the last 100 hundred years. Explain how fossil fuels have achieved this, outline the main problems their use causes, and suggest alternative solutions.
Band 8+ Native Answer These days, large numbers of people have been increasingly concerned about the use of fossil fuels. This essay will explain why we use them, the problems they are leading to, and some possible solutions. To start with there are several reasons why fossil fuels have become so important. In fact, in the form of oil, coal, and natural gas fossil fuels power everything from factories and power plants to transportation. They are even used to make many household products like plastic. But the most dramatic has been petroleum. Without this, the modern car-based society would not exist. However, there constant use has caused a number of problems. The most obvious one is pollution. Air quality in most large cities is terrible, and causing lots of health problems, especially among children. It is so bad people that in Beijing people can actually buy bottled fresh air imported from Canada. A related problem are the plastics and other products made from fossil fuels. Since they do not biodegrade, plastic has contaminated the environment now threatens sea life all around the world. Finally, burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which is a key cause of climate change. So what can we do to stop using fossil fuels since they’re such an important part of our life? The main solution is alternative energy. Producing electricity from solar and wind power will dramatically reduce the need for fossil fuels. However, it is insufficient. The second solution is replacing cars and trucks that are dependent on fuel with electric ones. Similarly, there are also greener alternatives to plastics. For example, The Lego company recently started a new research facility to develop a better greener alternative for their lego bricks. In conclusion, although fossil fuels have been vital to our societies, their use is starting to decline. I believe that in the future, we will continue to shift to alternative forms of energy production and fuel use. Words: 321
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Problem-solution Essay 2: Mega cities
Question: Question: Around the world mega cities are now home to an ever larger share of the world’s population. What problems are caused by this shift? What measures can governments take to deal with these issues?
Band 8+ Native Answer Recently, the proportion of people moving to and living in large cities has dramatically risen around the world. This essay will outline the consequences of this change and discuss what could be done to reduce their impact. To start with, the creation of mega cities has resulted in a several issues. Most of these are the direct result of having a large number of people living in close proximity. For instance, rapidly growing cities require a huge amount of investment in infrastructure including roads, sewers, electricity, and Internet access. Failing to keep with growth leads to a collapse in standards of living and quality of life. Another related problem is pollution. The growth in motorbikes and cars typically means that cities become dirtier before they become cleaner. The massive conurbations in China and India are cases in point. Fortunately, there are several things that can be done about the above problems. One option is for governments to plan better for growth, and to invest more in basic utilities. A similar strategy is to invest in public transportation systems early so that they can be as effective as possible at reducing pollution. Finally, local authorities should find ways to include more greenery in the form of parks and small spaces along roads and near public buildings. This is because tress absorb Carbon Dioxide and convert it into Oxygen, and therefore improving the air. Governments could raise money from bonds to achieve all of these things, and it would result in a greener, more organised future. In conclusion, although huge cities are under more stress that at any time before, the main solution is planning and investment. I believe that this is possible given the right leadership. Words: 285
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Problem-solution Essay 3: Inactivity
Question: Throughout the developing world more and more adults are less active and as a result less healthy. Discuss the causes of inactivity and outline some solutions to this problem.
Band 8+ Native Answer Over the last several decades people have generally become more inactive, even in poorer countries. Partly as a result, obesity and other health problems are rising. This essay will explain why this is happening and outline several ways to improve the situation. There are several reasons for this rise. First, there is the modern demand for cars. As people grow richer the first major purchase is typically a car. However, traveling in this way dramatically decreases the amount of time spent walking and cycling. Second, is the growth in television, the Internet, and now online gaming. All of these activities force people to remain still while they enjoy them. They are also fairly addictive, which means that once the youth are exposed to them, they are likely to continue doing them when they are adults. The final cause is urbanisation. As an increasingly large proportion of the population lives in cities, it is more difficult for the average person to get sufficient exercise. However, what can be done about this? One way is for societies to demand better urban planning from their governments to encourage urbanites to use cars less and their bodies more. Increasing the number parks and making it easy to walk to and from work are all good examples of this. A similar strategy could discourage reliance on cars. In other words, people would walk a short distance, take public transport, and then walk the remaining distance. If all of these ideas were implemented, the general population would be more active. Unfortunately, these ideas do not directly deal with the problem of a youth culture obsessed with the Internet. In conclusion, although people have become more sedentary, there are clearly a number of ways to boost the level of activity throughout developing nations. However, it will take a lot of political will and local pressure for them to succeed. Words: 312
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Problem-solution Essay 4: Local shops vs Chain stores
Question: As large shopping chains expand, many local stores are unable to compete and close. What are the reasons for this? What actions can be taken to solve this problem?
Band 8+ Native Answer For the last couple of decades, people have become increasingly concerned about the spread of the chain stores and the disappearance of local ones. This essay will discuss why this is happening and suggest possible ways to address this issue. To start with, there are numerous causes for this increasing phenomenon. First, there is price. Large shops are able to buy in bulk from suppliers and therefore resell at much lower prices than small shops are able to. Because of this, shoppers opt not to buy from the smaller shops anymore. Second, chains often offer a larger variety of products than the independent stores, and, this too, attracts more customers who are looking for a wider range of goods. Given these problems, what are some possible solutions to this? One option is for owners of local shops to join together to buy their goods. This would mean they could negotiate better prices from their suppliers. Another possibility is to specialise and to use the Internet more. People are happy to go to small boutique stores if they have something different or that is very hard to get at regular shops. For instance, a shop could specialise in seaweed-based products, or Italian leather goods. The Internet makes this even easier since there is a community for nearly every possible thing. In conclusion, although large shopping chains offer a wider variety and lower prices than smaller shops, by specialising and focusing on their loyal customers small stores can still survive and even thrive. Words: 251
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Problem-solution Essay 5: Fresh water
Question: In developing countries, people in cities and rural areas suffer from a lack of fresh water. Discuss the main causes of this problem and suggest several courses of action.
These days, one of the biggest killers in the undeveloped world is not the over-abundance of anything, but rather the lack of it – drinkable water. This essay will cover the reasons for this tragedy and put forth some solutions. To start with, there are a variety of reasons for the absence of fresh water in third-world countries. Primarily, it is the lack of proper infrastructure which causes this. Due to government corruption or general mismanagement, inadequate funds are spent on sanitation and utilities, which become neglected and break down, leading to water stagnation and contamination. Another reason is environmental damage. Both urbanisation and poor land use put additional strains on the local water supplies. Cities, industries and farms all require large amounts of freshwater, and in many poor places, such as India, there is little monitoring of this. These pressures mean the water table drops, letting in salt water, which reduces the amount of fresh water available. Given these challenges, what can be done about this problem? First of all, government departments should be policed to ensure that funds are managed fairly and professionally. This would mean that more money is spent on water-related infrastructure. An additional answer is education. Rural cities, industrialists and farming communities all need to be shown how to manage their water resources for the long term. This would need to be supported by the government or other groups to confirm that they are following the rules. In conclusion, even though undeveloped countries suffer from poor government and environmental damage, there are simple and realistic ways, namely better governance and more education, to improve access to fresh water supplies. Words: 276
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Problem-solution Essay 6: Ageing society
Question: In many developed countries the population is ageing rapidly. What are the reasons for this change? What problems can this lead to? How can societies manage this shift?
Band 8+ Native Answer These days, throughout the rich world the population is getting dramatically older. This essay will discuss why this is happening, the challenges we face as a result, and finally it will look at some possible ways of dealing with them. To start with, the ageing phenomenon in developing countries has three main causes: education, cost, and better health care. Studies have shown that as women in particular are educated they choose to have fewer children, which is historically why birthrates have fallen. A more recent issue is cost. In many developed countries, raising children is exceedingly expensive especially interns of childcare and education. Many families choose to have only one or two children, or none at all. Finally, health. Older people generally have much better access to healthcare and therefore are living longer. These changes cause a variety of problems. One is there is a loss of workers. In other words, there are simply fewer people working for each older individual. This in turn causes things like production to decrease and can have a negative effect on the economy as a whole. Another concern is how to take care of the elderly. With fewer people working, governments have less revenue to support welfare programs for retired people. A related issue is it increases pressure on families because the older generation outnumbers the younger generation they depend on for help. Fortunately, There are several ways to deal with this. A powerful yet controversial solution to this problem is immigration. If the local population is shrinking, governments can import foreign workers, talent, and knowledge. Another approach is to give support and incentive to couples considering a family to reduce the cost of raising children. Maternity leave, childcare programs are both good examples of this. In conclusion, although the ageing of wealthier societies has resulted in a number of economic problems, there are several straight forward solutions governments could adopt to reduce their impact. Many of these are sensible polices countries should be pursuing regardless. Words: 332
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Part 6: Other “direct question” Essays Ben’s notes Direct essay questions often look a little like other question types. They could include aspects of solutions, problems, opinions, advantages, and what people think. When you are confronted with this kind of essay, the best thing to do is to focus on the questions. Let these be your guide! Plan a topic sentence and a paragraph that clearly addresses each question. Look at the example below to see what I mean. I’ve added the numbers to the question to make it clearer. Question: The mass production of cars has revolutionised the way people live and work. 1. What alternatives might there be? 2. How will these changes in transport effect our working and private lives? 3. Will cars still be vital in the near future?
1. Body Paragraph To start with, there are several alternatives to fossil-fuel powered cars.
2. Body Paragraph All these changes will affect our lives in several ways.
3. Conclusion (or you could have written an additional paragraph) To conclude, future cars will still used but they will be safer and less polluting, providing more freedom of movement and better health.
And then make sure your introduction and conclusion fit around the body of your essay. (In fact this is almost always a good idea. Don’t write the introduction until you know what you are going to say in the middle of the essay!)
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Direct Question Essay 1: Job satisfaction
Question: As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing. What factors contribute to job satisfaction? How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction of all workers?
Band 8+ Native Answer As jobs take a huge piece of people's time and effort, it is vital that they are at least content with what they're doing. This essay will discuss the main factors responsible for contentment at work, and it will examine whether or not this is a reasonable expectation for all workers. Firstly, the salary of the job is an important factor. The greater the salary, the happier the employees will be because they will be able to provide well for themselves and their families, and this will motivate them to work better. Another factor is loving the job itself. Naturally, if people love what they are doing, they will be more satisfied no matter how hard their job seems to others. An emergency doctor, for example, could be happier with his job than a CEO if medicine was his choice and passion. I believe passion is the most important factor. However, no matter how good the job may seem, I think it is impossible for all employees to be satisfied with their job. Some might not like their job from the beginning, but others might get bored with time as their jobs become a stressful routine. This results in less and less happiness, which might affect their health mentally and physically. In conclusion, while there are salary and passion are the main factors in determining people’s happiness with their work, it is unlikely everyone can remain satisfied all the time. Eventually, nearly everyone can become “bored” by their work as it becomes routine. Therefore, the challenge for most people is to find ways to keep enough change in their working lives to maintain interest. Words: 274
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Direct Question Essay 2: Mass production
Question: The mass production of cars has revolutionised the way people live and work. What alternatives to cars might there be? How will these changes in transport effect our working and private lives? Will cars still be vital in the near future?
Band 8+ Native Answer There is little doubt that the mass production of cars has changed the way we live and work. This essay will discuss what the future of cars will look like. To start with, there are several alternatives to fossil-fuel powered cars. The major alternative being developed is electric vehicles. Battery technology is getting better all the time and major car manufacturers are developing more and more electric cars. Some manufactures, such as Tesla, are only producing electric cars. Another option is the development of better public transport. More cities are also using more electric buses and light rail to move people, especially in the developing world. Another interesting development is self- driving, 'on demand' robotic vehicles. If you need a car, you simply call for one. It arrives, you tell it where you want to go and it will take you there. This means many people will no longer need to own their own cars. However, this is only in its initial stages of development. All these changes will affect our lives in several ways. Firstly, while initially there would be little change to the way people live and work, as public and private electric vehicles become more commonplace, our cities will become less and less polluted. Secondly, the increasing use of smart technology will make driving both safer and less stressful, resulting in fewer accidents and a lower mortality rate. If both these changes actually happen, people will be more productive at work due to lower amounts of stress, and they will have more time on their hands, since they will be able to do more chores, planning, and leisure activities while stuck in traffic. To conclude, future cars will still used but they will be safer and less polluting, providing more freedom of movement and better health. Therefore, I believe these developments will dramatically improve our lives. Words: 292
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Direct Question Essay 3: Handwriting in school
Question: For many years, handwriting has been a vital part of a person’s primary schooling. However, recently there has been a shift to typing. Should schools still require handwriting in school? How necessary is it to write by hand in today’s society?
Band 8+ Native Answer The spread of information technology in recent years has meant that writing is less important than it used to be. This essay will discuss the necessity of writing by hand today, and consider whether it should be taught in school. First of all, of the way we use writing to communicate has changed significantly. Now, the majority of written communication takes place through a computer or a phone. For example, people type emails, or chat through apps such as Whatsapp or social media like Facebook. Communicating in this way allows people to send and receive messages instantly and at a much lower cost. As a result, while of course it is possible for people to write and send handwritten letters, this has become much less popular than it was in the past. In fact, governments, businesses and all other social institutions are choosing to type their messages instead of writing them. This means that although writing may still be a useful skill to have, it is certainly no longer as necessary as it was before typing existed. As a result of this, learning how to write in school is far less important than it used to be. It is natural that our children's education should change in accordance with what they will need to do when they are older. Schools should still teach children how to write, because this helps young people learn to form words and organise ideas, but less time should be spent on this, and more time should be spent on learning to type as well. This will give children a more balanced education that better suits the needs of modern life. In conclusion, modern communication requires the ability to type. Therefore, although handwriting is of less value than it was in the past, I believe it is still valuable and it should still be taught in schools. Words: 274
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Direct Question Essay 4: World travel
Question: World travel was revolutionised in the 20th century to the extent that the world has now become a global village. What factors will influence travel this century? Will travel continue to grow or will it become less popular?
Band 8+ Native Answer Recently, it has become easier than ever before to travel. This essay will discuss what are the key things that are likely to influence future travel, and it will make predictions about the future of travel. To start with, there are several factors that will determine what will happen to the travel industry. The first is economic growth. As countries in the developing world become richer, people desire to see more of the world, and as a result the number of travellers rises. China is a good example of this. The second important factor is the increase in budget airlines. In the past, when these airlines have grown, the number of travellers has also risen. This has been the case in Europe with Ryan Air and in Asia. If these airlines become larger, prices will drop, which will also encourage greater numbers of tourists. That said, this growth may not happen. One reason is the global economy has been slowing down. China is not growing as much as before and this means the developing world, especially in Latin America and in Africa, are also growing much slower. Another related reason is insecurity. The conflicts in the middle east and the refugee problems in Europe make the world feel less safe. This matters because when people feel insecure they are less likely to spend on luxuries like travel. To conclude, although there are currently a range of economic problems, the growth in the global middle class, especially in poorer countries, and the rise of budget airlines means that it is likely that the global travel will become even more popular in the foreseeable future. Words: 273
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Direct Question Essay 5: Success
Question: Some believe that wealth is the best measure of a persons’ success. Do you agree with this idea? In your view, what makes a person successful?
Band 8+ Native Answer People have always tended to compare themselves to others around them, and in today's connected world it is easier than ever before to compare your own achievements with other people's. This essay will discuss when a person can be considered “successful.” To start with, the idea that wealth is an accurate measure of success is a popular one and there is some truth in it. For instance, usually someone who is wealthy has worked hard over their life and has given their time and their energy to providing other people with something that they want or need. We see leading businessmen and entrepreneurs and we try to copy the way that they live their lives, hoping that we can succeed in the way that they have succeeded. However, just because a person is wealthy it does not necessarily mean that they are successful. Take for example the many people who have become rich by inheriting money and possessions from their relatives. In addition, other people have become wealthy through dishonest means. It is difficult to think of someone as successful if they obtained their wealth through either of these two methods. In contrast to wealth, there are many other ways of gauging success. One idea is whether or not a person has improved the lives of others through their life's work. Sometimes this can be measured in money made through business, but sometimes it looks very different and is harder to measure. Someone who has won a Nobel Peace Prize, for example, is certainly a successful person, but so are others who have done similar things but whose work has not been recognised with an award. Another is sporting achievement. We generally label Olympic medallists “successful.” In conclusion, there are many things that can make someone successful: wealth, personal achievement, or a more public achievement. Therefore, although I accept that wealth is one way to determine success, I believe that in general it is not enough and that we should take into account their other achievements too. Words: 333
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Direct Question Essay 6: The news
Question: Increasingly, news organisations are including social media and Internet media stars as news sources and commentators. Why are news organisations doing this? How important is it for the news to be produced by professional journalists? What will the news situation look like in the future?
Band 8+ Native Answer The Internet is one of the most important inventions of recent years and it has changed the way we do many things. This essay will explore the way that news reporting has changed because of the Internet. To start with, news organisations are including online sources for two reasons. The first reason is they are they are cheap to consult and are often widely respected. Thanks to the Internet, there is more opportunity than ever before for ordinary people to contribute their views on news stories and to report on events that are taking place. Some people have become famous through their presence on the Internet, and have become respected authority figures. News organisations can consult these people for news and commentary knowing that many people are already interested in what they have to say, which improves ratings. Another reason it is cheaper. These commentators usually do not need to be paid as they already earn money through internet advertising or may be producing their programmes voluntarily. However, do these changes actually matter? One possibility is that the quality of news content will be lower than when it is produced by professionals. It cannot be denied that many Internet content creators don't have the experience or training that a professional journalist has. Alternatively, because these people are free from the regulations set out by traditional news organisations, they may be more able to avoid sensationalist reporting, simply telling the truth in the way that they choose. In conclusion, this trend seems likely to continue into the future, with less and less news being created by professional journalists. As a result, we can expect that more and more of our news will come from unpaid online sources online, and it is possible that many news organisations will disappear. However, I believe that it is important for some news should continue to be produced professionally, especially global events and politics. Words: 318
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What to do next? For most people, preparing for the IELTS exam is a mixture or practice, skills, and building your academic English language. This is often a length process, and it seems to take longer and longer once you get to around 6! We will keep releasing interesting IELTS products, workbooks, and courses over this year. If there is a specific kind of practice you think you would benefit from, please feel free to email us at
[email protected]. We would love to hear about it!
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About the author Ben has been teaching Adults English for nearly 15 years and IELTS training for 5 years. He is an ex-IELTS examiner and is also the founder and director of studies at The English Academy in Taipei, Taiwan.
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