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.
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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.
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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.
Listening Practice
Listen more about this topic below and use some of the ideas here to improve:
ReadingPractice
Learn more about the world and practice with these ideas:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of large and small businesses.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Large Businesses
In the past, most people worked for small businesses, while more people now work for large businesses.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of working for large businesses?
The rise of large corporations has led to a fundamental shift in the workforce towards large businesses. The chief advantages of this relate to opportunity and the downsides are larger, societal dilemmas.
Proponents of big business can point to career advancement and the variety of roles within a large company. Small businesses, by their nature, draw on a limited possible source of revenue that naturally caps promotions. Large companies have nearly unlimited profit potential and can thus employ a large number of managers, executives and other high-salaried positions. Moreover, a small business is more likely to be limited in the number of roles, while larger companies will have departments ranging from legal to marketing to research and development to human resources, all of which are potential destinations for motivated employees.
The disadvantages of these large companies relate less directly to individuals and more to society at large. Firstly, although there are more quality jobs available in big companies, the disappearance of small, local entrepreneurs means that capital becomes concentrated in the company’s chief shareholders, who are often living in other countries and already extremely rich. Over time this has led to the division of wealth that defines the 21st century. Secondly, as executive decisions become further removed from local communities it is harder to regulate large companies. A good example of this would be the environmental cost of drilling for oil and extracting natural gas, which hurts local residents but continues unabated because those in authority are unaffected.
In conclusion, the opportunities provided by big business do not outweigh the negative potential for all of society when power becomes concentrated and distant. It is therefore important to check the reach of corporations and empower individuals.
Analysis
1. The rise of large corporations has led to a fundamental shift in the workforce towards large businesses. 2. The chief advantages of this relate to opportunity and the downsides are larger, societal dilemmas.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Include your main ideas if possible in the introduction.Read more about introductions here.
1. Proponents of big business can point to career advancement and the variety of roles within a large company. 2. Small businesses, by their nature, draw on a limited possible source of revenue that naturally caps promotions. 3. Large companies have nearly unlimited profit potential and can thus employ a large number of managers, executives and other high-salaried positions. 4. Moreover, a small business is more likely to be limited in the number of roles, while larger companies will have departments ranging from legal to marketing to research and development to human resources, all of which are potential destinations for motivated employees.
Switch to a second advantage and develop it fully.
1. The disadvantages of these large companies relate less directly to individuals and more to society at large. 2. Firstly, although there are more quality jobs available in big companies, the disappearance of small, local entrepreneurs means that capital becomes concentrated in the company’s chief shareholders, who are often living in other countries and already extremely rich. 3. Over time this has led to the division of wealth that defines the 21st century. 4. Secondly, as executive decisions become further removed from local communities it is harder to regulate large companies. 5. A good example of this would be the environmental cost of drilling for oil and extracting natural gas, which hurts local residents but continues unabated because those in authority are unaffected.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Develop that main idea.
State the full results of your idea.
Move on to another disadvantage.
Develop it fully with an example.
1. In conclusion, the opportunities provided by big business do not outweigh the negative potential for all of society when power becomes concentrated and distant. 2. It is therefore important to check the reach of corporations and empower individuals.
Summarise your main ideas and choose a side.
Include a final thought.Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The rise of large corporations has led to a fundamental shift in the workforce towards large businesses. The chief advantages of this relate to opportunity and the downsides are larger, societal dilemmas.
Proponents of big business can point tocareer advancement and the variety of roles within a large company. Small businesses, by their nature, draw on a limited possible source of revenue that naturally caps promotions. Large companies have nearly unlimited profit potential and can thus employ a large number of managers, executives and other high-salaried positions. Moreover, a small business is more likely to be limited in the number of roles, while larger companies will have departments ranging fromlegal to marketing to research and development to human resources, all of which are potential destinations for motivated employees.
The disadvantages of these large companies relate less directly to individuals and more to society at large. Firstly, although there are more quality jobs available in big companies, the disappearance of small, local entrepreneurs means that capital becomes concentrated in the company’s chief shareholders, who are often living in other countries and already extremely rich. Over time this has led to the division of wealth that defines the 21st century. Secondly, as executive decisions become further removed from local communities it is harder to regulate large companies. A good example of this would be the environmental cost of drilling for oil and extracting natural gas, which hurts local residents but continues unabated because those in authority are unaffected.
In conclusion, the opportunities provided by big business do not outweigh the negative potential for all of society when power becomes concentrated and distant. It is therefore important to check the reach of corporations and empower individuals.
Answers
rise of large corporations more big companies
fundamental shift basic change
workforce employed people
chief advantages main benefits
relate to have to do with
downsides disadvantages
societal dilemmas problems affecting all people
proponents supporters
big business large companies
point tocareer advancement argue about promotions and opportunities
variety of roles many different jobs
by their nature naturally, of course
draw on take from
limited possible source of revenue only so much money they can make
naturally caps of course limited to
nearly unlimited profit potential no limits on the money that can be made
employ give jobs to
executives CEOs, CFOs, etc.
high-salaried positions well-paying jobs
departments ranging from … to parts of the company including
legal lawyers
research and development coming up with new ideas
human resources managing employees, HR
all of which are everything is
destinations places to go
motivated employees workers who really want to
relate less directly don’t have much to do with
society at large all people
disappearance going away
local entrepreneurs small businesses
capital money and resources
concentrated focused
chief shareholders those who own the country
division of wealth how money is spread out
defines the 21st century represents 2000 to 2100
executive decisions choices from the higher ups
further removed more and more distant
local communities small businesses
regulate control
environmental cost negative impact on the environment
drilling for oil getting oil out of the ground
extracting natural gas taking gas from the Earth
hurts local residents does not benefit locals
continues unabated keeps going on without slowing down
The r____________________________s has led to a f____________________t in the w_______________e towards large businesses. The c____________________s of this r___________o opportunity and the d_______________s are larger, s_____________________s.
P_______________s of b_____________s can p_________________________t and the v_____________________s within a large company. Small businesses, b_______________________e, d_____________n a l___________________________e that n_____________________s promotions. Large companies have n__________________________________l and can thus e_________y a large number of managers, e_____________s and other h_______________________s. Moreover, a small business is more likely to be limited in the number of roles, while larger companies will have d_________________________ml_______l t__ marketing to r_________________________________t to h__________________s, a______________________________e potential d________________s for m_________________________s.
The disadvantages of these large companies r_____________________y to individuals and more to s_____________________e. Firstly, although there are more quality jobs available in big companies, the d__________________e of small, l________________________s means that c_____________l becomes c_________________d in the company’s c______________________s, who are often living in other countries and already extremely rich. Over time this has led to the d_______________________h that d____________________y. Secondly, as e_________________________s become f___________________d from l___________________________s it is harder to r________________e large companies. A good example of this would be the e____________________t of d__________________l and e_________________________s, which h_________________________s but c___________________d because those in a_______________y are u________________d.
In conclusion, the opportunities provided by big business do not o_____________h the negative potential for all of society when power becomes concentrated and d___________t. It is therefore important to c__________________h of corporations and e___________________s.
Listening Practice
Listen about a related business topic and practice:
Reading Practice
Read about this topic and use some of these ideas to improve your reading too:
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