This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of retirement and society 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!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Retirement & Society
Nowadays people live longer after they retire.
How does this affect individuals and society?
What can be done about this?
As average life expectancy rises, people are living longer and longer after retirement, which poses a number of problems for individuals and society. In my opinion, these tensions can be remedied through government action.
People retiring older can lead to conflict between individuals and an increased burden on society generally. For the young, the process of fully integrating older people into society can be challenging. For example, many older people have quieter lifestyles and disputes may arise with younger individuals who are in the habit of hosting loud parties or coming home late at night, particularly in cases where young people are taking care of older relatives. The strain on society can also be great as older people require more medical support to treat conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer to heart disease. This translates to a greater proportion of taxes going to the older generation and can foster societal resentment and ageism.
The best fixes for these problems can be achieved by governments. Firstly, governments can ease the integration of generations by providing better retirements plans for individuals. For example, in the United States, social security benefits are rarely enough to cover retirement and so many must depend on their children. As for society, governments must be more conscientious in planning for more substantial medical expenses. The government should anticipate this trend only continuing in the future and set aside funds to research and apply advanced treatments for retired citizens well into their 80s. These measures combined would alleviate some of the weight of supporting older populations.
In conclusion, the pressures resulting from growth in the average life span can be countered with forward-thinking governmental policy. This will only become more important in the future as people live even longer.
Analysis
1. As average life expectancy rises, people are living longer and longer after retirement, which poses a number of problems for individuals and society. 2. In my opinion, these tensions can be remedied through government action.
Paraphrase the essay topic.
Write a clear opinion answering both questions. Read more about introductions here.
1. People retiring older can lead to conflict between individuals and an increased burden on society generally. 2. For the young, the process of fully integrating older people into society can be challenging. 3. For example, many older people have quieter lifestyles and disputes may arise with younger individuals who are in the habit of hosting loud parties or coming home late at night, particularly in cases where young people are taking care of older relatives. 4. The strain on society can also be great as older people require more medical support to treat conditions ranging from arthritis to cancer to heart disease. 5. This translates to a greater proportion of taxes going to the older generation and can foster societal resentment and ageism.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Give an example.
Move on to a problem related to society.
Develop it fully.
1. The best fixes for these problems can be achieved by governments. 2. Firstly, governments can ease the integration of generations by providing better retirements plans for individuals. 3. For example, in the United States, social security benefits are rarely enough to cover retirement and so many must depend on their children. 4. As for society, governments must be more conscientious in planning for more substantial medical expenses. 5. The government should anticipate this trend only continuing in the future and set aside funds to research and apply advanced treatments for retired citizens well into their 80s. 6. These measures combined would alleviate some of the weight of supporting older populations.
1. In conclusion, the pressures resulting from growth in the average life span can be countered with forward-thinking governmental policy. 2. This will only become more important in the future as people live even longer.
Repeat your arguments.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words below mean?
As average life expectancy rises, people are living longer and longer after retirement, which poses a number of problems for individuals and society. In my opinion, these tensions can be remedied through government action.
People retiring older can lead to conflict between individuals and an increased burden on society generally. For the young, the process of fully integrating older people into society can be challenging. For example, many older people have quieter lifestyles and disputes may arise with younger individuals who are in the habit of hosting loud parties or coming home late at night, particularly in cases where young people are taking care of older relatives. The strain on society can also be great as older people require more medical support to treat conditions ranging fromarthritis to cancer to heart disease. This translates to a greater proportion of taxes going to the older generation and can foster societal resentment and ageism.
The best fixes for these problems can be achieved by governments. Firstly, governments can ease the integration of generations by providing better retirements plans for individuals. For example, in the United States, social security benefits are rarely enough to cover retirement and so many must depend on their children. As for society, governments must be more conscientious in planning for more substantial medical expenses. The government should anticipate this trend only continuing in the future and set aside funds to research and apply advanced treatments for retired citizens well into their 80s. These measures combined would alleviate some of the weight of supporting older populations.
In conclusion, the pressures resulting from growth in the average life span can be countered with forward-thinking governmental policy. This will only become more important in the future as people live even longer.
Answers
average life expectancy how long most people live
longer and longer more time
retirement after stopping working
poses a number of problems causes a lot of issues
tensions strains
remedied fixed
government action governments helping
conflict problems
increased burden more pressure
generally overall
process the way
fully integrating becoming part of
challenging having trouble
quieter lifestyles calm life
disputes may arise conflicts come up
in the habit of used to
hosting loud parties having noisy parties
particularly in cases where especially when
taking care of older relatives looking after grandparents
strain pressure
require more medical support need more hospital care
treat conditions deal with medical problems
ranging from including
arthritis achy joints
translates to means
proportion ratio
foster societal resentment increase animosity in society
As a______________________y rises, people are living l___________________r after r_________________t, which p__________________________s for individuals and society. In my opinion, these t___________s can be r__________d through g__________________________n.
People retiring older can lead to c__________t between individuals and an i___________________n on society g______________y. For the young, the p________s of f_______________g older people into society can be c____________g. For example, many older people have q___________________s and d_____________________e with younger individuals who are i________________f h________________________s or coming home late at night, p_________________________e young people are t_______________________________s. The s________n on society can also be great as older people r_______________________________t to t_______________s r____________________ma_____________s to cancer to heart disease. This t__________________o a greater p_______________n of taxes going to the older generation and can f__________________________t and a_________m.
The b____________s for these problems can be a_____________d by governments. Firstly, governments can e_____e the i______________n of g_________________s by p________________________________s for individuals. For example, in the United States, s_____________________________s are r_________y enough to c________r retirement and so many must d_____________n their children. As for society, governments must be more c______________s in planning for m____________________l m____________________s. The government should a____________e this t_______d only continuing in the future and s_______________________s to research and apply a____________________s for retired citizens w___________________________s. These m___________________d would a_______________e some of the w________t of s_______________________________s.
In conclusion, the p_______________________m growth in the average l__________n can be c____________d with f_______________________g g____________________________y. This will only become more important in the future as people live even longer.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of bicycles.
If you want to support my efforts to write these essays and also receive my exclusive Ebooks, check out my Patreon!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Bicycles
Some people say that the bicycles are a good, modern means of transportation. Other say riding a bicycle has clear disadvantages.
Discuss both view points and give your own opinion.
Many people today are taking advantage of the environmental and health benefits of using bicycles as a primary means of transportation. I am largely in agreement with this practice, despite potential safety concerns.
Critics often point out that cycling can be dangerous. This conclusion is based on numerous studies showing the fatality and serious injury rates for accidents involving bicycles are considerably higher than for most other vehicles. Even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet, the rest of their body is completely unprotected and bikes themselves do not stand up well to collisions. Added to this are the driving conditions in most major cities, where there might not be bike lanes or cars and motorbikes may not respect cyclists’ right of way. The cyclists themselves contribute to the danger if they are overconfident and try to keep up with or pass motorised vehicles.
Nonetheless, the marginally increased risks involved in cycling do not outweigh its environmental and health benefit. Bikes are a modern, clean form of transportation because they do not burn any fossil fuels or require intensive industrial production methods for their manufacturing. This is the main reason many forward-looking, environmentally-conscious cities now encourage biking to work with bike lanes and bike-sharing schemes. The second advantage is health. Cycling is great cardiovascular exercise at a time when lifestyles are becoming increasingly sedentary due to advances in consumer technology. Riding a bicycle allows the average person to get in their daily exercise efficiently on their way to work.
In conclusion, bikes may increase the odds of serious injury, but these exceptions are dwarfed by health and environmental prerogatives. Cities should therefore enact laws to help cycling flourish.
Analysis
1. Many people today are taking advantage of the environmental and health benefits of using bicycles as a primary means of transportation. 2. I am largely in agreement with this practice, despite potential safety concerns.
Paraphrase the essay topic.
Add a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Critics often point out that cycling can be dangerous. 2. This conclusion is based on numerous studies showing the fatality and serious injury rates for accidents involving bicycles are considerably higher than for most other vehicles. 3. Even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet, the rest of their body is completely unprotected and bikes themselves do not stand up well to collisions. 4. Added to this are the driving conditions in most major cities, where there might not be bike lanes or cars and motorbikes may not respect cyclists’ right of way. 5. The cyclists themselves contribute to the danger if they are overconfident and try to keep up with or pass motorised vehicles.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it fully.
Move on to a second disadvantage.
Develop it fully.
1. Nonetheless, the marginally increased risks involved in cycling do not outweigh its environmental and health benefit. 2. Bikes are a modern, clean form of transportation because they do not burn any fossil fuels or require intensive industrial production methods for their manufacturing. 3. This is the main reason many forward-looking, environmentally-conscious cities now encourage biking to work with bike lanes and bike-sharing schemes. 4. The second advantage is health. 5. Cycling is great cardiovascular exercise at a time when lifestyles are becoming increasingly sedentary due to advances in consumer technology. 6. Riding a bicycle allows the average person to get in their daily exercise efficiently on their way to work.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
Develop it.
Continue to develop it as fully as possible.
Vary long and short sentences.
Develop the second idea.
Conclude with the full development of the second idea.
1. In conclusion, bikes may increase the odds of serious injury, but these exceptions are dwarfed by health and environmental prerogatives. 2. Cities should therefore enact laws to help cycling flourish.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many people today are taking advantageof the environmental and health benefits of using bicycles as a primary means of transportation. I am largely in agreement with this practice, despite potential safety concerns.
Critics often point out that cycling can be dangerous. This conclusion is based onnumerous studies showing the fatality and serious injury rates for accidents involving bicycles are considerably higher than for most other vehicles. Even if a cyclist is wearing a helmet, the rest of their body is completely unprotected and bikes themselves do not stand up well to collisions. Added to this are the driving conditions in most major cities, where there might not be bike lanes or cars and motorbikes may not respect cyclists’ right of way. The cyclists themselves contribute to the danger if they are overconfident and try to keep up with or pass motorised vehicles.
Nonetheless, the marginally increased risks involved in cycling do not outweigh its environmental and health benefit. Bikes are a modern, clean form of transportation because they do not burn any fossil fuels or require intensive industrial production methods for their manufacturing. This is the main reason many forward-looking, environmentally-conscious cities now encourage biking to work with bike lanes and bike-sharing schemes. The second advantage is health. Cycling is great cardiovascular exercise at a time when lifestyles are becoming increasingly sedentary due to advances in consumer technology. Riding a bicycle allows the average person to get in their daily exercise efficiently on their way to work.
In conclusion, bikes may increase the odds of serious injury, but these exceptions are dwarfed by health and environmental prerogatives. Cities should therefore enact laws to help cycling flourish.
Answers
taking advantageof exploiting
primary means main way
I am largely in agreement with I agree
practice development
despite potential safety concerns possible dangers
critics often point out detractors usually argue
conclusion realisation
based onnumerous studies because of research
fatality death
serious injury rates the figures for getting hurt a lot
considerably higher a lot more
other vehicles cars, motorbikes, buses, etc.
cyclist person who rides a bike
rest all other parts
completely unprotected not safe
stand up well can withstand
collisions getting hit, accidents
added to this also
driving conditions the quality of roads, driving
bike lanes side lanes for bicycles
respect be considerate of
right of way the car/person who should go first when driving
contribute add to
overconfident arrogant
keep up with maintain the same speeds
pass motorised vehicles go around cars
nonetheless regardless
marginally increased risks slightly higher danger
outweigh stronger than
clean form environmentally-friendly way
burn any fossil fuels use oil/gas
require intensive industrial production methods need a lot of machinery to make
manufacturing the process of making something
forward-looking looking to the future
environmentally-conscious caring about the environment
encourage support
bike-sharing schemes the option to have communal bikes
cardiovascular exercise good for your heart
increasingly sedentary more and more sitting around
advances in consumer technology more sophisticated phones, devices
average person normal person
get in do
daily exercise efficiently exercising without using much time
Many people today are t________________________f the environmental and health benefits of using bicycles as a p___________________s of transportation. I_______________________________h this p_________e, d_________________________________s.
C__________________________t that cycling can be dangerous. This c________________n is b_________________________s showing the f____________y and s____________________s for accidents involving bicycles are c_____________________r than for most o__________________s. Even if a c________t is wearing a helmet, the r____t of their body is c_________________________d and bikes themselves do not s______________l to c_____________s. A_____________s are the d_________________s in most major cities, where there might not be b_____________s or cars and motorbikes may not r___________t cyclists’ r_____________y. The cyclists themselves c___________e to the danger if they are o_______________t and try to k_________________h or p_____________________s.
N______________s, the m__________________________s involved in cycling do not o______________h its environmental and health benefit. Bikes are a modern, c_______________m of transportation because they do not b_____________________s or r____________________________________________s for their m__________________g. This is the main reason many f__________________g, e_____________________________s cities now e____________e biking to work with b_____________s and b____________________s. The second advantage is health. Cycling is great c_____________________e at a time when lifestyles are becoming i______________________y due to a_______________________________y. Riding a bicycle allows the a__________________n to g______n their d____________________y on their w_________________k.
In conclusion, bikes may i____________________s of s___________________y, but these e_____________s are d____________d by health and environmental p_______________s. Cities should therefore e____________s to help cycling f___________h.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to the topic of educational institutions and the importance of science subjects.
It is a question that has come up on IELTS several times before.
If you want to support my efforts to write these essays and also receive my exclusive Ebooks, check out my Patreon!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Educational Institutions
Many educational institutions give greater importance to subjects related to science and ignore subjects such as drama and literature.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or negative development?
It is becoming increasingly common for schools around the world to emphasise STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to the detriment of the humanities. This is a logically motivated decision and is negative overall.
The main reason for this shift is a realisation of the value of jobs in scientific fields. New inventions and medicines push forward human progress and generate billions of dollars in revenue across a wide spectrum of industries. It therefore follows there are high-paying jobs available in private and public sectors for engineers, researchers, scientists, and mathematicians. At the very least, someone who majors in a STEM related subject will be able to find a quality teaching position. This guarantees of a minimum level of success and the possibility of a much greater career motivates parents, institutions and students themselves to prioritise and pursue scientific careers.
This over-emphasis on science will translate to less art in the world. It is true that from a strictly utilitarian point of view, resources ought to be allocated to fields with the most economic value. Life is, however, more than the sum of everyone’s earning potential. If the proportion of humanities majors falls, there will be fewer painters, sculptors, filmmakers, writers, and musicians. Science may create modern conveniences but the arts are more important for a fulfilling and enjoyable life. The results of this decline might not become apparent for generations, but if funding is slashed for arts programs, the world will become culturally poorer and the art that has enriched and elevated humanity will give way to a tranquil, technocratic future.
In conclusion, the jobs available to science majors explain their dominance but taken as a whole this trend will result in a world bereft of great artists. It is therefore important to balance funding to a defensible degree.
Analysis
1. It is becoming increasingly common for schools around the world to emphasise STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to the detriment of the humanities. 2. This is a logically motivated decision and is negative overall.
Paraphrase the overall essay.
Answer each question directly. Read more about introductions here.
1. The main reason for this shift is a realisation of the value of jobs in scientific fields. 2. New inventions and medicines push forward human progress and generate billions of dollars in revenue across a wide spectrum of industries. 3. It therefore follows there are high-paying jobs available in private and public sectors for engineers, researchers, scientists, and mathematicians. 4. At the very least, someone who majors in a STEM related subject will be able to find a quality teaching position. 5. This guarantees of a minimum level of success and the possibility of a much greater career motivates parents, institutions and students themselves to prioritise and pursue scientific careers.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it.
Continue to develop the same main idea.
State the furthest possible result.
1. This over-emphasis on science will translate to less art in the world. 2. It is true that from a strictly utilitarian point of view, resources ought to be allocated to fields with the most economic value. 3. Life is, however, more than the sum of everyone’s earning potential. 4. If the proportion of humanities majors falls, there will be fewer painters, sculptors, filmmakers, writers, and musicians. 5. Science may create modern conveniences but the arts are more important for a fulfilling and enjoyable life. 6. The results of this decline might not become apparent for generations, but if funding is slashed for arts programs, the world will become culturally poorer and the art that has enriched and elevated humanity will give way to a tranquil, technocratic future.
Write a new topic sentence with another main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
State any exceptions.
Develop your main idea with specific instances.
Continue developing.
Vary long and short sentences.
1. In conclusion, the jobs available to science majors explain their dominance but taken as a whole this trend will result in a world bereft of great artists. 2. It is therefore important to balance funding to a defensible degree.
Repeat your answers and summarise your ideas.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
It is becoming increasingly common for schools around the world to emphasise STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to the detriment of the humanities. This is a logically motivated decision and is negative overall.
The main reason for this shift is a realisation of the value of jobs in scientific fields. New inventions and medicines push forward human progress and generate billions of dollars in revenue across a wide spectrum of industries. It therefore follows there are high-paying jobs available in private and public sectors for engineers, researchers, scientists, and mathematicians. At the very least, someone who majors in a STEM related subject will be able to find a quality teaching position. This guarantees of a minimum level of success and the possibility of a much greater careermotivates parents, institutions and students themselves to prioritise and pursue scientific careers.
This over-emphasis on science will translate to less art in the world. It is true that from a strictly utilitarian point of view, resources ought to be allocated to fields with the most economic value. Life is, however, more than the sum of everyone’s earning potential. If the proportion of humanities majors falls, there will be fewer painters, sculptors, filmmakers, writers, and musicians. Science may create modern conveniences but the arts are more important for a fulfilling and enjoyable life. The results of this decline might not become apparent for generations, but if funding is slashed for arts programs, the world will become culturally poorer and the art that has enriched and elevated humanity will give way to a tranquil, technocratic future.
In conclusion, the jobs available to science majors explain their dominance but taken as a whole this trend will result in a world bereft of great artists. It is therefore important to balance funding to a defensible degree.
Answers
increasingly common ubiquitous
emphasise focus on
to the detriment of hurting
humanities arts
logically motivated decision makes sense
main reason chief justification
shift change
realisation know
value importance
scientific fields engineering, chemistry, math, etc.
push forward drive
human progress advances in civilisation
generate make
revenue money
across a wide spectrum of industries in many fields
follows naturally, logically
high-paying jobs available jobs with good salaries
private and public sectors companies and governments
at the very least at the minimum
majors fields to study
STEM related subject related to science, technology, engineering and math
quality teaching position good job as a teacher
guarantees makes sure of
minimum level lowest amount
possibility chance
much greater career better job
motivates encourages
institutions schools
prioritise focus on
pursue scientific careers get a job in science
over-emphasis focus too much on
translate to means
strictly utilitarian point of view only caring about the end value of
allocated to given to
most economic value helps make the most money
sum total
earning potential how much money you can make
proportion ratio
modern conveniences phones, computers, TVs, etc.
fulfilling satisfying
decline decrease
apparent appears to be
generations many years
funding money, resources
slashed cut
culturally poorer weak in terms of the arts
enriched made stronger
elevated lifted up
give way sacrifice for
tranquil calm
technocratic future controlled by technology, efficiency
It is becoming increasingly common for schools around the world to emphasise STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) to the detriment of the humanities. This is a logically motivated decision and is negative overall.
The main reason for this shift is a realisation of the value of jobs in scientific fields. New inventions and medicines push forward human progress and generate billions of dollars in revenue across a wide spectrum of industries. It therefore follows there are high-paying jobs available in private and public sectors for engineers, researchers, scientists, and mathematicians. At the very least, someone who majors in a STEM related subject will be able to find a quality teaching position. This guarantees of a minimum level of success and the possibility of a much greater careermotivates parents, institutions and students themselves to prioritise and pursue scientific careers.
This over-emphasis on science will translate to less art in the world. It is true that from a strictly utilitarian point of view, resources ought to be allocated to fields with the most economic value. Life is, however, more than the sum of everyone’s earning potential. If the proportion of humanities majors falls, there will be fewer painters, sculptors, filmmakers, writers, and musicians. Science may create modern conveniences but the arts are more important for a fulfilling and enjoyable life. The results of this decline might not become apparent for generations, but if funding is slashed for arts programs, the world will become culturally poorer and the art that has enriched and elevated humanity will give way to a tranquil, technocratic future.
In conclusion, the jobs available to science majors explain their dominance but taken as a whole this trend will result in a world bereft of great artists. It is therefore important to balance funding to a defensible degree.
Listening Practice
Listen more about this topic and practice with the ideas in this post:
"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"
