This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of education in prison from the real IELTS exam.
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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
Learn more about a project related to this from Bard College and use these ideas to practice:
Reading Practice
Read more about this topic from a review about a TV show here and practice with the following reading activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the internet and book.
Don’t miss out on my IELTS PDFs and EBooks – learn more about my Patreon here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: The Internet and Books
In the past, knowledge was contained in books. Nowadays, knowledge is uploaded to the internet.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
It is a fact of modern life that most information today is stored online, rather than in physical books as it was in the past. In my opinion, this is a negative overall despite its obvious conveniences.
Supporters of this trend can point to the numerous ways knowledge kept online can be disseminated and used. Online information is almost universally accessible, narrowing socioeconomic differences in society and allowing for various conveniences. First of all, users can find relevant information on search engines from a wide range of sources including user-generated sites like Wikipedia to news outlets like The New York Times and academic journals as well. Once an individual locates the information they are looking for, it is also easier to search within that article, share it with others, have it wherever they go and store more than would be possible if it were a hard copy.
Nonetheless, storing information online encourages a dependence on computer technology that is harmful for the human mind. In the past, if a person wanted to research a given topic, they would have to check out a library book or talk with an expert. This process was much slower and open to the possibility of bias. However, it also meant that individuals were more conscientious and patiently learned from fuller, more nuanced sources. Nowadays, most people read short articles, hastily written to attract more clicks and generate advertising revenue. These tap into a fundamental human need to be constantly engaged and feeling pleasure. Over time, this has led to a generation addicted to devices, lacking the healthy habits engendered by careful research and study.
In conclusion, despite the handiness of online information, the impact on the human psyche makes this a negative trend on level. Individuals must themselves find ways to counter these potentially injurious effects.
Analysis
1. It is a fact of modern life that most information today is stored online, rather than in physical books as it was in the past. 2. In my opinion, this is a negative overall despite its obvious conveniences.
Paraphrase what the overall topic is about.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Supporters of this trend can point to the numerous ways knowledge kept online can be disseminated and used. 2. Online information is almost universally accessible, narrowing socioeconomic differences in society and allowing for various conveniences. 3. First of all, users can find relevant information on search engines from a wide range of sources including user-generated sites like Wikipedia to news outlets like The New York Times and academic journals as well. 4. Once an individual locates the information they are looking for, it is also easier to search within that article, share it with others, have it wherever they go and store more than would be possible if it were a hard copy.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Begin to develop it with specific examples.
Finish developing the same main idea fully.
1. Nonetheless, storing information online encourages a dependence on computer technology that is harmful for the human mind. 2. In the past, if a person wanted to research a given topic, they would have to check out a library book or talk with an expert. 3. This process was much slower and open to the possibility of bias. 4. However, it also meant that individuals were more conscientious and patiently learned from fuller, more nuanced sources. 5. Nowadays, most people read short articles, hastily written to attract more clicks and generate advertising revenue. 6. These tap into a fundamental human need to be constantly engaged and feeling pleasure. 7. Over time, this has led to a generation addicted to devices, lacking the healthy habits engendered by careful research and study.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea again.
Begin to add detail.
Use specific support and don’t switch to new main idea.
Use specific examples as support
Draw out the results/conclusions of your examples.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, despite the handiness of online information, the impact on the human psyche makes this a negative trend on level. 2. Individuals must themselves find ways to counter these potentially injurious effects.
Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
It is a fact of modern life that most information today is stored online, rather than in physical books as it was in the past. In my opinion, this is a negative overall despite its obvious conveniences.
Supporters of this trend can point to the numerous ways knowledge kept online can be disseminated and used. Online information is almost universally accessible, narrowing socioeconomic differences in society and allowing for various conveniences. First of all, users can find relevant information on search engines from a wide range of sources including user-generated sites like Wikipedia to news outlets like The New York Times and academic journals as well. Once an individual locates the information they are looking for, it is also easier to search within that article, share it with others, have it wherever they go and store more than would be possible if it were a hard copy.
Nonetheless, storing information online encourages a dependence on computer technology that is harmful for the human mind. In the past, if a person wanted to research a given topic, they would have to check out a library book or talk with an expert. This process was much slower and open to the possibility of bias. However, it also meant that individuals were more conscientious and patiently learned from fuller, more nuanced sources. Nowadays, most people read short articles, hastily written to attract more clicks and generate advertising revenue. These tap into a fundamental human need to be constantly engaged and feeling pleasure. Over time, this has led to a generation addicted to devices, lacking the healthy habitsengendered by careful research and study.
In conclusion, despite the handiness of online information, the impact on the human psyche makes this a negative trend on level. Individuals must themselves find ways to counter these potentially injurious effects.
Answers
a fact of modern life true about the world now
stored online kept on the internet
physical books real books
negative overall bad in general
obvious conveniences clearly helpful
supporters of this trend those in favour of it
point to argue about
numerous ways many methods
disseminated spread around
almost universally accessible nearly used by everyone
narrowing socioeconomic differences less difference between classes
allowing for opening up the possibility of
first of all firstly
relevant information what you are looking for
search engines Google, etc.
wide range of sources many places to find information
user-generated sites websites where people visiting create the content
news outlets the media
academic journals formal papers, magazines
locates finds
search within find inside of
share give to others
more than would be possible couldn’t happen with
hard copy real edition
nonetheless regardless
encourages makes people want to
dependence can’t stop using
harmful injurious
a given topic whatever they are looking up
check out take out
expert person who knows a lot
process steps
possibility of bias maybe prejudiced
conscientious careful
patiently slowly and carefully
fuller, more nuanced sources more complete articles, books
It is a________________________e that most information today is s______________e, rather than in p_________________s as it was in the past. In my opinion, this is a n____________________l despite its o____________________________s.
S__________________________d can p__________o the n__________________s knowledge kept online can be d___________________d and used. Online information is a_____________________________e, n_______________________________________s in society and a___________________r various conveniences. F____________l, users can find r________________________n on s__________________s from a w_________________________s including u____________________s like Wikipedia to n_________________s like The New York Times and a____________________s as well. Once an individual l___________s the information they are looking for, it is also easier to s_________________n that article, s_________e it with others, have it wherever they go and store m__________________________e if it were a h____________y.
N________________s, storing information online e_________________s a d________________e on computer technology that is h______________l for the human mind. In the past, if a person wanted to research a_______________c, they would have to c_____________t a library book or talk with an e_________t. This p________s was much slower and open to the p_________________s. However, it also meant that individuals were more c________________s and p____________y learned from f________________________________s. Nowadays, most people read short articles, h_______________n to a_____________________s and g___________________________________e. These t_____________o a f_____________________________n need to be c_____________________d and f_________________________e. O___________e, this has l_______o a g________________n a______________________s, l____________g the h________________se__________________y careful research and study.
In conclusion, d_________e the h____________s of online information, the impact on the h______________e makes this a negative trend o__________l. Individuals must themselves find ways to c___________r these p_______________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic below and use these ideas to practice:
Reading Practice
Read more about doing research online here and practice with these ideas:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of behaviour abroad and different customs in different countries.
For my exclusive, IELTS PDFs and Ebooks, learn more about my Patreon here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Behaviour Abroad
There are different customs in different countries related to how people eat, dress, and so on. Some think that people visiting a country should behave according to customs of the country they visit.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many believe travellers have an obligation to follow local customs. I am in agreement with this sentiment generally but there are exceptions to this rule where some flexibility is warranted.
Proponents would argue that being culturally sensitive is a sign of respect. The burden of fitting in falls to the guest because they made the choice to travel to the country in question. For example, following local traditions is crucial when in certain Middle Eastern countries. Some of the more religious countries enforce strict restrictions on common western practices like drinking alcohol and dressing freely. To respect the locals, tourists must modify their behaviour during their stay or risk offending residents and making a bad impression. If travellers persist in flouting local customs, they are in the wrong as there are many other more liberal options for international travel.
However, there are meaningful areas where locals must also be receptive to the views of travellers. This can be broadly grouped into religious and personal beliefs. For example, an individual from a Muslim country travelling abroad may expect to be allowed to wear a head scarf in public during their visit. This should be allowed even in situations, such as during the playing of the national anthem at sporting events in the United States, when people must remove their hats. The same principle applies to personal dietary restrictions such as those of vegetarians and vegans. If they are in a country where locals primarily eat meat, they ought to be able to make substitutions and amendments to the menu if possible.
In conclusion, it is typically important to follow the customs of a country when travelling to show deference but this can be outweighed at times by personal and religious convictions. Individuals should also be mindful of potential conflicts when choosing a travel destination from the onset.
Analysis
1. Many believe travellers have an obligation to follow local customs. 2. I am in agreement with this sentiment generally but there are exceptions to this rule where some flexibility is warranted.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
State your opinion clearly. Read more about introductions here.
1. Proponents would argue that being culturally sensitive is a sign of respect. 2. The burden of fitting in falls to the guest because they made the choice to travel to the country in question. 3. For example, following local traditions is crucial when in certain Middle Eastern countries. 4. Some of the more religious countries enforce strict restrictions on common western practices like drinking alcohol and dressing freely. 5. To respect the locals, tourists must modify their behaviour during their stay or risk offending residents and making a bad impression. 6. If travellers persist in flouting local customs, they are in the wrong as there are many other more liberal options for international travel.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Give an example.
Develop the example.
Keep developing the same example.
Generalise the example.
1. However, there are meaningful areas where locals must also be receptive to the views of travellers. 2. This can be broadly grouped into religious and personal beliefs. 3. For example, an individual from a Muslim country travelling abroad may expect to be allowed to wear a head scarf in public during their visit. 4. This should be allowed even in situations, such as during the playing of the national anthem at sporting events in the United States, when people must remove their hats. 5. The same principle applies to personal dietary restrictions such as those of vegetarians and vegans. 6. If they are in a country where locals primarily eat meat, they ought to be able to make substitutions and amendments to the menu if possible.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain this main idea.
Use a new example.
Develop this example.
If you have a second example, switch over to it.
And develop it fully.
1. In conclusion, it is typically important to follow the customs of a country when travelling to show deference but this can be outweighed at times by personal and religious convictions. 2. Individuals should also be mindful of potential conflicts when choosing a travel destination from the onset.
Summarise your main ideas and restate your opinion.
Add a final thought/opinion. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many believe travellers have an obligation to follow local customs. I am in agreement with this sentiment generally but there are exceptions to this rule where some flexibility is warranted.
Proponents would argue that being culturally sensitive is a sign of respect. The burden of fitting infalls to the guest because they made the choice to travel to the country in question. For example, following local traditions is crucial when in certain Middle Eastern countries. Some of the more religious countries enforce strict restrictions on common western practices like drinking alcohol and dressing freely. To respect the locals, tourists must modify their behaviour during their stay or risk offending residents and making a bad impression. If travellers persist in flouting local customs, they are in the wrong as there are many other more liberal options for international travel.
However, there are meaningful areas where locals must also be receptive to the views of travellers. This can be broadly grouped into religious and personal beliefs. For example, an individual from a Muslim country travelling abroad may expect to be allowed to wear a head scarf in public during their visit. This should be allowed even in situations, such as during the playing of the national anthem at sporting events in the United States, when people must remove their hats. The same principle applies to personal dietary restrictions such as those of vegetarians and vegans. If they are in a country where locals primarily eat meat, they ought to be able to make substitutions and amendments to the menu if possible.
In conclusion, it is typically important to follow the customs of a country when travelling to show deference but this can be outweighed at times by personal and religious convictions. Individuals should also be mindful of potential conflicts when choosing a travel destination from the onset.
Answers
obligation duty
follow local customs do as local residents do
I am in agreement with this sentiment generally agree overall
exceptions cases outside the rule
rule general case for all
flexibility ability to adapt
warranted justified
proponents supporters
culturally sensitive caring about other cultures
sign of respect indicates your care
burden obligation
fitting infalls adapting is the responsibility of
made the choice chose
the country in question nation being talked about
local traditions what residents there do
crucial essential
certain particular
enforce strict restrictions make people follow rules
common western practices many people from western countries do this
dressing freely wearing whatever they want
modify their behaviour change how they act
risk offending residents might upset people living there
making a bad impression coming off badly
persist keep trying
flouting deliberately not following
in the wrong not doing the right thing
more liberal options freer places
meaningful areas important parts
receptive willing to listen
broadly grouped categorised in general
Muslim country in the Middle East and parts of Africa
head scarf hijab
public not private
situations cases
the playing of the national anthem listening to the song of your country
sporting events sports
same principle applies rule also valid here
personal dietary restrictions what you won’t/can’t eat
vegans people who don’t eat any animal products
primarily eat meat mostly just consume animals
substitutions switches
amendments changes
if possible if it can be done
typically usually
show deference take a backseat to
outweighed at times sometimes more important
personal and religious convictions your own beliefs and the beliefs of your religion
Many believe travellers have an o______________n to f_____________________s. I_______________________________________y but there are e_____________s to this r____e where some f____________y is w_____________d.
P_____________s would argue that being c_________________e is a s______________________t. The b___________n of f_______________s to the guest because they m___________________e to travel to t_______________________n. For example, following l__________________s is c____________l when in c__________n Middle Eastern countries. Some of the more religious countries e___________________________s on c_______________________s like drinking alcohol and d__________________y. To respect the locals, tourists must m_________________________r during their stay or r_________________________s and m________________________n. If travellers p__________t in f__________g local customs, they are i_____________g as there are many other m________________________s for international travel.
However, there are m__________________s where locals must also be r______________e to the views of travellers. This can be b_____________d into religious and personal beliefs. For example, an individual from a M___________________y travelling abroad may expect to be allowed to wear a h______________f in p_________c during their visit. This should be allowed even in s_____________s, such as during t_________________________________m at s_________________s in the United States, when people must remove their hats. The s_______________________s to p_________________________s such as those of vegetarians and v_________s. If they are in a country where locals p__________________t, they ought to be able to make s__________________s and a___________________s to the menu i______________e.
In conclusion, it is t____________y important to follow the customs of a country when travelling to s_______________e but this can be o____________________s by p____________________________s. Individuals should also b_____________l of p________________s when choosing a travel destination f_________________t.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of travelling to foreign countries and the internet.
A very, very similar question came up on IELTS earlier in the year. You can read about that question here.
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: Travelling to Foreign Countries
The internet means people do not need to travel to foreign countries to understand how others live.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The growth of information available on the internet in recent decades has prompted some to question the value of international travel. In my opinion, travelling to other countries is a rewarding experience, but I am largely in agreement with this position.
Those who still advocate travelling abroad highlight how important the experience can be. This argument centres around both its value in itself as well as its utility. Most travellers can justify the time and money by the enjoyable experience and discovery of another country, including their people and traditions. These experiences are also formative. For example, someone who grows up in a wealthy European nation might not have seen how people live in developing or more ethnically diverse countries. They will therefore have a fuller understanding of the rest of the world if they travel a lot and this could impact both their political views and their actions later in life.
Nonetheless, travel is no longer as important as it used to be because it is now possible to learn about countries online. The experience is still valuable but online information is actually likely to be more accurate and comprehensive. An individual who wants to research life in Vietnam, for instance, can scroll through lifestyle blogs, read the local online versions of magazines, watch videos of both foreigners and residents from all over the country, follow individuals from a wide segment of society on Instagram, and generally get a good sense for the country without ever setting foot there. In the past, limited access to technology in those developing countries might have made it impossible to understand how locals live, but that is no longer a problem.
In conclusion, the information that can be found on the internet has greatly diminished the importance of the experience of travelling to other countries. Each individual must nonetheless decide for themselves whether it is still a worthwhile expense.
Analysis
1. The growth of information available on the internet in recent decades has prompted some to question the value of international travel. 2. In my opinion, travelling to other countries is a rewarding experience, but I am largely in agreement with this position.
1. Those who still advocate travelling abroad highlight how important the experience can be. 2. This argument centres around both its value in itself as well as its utility. 3. Most travellers can justify the time and money by the enjoyable experience and discovery of another country, including their people and traditions. 4. These experiences are also formative. 5. For example, someone who grows up in a wealthy European nation might not have seen how people live in developing or more ethnically diverse countries. 6. They will therefore have a fuller understanding of the rest of the world if they travel a lot and this could impact both their political views and their actions later in life.
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 specific examples.
Extend them as fully as possible.
1. Nonetheless, travel is no longer as important as it used to be because it is now possible to learn about countries online. 2. The experience is still valuable but online information is actually likely to be more accurate and comprehensive. 3. An individual who wants to research life in Vietnam, for instance, can scroll through lifestyle blogs, read the local online versions of magazines, watch videos of both foreigners and residents from all over the country, follow individuals from a wide segment of society on Instagram, and generally get a good sense for the country without ever setting foot there. 4. In the past, limited access to technology in those developing countries might have made it impossible to understand how locals live, but that is no longer a problem.
Write a clear topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Add in as much specific detail as possible.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, the information that can be found on the internet has greatly diminished the importance of the experience of travelling to other countries. 2. Each individual must nonetheless decide for themselves whether it is still a worthwhile expense.
Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The growth of information available on the internet in recent decades has prompted some to question the value of international travel. In my opinion, travelling to other countries is a rewarding experience, but I am largely in agreement with this position.
Those who still advocate travelling abroad highlight how important the experience can be. This argument centres around both its value in itself as well as its utility. Most travellers can justify the time and money by the enjoyable experience and discovery of another country, including their people and traditions. These experiences are also formative. For example, someone who grows up in a wealthy European nation might not have seen how people live in developing or more ethnically diversecountries. They will therefore have a fuller understanding of the rest of the world if they travel a lot and this could impact both their political views and their actions later in life.
Nonetheless, travel is no longer as important as it used to be because it is now possible to learn about countries online. The experience is still valuable but online information is actually likely to be more accurate and comprehensive. An individual who wants to research life in Vietnam, for instance, can scroll through lifestyle blogs, read the local online versions of magazines, watch videos of both foreigners and residents from all over the country, follow individuals from a wide segment of society on Instagram, and generally get a good sense for the country without ever setting foot there. In the past, limited access to technology in those developing countries might have made it impossible to understand how locals live, but that is no longer a problem.
In conclusion, the information that can be found on the internet has greatly diminished the importance of the experience of travelling to other countries. Each individual must nonetheless decide for themselves whether it is still a worthwhile expense.
Answers
in recent decades the last 20 or 30 years
prompted make them think
question the value doubt the importance
rewarding experience worthwhile
largely in agreement mostly agree
position opinion
advocate support
highlight point to
centres around has to do with
value in itself not for an outside reason
utility usefulness
justify a reason for doing it
discovery finding out
traditions cultural ways of doing things
formative shape you
wealthy European nation rich countries in Europe
developing poor
ethnically diversecountries nations with many different ethnicities/races
fuller understanding better understanding
rest of the world everywhere else on Earth
political views opinions about social and political issues
later in life as they get longer
no longer as important as it used to be less important now
accurate correct
comprehensive full
scroll through lifestyle blogs read articles about living
local online versions of magazines online news and articles
foreigners people from another country
residents people who live there
wide segment of society lots of people in a country
generally overall
good sense good idea
without ever setting foot there never having been there
limited access not able to get it
locals live how people from there live day to day
no longer a problem not an issue now
greatly diminished a lot less important
decide for themselves make the choice on their own
The growth of information available on the internet i______________________s has p_____________d some to q__________________e of international travel. In my opinion, travelling to other countries is a r_____________________e, but I am l__________________________t with this p___________n.
Those who still a_____________e travelling abroad h____________t how important the experience can be. This argument c__________________d both its v________________f as well as its u_________y. Most travellers can j_________y the time and money by the enjoyable experience and d___________y of another country, including their people and t____________s. These experiences are also f____________e. For example, someone who grows up in a w__________________________n might not have seen how people live in d______________g or more e_____________________________s. They will therefore have a f_______________________g of the r__________________d if they travel a lot and this could impact both their p__________________s and their actions l________________e.
Nonetheless, travel is n_________________________________________e because it is now possible to learn about countries online. The experience is still valuable but online information is actually likely to be more a__________e and c___________________e. An individual who wants to research life in Vietnam, for instance, can s_________________________s, read the l____________________________s, watch videos of both f_______________s and r__________________s from all over the country, follow individuals from a w__________________________y on Instagram, and g_______________y get a g__________________e for the country w___________________________e. In the past, l_______________________s to technology in those developing countries might have made it impossible to understand how l_____________e, but that is n_________________________m.
In conclusion, the information that can be found on the internet has g______________________d the importance of the experience of travelling to other countries. Each individual must nonetheless d_________________________s whether it is still a w________________________e.
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