This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether or not executives in companies should receive a high salary.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Salary
Some feel executives in large companies should receive high salaries while others think they are paid too much compared to ordinary workers.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many believe that high-ranking executive positions deserve their exorbitant salaries, while others feel they earn disproportionately compared to normal workers. In my opinion, outsized compensation is unreasonable in a vacuum but makes sense given market dictates.
Detractors often argue the ratios defy justification. Recent publications have quoted figures showing executive positions, and CEOs in particular, makes hundreds of times what the average worker does. This includes their various remuneration packages and bonuses. It is hard to claim this money is deserved. Many CEOs work longer hours and graduated from top schools but their tangible impact can be marginal relative to the key driving forces behind product development and the many hard-working employees required for a business to thrive. Even the most ardent supporters of these practices would not claim their output is hundreds of times higher than a normal employee.
Nonetheless, this practice follows basic principles of supply and demand. The simple fact is that there is a nearly endless supply of average individuals to staff entry-level positions but capable executives are rarer. These high-ranking jobs require an extraordinary commitment in terms of hours that most are unwilling to invest and exceptional character qualities ranging from leadership skills to raw intelligence. Since the top positions in a company are hard to fill and the company has the finances to pay premium wages, it is logical that executive salaries outrage many workers and their bonuses that appear unjust. In fact, these payments have little relationship with justice and more to do with the economic realities of capitalism.
In conclusion, though their salaries seem outlandish, executives are more difficult to replace and deserve higher pay. This is an uncomfortable, but crucial, truth for the average person to accept.
Analysis
1. Many believe that high-ranking executive positions deserve their exorbitant salaries, while others feel they earn disproportionately compared to normal workers. 2. In my opinion, outsized compensation is unreasonable in a vacuum but makes sense given market dictates.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Detractors often argue the ratios defy justification. 2. Recent publications have quoted figures showing executive positions, and CEOs in particular, makes hundreds of times what the average worker does. 3. This includes their various remuneration packages and bonuses. 4. It is hard to claim this money is deserved. 5. Many CEOs work longer hours and graduated from top schools but their tangible impact can be marginal relative to the key driving forces behind product development and the many hard-working employees required for a business to thrive. 6. Even the most ardent supporters of these practices would not claim their output is hundreds of times higher than a normal employee.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Begin to develop it.
Vary long and short sentences.
Use more specific details for support.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. Nonetheless, this practice follows basic principles of supply and demand. 2. The simple fact is that there is a nearly endless supply of average individuals to staff entry-level positions but capable executives are rarer. 3. These high-ranking jobs require an extraordinary commitment in terms of hours that most are unwilling to invest and exceptional character qualities ranging from leadership skills to raw intelligence. 4. Since the top positions in a company are hard to fill and the company has the finances to pay premium wages, it is logical that executive salaries outrage many workers and their bonuses that appear unjust. 5. In fact, these payments have little relationship with justice and more to do with the economic realities of capitalism.
Write another topic sentence with anew main idea at the end.
Explain the new main idea.
Develop it clearly.
Keep developing it. You can use a specific example or just argue logically.
Summarise your argument.
1. In conclusion, though their salaries seem outlandish, executives are more difficult to replace and deserve higher pay. 2. This is an uncomfortable, but crucial, truth for the average person to accept.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought. Learn more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many believe that high-ranking executive positions deserve their exorbitant salaries, while others feel they earn disproportionatelycompared to normal workers. In my opinion, outsized compensation is unreasonable in a vacuum but makes sense given market dictates.
Detractors often argue the ratios defy justification. Recent publications have quoted figures showing executive positions, and CEOs in particular, makes hundreds of times what the average worker does. This includes their various remuneration packages and bonuses. It is hard to claim this money is deserved. Many CEOs work longer hours and graduated from top schools but their tangible impact can be marginal relative to the key driving forces behind product development and the many hard-working employees required for a business to thrive. Even the most ardent supporters of these practices would not claim their output is hundreds of times higher than a normal employee.
Nonetheless, this practice follows basic principles of supply and demand. The simple fact is that there is a nearly endless supply of average individuals to staff entry-level positions but capable executives are rarer. These high-ranking jobs require an extraordinary commitmentin terms of hours that most are unwilling to invest and exceptional character qualitiesranging fromleadership skills to raw intelligence. Since the top positions in a company are hard to fill and the company has the finances to pay premium wages, it is logical that executive salaries outrage many workers and their bonuses that appear unjust. In fact, these payments have little relationship with justice and more to do with the economic realities of capitalism.
In conclusion, though their salaries seem outlandish, executives are more difficult to replace and deserve higher pay. This is an uncomfortable, but crucial, truth for the average person to accept.
Answers
high-ranking executive positions top jobs like CEO, CFO, etc.
exorbitant salaries too high wages
earn disproportionately make too much
compared to relative to
outsized compensation making too much money
unreasonable in a vacuum not logical considered without context
makes sense logical
given considering
market dictates capitalism
detractors critics
ratios defy justification relative amounts can’t be defended
recent publications new studies, reports
quoted figures numbers mentioned
hundreds of times x100s
various remuneration packages different ways of receiving compensation
deserved just
tangible impact clear effect
marginal relative not much impact compared to
key driving forces main reason for
product development making better products
hard-working employees dedicated workers
thrive do really well
ardent supporters those in favour a lot
claim have the opinion
output what is produced
practice development
follows basic principles accords with what is normal
supply and demand relationship between what you have and what is wanted
simple fact basic truth
nearly endless supply almost infinite
entry-level positions starting-out jobs
capable executives good bosses
rarer less common
extraordinary commitment a lot put into
in terms of when it relates to
unwilling to invest will not put in
exceptional character qualities amazin characteristics
ranging from including
leadership skills being able to inspire confidence
raw intelligence mental ability
top positions big jobs
hard to fill difficult to find new employees
finances money
pay premium wages get a high salary
logical rational
outrage anger
appear unjust seem unfair
payments salary
little relationship with justice nothing to do with what is fair
economic realities of capitalism truths inherent to the free market system
Many believe that h_____________________________s deserve their e____________________________s, while others feel they e____________________________yc________________o normal workers. In my opinion, o____________________n is u_____________________m but m________________e g______n m______________s.
D_____________s often argue the r________________________n. R________________________s have q_________________s showing executive positions, and CEOs in particular, makes h__________________s what the average worker does. This includes their v____________________________s and bonuses. It is hard to claim this money is d___________d. Many CEOs work longer hours and graduated from top schools but their t__________________t can be m__________________e to the k______________________s behind p________________________t and the many h_______________________s required for a business to t__________e. Even the most a_____________________s of these practices would not c______m their o_______t is hundreds of times higher than a normal employee.
Nonetheless, this p__________e f_________________________s of s_______________________d. The s___________t is that there is a n_______________________y of average individuals to staff e______________________s but c___________________s are r_______r. These high-ranking jobs require an e_____________________________ti_________________f hours that most are u___________________t and e_____________________________sr__________________ml____________________s to r__________________e. Since the t________________s in a company are h_____________l and the company has the f____________s to p___________________s, it is l__________l that executive salaries o_____________e many workers and their bonuses that a_________________t. In fact, these p__________s have l_____________________________e and more to do with the e____________________________m.
In conclusion, though their salaries s__________________h, executives are more difficult to replace and deserve higher pay. This is an u________________e, but c__________l, truth for the average person to a__________t.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic and practice listening with these ideas:
Reading Practice
Read more about it as well and use these activities to practice:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to teenagers and their development compared to young children.
Thank you for reading my essays and if you want to support my work, please consider signing up for my Patreon here where you will get exclusive access to my IELTS Ebooks and essay!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Teenagers
Some people believe that the experiences children have before they go to school will have the greatest effect on their future life. Others argue that experiences gained when they are teenagers have a bigger influence.
Discuss both views and give your own opinions.
Many researchers claim that early childhood experiences are more formative that the later, teenage years. In my opinion, though this may be supported by studies, it makes more sense that adolescence shapes futures the most.
Those who believe in the primacy of the pre-school years can point out the effect of early experiences on neurodevelopment. It has become a common refrain among psychologists that the majority of personality formation is in the first 2 years of life. This stems from the relationship children have with their parents, whether they are shown unconditional love and, conversely, if there is any neglect or abuse present in the household. As the child continues to mature and become aware of their surroundings, societal influences intrude and include gender stereotypes, early friendships, and imitation of one’s parents. By the time a child reaches kindergarten, most of their social and personal identity is, allegedly, fixed.
Despite the valid arguments detailed above, I believe the teenage years are when individuals truly begin to navigate the demands of others against their own personal desires. The key life events that take place in the teenage years include an increase in academic pressure, more nuanced social relationships, increased responsibility at home, and, crucially, the biological changes of puberty. These are the foundation of finding one’s place in the world and managing wants against what is expected of an individual by friends, family, school, and society at large. Some teenagers find a balance early and excel while others struggle for long periods that may last into adulthood. On the whole, these experiences outweigh those accumulated as a young child.
In conclusion, though the childhood years are developmentally important, nothing is a better predictor of the future than the issues that must be resolved as teenagers. It is therefore important that teenagers are given latitude to grow and express themselves.
Analysis
1. Many researchers claim that early childhood experiences are more formative that the later, teenage years. 2. In my opinion, though this may be supported by studies, it makes more sense that adolescence shapes futures the most.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who believe in the primacy of the pre-school years can point out the effect of early experiences on neurodevelopment. 2. It has become a common refrain among psychologists that the majority of personality formation is in the first 2 years of life. 3. This stems from the relationship children have with their parents, whether they are shown unconditional love and, conversely, if there is any neglect or abuse present in the household. 4. As the child continues to mature and become aware of their surroundings, societal influences intrude and include gender stereotypes, early friendships, and imitation of one’s parents. 5. By the time a child reaches kindergarten, most of their social and personal identity is, allegedly, fixed.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it.
Continue developing it.
Conclude the paragraph by relating it back to the overall question.
1. Despite the valid arguments detailed above, I believe the teenage years are when individuals truly begin to navigate the demands of others against their own personal desires. 2. The key life events that take place in the teenage years include an increase in academic pressure, more nuanced social relationships, increased responsibility at home, and, crucially, the biological changes of puberty. 3. These are the foundation of finding one’s place in the world and managing wants against what is expected of an individual by friends, family, school, and society at large. 4. Some teenagers find a balance early and excel while others struggle for long periods that may last into adulthood. 5. On the whole, these experiences outweigh those accumulated as a young child.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Use specific details and examples as support.
Continue to develop it and carry your point into the future.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, though the childhood years are developmentally important, nothing is a better predictor of the future than the issues that must be resolved as teenagers. 2. It is therefore important that teenagers are given latitude to grow and express themselves.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail.Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many researchers claim that early childhood experiences are more formative that the later, teenage years. In my opinion, though this may be supported by studies, it makes more sense that adolescence shapes futures the most.
Those who believe in the primacy of the pre-school years can point out the effect of early experiences on neurodevelopment. It has become a common refrain among psychologists that the majority of personality formation is in the first 2 years of life. This stems from the relationship children have with their parents, whether they are shown unconditional love and, conversely, if there is any neglect or abuse present in the household. As the child continues to mature and become aware of their surroundings, societal influences intrude and include gender stereotypes, early friendships, and imitation of one’s parents. By the time a child reaches kindergarten, most of their social and personal identity is, allegedly, fixed.
Despite the valid arguments detailed above, I believe the teenage years are when individuals truly begin to navigate the demands of others against their own personal desires. The key life events that take place in the teenage years include an increase in academic pressure, more nuanced social relationships, increased responsibility at home, and, crucially, the biological changes of puberty. These are the foundation of finding one’s place in the world and managing wants against what is expected of an individual by friends, family, school, and society at large. Some teenagers find a balance early and excel while others struggle for long periods that may last into adulthood. On the whole, these experiences outweigh those accumulated as a young child.
In conclusion, though the childhood years are developmentally important, nothing is a better predictor of the future than the issues that must be resolved as teenagers. It is therefore important that teenagers are given latitude to grow and express themselves.
Answers
claim argue
early childhood experiences when kids
more formative shape you more
supported by studies research indicates
makes more sense more logical
adolescence teenage years
shapes futures the most influences later life a lot
primacy of the pre-school years key importance of the years before starting school
point out argue about
neurodevelopment how the brain grows/changes
common refrain often said
majority most of
personality formation identity
stems from comes from
shown unconditional love like without any strings/conditions
conversely in contrast
neglect not pay attention to
abuse present in the household being hurt in your home
mature grow up
aware of their surroundings know about what is around them
societal influences intrude people around interfere
include gender stereotypes boy/girl social beliefs
early friendships friends as kids
imitation copy
by the time at the point
social and personal identity how you are in public and to yourself
allegedly supposedly
fixed unchanging
despite the valid arguments detailed above regardless of the good points made before
truly actually
navigate the demands get through the expectations
against their own personal desires in contrast to what you really want
key life events life events
take place happen
academic pressure stress from school
nuanced social relationships complex interrelations with others
increased responsibility at home have to do more at home
crucially very importantly
biological changes of puberty how the body changes as a teenager
foundation of finding one’s place in the world basis of knowing where you want to be in life
managing wants against what is expected of an individual balancing desires against work, family, friends, etc.
society at large friends, work, family, etc.
find a balance early learn early on how to manage
excel get better
struggle fight with
long periods a lot of time
last into adulthood continue as you get older
on the whole generally
outweigh stronger than
accumulated add up
developmentally important important milestones in growing up
better predictor of the future paves the way for later life
Many researchers c_______m that e____________________________s are m______________________e that the later, teenage years. In my opinion, though this may be s______________________s, it m__________________e that a_______________e s____________________________t.
Those who believe in the p________________________________s can p__________t the effect of early experiences on n____________________t. It has become a c____________________n among psychologists that the m____________y of p__________________________n is in the first 2 years of life. This s___________m the relationship children have with their parents, whether they are s___________________________e and, c______________y, if there is any n__________t or a____________________________d. As the child continues to m__________e and become a_________________________s, s______________________________e and i_______________________s, e__________________________s, and i______________n of one’s parents. B_________________e a child reaches kindergarten, most of their s________________________y is, a______________y, f________d.
D________________________________________e, I believe the teenage years are when individuals t______y begin to n______________________s of others a_____________________________s. The k_______________s that t____________e in the teenage years include an increase in a_________________e, more n_____________________________s, i______________________________e, and, c___________y, the b_____________________________y. These are the f___________________________________________d and m_________________________________________________________l by friends, family, school, and s________________e. Some teenagers f_____________________y and e_______l while others s___________e for l_____________s that may l____________________d. O_______________e, these experiences o____________h those a_______________d as a young child.
In conclusion, though the childhood years are d_________________________t, nothing is a b_____________________________e than the issues that must be r__________________________s. It is therefore important that teenagers are g_____________________e to grow and e____________________s.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of planning your activities for your leisure time.
Thank you for reading my essays and if you want to support my work, please consider signing up for my Patreon here where you will get exclusive access to my IELTS Ebooks and essay!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Activities for Leisure Time
Some people think that one should plan in detail activities for their leisure time, while others disagree with this view.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many feel that it is important to plan out their free time activities, while others opt to live more spontaneously. In my opinion, planning can be useful but over time it will devalue the activities themselves.
Arranging one’s leisure activities ahead of time is a natural impulse to ease tension and ensure their usefulness. Some psychologists have termed humans the ‘planning animal’ because of an inborn tendency arising from a calming need for security. To the person doing the planning, this serves the secondary purpose of ensuring they are not wasting their time. For example, if a motivated individual plans their day they might set out to do some exercise, read a book, finish some work at home, and cook a meal. These are productive tasks that will lead to a feeling of fulfillment at the end of the day.
However, this drive causes undue pressure and hinders enjoyment of a given activity. The human propensity to plan is also an underlying cause of stress and keeps individuals from being fully present in the moment. This can result in a situation where pre-planned activities become joyless. For instance, the person described above who maps out their day might feel they are simply ticking items off a to-do list and not enjoy the activity in itself. Contrast this with a more spontaneous lifestyle that still entails productivity but does not set a purposeful goal for every action. This person will accomplish just as much but enjoy it much more since they can be fully invested in the moment and act.
In conclusion, the useful aspects of planning do not outweigh the worth derived from spontaneous action. Individuals must naturally strike a balance but be mindful they are not subordinating an activity to its utilitarian value.
Analysis
1. Many feel that it is important to plan out their free time activities, while others opt to live more spontaneously. 2. In my opinion, planning can be useful but over time it will devalue the activities themselves.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Arranging one’s leisure activities ahead of time is a natural impulse to ease tension and ensure their usefulness. 2. Some psychologists have termed humans the ‘planning animal’ because of an inborn tendency arising from a calming need for security. 3. To the person doing the planning, this serves the secondary purpose of ensuring they are not wasting their time. 4. For example, if a motivated individual plans their day they might set out to do some exercise, read a book, finish some work at home, and cook a meal. 5. These are productive tasks that will lead to a feeling of fulfillment at the end of the day.
Write a clear topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Continue to develop it.
Use a hypothetical or real example.
State the results of the example.
1. However, this drive causes undue pressure and hinders enjoyment of a given activity. 2. The human propensity to plan is also an underlying cause of stress and keeps individuals from being fully present in the moment. 3. This can result in a situation where pre-planned activities become joyless. 4. For instance, the person described above who maps out their day might feel they are simply ticking items off a to-do list and not enjoy the activity in itself. 5. Contrast this with a more spontaneous lifestyle that still entails productivity but does not set a purposeful goal for every action. 6. This person will accomplish just as much but enjoy it much more since they can be fully invested in the moment and act.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain it.
Continue to develop it.
Use an example or counter-example.
Contrast your example.
State the final results.
1. In conclusion, the useful aspects of planning do not outweigh the worth derived from spontaneous action. 2. Individuals must naturally strike a balance but be mindful they are not subordinating an activity to its utilitarian value.
Summarise both main ideas and add a final thought.
Include a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many feel that it is important to plan out their free time activities, while others opt to live more spontaneously. In my opinion, planning can be useful but over time it will devalue the activities themselves.
Arranging one’s leisure activities ahead of time is a natural impulse to ease tension and ensure their usefulness. Some psychologists have termed humans the ‘planning animal’ because of an inborn tendencyarising from a calming need for security. To the person doing the planning, this serves the secondary purpose of ensuring they are not wasting their time. For example, if a motivated individual plans their day they might set out to do some exercise, read a book, finish some work at home, and cook a meal. These are productive tasks that will lead to a feeling of fulfillment at the end of the day.
However, this drive causes undue pressure and hinders enjoyment of a given activity. The human propensity to plan is also an underlying cause of stress and keeps individuals from being fully present in the moment. This can result in a situation where pre-planned activities become joyless. For instance, the person described above who maps out their day might feel they are simply ticking items off a to-do list and not enjoy the activity in itself. Contrast this with a more spontaneous lifestyle that still entails productivity but does not set a purposeful goal for every action. This person will accomplish just as much but enjoy it much more since they can be fully invested in the moment and act.
In conclusion, the useful aspects of planning do not outweigh the worth derived from spontaneous action. Individuals must naturallystrike abalance but be mindful they are not subordinating an activity to its utilitarian value.
Answers
plan out think about for the future
opt choose
spontaneously without thinking ahead of time
useful has a purpose
over time in the longterm
devalue make unimportant
arranging planning
ahead of time before
natural impulse human instinct
ease tension decrease anxiety
ensure make sure
usefulness has a purpose
psychologists people who study the human brain
termed called
inborn tendency natural impulse
arising comes from
calming need relaxing desire
security safety
serves works to
secondary purpose second reason
ensuring making sure
motivated individual committed person
set out intend to
productive tasks worthwhile activities
lead to result in
feeling of fulfillment feeling of accomplishment
end of the day finally
undue pressure unnecessary stress
hinders enjoyment holds back joy
given activity activity in question
human propensity natural desire
underlying cause fundamental source
fully present in the moment not thinking ahead
result in lead to
pre-planned activities thought of ahead of time
joyless without joy
maps out plans
ticking items off a to-do list crossing off activities to do
in itself not for another purpose
contrast this with compare with
spontaneous lifestyle not planning ahead way of living
entails productivity includes doing it for a reason
Many feel that it is important to p_________t their free time activities, while others o__t to live more s___________________y. In my opinion, planning can be u________l but o___________e it will d________e the activities themselves.
A_____________g one’s leisure activities a_______________e is a n______________e to e_______________n and e________e their u______________s. Some p______________s have t___________d humans the ‘planning animal’ because of an i__________________ya__________g from a c_____________d for s___________y. To the person doing the planning, this s_________s the s________________________e of e___________g they are not wasting their time. For example, if a m_______________________l plans their day they might s__________t to do some exercise, read a book, finish some work at home, and cook a meal. These are p________________s that will l________o a f__________________________t at the e__________________y.
However, this drive causes u__________________e and h_________________t of a g__________________y. The h___________________y to plan is also an u___________________e of stress and keeps individuals from being f______________________________t. This can r____________n a situation where p_________________________s become j___________s. For instance, the person described above who m____________t their day might feel they are simply t_______________________________t and not enjoy the activity i_____________f. C____________________h a more s_________________________e that still e__________________________y but does not s_____________________l for every action. This person will a_____________h just as much but enjoy it much more since they can be f_________________d in the moment and act.
In conclusion, the u________________s of planning do not o____________h the w_______________d from s___________________n. Individuals must n_______________ys_____________________e but be m____________l they are not s____________________g an activity to its u______________________e.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of education in prison from the real IELTS exam.
Thank you for reading my essays and if you want to support my work, please consider signing up for my Patreon here where you will get exclusive access to my IELTS Ebooks and essay!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Education in Prison
Studies show that crime rates are lower among those with educational degrees. Therefore, the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while they are still in prison.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Research has shown that educational level is a key determiner of potential criminal behaviour, leading many to suggest reorienting prisons to focus on helping inmates earn degrees. In my opinion, this approach would be ineffective relative to other measures.
Reformers point to the bulk of studies supporting this practice. The last 50 years have witnessed a growth in prison programs funded by federal governments and private activists aiding prisoners earning either a high school or university degree. Tracking those who are released with a degree compared to those without has shown a marked decrease in reoffenders among the former group. The reasons for this are self-evidently related to the better jobs available for individuals with diplomas. This tangible effect is heartening as prisons should ideally serve to rehabilitate convicts for civilian life and not simply punish them for past transgressions while limiting their future career options to more criminal activity.
However, the efficacy of prison education is limited compared to improved education for underprivileged segments of society. The research on education while incarcerated is dwarfed by studies on the primacy of education before the onset of criminal activity. A good example of this would be the persistently high crime rates among inner city youth who do not have access to good public schools. Those who fail to graduate from high school have drastically higher rates of later criminality ranging from burglary to robbery to violent crimes. If a student is supported in their studies, they have no need to turn to crime later in life to make ends meet. Once a convicted felon, even for the rare individuals who earn a degree, it is difficult to find good work later.
In conclusion, the unequivocal benefits of prison education reform do not justify its priority over more impactful educational measures. There should be a degree of balance but the most efficient solution should invariably receive the most resources.
Analysis
1. Research has shown that educational level is a key determiner of potential criminal behaviour, leading many to suggest reorienting prisons to focus on helping inmates earn degrees. 2. In my opinion, this approach would be ineffective relative to other measures.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Reformers point to the bulk of studies supporting this practice. 2. The last 50 years have witnessed a growth in prison programs funded by federal governments and private activists aiding prisoners earning either a high school or university degree. 3. Tracking those who are released with a degree compared to those without has shown a marked decrease in reoffenders among the former group. 4. The reasons for this are self-evidently related to the better jobs available for individuals with diplomas. 5. This tangible effect is heartening as prisons should ideally serve to rehabilitate convicts for civilian life and not simply punish them for past transgressions while limiting their future career options to more criminal activity.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it.
State the results.
Finish with the furthest possible results.
1. However, the efficacy of prison education is limited compared to improved education for underprivileged segments of society. 2. The research on education while incarcerated is dwarfed by studies on the primacy of education before the onset of criminal activity. 3. A good example of this would be the persistently high crime rates among inner city youth who do not have access to good public schools. 4. Those who fail to graduate from high school have drastically higher rates of later criminality ranging from burglary to robbery to violent crimes. 5. If a student is supported in their studies, they have no need to turn to crime later in life to make ends meet. 6. Once a convicted felon, even for the rare individuals who earn a degree, it is difficult to find good work later.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Give a specific example.
Develop the example.
Continue with the same example and main idea.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, the unequivocal benefits of prison education reform do not justify its priority over more impactful educational measures. 2. There should be a degree of balance but the most efficient solution should invariably receive the most resources.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought/detail. Learn more about how to write your conclusion here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Research has shown that educational level is a key determiner of potential criminal behaviour, leading many to suggest reorienting prisons to focus on helping inmates earn degrees. In my opinion, this approach would be ineffective relative to other measures.
Reformers point to the bulk of studies supporting this practice. The last 50 years have witnessed a growth in prison programsfunded byfederal governments and private activistsaiding prisoners earning either a high school or university degree. Tracking those who are released with a degree compared to those without has shown a marked decrease in reoffenders among the former group. The reasons for this are self-evidently related to the better jobs available for individuals with diplomas. This tangible effect is heartening as prisons should ideally serve to rehabilitate convicts for civilian life and not simply punish them for past transgressions while limiting their future career options to more criminal activity.
However, the efficacy of prison education is limited compared to improved education for underprivileged segments of society. The research on education while incarcerated is dwarfed by studies on the primacy of education before the onset of criminal activity. A good example of this would be the persistently high crime rates among inner city youth who do not have access to good public schools. Those who fail to graduate from high school have drastically higher rates of later criminalityranging from burglary to robbery to violent crimes. If a student is supported in their studies, they have no need to turn to crime later in life to make ends meet. Once a convicted felon, even for the rare individuals who earn a degree, it is difficult to find good work later.
In conclusion, the unequivocal benefits of prison education reform do not justify its priority over more impactful educational measures. There should be a degree of balance but the most efficient solution should invariably receive the most resources.
Answers
educational level how much you have studied, your degrees
key determiner crucial element
potential criminal behaviour possible criminal actions
leading making
suggest advise
reorienting prisons changing the direction of incarceration
inmates people in prison
degrees certificates
ineffective relative to not as useful compared to
measures actions
reformers people who want to make changes
bulk of studies majority of research
practice institution, way of doing things
witnessed has seen
prison programs jail reforms
funded by given money by
federal governments the national government
private activists not the government, individuals
aiding helping
tracking following
released let out
marked decrease clear fall
reoffenders among the former group people who commit crimes again in the first mentioned group
self-evidently obviously
diplomas certificates
tangible effect clear impact
heartening gives you hope
ideally serve to in a perfect world works to
rehabilitate convicts fix prisoners
civilian life living among normal society
punish hurt
past transgressions mistakes in the past
limiting their future career options not many job opportunities
criminal activity bad behaviour
efficacy how well it works
limited contained
improved education better schools
underprivileged segments of society poorer groups of people
incarcerated in prison/jail
dwarfed made lesser
primacy importance
onset beginning
persistently high crime rates always committing a lot of crimes
inner city youth kids living in the city
access to good public schools can go to good government schools
fail to graduate do not get out of high school
drastically higher rates clearly more of them
later criminalityranging from … to … to after that commit crimes including
later in life when they’re older
make ends meet make enough money
convicted felon incarcerated individual
rare not common
unequivocal benefits clear advantages
priority more important
impactful educational measures effectual policies related to education
Research has shown that e_____________________l is a k___________________r of p______________________________r, l___________g many to s__________t r_______________________s to focus on helping i___________s earn d__________s. In my opinion, this approach would be i____________________________o other m_____________s.
R_____________s point to the b_________________s supporting this p____________e. The last 50 years have w___________d a growth in p_________________sf_______________yf_______________________s and p_________________sa__________g prisoners earning either a high school or university degree. T_____________g those who are r___________d with a degree compared to those without has shown a m________________e in r_______________s a____________________________p. The reasons for this are s___________________y related to the better jobs available for individuals with d____________s. This t_________________t is h_____________g as prisons should i___________________o r______________________s for c__________________e and not simply p___________h them for p_____________________s while l_______________________________s to more c____________________y.
However, the e_____________y of prison education is l____________d compared to i___________________n for u__________________________________y. The research on education while i_________________d is d_______________d by studies on the p_____________y of education before the o________t of criminal activity. A good example of this would be the p_____________________________s among i_______________________h who do not have a_______________________________s. Those who f_________________e from high school have d__________________________s of l_________________yr_______________m burglary ____ robbery ____ violent crimes. If a student is supported in their studies, they have no need to turn to crime l_______________e to m__________________t. Once a c________________n, even for the r_____e individuals who earn a degree, it is difficult to find good work later.
In conclusion, the u_______________________s of prison education reform do not justify its p___________y over more i________________________________s. There should be a_____________________e but the most e___________________n should i__________________y receive the most r_________________s.
Listening Practice
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Reading Practice
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