In these types of question you are given one opinion and you then have to state the extent to which you agree or disagree with that opinion:
Model Essay for IELTS - Advertising
This essay for IELTS is on the subject of advertising.
There are various types of questions you can get in the IELTS writing test and you'll see samples of them all over the following pages, but this one is an agree / disagree essay.
In these types of essays, you are presented with one opinion. Take a look at the opinion here in the question:
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 agree
In 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 IELTS
You 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.. .).
IELTS Sample Essay: Alternative Medicine
This IELTS sample essay tackles the subject of alternative medicine. Here is the question:
Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Considering Both Sides
When you are asked whether you agree (or disagree), you can look at both sides of the argument if you want. This shows that you have good academic skills as you are able to see both sides of the issue.
It can also sometimes be a good idea to look at both sides of the argument because it may be easier for you to brainstorm ideas. If you just look at one side, you may run out of ideas.
In this IELTS sample essay, the writer disagrees overall with the opinion presented - that alternative medicine is ineffective and possibly dangerous.
However, in the first body paragraph the writer discusses what those who agree with this opinion think.
If you are going to put in an opinion that disagrees with your own, it is common to put this argument first. This makes your argument stronger as you can then refute it in the following paragraph.
As you can see, in the second body paragraph, the writer gives the reasons why he/she disagrees.
In other words:
- Body 1 = the disadvantages of alternative medicine
- Body 2 = the advantages of alternative medicine
It is then a good balanced conclusion as the writer states that they are best used together.
IELTS Sample Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Currently there is a trend towards the use of alternative forms of medicine. However, at best these methods are ineffective, and at worst they may be dangerous.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS Sample Essay
Alternative medicine is not new. It is accepted that it pre-dates conventional medicine and it is still used by many people all over the world. I am unconvinced that it is dangerous, and feel that both alternative and conventional medicine can be useful.
There are several reasons why the conventional medical community is often dismissive of alternatives. Firstly, there has been little scientific research into such medicine, so there is a scarcity of evidence to support the claims of their supporters. Furthermore, people often try such treatment because of recommendations from friends, and therefore come to the therapist with a very positive attitude, which may be part of the reason for the cure. Moreover, these therapies are usually only useful for long-term, chronic conditions. Acute medical problems, such as accidental injury, often require more conventional methods.
On the other hand, there remain strong arguments for the use of alternatives. Despite the lack of scientific proof, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that these therapies work. In addition, far from being dangerous, they often have few or no side effects, so the worst outcome would be no change. One of the strongest arguments for the effectiveness of alternative therapies in the West is that, whilst conventional medicine is available without charge, many people are prepared to pay considerable sums for alternatives. If they were totally unhelpful, it would be surprising if this continued.
I strongly believe that conventional medicine and alternative therapies can and should coexist. They have different strengths, and can both be used effectively to target particular medical problems. The best situation would be for alternative therapies to be used to support and complement conventional medicine.
(280 words)
Comments
The writer in this IELTS sample essay introduces the topic in the introductory paragraph (Alternative medicine...) and puts forward a clear view on the issue (I am unconvinced...and feel...).
The essay has a well-balanced argument looking at both sides of the issue. The first body paragraph expresses some doubt about alternative therapies (...little scientific research.. .only useful for long term...), but in the second body paragraph the writer takes a different view (On the other hand...) and examines the benefits (...few side effects).
The writer's concluding paragraph offers a strong opinion (I strongly believe...) and sums up the fact that both types of treatment are valid today.
There is also a good range of grammatical structures (If they were totally unhelpful, it would be...), and connectors (despite the fact, in addition, finally).
Sample IELTS Writing - Arts Spending
This sample IELTS writing is on the arts.
A common topic in IELTS is whether you think it is a good idea for government money to be spent on the arts i.e. the visual arts (as you see in art galleries), literary arts (books) and the performing arts (music, theatre, dance and film), or whether it should be spent elsewhere, usually on other public services such as education, health, policing etc.
Take a look at the question:
Government investment in the arts, such as music and theatre, is a waste of money. Governments must invest this money in public services instead.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Partly Agreeing
In this question, you are given the opinion that spending money on the arts is a waste of money, and it would be better spent on public services.
You then have to say if you agree or disagree. So you would need to decide what you think and give reasons to support your decision.
The sample IELTS writing model answer presented here is a balanced argument that partly agrees with this opinion.
This is made clear in the thesis statement:
- "Although I agree that it is important to spend money on public services, I do not think spending additionally on the arts is a waste of money".
So the writer does not think it is a 'waste of money'; however, he/she does think the majority of money should go on public services.
The essay, therefore, needs to explain this, and so is organized as follows:
- Body 1: Support for spending most money on public services
- Body 2: Support for spending some on the arts
Of course if you completely agree or disagree, you can still present the other side of the argument to yours - that's optional. But if you are specifically saying you partly agree (on other words you can see both sides), you must present both.
Sample IELTS Writing
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Government investment in the arts, such as music and theatre, is a waste of money. Governments must invest this money in public services instead.
To what extent do you agree with this statement??
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample IELTS Writing - Model Answer
These days, the government spends a large part of its budget not only on public services, but also the arts. Although I agree that it is important to spend money on public services, I do not think spending additionally on the arts is a waste of money.
There are several reasons for spending a significant amount of the government budget on public services. First and foremost, public services are the things such as hospitals, roads and schools, and these things determine the quality of life that most of us will have. For example, if the government does not spend enough money on hospitals, the health of our society may decline. Similarly, if not enough money is spent on schools, our children may not be properly educated. Also, it will be the poor in our society that will be affected more if we do not spend enough on these things because they are the ones more dependent on such services.
However, this does not mean that the arts should be completely neglected. To begin, it is difficult for many arts institutions to generate much profit, so without some help from the government, many theatres and other such places may have to close. Moreover, the arts also have an important impact on our quality of life. Many people get great pleasure in going to see music and theatre performances so it is important that the government assists such institutions so that they can continue to provide entertainment to the public.
To sum up, there are clear benefits of ensuring a large amount of investment goes into public services as this influences the quality of life for nearly all of us. That said, I do not believe spending money on the arts is a waste of money as this too provides important benefits.
(299 words)
Comments
The essay gives a clear thesis at the beginning. This makes it clear that the writer partly agrees with the statement i.e. it is not a waste of money, but it is if too much is spent on it.
It is also a well-organized essay. The first paragraph sets out why the writer thinks a significant portion of money should go on public services. This is supported with reasons and examples.
The second paragraph in this sample IELTS writing then sets out clearly why some money should also go on the arts.
The conclusion then restates the authors opinion.
IELTS Human Cloning Essay
This is a model answer for a human cloning essay.
If you look at the task, the wording is slightly different from the common 'do you agree or disagree' essay.
However, it is essentially asking the same thing.
As people live longer and longer, the idea of cloning human beings in order to provide spare parts is becoming a reality. The idea horrifies most people, yet it is no longer mere science fiction.
To what extent do you agree with such a procedure?
Have you any reservations?
Understanding the Question and Task
You are asked if you agree with human cloning to use their body parts (in other words, what are the benefits), and what reservations (concerns) you have (in other words, what are the disadvantages).
So the best way to answer this human cloning essay is probably to look at both sides of the issue as has been done in the model answer.
As always, you must read the question carefully to make sure you answer it fully and do not go off topic.
You are specifically being asked to discuss the issue of creating human clones to then use their body parts. If you write about other issues to do with human cloning, you may go off topic.
Model Human Cloning Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
As people live longer and longer, the idea of cloning human beings in order to provide spare parts is becoming a reality. The idea horrifies most people, yet it is no longer mere science fiction.
To what extent do you agree with such a procedure?
Have you any reservations?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer for Human Cloning Essay
The cloning of animals has been occurring for a number of years now, and this has now opened up the possibility of cloning humans too. Although there are clear benefits to humankind of cloning to provide spare body parts, I believe it raises a number of worrying ethical issues.
Due to breakthroughs in medical science and improved diets, people are living much longer than in the past. This, though, has brought with it problems. As people age, their organs can fail so they need replacing. If humans were cloned, their organs could then be used to replace those of sick people. It is currently the case that there are often not enough organ donors around to fulfil this need, so cloning humans would overcome the issue as there would then be a ready supply.
However, for good reasons, many people view this as a worrying development. Firstly, there are religious arguments against it. It would involve creating other human beings and then eventually killing them in order to use their organs, which it could be argued is murder. This is obviously a sin according to religious texts. Also, dilemmas would arise over what rights these people have, as surely they would be humans just like the rest of us. Furthermore, if we have the ability to clone humans, it has to be questioned where this cloning will end. Is it then acceptable for people to start cloning relatives or family members who have died?
To conclude, I do not agree with this procedure due to the ethical issues and dilemmas it would create. Cloning animals has been a positive development, but this is where it should end.
(276 words)
Comments
The essay is well-organized, with a clear introducion which introduces the topic:
- The cloning of animals has been occurring for a number of years now, and this has now opened up the possibility of cloning humans too.
And it has a thesis statement that makes it clear exactly how the human cloning essay will be structured and what the candidate's opinion is:
- Although there are clear benefits to humankind of cloning to provide spare body parts, I believe it raises a number of worrying ethical issues.
The first body paragraph discusses the advantages of cloning humans, and then the second body paragraph looks at the problems associated with this. The change of direction to look at the other side is clearly marked with a transition word ("however") and a topic sentence:
- However, for good reasons, many people view this as a worrying development.
Other transition words are used effectively to guide the reader through the ideas in the human cloning essay:Firstly,.. Also,... Furthermore,...
The candidate demonstrates that they can use a mix of complex structures. For example:
- Due to breakthroughs in medical science and improved diets, people are living much longer than in the past.
- It would involve creating another human and then eventually killing it in order to use its organs, which it could be argued is murder.
- ...if we have the ability to clone humans, it has to be questioned where this cloning will end.
Social Interaction and the Internet Essay
Below is an Internet essay connected to social interaction.
The IELTS test usually focuses on topical issues, and this certainly falls into this category as you have probably seen this issue discussed on TV and online.
You have to discuss if you think that the Internet is damaging social interaction.
The question also mentions the matter of the Internet opening up communication world-wide, so you should also discuss this in your answer.
Always look at the question carefully and underline the key points made in the prompt to ensure you do not miss anything.
Of course you should always do a quick plan for your internet essay, as with any essay, before you start to write.
Internet Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
According to a recent study, the more time people use the Internet, the less time they spend with real human beings. Some people say that instead of seeing the Internet as a way of opening up new communication possibilities world- wide, we should be concerned about the effect this is having on social interaction.
How far do you agree with this opinion?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Internet Essay - Model Answer
It is evident that, at present, people are spending a considerable amount of time on the Internet, and thus spending less time with real people. I strongly agree that although this use of the Internet has greatly increased the level of communication available, it has also had detrimental effects on the amount and type of social interaction that takes place.
The benefits of the Internet in terms of increased communication are clear, with people connected across the globe. In the past, communication was only possible by phone or mail, which entailed time and expense. It also usually meant just keeping in contact with those people already known to you. With the internet, this has changed dramatically. Email and social networking sites such as Facebook and MSN have created online communities that are global in scale, and they have fostered communication between people and countries that we would not have thought possible in the not too distant past.
That said, there is no doubt in my mind that this has had negative impacts on social interaction. People, especially the younger generation, spend hours of their time online, chatting and on forums. Although this can be beneficial, it is certainly not the same as real interaction with human beings and does not involve the same skills. It is important that children have and maintain real friendships in order to develop their own interpersonal skills. Not only this, it can also have negative effects on local communities if people are spending most of their time communicating online and not mixing in their neighbourhoods, and possibly lead to feelings of isolation for those individuals who do not have a ‘real’ person to turn to in times of need.
To conclude, I believe that the internet has undoubtedly been beneficial, but there are good reasons to be concerned about social interaction in our societies. It is therefore important that we maintain a balance between our online life and our contact with real human beings.
(328 Words)
IELTS Airline Tax Sample Essay
The following essay is on the topic of airline tax.
You are asked to decide if you agree or disagree with taxing airlines in order to reduce the problems that the increasing amount of air traffic can cause.
Air traffic is increasingly leading to more noise, pollution, and airport constuction. One reason for this is the growth in low-cost passenger flights, often to holiday destinations.
Some people say that government should try to reduce air traffic by taxing it more heavily.
Do you agree or disagree?
It is always a good idea to look at both sides of the issue, and this essay does this.
So you need to brainstorm:
- the reasons why this would be a good solution
- the reasons why it would not
- and of course decide which side of the argument you agree with.
Model Airline Tax Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Air traffic is increasingly leading to more noise, pollution, and airport constuction. One reason for this is the growth in low-cost passenger flights, often to holiday destinations.
Some people say that government should try to reduce air traffic by taxing it more heavily.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Low-cost Airline Tax - Model Answer
Over recent years there has been an enormous increase in the amount of air traffic around the world resulting in various problems, and a major cause of this has been the growth of low-cost airlines. Although some people believe that taxes should be increased for air travel, I disagree.
Those that support taxing airlines believe that this will result in a reduction in this type of travel and thus solve the problems of pollution, noise and construction. This is because a tax would make the cost of travelling more expensive, which will, they claim, lead to a decrease in demand. Proponents of this solution believe that taxes are fair because everyone has to pay them and it is a workable solution that will have the additional bonus of providing an income for the government.
However, there are a number of reasons why this is not the right course of action. Firstly, a tax is not fair because it will adversely affect people on lower incomes. Such a tax would have to be a fixed amount paid equally whether you are rich or poor, which means that those on lower incomes would find it more difficult to travel, but it would likely have little effect on the lives of those with a higher income. In addition, such a tax would not work. For example, we have seen taxes increase in most countries on cars, but this has had little affect, with car use continuing to grow.
To sum up, it is evident that introducing heavy taxes on air travel is not fair or workable. If we continue to explore alternatives, we can continue to enjoy the benefits that air travel offers.
(280 Words)
IELTS Free University Education Essay
The issue of free university education is an essay topic that comes up in the IELTS test. This essay therefore provides you with some of the key arguments about this topic.
The essay is an agree / disagree essay, which means you are given one opinion and then asked if you agree with it or not.
So remember to make it clear in your essay which side you are on.
University education should be free to everyone, regardless of income.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Choosing a Side
Of course you don't have to firmly come down on one side - you could partly agree if there are some aspects of the arguments you agree with but some parts you disagree with.
In this essay, the writer believes free university education is the best policy, so s/he agrees with the opinion. This is made clear in the conclusion (though you can put your opinion in the introduction as well if you wish).
The writer presents both sides of the argument. This is a good idea as you may find it more difficult to come up with a lot of ideas for one side of an argument. It also shows you are able to see both sides of the argument - a good academic skill.
Free University Education Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
University education should be free to everyone, regardless of income.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Over recent years, more and more people have been attending university and arguments have persisted as to whether students should pay for this privilege not. Although there are convincing arguments on both sides, I strongly believe that it should be free.
One argument put forward in favour of charging students is that education is becoming more expensive to fund as universities grow in size. Consequently, making students pay may maintain standards and ensure the quality of the teaching. In addition, it is argued that most students benefit from university in terms of higher paid jobs, so it is fair that they pay for at least some of the cost, especially given that the majority of students attending university are from the middle classes. Last but not least, in many countries, there is a shortage of people to do manual jobs such as plumbing and carpentry, so making university more expensive may encourage people to take up these jobs.
However, there are a number of arguments in favour of making university education free for all. Firstly, it will encourage more people to attend and this will benefit society. This is because it will lead to a more productive and educated workforce. Research has generally shown that those countries that have a better educated population via university have higher levels of innovation and productivity. In addition, there is the issue of equality of opportunity. If all students are required to pay, those on a low income may be dissuaded from attending, thus making it unfair. The reason for this is that they will likely not be able to secure financial support from their family so they will be concerned about the debts they will incur in the future.
In conclusion, I am of opinion that all education should remain equally available to all regardless of income. This is not only fair, but will also ensure that countries can prosper and develop into the future with a well-educated workforce.
326 Words
IELTS Scientific Research Essay
This is an IELTS scientific research essay.
For this essay, you need to discuss whether the funding and controlling of scientific research should be the responsibility of the government or private organizations.
Governments should be responsible for funding and controlling scientific research rather than private organizations.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This is a fairly complex topic so you may want to do an internet search and do some reading about it before you attempt to write a practice answer.
Compare/Contrast Style
The model answer below puts forward two ideas against private organizations holding such responsibility.
There are more arguments around the topic in opposition to this that could be discussed, but with 40 minutes to plan and write your answer you will need to choose carefully which ideas you want to present.
Note the way that the body paragraphs have been organised in a compare / contrast style.
You are asked which of the two is best placed ('rather than') to manage research so it makes sense to compare the relative benefits / disadvantages of each.
Another way to approach this scientific research essay would be to present ideas for and ideas against in separate body paragraphs.
Model Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Governments should be responsible for funding and controlling scientific research rather than private organizations.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Scientific Research Essay - Model Answer
Undertaking scientific research is imperative if countries want to progress and compete in a globalized world. However, the funding and controlling of this research remain contentious issues. In my opinion, the government should have the predominant responsibility for these.
One of the first issues is the knowledge that we gain from research. If governments are responsible then they are driven by the need to make advances in knowledge in order to improve people’s lives. This is because they are accountable to the public and the research is paid for by taxes. On the other hand, private organizations are driven by profit. This may mean that some research that could be valuable to society may not begin because there is no monetary gain.
Another issue related to this is the research process. When the funding for research comes from the same organization that is going to gain from a favorable outcome, there is a strong potential for biased results. Taking drugs companies as an example, legislation usually requires rigorous trials for new drugs that can take many years to complete. The companies have large amounts of money invested in such research and the need for positive results is paramount. It is difficult for a scientist to remain impartial in these circumstances. However, if this is controlled and funded by governments, their accountability means that such conflicts of interest are less likely to occur.
On balance, I would argue that although it is not realistic to remove all opportunities for privately funded research, governments should have the main responsibility for the monitoring and controlling of this. Strong checks and balances need to be in place to ensure future research is ethical and productive.
(281 Words)
Check out more science vocabulary
Comments
The essay is well organized.
The opinion is clearly presented in the introduction and this opinion is then supported in the body paragraphs and summarized again in the conclusion.
There are topic sentences which state clearly what each paragraph is about:
- One of the first issues is the knowledge that we gain from research.
- Another disadvantage related to this is the research process.
The body paragraphs then go on to develop each idea giving reasons and examples.
In the first body paragraph a comparison is made between the government and private sector in terms of knowledge. In the second a comparison is made in terms of the research process.
There is no repetition of ideas.
There is some good use of high level vocabulary, phrases and collocations such as:
- imperative
- contentious
- accountable
- monetary gain
- favourable outcome
- rigorousparamountremain impartial
There is also a good mix of complex sentences with examples of adverbial clauses, relative clauses and noun clauses.
Ban Smoking in Public Places Essay
This is a ban smoking in public places essay. It is an example of an essay where you have to give your opinion as to whether you agree or disagree.
The sample answer shows you how you can present the opposing argument first, that is not your opinion, and then present your opinion in the following paragraph.
It is always a good idea to present a balanced essay which presents both sides of the argument, but you must always make it very clear what your opinion is and which side of the argument you support.
Ban Smoking in Public Places Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Smoking not only harms the smoker, but also those who are nearby. Therefore, smoking should be banned in public places.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Medical studies have shown that smoking not only leads to health problems for the smoker, but also for people close by. As a result of this, many believe that smoking should not be allowed in public places. Although there are arguments on both sides, I strongly agree that a ban is the most appropriate course of action.
Opponents of such a ban argue against it for several reasons. Firstly, they say that passive smokers make the choice to breathe in other people’s smoke by going to places where it is allowed. If they would prefer not to smoke passively, then they do not need to visit places where smoking is permitted. In addition, they believe a ban would possibly drive many bars and pubs out of business as smokers would not go there anymore. They also argue it is a matter of freedom of choice. Smoking is not against the law, so individuals should have the freedom to smoke where they wish.
However, there are more convincing arguments in favour of a ban. First and foremost, it has been proven that tobacco consists of carcinogenic compounds which cause serious harm to a person’s health, not only the smoker. Anyone around them can develop cancers of the lungs, mouth and throat, and other sites in the body. It is simply not fair to impose this upon another person. It is also the case that people’s health is more important than businesses. In any case, pubs and restaurants could adapt to a ban by, for example, allowing smoking areas.
In conclusion, it is clear that it should be made illegal to smoke in public places. This would improve the health of thousands of people, and that is most definitely a positive development.
(290 words)
Comments
This essay is well organized and presented.
The introduction is clear - note how it follows the ban smoking in public places essay question - it paraphrases the information in order to introduce the topic and the argument.
The argument against a ban on smoking in public places is presented first. It is made clear that it is not the authors opinion by the topic sentence:
- "Opponents of such a ban argue against it for several reasons".
And also by the use of the word 'they' to refer to the opponents.
The writer then clearly shows they are moving on to the other argument which is their own (and it has clearly been stated in the thesis that this is their argument):
- "However, there are more convincing arguments in favour of a ban".
In this paragraph, 'they' is dropped because it is now the writers opinion.
IELTS Employing Older People Essay
This IELTS employing older people essay tackles the issue of whether it it better for employers to hire younger staff rather than those who are older.
This type of topic arises in IELTS writing now again. This is about employing people over 50. Don't mix it up with essays that ask whether people should be forced to retire at a certain age.
Some of the arguments may be the same i.e. the advantages of someone working when they are older, but the question is different.
IELTS Employing older people essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
It has been claimed that workers over 50 are not responsive to rapidly changing ideas in the modern workplace and that for this reason younger workers are to be preferred.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Some people claim that due to the rapid changes occurring in modern work places, it is better to employ younger than older people. I do not believe that this is the case.
One argument in support of younger employees is that older employees could be more set in their ways and potentially against any change. To an extent this may be true, but there are many flexible and intelligent workers over 50, while there are inflexible and narrow-minded younger ones. Attitude towards change is a result not of age but of personality type.
That said, physical changes occurring with age could mean certain jobs are more suited to a younger person. For instance, psychologists seem to be in agreement that memory declines with age for people not remaining mentally active. In high-tech industries such as computer programming, where it is so important to be able to work with so much information, numbers and calculations, being younger may be an advantage.
However, older workers have a wide range of other positive attributes that they can bring to their working environment. Generally, they have more work experience than those who are younger. In addition, as can be seen with the trend of many department stores in the UK to take on older people, they are seen to be more reliable and respectful. These are important in any kind of working environment.
In conclusion, therefore, there is not the evidence to support employing young people as opposed to those over 50. It would seem that a mix of the best qualities of old and young is preferential in order to ensure the most productive environment evolves.
(264 words)
Comments
This employing older people essay would achieve a high band score.
It fully answers the task by discussing issues around the young and old working and making some comparisons. A clear opinion is also given - the writer believes a mix of young and old is best.
The essay is well-organized and coherent. Each paragraph has a clear topic and linking words between and within paragraphs are used appropriately.
There are examples of less common lexical (vocabulary items) and the writer clearly knows how to collocate.
There are a mix of simple, compound and complex sentences.
Vegetarianism Essay
This is a model vegetarianism essay.
As I always stress, you should read the question very carefully before you answer it to make sure you are writing about the right thing.
Take a look at the question:
Every one of us should become a vegetarian because eating meat can cause serious health problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Staying on topic
If you rush to start writing and don't analyse the question and brainstorm some ideas you may include the wrong information.
There are religious or moral arguments for not eating meat, but if you discuss those you will be going off topic.
This question is specifically about the health problems connected to eating meat.
So you must discuss in your answer what some of these problems are and if you think there are real health risks or not.
Knowing about the topic
And don't get worried that you do not know much about diet and health.
As part of your IELTS study it will help if you know the basics of most topics such as some health vocabulary in this case, but you are not expected to be an expert on nutrition.
Remember, you are being judged on your English ability and your ability to construct an argument in a coherent way, not to be an expert in the subject matter. So relax and work with
Organisation
In this vegetarianism essay, the candidate disagrees with the statement, and is thus arguing that everyone does not need to be a vegetarian.
The essay has been organised in the following way:
Body 1: Health issues connected with eating meat (i.e. arguments in support of being a vegetarianBody 2: Advantages of eating meat
Now take a look at the model answer.
Model Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Every one of us should become a vegetarian because eating meat can cause serious health problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS Vegetarianism Essay - Sample Answer
Vegetarianism is becoming more and more popular for many people, particularly because of the harm that some people believe meat can cause to the body. However, I strongly believe that it is not necessary for everybody to be a vegetarian.
Vegetarians believe that meat is unhealthy because of the diseases it has been connected with. There has been much research to suggest that red meat is particularly bad, for example, and that consumption should be limited to eating it just a few times a week to avoid such things as cancer. Meats can also be high in saturated fats so they have been linked to health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
However, there are strong arguments for eating meat. The first reason is that as humans we are designed to eat meat, which suggests it is not unhealthy, and we have been eating meat for thousands of years. For example, cavemen made hunting implements so that they could kill animals and eat their meat. Secondly, meat is a rich source of protein which helps to build muscles and bones. Vegetarians often have to take supplements to get all the essential vitamins and minerals. Finally, it may be the case that too much meat is harmful, but we can easily limit the amount we have without having to cut it out of our diet completely.
To sum up, I do not agree that everyone should turn to a vegetarian diet. Although the overconsumption of meat could possibly be unhealthy, a balanced diet of meat and vegetables should result in a healthy body.
(264 words)
Comments
You should begin by intoducing the topic. The introduction in this vegetarianism essay begins by mentioning vegetarians and the possible harm of eating meat.
It then goes on to the thesis statement, which makes it clear what the candidate's opinion is.
The first body paragraph has a topic sentence which makes it clear that the paragraph is going to address the possible health issues of eating meat.
Some reasons and examples are then given to support this.
The second body paragraph then has a topic sentence which makes it clear that the main idea is now about the arguments for eating meat.
The conclusion in this vegetarianism essay then repeats the opinion and gives the candidates final thoughts.
Paying Taxes Essay
This is an IELTS Paying Taxes Essay. In nearly all countries people have to pay some kind of taxes.
In this essay you have to decide whether you agree or disagree with the opinion that everyone should be able to keep their money rather than paying money to the government.
Here is the question:
Some people believe that they should be able to keep all the money they earn, and should not have to pay tax to the state.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Considering Both Sides
A good answer that looks at all the issues presented in the question would consider the following points:
- Why people may want to keep all the money they earn
- Why people should have to pay money to the state
Those are the two sides, so you should brainstorm some ideas around those two questions/opposing opinions before you start to write.
And of course it is very important to make sure you are very clear what your opinion is.
Now take a look at the paying taxes essay model answer.
Paying Taxes Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that they should be able to keep all the money they earn, and should not have to pay tax to the state.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
People work hard and earn money which ideally they would like to retain for themselves. However, a significant portion of this usually has to be given to the state. In my view, it is right that people pay their fair share of taxes.
Money is everything in today’s world. This is because money is used to buy all the necessities such as food, water, and shelter. Money is also used to help a family’s children in the form of school fees and other activities. In addition to this, people do not only need money to cater for their necessities, but also for future investments. The more that people have to invest, the more they believe they can accumulate in the long term. As a result, many are reluctant to lose some of their income through the deduction of tax.
Nevertheless, citizens should be obliged to pay taxes to the government for a number of reasons. They should accept that the taxes they pay help the government offer them the public services all over the country. These public services are things such as the construction of roads, bridges, public hospitals, parks and other public services. The same tax money helps the country’s economy to be stable. Through taxes, the government can also pay off its debts. In short, money received through taxes is a way of ensuring that people have comfortable livelihoods.
In conclusion, even though many people think that they should not pay taxes, that money is useful to the stability of any country. Therefore, people should not avoid paying taxes as it may affect the country’s economy and services that it provides.
(272 Words)
Comments
Task Response
- The question is fully addressed so the essay would get a good score for task response.
- The first body paragraph explains the reasons why people may not want to pay tax and the second body paragraph explains why it is important to pay.
- Reasons and examples are given to support the ideas.
- The writer’s opinion is also very clear. It is presented in the thesis statement and repeated in the conclusion. It is explained in body paragraph two.
Coherence and Cohesion
- The paying taxes essay is well organized. Each of the main points is explained in a separate paragraph and a logical argument is presented to support the writer’s opinion.
- Cohesion is also maintained by good uses of linking words to join the ideas and paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
There is some good use of vocabulary and collocations and spelling and word forms are correct.
For example:
- a significant portion of
- necessities
- accumulate
- reluctant to
- deduction of tax
- be obliged to pay
- construction of
- the stability of
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
There is good accuracy in the grammar and a good range of sentence structures. For example:
- People work hard and earn money which ideally they would like to….
- This is because money is used to buy all the necessities such as…
- people do not only need money to cater for their necessities, but also for future investments.
- In conclusion, even though many people think that they should not pay taxes…
Formal Examinations or Continual Assessment Essay
This IELTS model essay deals with the issue of whether it is better to have formal examinations to assess student’s performance or continual assessment during term time such as course work and projects.
This is an agree / disagree question meaning that you are given one opinion and asked if you agree with it or not. In the response to this question, the writer partially agrees with the opinion.
The writer agrees that formal examinations are effective, but does not believe these are the only effective way to assess a student's abilities.
The writer thinks that there are disadvantages of examinations so continual assessment is a good way to balance this.
IELTS Model Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Formal examinations are the only effective way to assess a student's performance. Continual assessment such as course work and projects is not a satisfactory way to do this.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
IELTS Model Essay Answer
Many educational establishments such as schools and universities are choosing to assess their students through course work and projects undertaken during term time rather than the traditional examinations. Continual assessment can be an effective way to evaluate student’s abilities, but formal examinations should also be maintained.
There are two principal benefits of formal examinations. Firstly, they are a fair system as every student has an equal opportunity since they all sit the same exam at the same time, meaning that those students who work hard should be rewarded with a high grade. In addition to this, it is also difficult to cheat if the exam is properly invigilated. However, some students naturally excel in exams, whereas others find it difficult to work under these stressful and time-constrained conditions. Formal exams, may not, therefore, always reflect a student’s true ability.
Continual assessment, on the other hand, allows those students who work at a slower pace more time to work on their course work and projects. The teacher can also observe and assist students who may be weaker, thus providing them with the opportunity to improve during the term. Not only this, projects encourage team work, an important skill that is necessary for future employment. Focusing only on formal exams may mean that this important component of children’s development is not seen as important by teachers or students.
To conclude, it is evident that both continual assessment and formal examinations are effective in different ways, but they also have weaknesses. I would therefore argue that in order to have robust evaluation procedures in the future, both should be used to assess students during their education.
273 words
Multinational Organisations and Culture Essay
This Essay is about the extent to which working for a multinational organisation help you to understand other cultures.
The best way to understand other cultures is to work for a multinational organisation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Fully Answering the Question
This is an agree / disagree style essay.
So you need to decide what your opinion is and make sure that the essay you write is consistent with this opinion.
You should also make sure you discuss at some point this:
- how learning about other cultures can (or cannot) be achieved from working in such an organisation.
In other words, if you disagree, don't write a whole essay about other ways to understand cultures. Make sure you also address the issue of learning about cultures through a multinational organisation.
In this particular essay, the writer thinks it's not the necessarily the best way.
So to ensure the question is fully answered, the writer:
- gives the reasons why culture can be learned by working in a multinational organisation.
- gives the reasons why it's not necessarily the best way.
Multinational Organisation and Culture Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
The best way to understand other cultures is to work for a multinational organisation.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
Multinational organisations can be found in most major cities around the world these days. Although working for such a company provides the opportunity to mix with people from a variety of cultural backgrounds, I would argue that this is not necessarily the best way to learn about other cultures.
There is no doubt that for some people, working for a multinational organisation will enhance their understanding of other cultures. The first reason is that in a multinational organisation one can learn about the customs and traditions of other countries through mixing with people from different backgrounds who work in the company or in liaising with colleagues abroad. Exposure to other languages is also likely, something that gives a much greater depth of understanding of a culture. There may also be the chance to relocate to work in another country, which would mean complete immersion in that culture.
However, there are a number of reasons that it is not necessarily the best way. Firstly, there is no guarantee that you will be a person who gets such exposure to other cultures as it depends on your position within the company. Not all employees have roles where they regularly mix with other cultures. Also, there are also other excellent ways to achieve such a goal. For example, many people these days travel the world, and this is an opportunity to meet and spend time with people from other countries. It is also possible to do voluntary work with organisations and charities that work in other countries, something that would mean you meet a mix of people rather than just those who work in companies.
In conclusion, despite the potential ways in which working for a multinational company can result in contact with people from other cultures, I believe that it cannot be assumed it is the best way as there are other options to do this.
(314 Words)
Comments
This multinational company and culture essay would get a good score for the following reasons.
The question is fully addressed and the essay is clearly organised. Each body paragraph has a clear central idea.
- Body paragraph 1: explains why a person may develop cultural awareness, giving three reasons.
- Body paragraph 2: explains that it's not necessarily the best way, giving two reasons why.
There are examples of high level vocabulary and grammar too.
IELTS Internet vs Newspaper Essay
In this internet vs newspaper essay you have to discuss whether you think reading from newspapers will stay more popular than reading the news online.
This was a recent question in the IELTS exam. You'll find they pick on topical issues, which is why you should keep up-to-date with the news!
Although more and more people read news on the internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Thinking about the essay
Before you write your internet vs newspaper essay, you should spend some time deciding what your views and opinions are and how you will support them.
You could write about one side of the essay, for example stating that you think newspapers will remain more popular and then writing about the benefits of newspapers.
But there are two good reasons for making sure you discuss both reading newspapers and reading online.
Firstly as both those issues are mentioned in the questions you don't want the examiner thinking that you haven't fully answered the question. Also, if you discuss both you will have more to write about.
In this model IELTS internet vs newspaper essay that you can read below, the writer believes that online sources will become the most popular.
The writer supports this by first giving the counter-argument (opposing view) - why newspapers are still popular - but then goes on to explain why this habit will be taken over by online reading.
Now take a look at the internet vs newspaper essay model answer.
IELTS Internet vs Newspaper Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Although more and more people read news on the internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer:
It is common at the present time to see people getting updates on the latest news from the internet rather than the traditional method of reading a newspaper. I would argue that electronic sources of news will gradually replace that of the newspaper.
Newspapers remain an important source of news for several reasons. The first of these is that the older generation still prefer to read their news this way, which is because they have traditionally bought a newspaper over the years and so do not wish to change or simply do not know how to do so online in some cases. In addition to this a newspaper also comes with other supplements, such as magazines and television guides, and sources of entertainment, such as crosswords. This makes it more attractive for some than going online.
However, though newspapers may not disappear completely, the Internet is likely to become the more dominant source of news over time. This is primarily because younger people tend to read the news online and prefer not to pay for it, so those reading newspapers, the older generations, will gradually decline. This links in with the second reason, which is that as media companies start to see a drop income from newspapers, printing them will become unprofitable and they will be forced to find ways to make money from news online.
In conclusion, although newspapers remain popular today, they will gradually be replaced by the desire to read the news through electronic sources. This may be a sad loss given their history, but unfortunately it is an unavoidable development.
(265 Words)
Comments
This internet vs newspaper essay would score highly in the test as it meets the four criteria required for a good IELTS band score.
It fully answers the question. The writer clearly sets out their opinion and then goes on to provide support for this.
The essay supports the opinion well as it sets out why people like to read newspapers but then goes on to explain why this will change, with people switching to online reading. The support of the question is specific and ideas are extended and explained.
The essay is also well-organised, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs and conclusion.
Topic sentences lead the reader through the essay and there are good linking devices that are not too mechanical. You don't want things too mechanical if you are looking for a score above band 6.
Examples of mechanical are 'firstly', 'secondly', 'thirdly' 'for example'. They can be a bit boring and easy.
It also has some good examples of vocabulary and collocations related to the topic, and a good range of complex sentences.
Technology Development Essay
This technology development essay for IELTS shows you the flexibility you can have with your opinion when you approach an agree / disagree type question.
The topic is about whether you think earlier or more recent technological developments have had more influence on people's lives. Take a look at the question below.
Earlier technological developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary people more than recent developments ever will.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This technology development essay question is quite complex and it is very easy to make mistakes when answering it. Some typical issues are:
- Not understanding 'ordinary people'
- Misunderstanding 'ever will' and writing about future developments
- Deciding which technological developments are 'earlier' or more 'recent'
- Writing about the pros and cons of technology only and not really addressing the question
There is a Task 2 Lesson on tackling this topic already, so please check it out if you want more guidance on understanding the question and making sure you answer it fully.
Flexibility with your opinion
Candidates often think that they have to give an opinion that will satisfy the examiner. However, the opinion you give should be yours and the examiner can't penalise you if it is not what s/he would think.
Of course your essay must answer the question and the position you take must be consistent throughout your essay (e.g. saying you agree but then having an essay where nearly all of it disagrees would not make sense).
A typical way to answer this question would be to choose whether you think earlier or more recent developments are more influential, than explain why in your essay.
In other words. to choose and support one of these as your opinion (though of course you should still write about both):
- Earlier technological developments had the most influence and benefits
- More recent technological developments had the most influence and benefits
It's ok though to take a different approach.
Let's say you think it is not a matter of comparing old with new - rather you think some earlier ones are more influential, but some older ones are more influential. So it depends which developments are being talked about.
As long as you explain this in your thesis statement and your essay this is fine, and of course as long as you are still comparing some earlier and recent technological developments.
Sample Technology Development Essay
So take a look at this technology development essay and note how the writer still fully answers the question but take a different view to that of the opinion in the question.
This essay is organised as follows:
- Opinion: Depend on the area of technology
- Body Para 1: Technology in the home (earlier more important)
- Body Para 2: Medical Technology (earlier more important)
- Body Para 3: Phones (recent more important)
- Conc: Restate opinion
In this thesis, you could just state your opinion generally or to be clear say you are either disagreeing or partially agreeing with statement.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Earlier technological developments brought more benefits and changed the lives of ordinary people more than recent developments ever will.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Technology Development Essay Model Answer
Developments in technology over many years have dramatically changed the world that we live in, and some people think that earlier advances in technology have had a greater impact on and been more beneficial to the lives of ordinary people than more recent changes. However, I partially agree with this as the advantages and influences on people’s lives actually depends on the particular area of technology.
There is no doubt that some earlier advances in technology have been very influential, such as those related to technology around the home. Devices such as washing machines, fridges and freezers, central heating, microwaves and televisions were invented many years ago, and now nearly every household has all or some of these in their home, making life much easier. Though they have been improved over time, they still carry out much the same purpose as when they were first invented.
Another example is that of medicine. Despite the fact that there have been ground-breaking recent medical developments, such as that connected to research into genes and stem cells, the benefits to the average person are still many years away. The most influential impacts on health have been earlier technological developments of the past, which remain today. These are the ability to treat so many injuries and diseases and carry out organ transplants in hospitals. It is these that have benefits on so many lives and will for decades to come.
However, if we look at some more recent developments, they have had a much greater influence than in the past. For instance, there is the phone, which was a significant development when invented helping many people. However, although invented many years ago, technological developments over the last few decades have enabled the phone to now be mobile and connected to the internet. This has had incredible impacts on the way people Iive their lives with people using phones for so many everyday activities and for connecting around the world.
In conclusion, I would argue that although some older technological developments are important, some new ones are too. The impacts on ordinary people’s lives therefore depends on the type of technology in question.
(356 Words)
Comments
This technology development essay would get a high score as it fully answers the question and fully extends and supports the ideas presented.
Even though the essay does not specifically choose one side as presented in the technology development essay prompt, it presents a very clear opinion / position directly related to the question, and then supports this in the essay.
Also, earlier and more recent developments are compared and discussed.
You may have noted the length is 356 words. Some higher level candidates can reach this length in the test, but if you have more difficultly with your writing you should of course seek to aim for around 275 words (the minimum is 250 words).
You can still get a high score with 275 words, providing of course it is scores highly for the four marking criteria in the grading system (Task Response; Coherence and Cohesion; Lexical Resource; Grammatical Range and Accuracy).
Dying Languages Essay
Dying languages essays have appeared in the IELTS test on several occasions.
This is about the way that more and more people are speaking the same language, those more relevant to a globalised world, such as English and Chinese.
This means other minority languages, perhaps spoken by only a relatively small number of people, may be dying out.
Dying Languages Essay Sample
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Languages are dying out all the time. The result of this is a world with fewer languages. This is a good thing for people everywhere.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
There are thousands of languages in the world today. Some of them are strong languages spoken by many millions of people, while others are spoken by smaller groups of people, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. As languages die, benefits accrue to human society, but also drawbacks. It is certainly not advantageous for everybody everywhere.
From a practical point of view, having fewer languages can lead to greater ease in communication. This is because when people share a language, then information and ideas can flow more easily, which is of utmost importance in a globalised world. In addition, there is an economic advantage, or economies of scale, since information can be presented in written form in greater bulk, meaning there is no need for translations, which can be costly. Thus, internationally, the flow of ideas and information is facilitated through the common language.
There is another side, though. First of all, those who have lost a language have also lost a culture, a way of expressing themselves, and a way of understanding the world and their experience of the world. They will never be able to express themselves fully in their new language. Secondly, the quality of communication in the common language is limited. The reason for this is that people are writing and reading in an acquired language, not the mother tongue. Also, this acquired language may simply be unable to express some of the culturally-bound ideas of the non-native speaker.
In brief, then, language death is a tragedy. Those whose language dies lose part of their identity, and a way to give expression to their deep thoughts and feelings. For the rest of the world, there is a loss of diversity. Along with the language, a whole culture and way of expressing this culture die. Things of deep human value that could be expressed before are now silenced.
(309 Words)
Comments
The dying languages essay would get a high band score as it fully answers the question, discussing both sides of the issue (though you can discuss one side).
It's well organised into paragraphs, and the arguments are logical and easy to follow.
There are good examples of high level vocabulary and grammar and there are no errors.
Extinction of Animals Essay
This extinction of animals essay question appeared recently in the IELTS test.
It is about how animals become extinct and whether humans should take steps to prevent this from happening.
It is a natural process that animal species become extinct, as the dinosaurs did in the past. There is no reason for people to prevent this from happening.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Choosing a Side
With agree / disagree type essays you can discuss both sides of the issue but you can come down firmly on one side and focus on only this in your response.
This can be an easier way to answer such questions and is certainly recommended if you are just needing the lower band scores, such as 7 and especially 6.
This is an example of an essay where the writer disagrees with the opinion and has given three reasons for this, set out in three body paragraphs.
For the higher band scores there is a risk the examiner thinks for a fully addressed answer, both sides of the issue should have been considered. So if you need a band 8 or 9, look at both sides of the issue as in this model answer.
Take a look at the model answer for this animal extinction essay and the comments below.
Extinction of Animals Essay Sample
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
It is a natural process that animal species become extinct, as the dinosaurs did in the past. There is no reason for people to prevent this from happening.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
It is commonly known that many species have gone extinct throughout history, including the dinosaurs. Some argue that preventing extinction is not necessary, as it is a natural process. However, I believe that humans have a moral obligation to protect endangered species and prevent their extinction.
Firstly, human activities such as deforestation, overfishing, and pollution have caused a rapid decline in animal populations, leading many species to be at risk of extinction. As a result, humans have a responsibility to conserve the environment and prevent further harm to wildlife. It is unfair for humans to cause the extinction of a species due to their actions, particularly when they have the ability to prevent it.
Another reason is that many species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. For example, bees are essential pollinators that are responsible for pollinating 80% of flowering plants, and thus if bees were to become extinct, it would have a devastating impact on our food supply and ecosystem. Similarly, the loss of predators can cause a ripple effect, leading to overpopulation of other species and causing imbalances in the food chain.
Lastly, preventing extinction is not only a matter of responsibility but also a matter of morality. Species have intrinsic value, and it is not our place to determine which species should exist and which should not. Humans must respect the inherent value of all life forms and do what they can to protect them.
In conclusion, while extinction may be a natural process, it is not a justification for humans to sit idly by and watch as countless species go extinct. By taking action to conserve the environment, humans can ensure that future generations can enjoy the same diversity of life that we have today.
(294 Words)
Comments
This extinction of animals essay would achieve a high IELTS band score.
It's organised well so would score highly for coherence and cohesion. It has a clear introduction that introduces the topics and then gives the writers opinion (the thesis statement).
Each body paragraph clearly sets out and explains a key idea, then the conclusion summarises the writers view and gives some final thoughts. The linking between sentences is also very good.
It has a clear opinion and that opinion is reflected in the response. The ideas are fully supported and explained. The question is fully addressed and the essay does not go off-topic. It would therefore score highly for task response.
The essay also had a good range of high-level and accurate lexis and grammar, so it would also score well for those criteria.
Truthfulness in Relationships Essay
This truthfulness in relationships essay question appeared recently in the IELTS test.
It is about whether always telling the truth is the most important factor in any relationship:
Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship between people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Making Comparisons
In a question phrased like this, you'll notice you are given a superlative adjective:
- the most important consideration
You should use this to help you think about how to construct your essay and the ideas you might have. Ask yourself some questions related to this in order to brainstorm ideas:
- What does being truthful actually mean? (e.g. what about white lies*)
- Is truthfulness the most important thing?
- What other things could be important?
- Are these other things more important?
*a lie about a small or unimportant matter that someone tells to avoid hurting another person
If you think there are other more important things or things that are as important, then you probably disagree with the statement .
Importance of Truthfulness Essay
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship between people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
In any relationship, the importance of truthfulness is a topic that often sparks debates. While some argue that always telling the truth is the most crucial aspect, I believe that the significance of truthfulness should be considered in relation to other factors.
Undoubtedly, honesty plays a vital role in fostering trust and building strong connections between people. When individuals are truthful with each other, it establishes a foundation of transparency and integrity. This creates a sense of security and allows for open communication, which is essential for healthy relationships.
However, it is essential to recognise that truthfulness is not an absolute concept and must be balanced with other considerations. In certain situations, revealing the complete truth can be harmful or unnecessary. For example, when delivering bad news, such as a terminal illness diagnosis, it is crucial to consider the emotional well-being of the recipient. While honesty should be prioritised, the delivery of information must be done with sensitivity.
Furthermore, maintaining trust in a relationship involves more than just truthfulness. In some cases, withholding the truth may be necessary to protect the well-being of the other person or the relationship itself. If, for instance, someone asks you about a new hairstyle they have, it could be damaging to the relationship to tell them you do not like it, so a white lie may be the best option to avoid hurting them. Thus factors such as respect, empathy, and understanding also contribute significantly.
In conclusion, while truthfulness is important in relationships, it should be considered in conjunction with other factors. Balancing truthfulness with empathy, sensitivity to the situation, and the overall well-being of the relationship is crucial and promotes healthier and more harmonious relationships.
(282 Words)
Comments
This truthfulness essay would achieve a high IELTS band score.
It has carefully considered the question and given a clear and coherent response to it. Although the writer agrees truthfulness is important, s/he explains how it's not this simple. It needs to be considered in its particular context and sometimes a lie might be the best choice to maintain a healthy relationship.
So if you get an agree / disagree question, look carefully to see if it's suggesting that something is the most important thing, or a similar phrase. You can then use this as the basis to think about other ideas for the essay.
Return of Historical Objects and Artefacts Essay
This return of historical objects and artefacts essay question appeared in the test in July 2023.
Take a look at the question and the model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Historical objects and artefacts should be brought back to their country of origin.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
The repatriation of historical objects and artefacts to their countries of origin has sparked intense debates. While I acknowledge the importance of preserving a nation's heritage and cultural identity, I believe that the decision to return these items should be made with careful consideration of various factors.
Firstly, repatriation can serve as a means to restore a sense of cultural pride and identity. Objects that hold historical and cultural significance often represent the heart of a nation's heritage, and their return can contribute to the enrichment of local communities. For instance, the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece from the British Museum could enhance Greek citizens' connection to their ancient past, fostering a deeper appreciation for their own cultural roots.
However, the process of repatriation is not devoid of complexities. Museums and institutions that currently house these artefacts often argue that they have been responsible for their preservation, and returning them might jeopardise their conservation. Moreover, in cases where historical objects have been acquired through legal means or during times of colonial expansion, determining rightful ownership can be challenging. Repatriation could also hinder cultural exchange and global appreciation of history by limiting access to these objects from people around the world.
Striking a balance between repatriation and the preservation of global cultural heritage is crucial. Instead of blanket repatriation policies, collaboration between countries of origin and current custodians could be a more effective approach. This could involve temporary loans, joint exhibitions, or digital platforms to facilitate the sharing of information and knowledge about these objects.
In conclusion, while I agree that the return of historical objects and artefacts to their countries of origin can contribute positively to cultural identity, I also believe that a nuanced approach is necessary, with a focus on collaboration and compromise.
(296 Words)
Happiness and Income Inequality Essay for IELTS
This happiness and income inequality essay for IELTS asks you to discuss whether there would be greater happiness if the income gap between the rich and poor was reduced.
Take a look at the question and the model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Many people believe that reducing the income gap between the rich and the poor can lead to happier societies.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
The concept of reducing the income gap between the rich and the poor is often associated with the creation of a happier society. I partially agree with this sentiment, as closing the income disparity has significant implications for societal well-being, although it is not the sole determinant of happiness.
To begin with, a narrowing income gap can address many root causes of social dissatisfaction. When wealth is more evenly distributed, it can lead to improved access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and housing for those at the lower end of the economic spectrum. This access empowers individuals, improves their quality of life, and can lead to higher levels of satisfaction and happiness. Additionally, a smaller income gap reduces feelings of inequality and injustice, fostering social cohesion and reducing societal tensions.
Moreover, reducing income inequality can have positive economic outcomes. It can lead to greater consumer spending and economic growth, as a larger portion of the population has disposable income to contribute to the economy. Such economic stability may contribute to a general sense of well-being and happiness within society.
However, economic equality alone does not automatically result in a happier society. Other factors, such as political stability, cultural values, social networks, and personal freedom, play crucial roles in determining overall happiness. Additionally, an overemphasis on income redistribution without addressing underlying issues such as economic productivity and innovation can have negative consequences, such as reduced incentives for hard work and entrepreneurship.
In conclusion, while reducing the income gap can contribute to societal happiness by enhancing equality and access to essential resources, it must be part of a broader strategy that includes addressing other factors impacting well-being. Only then can a truly happier society be achieved.
(286 Words)
Comments
This happiness and income inequality essay for IELTS would get a high IELTS score.
It has a good introduction that introduces the topic then gives a clear thesis statement/opinion.
It it followed by three clear, well-organised body paragraphs that support the thesis statement. The first two body paragraphs explain why it would be a positive development as it would address the causes of social dissatisfaction and possibly lead to economic improvements.
The last one though explains that happiness is not just a result of economic equality, going on to explain other important factors.
It also has good examples of topic-related vocabulary and phrases such as
- income disparity
- societal well-being
- social dissatisfaction
- evenly distributed
- injustice
- social cohesion
- income redistribution
The grammar is also accurate, with a good range and mix of complex sentences and structures.
IELTS Essay - Using Local Resources
This IELTS essay discusses whether local resources should be used over resources from other countries. The issue is that some people think this is better for the environment.
Take a look at the question and the model answer.
Partly Agreeing
In agree/disagree essays you need a clear opinion but you don't have to say you 100% agree or disagree - you can have a more balanced opinion like in this essay and partly agree as you sympathise with both sides of the issue.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
The best way to protect the environment is to use local resources, such as food or building materials, rather than transporting resources from other countries.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer
Using local resources instead of importing goods from other countries is often seen as a key way to protect the environment. I partly agree with this because while there are clear environmental benefits to this approach, there are also drawbacks to consider.
On the one hand, utilising local resources has several environmental advantages. Firstly, it mitigates the need to transport goods or food over long distances, especially by plane, ship or truck, all of which are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and thus contributing to pollution and global warming. In addition to this, local sourcing often supports sustainable practices as local farmers and producers are more likely to use environmentally friendly methods suited to their region, and short supply chains can mean less packaging and waste. Additionally, supporting local industries can strengthen the economy and encourage communities to protect their natural resources.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to relying only on resources local areas. In some regions, the climate or geography may not support the production of certain goods and so trying to grow or manufacture these items locally could result in using more energy and water than importing them. A case in point is the growing of tropical fruits in colder countries, often requiring heated greenhouses, which can increase carbon emissions. Moreover, international trade can sometimes be more efficient and cost-effective, both economically and environmentally, depending on how goods are produced and transported.
In conclusion, it is my view that local resources should be used where possible as this can greatly benefit the environment by reducing emissions and promoting sustainability, but it is not always the best or most efficient solution. A balanced approach that considers both local and global options is likely to be the most effective way to protect the planet.
(293 Words)
Comments
This IELTS essay about using local resources would score highly as it meets the criteria in the band descriptor for the higher levels.
In the introduction, the topic is introduced and there is then a thesis statement clearly setting out that the writer partly agrees with the opinion and so will look at both the pros and cons of using local resources.
It's clearly organised as the body paragraphs are then divided up into advantages and disadvantages.
There is good mix of topic-related vocabulary and a wide range of grammatical structures that are accurate.