How do I Write an IELTS Essay? - Amazon S3



IELTS Writing TipsBelow you'll find important IELTS writing tips to help you with task 1 and 2 of the IELTS writing module.?Don’t write too little For task 1 you have to write 150 words, and for task 2 you have to write 250 words. Make sure you do not write less than this amount or your band score may be reduced. Begin to get an idea of how many words you normally write on one line. This way you will know roughly how much you have written without having to keep counting all the words – you probably won’t have time to do this!Don’t write too much The examiner is looking for quality, not quantity! You will not necessarily get more marks for writing more, so don’t write more for no reason. This will really depend on your writing ability. Someone of a higher level who needs to spend less time checking their grammar will have time to write more. But if this is not you, then make sure you write at least the minimum number of words, then use the extra time to check your grammar.Plan and check your answer Don’t just start writing when the time begins and stop when it finishes. Use some time at the beginning checking you understand the question, brainstorming your ideas and planning your answer.Then spend some time at the end checking your grammar.Spend more time on Task 2 More of the marks are for task 2 and this task requires 100 more words, so spend 20 minutes on task 1 and 40 minutes on task 2. It does not matter which task you write first.Write clearly You are not being graded on your handwriting; however, if the examiner cannot read some things you have written, it is not going to help you! So try to write anize clearly Don’t present the examiner with a wall of writing! Make sure you make use of paragraphing to divide up the different arguments or topics you are discussing.Don’t copy the question Never copy the question! You may want to use the question (or rubric as it is called) in the introduction of both tasks in order to introduce the topic, but make sure you put it in your own words.Use a variety of sentence structures The examiner will be looking to see what your grammatical range is so make sure you are not just using a limited range of sentence types. To get a higher score you will need to show you can use simple, compound and complex sentences.Read the question carefully This is one of the most important IELTS writing tips! When my students write essays, one of the most common mistakes is not answering the question. Study the rubric very carefully and make sure you are clear about what you have to write about. If you are writing about the wrong topic or not responding to exactly what the question asks you, your band score will be lower.Read all instructions carefully As with all of the modules of the IELTS test, make sure you read all the instructions carefully. These will tell you where you need to write each answer and what you need to do.Follow these IELTS writing tips and you'll be a step closer the band score you need! How to Write an IELTS EssayOn this page you will find some guidance on how you should write an IELTS essay. There are then model answers on the following pages for different types of essay and different questions, with some brief guidance on each. It is important to analyse model answers for IELTS essays because there are different essay types, and these will require different ways to answer them. However, as you will see from the guidance on this page, they can all follow the same basic structure. These are some of the types of IELTS essay we will look at: Agree / disagreeDiscuss two opinionsAdvantages & disadvantagesCauses (reasons) & solutionsCauses (reasons) & effects Problems & solutionsNot every essay will fit one of these patterns, but many do. You may get some of these tasks mixed up. For example, you could be asked to give your opinion on an issue, and then discuss the advantages or disadvantages of it. The golden rule is to ALWAYS read the question very carefully to see exactly what you are being asked to do. How do I Write an IELTS Essay?In order to answer this, lets first look at a sample question: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.Write about the following topic:In the last 20 years there have been significant developments in the field of information technology (IT), for example the World Wide Web and communication by email. However, these developments in IT are likely to have more negative effects than positive in the future.To what extent do you agree with this view?Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.Write at least 250 words.An IELTS essay is structured like any other essay; you just need to make it shorter. There are three key elements:IntroductionBody ParagraphsConclusionWe will look at each of these in turn, using the essay question above as an example.1) IntroductionYou should keep your introduction for the IELTS essay short. Remember you only have 40 minutes to write the essay, and some of this time needs to be spent planning. Therefore, you need to be able to write your introduction fairly quickly so you can start writing your body paragraphs.You should do just two things:State the topic of the essay, using some basic facts (that you may be able to take from the question)Say what you are going to write aboutHere is an example introduction for the above essay question about IT:The last two decades have seen enormous changes in the way people's lives are affected by IT, with many advances in this field. However, while these technological advances have brought many benefits to the world, it can be argued that these developments in IT will result in more negative impacts than positive.As you can see, the first sentence makes sure it refers to the topic (IT) and uses facts about IT taken from the question. Note that these are paraphrased - you must not copy from the rubric! The second part then clearly sets out the what the essay will be about and confirms the writers opinion (some questions may not ask for your opinion, but this one does).2) Body ParagraphsFor an IELTS essay, you should have 2 or 3 body paragraphs - no more, and no less. For your body paragraph, each paragraph should contain one controlling idea, and have sentences to support this. Let’s look at the first paragraph for the essay about IT. The essay is about the benefits and drawbacks of IT, so these will need to be discussed in separate paragraphs. Here is the first body paragraph:To begin, email has made communication, especially abroad, much simpler and faster, resulting in numerous benefits for commerce and business. Furthermore, the World Wide Web means that information on every conceivable subject is now available to us. For example, people can access news, medical advice, online education courses and much more via the internet.? It is evident that these improvements have made life far easier and more convenient for large numbers of people and will continue to do so for decades to come.The controlling idea in this first paragraph is the 'benefits of IT', and there are two supporting ideas, which are underlined. No drawbacks are discussed as the paragraph would then lose coherence.Most of the essay will focus on the negative aspects of IT, as the writer says there are more negative effects in the introduction. So the next two paragraphs are about these.The topic sentence in the next paragraph therefore tells us we are changing the focus to the negative points:Nevertheless, the effects of this new technology have not all been beneficial. For example, many people feel that the widespread use of email is destroying traditional forms of communication such as letter writing, telephone and face-to-face conversation. This could result in a decline in people's basic ability to socialize and interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. The final body paragraph gives the last negative effect:In addition, the large size of the Web has meant that it is nearly impossible to regulate and control. This has led to many concerns regarding children accessing unsuitable websites and viruses. Unfortunately, this kind of problem might even get worse in the future at least until more regulated systems are set up.3) Conclusion The conclusion only needs to be one or two sentences, and you can do the following: Re-state what the essay is about (re-write the last sentence of your introduction in different words)Give some thoughts about the futureHere is an example:In conclusion, developments in IT have brought many benefits, yet I believe developments relating to new technology are likely to produce many negative effects in the future that must be addressed if we are to avoid damaging impacts on individuals and society.(287 words) Comments The IELTS essay introduction talks in general about the increasing use of IT, thus introducing the topic well. The thesis then clearly sets out the writers opinion. The following paragraph mentions the present benefits of these developments, but the opening sentence in the third paragraph is a qualifying statement (Nevertheless, not all the effects...), so the writer can now focus on the negative elements. The fourth paragraph provides two other negative examples (lack of regulation, viruses). Both paragraphs suggest that these problems will continue in the future. The essay concludes with a clear opinion that agrees with the statement. Overall, it is a well-balanced text that mentions the present situation (...this has made life...) but importantly, also refers to the future of IT (...likely to increase..., might get worse...).Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. To what extent do you agree with this view?So your options are: 1. Agree 100%2. Disagree 100%3. Partly agreeIn the answer below, the writer agrees 100% with the opinion. As you can see, the writers opinion is made clear in the thesis statement (the last sentence of the introduction). All the body paragraphs then explain why the writer disagrees. In other words, it discusses the negative aspects of advertising. Model Essay for IELTSYou should spend about 40 minutes on this task.Write about the following topic:Some of the methods used in advertising are unethical and unacceptable in today’s society. To what extent do you agree with this view?Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.Write at least 250 words.Essay for IELTS Model Answer The world that we live in today is dominated by advertising. Adverts are on television, on the World Wide Web, in the street and even on our mobile phones. However, many of the strategies used to sell a product or service can be considered immoral or unacceptable.To begin with, the fact that we cannot escape from advertising is a significant cause for complaint. Constant images and signs wherever we look can be very intrusive and irritating at times. Take for example advertising on the mobile phone. With the latest technology mobile companies are now able to send advertising messages via SMS to consumers' phones whenever they choose. Although we expect adverts in numerous situations, it now seems that there are very few places we can actually avoid them.A further aspect of advertising that I would consider unethical is the way that it encourages people to buy products they may not need or cannot afford. Children and young people in particular are influenced by adverts showing the latest toys, clothing or music and this can put enormous pressure on the parents to buy these products.In addition, the advertising of tobacco products and alcohol has long been a controversial issue, but cigarette adverts have only recently been banned in many countries. It is quite possible that alcohol adverts encourage excessive consumption and underage drinking, yet restrictions have not been placed on this type of advertising in the same way as smoking. It is certainly true to say that advertising is an everyday feature of our lives. Therefore, people are constantly being encouraged to buy products or services that might be too expensive, unnecessary or even unhealthy. In conclusion, many aspects of advertising do appear to be morally wrong and are not acceptable in today's society.(296 words) Comments This essay for IELTS is well organized as there are five clear paragraphs, each containing ideas that are relevant, well expressed, and related to the topic. Focusing on the language and structures in particular, the essay starts with an appropriate introductory sentence. Linking words are used accurately (However, In addition, Therefore). Phrases that signal opinions are evident (A further aspect of advertising that I would consider unethical. ..) backed up by reasons ..encourages people to buy products they may not need or cannot afford) and examples (Children and young people in particular, are influenced by adverts).In general, many other useful phrases are used, indicating a good control of language (It is quite possible... Many people consider. .. It is certainly true to say.. .).This IELTS writing example is on the topic of university education. In this essay, two opposing opinions need to be discussed. Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society.Discuss both views and give your opinion.This is the first opinion:The aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs.This is the second opinion:There are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society.As the prompt suggests, you MUST talk about both sides of the issue and include your opinion. IELTS Writing ExampleYou should spend about 40 minutes on this task.Write about the following topic:Some people believe the aim of university education is to help graduates get better jobs. Others believe there are much wider benefits of university education for both individuals and society.Discuss both views and give your opinion.Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.Write at least 250 words.IELTS Writing Example - Model Answer These days, more and more people are making the choice to go to university. While some people are of the opinion that the only purpose of a university education is to improve job prospects, others think that society and the individual benefit in much broader ways. It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job. The majority of people want to improve their future career prospects and attending university is one of the best ways to do this as it increases a person's marketable skills and attractiveness to potential employers. In addition, further education is very expensive for many people, so most would not consider it if it would not provide them with a more secure future and a higher standard of living. Thus job prospects are very important.However, there are other benefits for individuals and society. Firstly, the independence of living away from home is a benefit because it helps the students develop better social skills and improve as a person. A case in point is that many students will have to leave their families, live in halls of residence and meet new friends. As a result, their maturity and confidence will grow enabling them to live more fulfilling lives. Secondly, society will gain from the contribution that the graduates can make to the economy. We are living in a very competitive world, so countries need educated people in order to compete and prosper. Therefore, I believe that although a main aim of university education is to get the best job, there are clearly further benefits. If we continue to promote and encourage university attendance, it will lead to a better future for individuals and society.(279 words)CommentsThe writer in this IELTS writing example has a clear thesis in the second sentence of the introduction, establishing that two sides of this issue will be discussed (While some people are of the opinion...others think that...). Looking at the structure, the topic sentences make it clear when the first opinion is being discussed (It is certainly true that one of the main aims of university is to secure a better job.) and when the writer is moving onto the next opinion (However, there are other benefits for individuals and society.). Connectors (To begin... Also... Firstly... Secondly) are used well to introduce each new supporting idea. Further connectors (For example...A case in point is that...As a result...) are used to expand on these ideas. Finally, the writer has demonstrated that they are able to use complex sentence structures (While...that...in order to...as...), and has discussed both views and combined this with his/her opinion, thus ensuring the question has been answered.You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.The graph below shows population figures for India and China since the year 2000 and predicted population growth up until 2050.Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.Write at least 150 words.Model answerThe graph shows how the populations of India and China have changed since 2000 and how they will change in the future.In 2000, there were more people living in China than in India. The number of Chinese was 1.25 bill ion, while India's population was about 1 billion. Between 2000 and the present, there has been a 0.2 billion rise in the number of Indian citizens. Over the same period, China's population has increased by 0.1 billion to reach over 1.35 billion.According to the graph, the population in India will increase more quickly than in China, and experts say that by 2030, both countries will have the same population of 1.45 billion. After this, China's population is likely to fall slightly to 1.4 billion in 2050, while India's population will probably increase and reach 1.6 billion.Thus, over the 50-year period, India is going to experience steady growth in its population and it will overtake China. On the other hand, China's population will peak in 2030 and then begin to fall.Model answerThe table illustrates the number of native speakers of six languages as well as the number of speakers of these languages as an additional language. It is noticeable that the number of speakers of Mandarin Chinese is strikingly higher than the other languages with over one billion speakers.People who speak Mandarin largely speak it as a first language (900 million). In comparison to this only 190 million people speak Mandarin Chinese as an additional language. What is remarkable about English speakers is that the number of speakers of English as an additional language is higher than that of native speakers of English (603 and 339 million respectively).While the total number of Hindi speakers (490 million) is roughly equal to that of Spanish speakers (420 million); when it comes to speaking these languages as an additional language the number for Hindi is much higher (120 million) than that for Spanish (70 million).Native speakers of Arabic and Portuguese are similar in number with 206 million and 203 million respectively. However, the number of Arabic speakers as an additional language (24 million) is almost 2.5 times higher than speakers of Portuguese as an additional language.The table below gives information about languages with the most native speakers. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.Write at least 150 words.Languages with the most native speakersFilm stars and music celebrities may earn a great deal of money and live in luxurious surroundings, but many of them lead unhappy lives. Do you agree?To what extent is this the price they pay for being famous?You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.You should write at least 250 words.In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal qualifications.To what extent do you agree or disagree?Motorways help people travel quickly and cover long distances but they also cause problems. What are the problems of motorways and what solutions are there?Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.Step 1: Underline key words in the exam question. This will help you focus your answer on the key points, then brainstorm ideas for both sides of the argument, that is, both for and against the issue.Step 2: Show clear links between the main argument and the supporting arguments. In your introduction, re-word the question showing the topic clearly and state the opinion(s) that you will go on to discuss. Remember that each paragraph should have one main argument - start a new paragraph when you start a new main idea. Develop contrasting views, problems and solutions, advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you justify each point with clear supporting material. Do not forget to provide a logical argument wherever you refute the opposing opinion.Step 3: Provide a strong conclusion. Conclude your essay by summarising the main points and stating your own personal view.Film stars and music celebrities may earn a great deal of money and live in luxurious surroundings, but many of them lead unhappy lives. Do you agree?To what extent is this the price they pay for being famous?You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.You should write at least 250 words.Newspapers and magazines are full of stories about famous people and the wonderful lifestyles that they enjoy. I think it's something that we get used to. We expect to see them wearing very expensive clothes and, going to amazing parties. It seems natural that if you have a lot of money, you will spend it in these ways.(Opening paragraph agrees with first part of premise.)Some people who are rich and famous do manage to have a happy life as well. They get married and have children and, although they have to work hard, they still have time to give to their family. Victoria and David Beckham are just one example of a happy celebrity couple.(Second paragraph disputes second part of premise.)However, money doesn't always bring happiness. In fact, sometimes the opposite is true. Stars often talk to the press about the pressures of being rich and famous. Some of them end up drinking too much or taking too many drugs. The actress Elizabeth Taylor, for example, has been in clinics many times for these problems. The divorce rate is also very high among celebrities. Often their marriages last only a short period of time and they re-marry very quickly but the same thing happens again.(Third paragraph agrees and gives two clear examples.)Ultimately, I think it depends on the person. I don't really believe that being unhappy is a consequence of fame but I do think that it may be very difficult to cope with having a lot of money and fame. Celebrities are ordinary people underneath and perhaps some of them are not strong enough to deal with their fame.(Conclusion provides a possible explanation and gives a personal view.) (254 words)In today's job market it is far more important to have practical skills than theoretical knowledge. In the future, job applicants may not need any formal qualifications.To what extent do you agree or disagree?Practical skills are very important and it could be argued that they are as important as academic qualifications when it comes to getting a job. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that academic qualifications will ever become unnecessary.There are certain manual jobs such as cleaning and labouring where formal qualifications are less important. Employers in these industries are more likely to employ people with a good working knowledge of the job and what it entails. However, even in these jobs it is important for people to have a minimum level of education, especially if they want to rise above the lowest working level. How can a person without good writing and mathematical skills balance a budget or manage staff? How can such a person make informed decisions about which products to use or safety issues in the workplace?Having said this, a student graduating from university with the highest level of qualifications, but limited practical skills, still has a great deal to learn. None of us would expect or want a doctor without many years of practical experience and training to perform an essential operation. Students from all disciplines need to understand that entering the job market with a degree in management, for example, does not automatically qualify them for a managerial role.Clearly, education is important in teaching the theoretical side of any profession. This theoretical knowledge forms an important basis for practical skills which are also essential. In truth neither one nor the other is dispensable when it comes to getting a good job.(255 words)Motorways help people travel quickly and cover long distances but they also cause problems. What are the problems of motorways and what solutions are there?Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.Many countries in the world rely on motorways for speedy and efficient transportation, as they are a very convenient way of travelling long distances. However, motorways also have negative aspects such as dangerous traffic, damage to the environment and pollution. In this essay, I will look at some of the problems of motorways and how they can be overcome.One major problem of motorways is that they can be dangerous. In many countries, the speed limit on motorways is very high. This means that any accidents are more likely to be serious and involve many vehicles. Sometimes in bad weather, several vehicles crash into each other and many people are killed or injured. This problem could be solved in a number of ways. People could have special lessons on how to drive safely on motorways. In addition, special signs could be displayed when driving conditions are bad to make people drive more slowly and safely. Alternatively, the general speed limit could be reduced slightly.Secondly, motorways can spoil the environment. Motorways often go through beautiful areas and may damage plants and wildlife. This problem could be avoided by building motorways through less beautiful areas or putting some sections in tunnels. In addition, the large amount of traffic on motorways produces both air pollution and noise pollution. However, governments could help to reduce air pollution by making environmentally-friendly cars cheaper. Noise pollution could be reduced by changing motorway surfaces or by putting up sound-proof fences.Despite the problems of motorways, they are necessary and useful. With careful preparation and planning, the problems they cause could be reduced. People today are also more aware of environmental issues and as a result cars and road transport in general are becoming more environmentally friendly.(290 words)IELTS Writing Task 2: fixed punishmentsSome people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.Suggested essay outline: 250 words1. Introduction: topic + responsePeople have different views about whether punishments for crimes should be fixed. Although there are some advantages of fixed punishments, I believe that it is better to judge each crime individually.2. Benefits of fixed punishmentsThere are some good arguments for having one set punishment for each crime.IDEAS: easy, fair justice system; everyone is aware of the punishment for each crime; fixed punishments could deter criminals.3. Benefits of not having fixed punishmentsHowever, I would argue that the circumstances of a crime and the criminal’s motivation should have an influence on the punishment.IDEAS: judge can decide the best response; a more humane system; example: stealing to feed a family compared to stealing for profit.4. Conclusion: repeat your responseIn conclusion, despite the advantages of fixed punishments, it seems to me that each crime should be judged taking both the circumstances and motivation into account.One of the highly controversial issues today relates to whether to use standardised penalties or flexible ones. This essay examines this question from both points of view and then I will give my own perspective on the matter.On one side of the argument there are people who argue that the benefits of standardised punishments considerably outweigh its disadvantages. The main reason for believing this is that it is more efficient and cheaper to manage. One good illustration of this is parking tickets. If every one of these had to go to court and be ruled upon by a judge and jury this would be very expensive and waste a lot of people’s time. It is also possible to say that this system is fairer because every person is treated the same regardless of race or gender.On the other hand, it is also possible to make the opposing case. It is often argued that in fact it is better to consider the situation and reason of a crime. People often have this opinion because sometimes people are forced to commit a crime such as murder due to reasons like self-defence. Clearly, this should be considered in sentencing for the crime. A second point is that the reason for a crime should be taken into account. A particularly good example here is that someone who steals food to feed their family shouldn’t be punished as someone who steals a watch because they want to look wealthy.In my opinion, both arguments have their merits. On balance, however, I tend to believe that it is better to decide the penalty on a case-by-case basis, as getting the right decision is more important than the justice system saving money.[288 words]Many people believe that alcohol causes many problems and there have been frequent calls for the government to ban it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Many problems have been associated with the consumption of alcohol and so many citizens are demanding that the authorities do something to make it illegal. I totally agree that action is necessary to prevent the sale of alcoholic beverages, because they are having a serious effect on people’s health, relationships with others, and the harmony of society in general.The main reason why I think alcohol should be forbidden is because when people drink it has a grave effect on their health. Excessive levels of alcohol consumption have been linked to liver disease, heart disease, and neurosis. Also, people who drink more are more likely to suffer from a heart attack. In addition, young people that drink are more likely to suffer from depression. Therefore alcohol should be banned to enable people to have a long and happy life.Another problem that drinkers face is a worsening of their relationships with others. People who get drunk will easily lose their friends if they behave badly and don’t treat their friends with respect. Even family members will not tolerate violent or offensive behaviour. I think that many family disputes involve the consumption of excessive levels of alcohol by one or more of the participants. So, people that binge drink may end up lonely, and they may cause harm to their family.Finally, the effects of drinking are taking a huge toll on society in general. Drinking causes a great deal of vandalism and crime on the streets. In addition, the cost to the health system is enormous. Drinking also results in many road fatalities, I had a classmate that died when drinking and driving. Therefore, alcohol should be prohibited in order to protect our society in general.In summary, I reaffirm my position that alcohol should be forbidden because it has a serious effect on people’s health and their relationships with others. It is also causing many problems in society. Therefore we must do something to solve this problem or we will be living terrible lives in an unhealthy society.Some people choose to eat no meat or fish. They believe that this is not only better for their own health but also benefits the world as a whole.Discuss this view and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.Write at least 250 words.Test TipDo not attempt to rewrite model or sample answers in the exam. Your composition will not fit the task exactly, ever if it is about a similar object. The examiners can recognize a prepared answer and you will lose a lot of mark.Sample answerThe number of vegetarian in a community may depend on various factors, for example the traditions of the country, the wealth of the country, the religion or the age group. Therefore, the reasons why people choose to exclude meat and fish from their diet may also vary.Some people become vegetarian because they believe that this will benefit their health. Undoubtedly, eating too much meat, especially too much red meat, is not to be recommended. Moreover, the fact that there are healthy populations in some parts of the world where no one eats meat proves that it is not, as some people claim, an essential part of the human diet. However, it is important to ensure that enough protein, for example, is included in the diet from other sources. Where vegetarianism is not a tradition, this may require some careful planning.In my experience, it is quite common for people to become vegetarians because they feel that it is selfish to eat meat or because meat production increases global warming. They may also feel that if no one ate meat, there would be no food shortage, because meat production uses up food resources. This idealistic point of view is very attractive, but it is hard to judge whether it is in fact correct.In some families, if a teenager decides to become a vegetarian, they may do so partly out of a spirit of rebellion, because this behaviour can be interpreted as a criticism of their parents’ way of life. However, provided that they continue to eat healthily, the parents should not raise objections, in my opinion. Vegetarianism is a valid choice in life. Moreover, research shows that vegetarians tend to be healthier in many ways than meat-eaters.Personally, I think that being a vegetarian is a good idea in principle as there are proven health benefits and probably social benefits as well. However, it does not suit everybody, and I doubt whether it will ever be a universal choice.Each year, the crime rate increases. What are the causes of crime and what could be done to prevent this rise in criminal activity?Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.Write at least 250 words.Test TipGood writers often consider other arguments that are different, before presenting their own views. For example:?Although some people would like to have a lot of children (concession), the cost of raising them has to be considered first (writer’s view) The following expressions are useful when making concessions:While/Although… It could be argued that … Despite the fact that … Admittedly / Certainly … but/ However … Even though … It may be true that …Sample answerCrime is an issue of increasing concern around the world, and more money than ever before is being spent on the detection and punishment of criminal activity. The reasons why people commit crime are countless, but drugs and alcohol, social problems and poverty play a major role. To solve these problems, governments can either focus on draconian punishments, or improve employment opportunities, invest in good housing projects and tackle drug and alcohol abuse.One of the main causes of criminality is the use, sale and trafficking of narcotics. For example, the sale of drugs is organised by armed criminal gangs who illegally traffick drugs and control their business with extreme violence. Drug-related crime does not end there; drug users often steal to fund theft habit, resulting in further acts of petty crime. The social problems connected with crime are said to be the result of single-parent families, absent role models and bad living conditions. The children from these broken families often become criminals because they feel alienated from society. Poverty is also a reason behind crime. When unskilled jobs pay so little and prices are so high, it's easy to see why some turn to crime for an income.Crime can of, course, be dealt with by toughening criminal laws and introducing longer custodial sentences for persistent criminals, but some of the best ways to deal with crime may be to deal with the social causes. Increasing employment opportunities in poorer areas would improve living standards, which would mean access to affordable housing and education. Government funding for drug and alcohol rehabilitation programmes would help reduce dependency on stimulants and the need for the criminal activity that surrounds them.In conclusion, crime is a major issue, but cracking down on offenders with a harsh penal system is not the only way. These problems can be solved through the government providing jobs and funding which should raise living standards and dramatically reduce crime levels.Modern communications mean that it’s no longer necessary to write letters.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.Write at least 250 words.Test TipYour ideas will form the basis of your argument and they need to be expressed clearly and appropriately.Here are some expressions to help you present ideas. I would argue/say/agree that … In my view/opinion It seems (to me) that … I tend to think that/ I feel that … As far as I am concerned … Some/Most people argue/think/say that … It is understood that … It is generally accepted that … There is a tendency to believe that … One of the main arguments in favour of / against …Sample answerIn years gone by, before the age of the telegraph or telephone, letter writing was the main means of communication for most people. Since then we have developed faster and more direct ways of contacting people, and personal mail has become relatively rare.It is true that in many cases where our parents would have written a letter, we prefer to pick up the phone, to email or even to text instead. These are perfectly suitable ways of inviting friends to call round or exchanging news with a family member, for example, and they have the advantage that the communication is immediate and we can receive a reply very quickly. In business, too, fax and email are extremely useful.However, in my opinion there are times when there is no alternative to a letter. Letters are generally more formal and carefully composed than emails. This makes them more suitable for occasions when they are likely to be kept and re-read, perhaps several times, by the recipient, as with formal letters of thanks or sympathy. In addition, letters provide a written record, unlike telephone calls, so they are also a better way of setting out an important or complex argument, as in official complaints or legal matters. In conclusion, I would definitely agree that there are fewer times when we need to write letters than in the past. On the other hand, I feel there are still some important occasions when a letter is the most appropriate form of communication. Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic.Many childhood diseases can now be prevented through the use of vaccines.Should parents be made by law to immunise their children against common diseases or should individuals have the right to choose not to immunise their children?You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. You should write at least 250 words.IELTS Writing Tip with Sample Band 9 answerSample answers to the tasks in the Practice Tests are provided in the Answers Section. Please do not read these until you have attempted the tasks. Remember that these are suggestions only and that your answers may be equally valid. It is valuable to discuss your answers with other students.The question of whether we should oblige parents to immunise their children against common diseases is a social rather than a medical one. Since we are free to choose what we eat or drink or how much exercise we take, why should the medical treatment we decide to undergo be any different?(Introduction poses a new question to introduce the topic)Medical researchers and governments are primarily interested in overall statistics and trends and in money-saving schemes, which fail to take into consideration the individual's concerns and rights. While immunisation against diseases such as tetanus and whooping cough may be effective, little information is released about the harmful effects of vaccinations, which can sometimes result in growth problems in children or even death.(Concessional argument)The body is designed to resist disease and to create its own natural immunity through contact with that disease. When children are given artificial immunity, we create a vulnerable society, which is entirely dependent on immunisation. In the event that mass immunisation programmes were to cease, the society as a whole would be more at risk than ever before.(Writer's opinion stated plainly and forcefully-as fact)In addition there is the issue of the rights of the individual. As members of a society, why should we be obliged to subject our children to this potentially harmful practice? Some people may also be against immunisation on religious grounds and their needs must be considered when any decisions are made.(Main idea with supporting arguments)For these reasons I feel strongly that immunisation programmes should not be obligatory and that the individual should have the right to choose whether or not to participate.(Personal opinion to sum up. Re-statement of original question in own words.)Many people believe that alcohol causes many problems and there have been frequent calls for the government to ban it. To what extent do you agree or disagree?Modern communications mean that it’s no longer necessary to write letters.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?Many childhood diseases can now be prevented through the use of vaccines.Should parents be made by law to immunise their children against common diseases or should individuals have the right to choose not to immunise their children?Some people choose to eat no meat or fish. They believe that this is not only better for their own health but also benefits the world as a whole.Each year, the crime rate increases. What are the causes of crime and what could be done to prevent this rise in criminal activity?Many people believe that formal “pen and paper” examinations are not the best method of assessing educational achievement.Discuss this view and give your own opinion.In some countries an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?The pie chart below shows the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive. The table shows how these causes affected three regions of the world during the 1990s.Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.The pie chart shows that there are four main causes of farmland becoming degraded in the world today. Globally, 65% of degradation is caused by too much animal grazing and tree clearance, constituting 35% and 30% respectively. A further 28% of global degradation is due to over-cultivation of crops. Other causes account for only 7% collectively.These causes affected different regions differently in the 1990s, with Europe having as much as 9.8% of degradation due to deforestation, while the impact of this on Oceania and North America was minimal, with only 1.7% and 0.2% of land affected respectively. Europe, with the highest overall percentage of land degraded (23%), also suffered from over-cultivation (7.7%) and over-grazing (5.5%). In contrast, Oceania had 13% of degraded farmland and this was mainly due to over-grazing (11.3%). North America had a lower proportion of degraded land at only 5%, and the main causes of this were over-cultivation (3.3%) and, to a lesser extent, over-grazing (1.5%).Overall, it is clear that Europe suffered more from farmland degradation than the other regions and the main causes there were deforestation and over-cultivation.(184 words)The graph below shows the pollution levels in London between 1600 and 2000.Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. (1st paragraph introduces the topic of the graph, explains what the graph shows and outlines overall trends or patterns.)The graph shows pollution levels in London between 1600 and 2000. It measures smoke and sulphur dioxide in micrograms per cubic metre. According to the information, the levels of both pollutants formed a similar pattern during this period, but there were always higher levels of sulphur dioxide than smoke in the atmosphere.(2nd paragraph describes the trends in more detail and illustrates these using data from the graph.)In 1600, pollution levels were low, but over the next hundred years, the levels of sulphur dioxide rose to 700 micrograms per cubic metre, while the levels of smoke rose gradually to about 200 micrograms per cubic metre. Over the next two hundred years the levels of sulphur dioxide continued to increase, although there was some fluctuation in this trend. They reached a peak in 1850. Smoke levels increased a little more sharply during this time and peaked in 1900 at about 500 micrograms. During the 20th century, the levels of both pollutants fell dramatically, though there was a great deal of fluctuation within this fall.(Final paragraph draws a simple conclusion from the data.)Clearly air pollution was a bigger problem in London in the early 20th century than it is now.(176 words)The pie chart below shows the main reasons why agricultural land becomes less productive. The table shows how these causes affected three regions of the world during the 1990s.Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.Write at least 150 words. 20 minute taskThe graph below shows the pollution levels in London between 1600 and 2000.Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.Write at least 150 words. 20 minute taskMany people believe that formal “pen and paper” examinations are not the best method of assessing educational achievement.Discuss this view and give your own opinion.Examinations are one of the most common methods of measuring learning in education systems throughout the world. At virtually every stage of the learning process, exams are used to verify that the learner is ready to move on to the next stage. However, many people believe that the role of examinations should be reconsidered.There are clearly certain advantages to exams. They help to ensure fairness by imposing the same conditions on all exam candidates. They are also relatively versatile; different types of exam questions, for example, multiple-choice questions and essay tasks, can test different sorts of reasoning ability. However, exams also have clear drawbacks. Test-wise candidates can often perform well on exams without having good underlying knowledge or skills. On the other hand, some test-takers perform poorly in exams simply because of anxiety. Some teachers and learners focus only on those aspects of the curriculum that are likely to be tested, thus narrowing the educational experience for all.A number of measures should be taken to address these concerns. Wherever possible, exams should match the content and activities of the learning environment. Exam tasks should be varied to give fair opportunities to candidates with different types of skills. Other types of assessment should also be considered; assignment writing, for example, to assess independent learning and research skills, or group projects, to measure teamwork ability.Exams clearly have a role to play in ensuring proper, objective assessment of achievement. However, exams need to be carefully designed and supplemented with other forms of assessment if they are to be a truly useful component of the educational system.(266 words)In some countries an increasing number of people are suffering from health problems as a result of eating too much fast food. It is therefore necessary for governments to impose a higher tax on this kind of food.To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?The growth of the fast food industry has, without doubt, impacted on the eating habits and the health of many societies around the world. Diabetes, high cholesterol, heart and respiratory problems are all on the rise due to fatty and sugar-rich food. However, the question is whether higher tax would improve this situation or not.From an economic point of view, higher tax might seem sensible. In countries such as the USA, Australia and Britain, the healthcare system spends a large part of its budget on people with diet-related health problems. It could be argued that these people have caused their own illnesses because of their choice of food. In this case, why should they expect the state to pay for their treatment? The tax could help fund the healthcare system.However, we also need to consider which socio-economic group consumes fast food as the main part of their diet. Statistics indicate that lower income groups eat more of this food than wealthier people. One possible reason for this is that fast food is far cheaper than fresh produce. This is because many governments offer large subsidies to farmers who provide products for the fast food industry, such as corn, wheat and beef. Fruit and vegetables, on the other hand, are not subsidised. Research suggests that many families simply cannot afford to buy healthy food or pay higher taxes on fast food. For them, fast food is not a choice but a necessity.In conclusion, imposing a higher tax on fast food does not seem to be the answer. If the government chose to do this, it would only lead to greater poverty and families facing further hardship.(278 words) ................
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