IELTS Essay: Outdoor Activities

IELTS Essay: Outdoor Activities

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real exam on the topic of outdoor activities.

If you want to support my efforts to write these essays and also receive my exclusive Ebooks, check out my Patreon (where I’m currently running a discount)!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Outdoor Activities

Some think that it is more important for children to engage in outdoor activities instead of playing videogames.

To what extent to you agree or disagree?

Many believe that children today play too many videogames and should instead spend more time outdoors. In my opinion, though the former diversion is more educational than in years past, the full scope of the latter makes it preferable.

Advocates of gaming point out their recent evolution. This goes beyond more realistic graphics and includes the topics and types of games now available. Many games today are essentially a cinematic experience, with fully realised characters and themes that rival other great works of art. In this way, games are as educational as more respected art forms such as novels and films. Moreover, not all games are passive. There are more and more games every year that require creative and logical thinking, such as puzzles and text based mysteries. The developers of the newest apps available for phones now take advantage of improving hardware to push forward the medium and engage the mind.

Nonetheless, the games mentioned above are the exceptions and the benefits of outdoor play are greater in general. The most obvious advantage is the effect on heath. The world is facing an obesity epidemic that is at least partly driven by more sedentary lifestyles centered around consumer electronics and gaming. Going outside is a natural antidote and can instill in children good habits that will promote a healthy life later. Additionally, outdoor activities offer the opportunity for children to engage in a social activity. Most games are, to varying degrees, an individual experience but playing with others outside will foster teamwork and improved interpersonal skills.

In conclusion, games can be worthwhile but they rarely have more value than going outside. It is therefore important that parents strive to limit children’s screen time.

Analysis

1. Many believe that children today play too many videogames and should instead spend more time outdoors. 2. In my opinion, though the former diversion is more educational than in years past, the full scope of the latter makes it preferable.

  1. Paraphrase the essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Advocates of gaming point out their recent evolution. 2. This goes beyond more realistic graphics and includes the topics and types of games now available. 3. Many games today are essentially a cinematic experience, with fully realised characters and themes that rival other great works of art. 4. In this way, games are as educational as more respected art forms such as novels and films. 5. Moreover, not all games are passive. 6. There are more and more games every year that require creative and logical thinking, such as puzzles and text based mysteries. 7. The developers of the newest apps available for phones now take advantage of improving hardware to push forward the medium and engage the mind.

  1. Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop the idea.
  4. Finish developing it.
  5. Transition to a related idea.
  6. Develop that idea.
  7. Conclude with the furthest result/development.

1. Nonetheless, the games mentioned above are the exceptions and the benefits of outdoor play are greater in general. 2. The most obvious advantage is the effect on heath. 3. The world is facing an obesity epidemic that is at least partly driven by more sedentary lifestyles centered around consumer electronics and gaming. 4. Going outside is a natural antidote and can instill in children good habits that will promote a healthy life later. 5. Additionally, outdoor activities offer the opportunity for children to engage in a social activity. 6. Most games are, to varying degrees, an individual experience but playing with others outside will foster teamwork and improved interpersonal skills.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Use specific examples.
  4. Develop them fully.
  5. Add in a related idea.
  6. Develop it.

1. In conclusion, games can be worthwhile but they rarely have more value than going outside. 2. It is therefore important that parents strive to limit children’s screen time.

  1. Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
  2. Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many believe that children today play too many videogames and should instead spend more time outdoors. In my opinion, though the former diversion is more educational than in years past, the full scope of the latter makes it preferable.

Advocates of gaming point out their recent evolution. This goes beyond more realistic graphics and includes the topics and types of games now available. Many games today are essentially a cinematic experience, with fully realised characters and themes that rival other great works of art. In this way, games are as educational as more respected art forms such as novels and films. Moreover, not all games are passive. There are more and more games every year that require creative and logical thinking, such as puzzles and text based mysteries. The developers of the newest apps available for phones now take advantage of improving hardware to push forward the medium and engage the mind.

Nonetheless, the games mentioned above are the exceptions and the benefits of outdoor play are greater in general. The most obvious advantage is the effect on heath. The world is facing an obesity epidemic that is at least partly driven by more sedentary lifestyles centered around consumer electronics and gaming. Going outside is a natural antidote and can instill in children good habits that will promote a healthy life later. Additionally, outdoor activities offer the opportunity for children to engage in a social activity. Most games are, to varying degrees, an individual experience but playing with others outside will foster teamwork and improved interpersonal skills.

In conclusion, games can be worthwhile but they rarely have more value than going outside. It is therefore important that parents strive to limit children’s screen time.

Answers

instead rather than

though despite

former diversion one mentioned before distraction

educational help you learn

in years past in the past

full scope entire range

the latter one mentioned last

preferable better

advocates supporters

point out argue

evolution changes

goes beyond passes

realistic graphics better images

now available out now

essentially fundamentally

cinematic experience like a movie

fully realised characters realistic characters

themes what the game wants to say/express

rival compare well with

in this way like this

educational helps you learn

more respected art forms highly revered arts

moreover also

passive not active

more and more increasing

creative expressive

logical thinking rational thinking

puzzles problems to solve

text based mysteries games based on writing

developers people who make games

take advantage exploit

improving hardware better phones, computers, etc.

push forward drive innovation

medium type of device

engage the mind must think about

nonetheless regardless

mentioned above written about before

exceptions outside the norm

greater in general larger overall

most obvious advantage clearest benefit

world is facing Earth is grappling with

obesity epidemic people getting fatter

at least partly driven by up to a point somewhat the source of

sedentary lifestyles not active

centered around have to do with

consumer electronics phones, computers, etc.

natural antidote clear remedy

instill teach

good habits good actions

promote a healthy life later be healthy throughout life

additionally also

offer the opportunity for allow for

engage in have to do with

social activity talking with others

to varying degrees to different extents

individual experience done alone

foster teamwork encourage working together

improved interpersonal skills better communication with others

worthwhile useful

rarely not often

therefore thus

strive try for

limit keep contained

screen time using phones, tablets, computers, etc.

Pronunciation

ɪnˈstɛd 
ðəʊ 
ˈfɔːmə daɪˈvɜːʃən 
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl 
ɪn jɪəz pɑːst 
fʊl skəʊp 
ðə ˈlætə 
ˈprɛfərəbl 
ˈædvəkɪts 
pɔɪnt aʊt 
ˌiːvəˈluːʃən 
gəʊz bɪˈjɒnd 
rɪəˈlɪstɪk ˈgræfɪks 
naʊ əˈveɪləbl
ɪˈsɛnʃəli 
sɪnəˈmætɪk ɪksˈpɪərɪəns 
ˈfʊli ˈrɪəlaɪzd ˈkærɪktəz 
θiːmz 
ˈraɪvəl 
ɪn ðɪs weɪ
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl 
mɔː rɪsˈpɛktɪd ɑːt fɔːmz 
mɔːˈrəʊvə
ˈpæsɪv
mɔːr ænd mɔː 
kri(ː)ˈeɪtɪv 
ˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ 
ˈpʌzlz 
tɛkst beɪst ˈmɪstəriz
dɪˈvɛləpəz 
teɪk ədˈvɑːntɪʤ 
ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ ˈhɑːdweə 
pʊʃ ˈfɔːwəd 
ˈmiːdiəm 
ɪnˈgeɪʤ ðə maɪnd
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈmɛnʃənd əˈbʌv 
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz 
ˈgreɪtər ɪn ˈʤɛnərəl
məʊst ˈɒbvɪəs ədˈvɑːntɪʤ 
wɜːld ɪz ˈfeɪsɪŋ 
əʊˈbiːsɪti ˌɛpɪˈdɛmɪk 
æt liːst ˈpɑːtli ˈdrɪvn baɪ 
ˈsɛdntəri ˈlaɪfˌstaɪlz 
ˈsɛntəd əˈraʊnd 
kənˈsjuːmər ɪlɛkˈtrɒnɪks 
ˈnæʧrəl ˈæntɪdəʊt 
ɪnˈstɪl 
gʊd ˈhæbɪts 
prəˈməʊt ə ˈhɛlθi laɪf ˈleɪtə
əˈdɪʃənli
ˈɒfə ði ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti fɔː 
ɪnˈgeɪʤ ɪn 
ˈsəʊʃəl ækˈtɪvɪti
tuː ˈveəriɪŋ dɪˈgriːz,
ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ɪksˈpɪərɪəns 
ˈfɒstə ˈtiːmwɜːk 
ɪmˈpruːvd ˌɪntəˈpɜːsən(ə)l skɪlz
ˈwɜːθˈwaɪl 
ˈreəli 
ˈðeəfɔː 
straɪv 
ˈlɪmɪt 
skriːn taɪm

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many believe that children today play too many videogames and should i________d spend more time outdoors. In my opinion, t__________h the f_______________n is more e____________l than i_____________t, the f___________e of t______________r makes it p_____________e.

A___________s of gaming p_________t their recent e___________n. This g________________d more r_________________s and includes the topics and types of games n__________________e. Many games today are e________________y a c______________________e, with f______________________s and t__________s that r______l other great works of art. I______________y, games are as e___________________l as m___________________s such as novels and films. M___________r, not all games are p____________e. There are m________________e games every year that require c___________e and l__________________g, such as p____________s and t_______________________s. The d______________s of the newest apps available for phones now t______________________e of i_____________________e to p_________________d the m____________m and e____________________d.

N______________s, the games m__________________e are the e_______________s and the benefits of outdoor play are g____________________l. The m______________________________e is the effect on heath. The w_________________g an o__________________c that is a________________________y more s_____________________s c___________________d c______________________s and gaming. Going outside is a n___________________e and can i__________l in children g_______________s that will p_____________________________r. A______________y, outdoor activities o________________________r children to e__________n a s_______________y. Most games are, t____________________s, an i____________________e but playing with others outside will f______________________k and i___________________________s.

In conclusion, games can be w_______________e but they r_________y have more value than going outside. It is t______________e important that parents s_________e to l_______t children’s s________________e.

Listening Practice

Listen below and use the activities in here to practice:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and practice with these ideas:

https://www.wired.com/2009/08/simpleoutdoorplay/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Sport

  1. What sport do you like?
  2. Do you prefer team or individual sports?
  3. Who is your favourite sports star?
  4. What is the most popular sport in your country?

Writing Practice

Write about this related topic and check with my sample answer:

Many feel that going to the gym is the best way to stay fit. Others think there are more effective methods.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

IELTS Speaking Test: Newspapers, Concentration, Smartphones

IELTS Speaking Test: Newspapers, Concentration, Smartphones

This is an IELTS speaking practice test example from the real IELTS speaking exam.

Check out some of my speaking sample answers for free on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@howtodoielts

If you want to support my efforts to write these essays and also receive my exclusive Ebooks, check out my Patreon (where I’m currently running a discount)!

Dave

Speaking Part 1

Where you Live

  1. Did you like the house you grew up in?
  2. What was your favourite area of the house you grew up in?
  3. Where do you want to live in the future?

Newspapers/Magazines

  1. Do you prefer to read newspapers or magazines?
  2. Do you like reading the news online?
  3. Is it more convenient nowadays to read the news online?
  4. Do people in your country read the news a lot?

Concentration

  1. Do you find it hard to concentrate?
  2. What do you do to concentrate better?
  3. Did you concentrate on your studies a lot when you were younger?
  4. Do smartphones make it harder to concentrate?

Speaking Part 2

Talk about a time when you were not allowed to use your phone. Include

When it was

Why

What you did

Speaking Part 3

Phones

  1. Should children have phones?
  2. Where can you not use your phone?
  3. Are phones distracting?
  4. Is it common for people to turn off their phone?
  5. Are phone users often rude?

IELTS Essay: Luck

IELTS Essay: Luck

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of luck and a person’s aims from the real IELTS exam.

If you want to support my efforts to write these essays and also receive my exclusive Ebooks, check out my Patreon (where I’m currently running a discount)!

IELTS Essay: Luck

Whether or not a person achieves their aims in life is mostly related to luck.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some are of the belief that luck is the determining factor when accomplishing a given goal. In my opinion, luck is pivotal in individual situations but its importance decreases over larger sample sizes.

The main argument for the primacy of luck is highly visible, singular examples. This translates to extremely successful individuals. For instance, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were exceptionally intelligent and hard-working but they would never have become leading figures in history if they had not grown up in California in the 1970s during the computer boom. It is likely they would still be successful regardless of their era and place of birth but the extent of influence would be more limited. This same principle applies for the average individual as there are moments in one’s life that are best credited to good luck or an advantageous situation.

However, the significance of luck decreases over time. Take, for example, an average person. They may be born into a wealthy family and have a good start in life; they are lucky from the onset. Nonetheless, if they are not hard-working, there is a strong chance they will not be able to accomplish their goals in life. The reverse is true of someone born into a bad situation. There are exceptions, where the situation is dire or the period in history precludes success, but most people who apply themselves over a long period of time will ‘make their own luck’. This is because as sample sizes become larger, the influence of variance naturally decreases. It still requires some extraordinary luck to attain huge aims but more modest ones result from repeated action rather than fortune.

In conclusion, luck is decisive in particular instances but not more generally. It is therefore more important to place greater value on working hard in the long-term than on the off-chance of being lucky.

Analysis

1. Some are of the belief that luck is the determining factor when accomplishing a given goal. 2. In my opinion, luck is pivotal in individual situations but its importance decreases over larger sample sizes.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions for IELTS here.

1. The main argument for the primacy of luck is highly visible, singular examples. 2. This translates to extremely successful individuals. 3. For instance, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were exceptionally intelligent and hard-working but they would never have become leading figures in history if they had not grown up in California in the 1970s during the computer boom. 4. It is likely they would still be successful regardless of their era and place of birth but the extent of influence would be more limited. 5. This same principle applies for the average individual as there are moments in one’s life that are best credited to good luck or an advantageous situation.

  1. Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Start a specific example.
  4. Develop it.
  5. Generalise from your example.

1. However, the significance of luck decreases over time. 2. Take, for example, an average person. 3. They may be born into a wealthy family and have a good start in life; they are lucky from the onset. 4. Nonetheless, if they are not hard-working, there is a strong chance they will not be able to accomplish their goals in life. 5. The reverse is true of someone born into a bad situation. 6. There are exceptions, where the situation is dire or the period in history precludes success, but most people who apply themselves over a long period of time will ‘make their own luck’. 7. This is because as sample sizes become larger, the influence of variance naturally decreases. 8. It still requires some extraordinary luck to attain huge aims but more modest ones result from repeated action rather than fortune.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Add specific support such as a hypothetical example.
  4. Develop the example.
  5. Very your short and long sentences.
  6. Add in any exceptions.
  7. Explain your logic.
  8. Conclude with a strong, clear statement.

1. In conclusion, luck is decisive in particular instances but not more generally. 2. It is therefore more important to place greater value on working hard in the long-term than on the off-chance of being lucky.

  1. Repeat your main ideas and your opinion.
  2. Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Some are of the belief that luck is the determining factor when accomplishing a given goal. In my opinion, luck is pivotal in individual situations but its importance decreases over larger sample sizes.

The main argument for the primacy of luck is highly visible, singular examples. This translates to extremely successful individuals. For instance, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were exceptionally intelligent and hard-working but they would never have become leading figures in history if they had not grown up in California in the 1970s during the computer boom. It is likely they would still be successful regardless of their era and place of birth but the extent of influence would be more limited. This same principle applies for the average individual as there are moments in one’s life that are best credited to good luck or an advantageous situation.

However, the significance of luck decreases over time. Take, for example, an average person. They may be born into a wealthy family and have a good start in life; they are lucky from the onset. Nonetheless, if they are not hard-working, there is a strong chance they will not be able to accomplish their goals in life. The reverse is true of someone born into a bad situation. There are exceptions, where the situation is dire or the period in history precludes success, but most people who apply themselves over a long period of time will ‘make their own luck’. This is because as sample sizes become larger, the influence of variance naturally decreases. It still requires some extraordinary luck to attain huge aims but more modest ones result from repeated action rather than fortune.

In conclusion, luck is decisive in particular instances but not more generally. It is therefore more important to place greater value on working hard in the long-term than on the off-chance of being lucky.

Answers

of the belief believe

luck good fortune

determining factor decisive

accomplishing achieving

given goal any random aim

pivotal key

individual situations certain contexts

importance decreases over larger sample sizes value is less important over time and many examples

main argument primary reason

primacy central importance

highly visible well-known

singular unique

translates means

extremely successful individuals people who have done well

exceptionally intelligent really smart

leading figures in history major leaders, people

grown up as they get older

computer boom computers beginning to develop

regardless nonetheless

era time period

extent degree

influence shaping

limited small, not much

same principle applies this translates to

average individual normal person

moments times

best credited is due to

advantageous situation good spot

significance importance

average person normal person

wealthy rich

good start good beginning

onset beginning

nonetheless regardless of

strong chance good odds

accomplish achieve

reverse switch

exceptions situations that don’t fit

dire dangerous

precludes success cancels out the possibility of success

apply also works for

over a long period of time for a while

sample sizes number of examples

influence of variance how important luck is

naturally decreases declines of course

requires needs

extraordinary amazing

modest humble

result from comes from

repeated action doing something over and over

rather than fortune instead of luck

decisive key

particular instances some examples

generally overall

place greater value put more importance on

off-chance sometimes

Pronunciation

ɒv ðə bɪˈliːf 
lʌk 
dɪˈtɜːmɪnɪŋ ˈfæktə 
əˈkɒmplɪʃɪŋ 
ˈgɪvn gəʊl
ˈpɪvətl 
ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃənz 
ɪmˈpɔːtəns ˈdiːkriːsɪz ˈəʊvə ˈlɑːʤə ˈsɑːmpl ˈsaɪzɪz
meɪn ˈɑːgjʊmənt 
ˈpraɪməsi 
ˈhaɪli ˈvɪzəbl
ˈsɪŋgjʊlə 
trænsˈleɪts 
ɪksˈtriːmli səkˈsɛsfʊl ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz
ɪkˈsɛpʃənli ɪnˈtɛlɪʤənt 
ˈliːdɪŋ ˈfɪgəz ɪn ˈhɪstəri 
grəʊn ʌp 
kəmˈpjuːtə buːm
rɪˈgɑːdlɪs 
ˈɪərə 
ɪksˈtɛnt 
ˈɪnflʊəns 
ˈlɪmɪtɪd
seɪm ˈprɪnsəpl əˈplaɪz
ˈævərɪʤ ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl 
ˈməʊmənts 
bɛst ˈkrɛdɪtɪd 
ˌædvənˈteɪʤəs ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən
sɪgˈnɪfɪkəns 
ˈævərɪʤ ˈpɜːsn
ˈwɛlθi 
gʊd stɑːt 
ˈɒnsɛt
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
strɒŋ ʧɑːns 
əˈkɒmplɪʃ 
rɪˈvɜːs 
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz
ˈdaɪə 
prɪˈkluːdz səkˈsɛs
əˈplaɪ 
ˈəʊvər ə lɒŋ ˈpɪərɪəd ɒv taɪm 
ˈsɑːmpl ˈsaɪzɪz 
ˈɪnflʊəns ɒv ˈveərɪəns 
ˈnæʧrəli ˈdiːkriːsɪz
rɪˈkwaɪəz 
ɪksˈtrɔːdnri 
ˈmɒdɪst 
rɪˈzʌlt frɒm 
rɪˈpiːtɪd ˈækʃ(ə)n 
ˈrɑːðə ðæn ˈfɔːʧən
dɪˈsaɪsɪv 
pəˈtɪkjʊlər ˈɪnstənsɪz 
ˈʤɛnərəli
pleɪs ˈgreɪtə ˈvæljuː 
ɒf-ʧɑːns 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Some are o_______________f that l_____k is the d____________________r when a______________________g a g_____________l. In my opinion, luck is p______l in i___________________________s but its i___________________________________________s.

The m____________________t for the p_____________y of luck is h_______________e, s__________r examples. This t_____________s to e______________________________________s. For instance, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were e_________________________t and hard-working but they would never have become l_______________________________y if they had not g____________p in California in the 1970s during the c_______________m. It is likely they would still be successful r________________s of their e___a and place of birth but the e_________t of i__________e would be more l___________d. This s_____________________s for the a_____________________l as there are m_______________s in one’s life that are b_____________d to good luck or an a________________________n.

However, the s________________e of luck decreases over time. Take, for example, an a___________________n. They may be born into a w___________y family and have a g________________t in life; they are lucky from the o______t. N______________s, if they are not hard-working, there is a s______________e they will not be able to a_____________h their goals in life. The r_________e is true of someone born into a bad situation. There are e_____________s, where the situation is d____e or the period in history p__________________s, but most people who a_______y themselves o________________________e will ‘make their own luck’. This is because as s_______________s become larger, the i___________________________________s. It still r____________s some e_________________________y luck to attain huge aims but more m____________t ones r_______________m r_________________n r_________________n f___________e.

In conclusion, luck is d___________e in p_____________________s but not more g______________y. It is therefore more important to p_____________________e on working hard in the long-term than on the o_____________e of being lucky.

Listening Practice

Listen below and take some notes or practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/09/your-money/stop-and-acknowledge-how-much-luck-has-to-do-with-your-success.html

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Work

  1. Why did you choose your job?
  2. How much work do you do in a week?
  3. Do you have to work on weekends as well?

Writing Practice

Write about the related topic below then check with my sample answer:

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

IELTS Essay: Family & Friends

IELTS Essay: Family & Friends

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of family and friends from the general training exam.

If you want to support my efforts to write these essays and also receive my exclusive Ebooks, check out my Patreon (where I’m currently running a discount)!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Family & Friends

Some people believe that family is more important than friends.

To what extent do you agree and disagree?

Many believe that family obligations outweigh those towards friends. In my opinion, though this varies by individual to some extent, family holds the stronger claim.

Those who feel friends are more important argue that as an adult, friends are more influential. While still living at home, there is little doubt that one’s family has more sway; this reverses after university when a person lives on their own. They will probably end up spending more time with friends from work or school, especially if they are living far from home. Additionally, friends are chosen and family is not. This autonomy in selecting a circle of friends means that they are more likely to, relative to one’s family, share similar beliefs and personal qualities.

Nonetheless, friends pass in and out of life and family lasts forever. Family has, naturally, the greatest influence in the developmental years of life when researchers believe the majority of identity formation takes place. Coupled with genetic factors, this is why family members have similar attitudes and beliefs, in general. Unlike friends, a person’s relationship with their family, assuming they are not estranged, will span their entire life. At various points throughout adulthood, most people will turn to their immediate or extended family for critical advice or support, strengthening familial bonds. This enduring link makes family a more powerful force than friends.

In conclusion, though friends can take on increasing value, family have the greatest importance taken as a whole. It is therefore key that families stay in touch and maintain friendly relations.

Analysis

1. Many believe that family obligations outweigh those towards friends. 2. In my opinion, though this varies by individual to some extent, family holds the stronger claim.

  1. Paraphrase the essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. Those who feel friends are more important argue that as an adult, friends are more influential. 2. While still living at home, there is little doubt that one’s family has more sway; this reverses after university when a person lives on their own. 3. They will probably end up spending more time with friends from work or school, especially if they are living far from home. 4. Additionally, friends are chosen and family is not. 5. This autonomy in selecting a circle of friends means that they are more likely to, relative to one’s family, share similar beliefs and personal qualities.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Write about it specifically.
  4. Add more support for the same main idea.
  5. Conclude with a strong statement.

1. Nonetheless, friends pass in and out of life and family lasts forever. 2. Family has, naturally, the greatest influence in the developmental years of life when researchers believe the majority of identity formation takes place. 3. Coupled with genetic factors, this is why family members have similar attitudes and beliefs, in general. 4. Unlike friends, a person’s relationship with their family, assuming they are not estranged, will span their entire life. 5. At various points throughout adulthood, most people will turn to their immediate or extended family for critical advice or support, strengthening familial bonds. 6. This enduring link makes family a more powerful force than friends.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
  2. Begin to explain your main idea.
  3. Continue developing it.
  4. Make sure your arguments are specific.
  5. Your arguments should be nuanced.
  6. Relate it back to your main idea and the overall question.

1. In conclusion, though friends can take on increasing value, family have the greatest importance taken as a whole. 2. It is therefore key that families stay in touch and maintain friendly relations.

  1. Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
  2. Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many believe that family obligations outweigh those towards friends. In my opinion, though this varies by individual to some extent, family holds the stronger claim.

Those who feel friends are more important argue that as an adult, friends are more influential. While still living at home, there is little doubt that one’s family has more sway; this reverses after university when a person lives on their own. They will probably end up spending more time with friends from work or school, especially if they are living far from home. Additionally, friends are chosen and family is not. This autonomy in selecting a circle of friends means that they are more likely to, relative to one’s family, share similar beliefs and personal qualities.

Nonetheless, friends pass in and out of life and family lasts forever. Family has, naturally, the greatest influence in the developmental years of life when researchers believe the majority of identity formation takes place. Coupled with genetic factors, this is why family members have similar attitudes and beliefs, in general. Unlike friends, a person’s relationship with their family, assuming they are not estranged, will span their entire life. At various points throughout adulthood, most people will turn to their immediate or extended family for critical advice or support, strengthening familial bonds. This enduring link makes family a more powerful force than friends.

In conclusion, though friends can take on increasing value, family have the greatest importance taken as a whole. It is therefore key that families stay in touch and maintain friendly relations.

Answers

obligations duties

outweigh stronger than

varies there is difference

to some extent to a degree

holds has

stronger claim better belief

argue feel

influential shape/sway

there is little doubt not much question

sway influence

reverses changes course

lives on their own not living at home

end up finally

especially in particular

far from distantly

additionally also

autonomy freedom

selecting choosing

circle of friends closest friends

relative to related to

share give

personal qualities characteristics, personality

pass in and out of life not permanent fixtures

lasts stays

naturally of course

greatest influence biggest force

developmental years when growing up

researchers scientists

majority most of

identity formation takes place personalities begin to form

coupled with genetic factors combined with natural elements

attitudes views

beliefs opinions

in general overall

unlike friends in contrast to friends

estranged no longer have a relationship with, became strangers

span entire width

entire life whole life

various points different parts

throughout adulthood as an adult

turn to seek help from

immediate or extended family close family and more distant relatives

critical advice good suggestions

support help

strengthening familial bonds making families closer

enduring link strong relationship

more powerful force influential

take on increasing value becoming more important

taken as a whole overall

therefore thus

stay in touch keep in contact

maintain friendly relations still on good terms with

Pronunciation

ˌɒblɪˈgeɪʃənz 
aʊtˈweɪ 
ˈveəriz 
tuː sʌm ɪksˈtɛnt
həʊldz 
ˈstrɒŋgə kleɪm
ˈɑːgjuː 
ˌɪnflʊˈɛnʃəl
ðeər ɪz ˈlɪtl daʊt
sweɪ
rɪˈvɜːsɪz 
lɪvz ɒn ðeər əʊn
ɛnd ʌp 
ɪsˈpɛʃəli 
fɑː frɒm 
əˈdɪʃənli
ɔːˈtɒnəmi 
sɪˈlɛktɪŋ 
ˈsɜːkl ɒv frɛndz
ˈrɛlətɪv tuː 
ʃeə 
ˈpɜːsnl ˈkwɒlɪtiz
pɑːs ɪn ænd aʊt ɒv laɪf 
lɑːsts 
ˈnæʧrəli,
ˈgreɪtɪst ˈɪnflʊəns 
dɪˌvɛləpˈmɛntl jɪəz 
rɪˈsɜːʧəz 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
aɪˈdɛntɪti fɔːˈmeɪʃən teɪks pleɪs
ˈkʌpld wɪð ʤɪˈnɛtɪk ˈfæktəz
ˈætɪtjuːdz 
bɪˈliːfs
ɪn ˈʤɛnərəl
ʌnˈlaɪk frɛndz
ɪsˈtreɪnʤd
spæn 
ɪnˈtaɪə laɪf
ˈveərɪəs pɔɪnts 
θru(ː)ˈaʊt əˈdʌlthʊd
tɜːn tuː 
ɪˈmiːdiət ɔːr ɪksˈtɛndɪd ˈfæmɪli 
ˈkrɪtɪkəl ədˈvaɪs 
səˈpɔːt
ˈstrɛŋθənɪŋ ˈfæmɪliəl bɒndz
ɪnˈdjʊərɪŋ lɪŋk 
mɔː ˈpaʊəfʊl fɔːs 
teɪk ɒn ɪnˈkriːsɪŋ ˈvæljuː
ˈteɪkən æz ə həʊl
ˈðeəfɔː 
steɪ ɪn tʌʧ 
meɪnˈteɪn ˈfrɛndli rɪˈleɪʃənz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many believe that family o_______________s o___________h those towards friends. In my opinion, though this v_______s by individual t_____________t, family h______s the s______________m.

Those who feel friends are more important a_______e that as an adult, friends are more i______________l. While still living at home, t____________________t that one’s family has more s_____y; this r__________s after university when a person l____________________n. They will probably e_______p spending more time with friends from work or school, e____________y if they are living f___________m home. A________________y, friends are chosen and family is not. This a___________y in s___________g a c________________s means that they are more likely to, r________________o one’s family, s___________e similar beliefs and p_____________________s.

Nonetheless, friends p________________________e and family l______s forever. Family has, n______________y, the g________________e in the d_____________________s of life when r_________________s believe the m_____________y of i_______________________n t_____________e. C__________________________s, this is why family members have similar a_____________s and b_________s, i________________l. U_______________s, a person’s relationship with their family, assuming they are not e______________d, will s_____n their e____________e. At v__________________________________d, most people will t________o their i_____________________________________y for c__________________e or s__________t, s______________________________s. This e____________k makes family a m____________________e than friends.

In conclusion, though friends can t_________n i____________________e, family have the greatest importance t____________________e. It is t_____________e key that families s______________h and m_________________________s.

Listening Practice

Listen below and use the activities in here to practice:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and practice with these ideas:

https://www.wired.com/gallery/long-distance-gear-to-stay-connected/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Friends

  1. Do you talk about yourself to your friends?
  2. Do you like to listen or talk with your friends?
  3. Do you often change your mind about your friends?
  4. Is it important to have friends?

Writing Practice

Write about the related question below and then check with my sample answer:

It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and so on are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay Task 1 Water Usage Australia

IELTS Essay Task 1 Water Usage Australia

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay related to water usage in Australia.

If you want to support my efforts to write these essays and also receive my exclusive Ebooks, check out my Patreon!

Dave

IELTS Essay Task 1 Water Usage Australia

The charts show the total usage proportions for water in Australia and a breakdown of its residential purposes. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the vast majority of water is dedicated to houses, followed by apartments, industry, businesses and finally other. In terms of the residential use, it is mainly for bathrooms and gardens, with lower numbers for washing clothes, toilets and kitchens.

Looking first of all at the pie chart, houses represent 57% of total water usage, far surpassing apartments at 13%, industry at 11%, business 10%, government 6%, and lastly other (3%).

The bar chart delineates the uses of residential water, including both homes and apartments. Nearly 30% of all water was used for bathrooms, the highest figure, while gardens was slightly lower at 26%. Washing clothes translates to 20% of usage, followed by toilets at 15%, and kitchen use totaling just 10%.

Analysis

1. The charts show the total usage proportions for water in Australia and a breakdown of its residential purposes. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the vast majority of water is dedicated to houses, followed by apartments, industry, businesses and finally other. 3. In terms of the residential use, it is mainly for bathrooms and gardens, with lower numbers for washing clothes, toilets and kitchens.

  1. Paraphrase what the charts show.
  2. Write an overview of the first chart.
  3. And the second one! Read more about overviews here.

1. Looking first of all at the pie chart, houses represent 57% of total water usage, far surpassing apartments at 13%, industry at 11%, business 10%, government 6%, and lastly other (3%).

  1. Describe the data fully.

1. The bar chart delineates the use of residential water, including both homes and apartments. 2. Nearly 30% of all water was used for bathrooms, the highest figure, while gardens was slightly lower at 26%. 3. Washing clothes translates to 20% of usage, followed by toilets at 15%, and kitchen use totaling just 10%.

  1. Move on to the other graph.
  2. Describe the data.
  3. Make sure you don’t miss out on any data.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

The charts show the total usage proportions for water in Australia and a breakdown of its residential purposes. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the vast majority of water is dedicated to houses, followed by apartments, industry, businesses and finally other. In terms of the residential use, it is mainly for bathrooms and gardens, with lower numbers for washing clothes, toilets and kitchens.

Looking first of all at the pie chart, houses represent 57% of total water usage, far surpassing apartments at 13%, industry at 11%, business 10%, government 6%, and lastly other (3%).

The bar chart delineates the uses of residential water, including both homes and apartments. Nearly 30% of all water was used for bathrooms, the highest figure, while gardens was slightly lower at 26%. Washing clothes translates to 20% of usage, followed by toilets at 15%, and kitchen use totaling just 10%.

Answers

total usage proportions complete percentages

breakdown detailed

residential purposes how it is used for homes

looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent in general

vast majority most of

dedicated to used for

followed by then

in terms of as it relates to

mainly mostly

lower numbers not as high

looking first of all at firstly

represent are

far surpassing a lot above

lastly finally

delineates describes

nearly almost

highest figure biggest number

slightly lower a little less

translates means

followed by next

totaling just all together only

Pronunciation

ˈtəʊtl ˈjuːzɪʤ prəˈpɔːʃənz 
ˈbreɪkˌdaʊn 
ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl ˈpɜːpəsɪz
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt 
vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈdɛdɪkeɪtɪd tuː 
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈmeɪnli 
ˈləʊə ˈnʌmbəz 
ˈlʊkɪŋ fɜːst ɒv ɔːl æt 
ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt 
fɑː sɜːˈpɑːsɪŋ 
ˈlɑːstli 
dɪˈlɪnɪeɪts 
ˈnɪəli 
ˈhaɪɪst ˈfɪgə
ˈslaɪtli ˈləʊə 
trænsˈleɪts 
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ 
ˈtəʊtlɪŋ ʤʌst 

Vocabulary Practice

The charts show the total usage proportions for water in Australia and a breakdown of its residential purposes. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the vast majority of water is dedicated to houses, followed by apartments, industry, businesses and finally other. In terms of the residential use, it is mainly for bathrooms and gardens, with lower numbers for washing clothes, toilets and kitchens.

Looking first of all at the pie chart, houses represent 57% of total water usage, far surpassing apartments at 13%, industry at 11%, business 10%, government 6%, and lastly other (3%).

The bar chart delineates the uses of residential water, including both homes and apartments. Nearly 30% of all water was used for bathrooms, the highest figure, while gardens was slightly lower at 26%. Washing clothes translates to 20% of usage, followed by toilets at 15%, and kitchen use totaling just 10%.

Listening Practice

Learn more about water scarcity below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read about water in Australia and practice with these ideas:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7471497/Australias-water-shame-waste-90-precious-resource-not-recycling-enough.html

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Water

  1. Do you drink a lot of water?
  2. Do you prefer bottled or tap water?
  3. Did you drink a lot of water when you were younger?
  4. Would you say that bottled water is expensive in your country?

Writing Practice

Write about the chart below and then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Essay IELTS Cambridge 15: Coffee and Tea Buying and Drinking Habits (Cambridge IELTS 15)