This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of building sports facilities for top athletes from the real IELTS exam.
I have an Ebook just published on this specific essay available on my Patreon now too!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Sports Facilities
Some countries invest in specialized sports facilities for top athletes but not for the average people.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Heavy investment in sports facilities aimed at professional athletes is common in countries that want to compete in international events. This is a positive development for national pride but negative on the whole as it takes funding away from the average citizen.
Proponents of this practice would argue that it brings the nation together. The best examples of this relate to international competitions like the summer and winter Olympics. China and the United States have famously invested millions in building sports facilities for prospective Olympians and the results in terms of medals justify the expenditure. The wider implications for national unity come from an entire country watching the telecasts and rooting together. Divisive domestic disputes are temporarily forgotten as everyone focuses on the progress of their country. Much of this would be impossible without specialised sports facilities for the best competitors.
However, these facilities benefit a select few over the majority. Funding for such facilities is a limited part of a federal budget that must cover essential areas like health, education, and the military. Any money diverted towards preparing world-class athletes for international competitions is to some extent a waste as it cuts into the budget for facilities for average people. For example, many inner city youths in poorer neighborhoods lack access to parks and such facilities and this has been identified as one of the factors that allows for poverty to be inherited over generations. Direct the funding away from these expensive gyms for top athletes and it would be possible to build many more facilities that serve a much wider and underserved segment of the population.
In conclusion, despite the less tangible benefits to national cohesiveness, this a negative on level as it favours a talented minority. More resources should be allocated towards facilities for those in greater need.
Analysis
1. Heavy investment in sports facilities aimed at professional athletes is common in countries that want to compete in international events. 2. This is a positive development for national pride but negative on the whole as it takes funding away from the average citizen.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear overall opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Proponents of this practice would argue that it brings the nation together. 2. The best examples of this relate to international competitions like the summer and winter Olympics. 3. China and the United States have famously invested millions in building sports facilities for prospective Olympians and the results in terms of medals justify the expenditure. 4. The wider implications for national unity come from an entire country watching the telecasts and rooting together. 5. Divisive domestic disputes are temporarily forgotten as everyone focuses on the progress of their country. 6. Much of this would be impossible without specialised sports facilities for the best competitors.
Keep developing it and don’t switch to a new main idea.
Relate it back to your topic sentence.
1. However, these facilities benefit a select few over the majority. 2. Funding for such facilities is a limited part of a federal budget that must cover essential areas like health, education, and the military. 3. Any money diverted towards preparing world-class athletes for international competitions is to some extent a waste as it cuts into the budget for facilities for average people. 4. For example, many inner city youths in poorer neighborhoods lack access to parks and such facilities and this has been identified as one of the factors that allows for poverty to be inherited over generations. 5. Direct the funding away from these expensive gyms for top athletes and it would be possible to build many more facilities that serve a much wider and underserved segment of the population.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain it.
Begin to develop it.
Use a specific example.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, despite the less tangible benefits to national cohesiveness, this a negative on level as it favours a talented minority. 2. More resources should be allocated towards facilities for those in greater need.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your ideas.
Add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Heavy investment in sports facilities aimed at professional athletes is common in countries that want to compete in international events. This is a positive development for national pride but negative on the whole as it takes funding away from the average citizen.
Proponents of this practice would argue that it brings the nation together. The best examples of this relate to international competitions like the summer and winter Olympics. China and the United States have famously invested millions in building sports facilities for prospective Olympians and the results in terms of medals justify the expenditure. The wider implications for national unity come from an entire country watching the telecasts and rooting together. Divisive domestic disputes are temporarily forgotten as everyone focuses on the progress of their country. Much of this would be impossible without specialised sports facilities for the best competitors.
However, these facilities benefit a select few over the majority. Funding for such facilities is a limited part of a federal budget that must cover essential areas like health, education, and the military. Any money diverted towards preparing world-class athletes for international competitions is to some extent a waste as it cuts into the budget for facilities for average people. For example, many inner city youths in poorer neighborhoods lack access to parks and such facilities and this has been identified as one of the factors that allows for poverty to be inherited over generations. Direct the funding away from these expensive gyms for top athletes and it would be possible to build many more facilities that serve a much wider and underserved segment of the population.
In conclusion, despite the less tangible benefits to national cohesiveness, this a negative on level as it favours a talented minority. More resources should be allocated towards facilities for those in greater need.
Answers
heavy investment a lot of money put into
aimed at for
compete in international events the Olympics, World Cup, etc.
national pride caring about your country
negative on the whole bad on level
takes funding away from diverts money from
average citizen normal person
proponents advocates
practice development
brings the nation together unifies the country
international competitions Olympics, World Cup, etc.
summer and winter Olympics held every 4 years either in the summer or winter
famously invested millions well-known put lots of money into
prospective Olympians potential Olympic athletes
justify the expenditure good reason for the money
wider implications larger effects
national unity bringing a country together
entire country whole nation
telecasts TV broadcasts
rooting wanting to win
divisive domestic disputes dividing arguments in a country
temporarily not permanent
focuses on directed towards
progress moving forward
much of this a lot of
specialised sports facilities just for doing sports
best competitors strongest athletes
a select few some of
majority most of
limited part small piece of
federal budget money the government has to spend
cover essential areas have money for important parts
diverted towards sent in the direction of
world-class athletes best sports people
to some extent to a degree
waste not used well
cuts into takes away from
inner city youths kids living in the city
lack access can’t go to
identified pinpointed
one of the factors one element
poverty to be inherited over generations families staying poor over time
direct send towards
wider broader
underserved don’t get enough
less tangible benefits not as concrete advantages
national cohesiveness brings a country together
on level overall
favours benefits
talented minority just some people with a lot of ability
H___________________t in sports facilities a_______________t professional athletes is common in countries that want to c______________________________s. This is a positive development for n__________________e but n__________________e as it t__________________m the a______________n.
P_______________s of this p___________e would argue that it b____________________r. The best examples of this relate to i___________________________s like the s_________________________________s. China and the United States have f_________________________________s in building sports facilities for p_______________________s and the results in terms of medals j____________________________e. The w___________________s for n_________________y come from an e__________________y watching the t_____________s and r________g together. D____________________________s are t__________________y forgotten as everyone f_____________n the p___________s of their country. M_____________s would be impossible without s_______________________s for the b________________s.
However, these facilities benefit a_______________w over the m____________y. Funding for such facilities is a l_________________t of a f________________t that must c____________________s like health, education, and the military. Any money d___________________s preparing w___________________s for international competitions is t______________t a w_______e as it c__________o the budget for facilities for average people. For example, many i__________________s in poorer neighborhoods l_____________s to parks and such facilities and this has been i_____________d as o_______________s that allows for p____________________________________________s. D_________t the funding away from these expensive gyms for top athletes and it would be possible to build many more facilities that serve a much w________r and u___________________d segment of the population.
In conclusion, despite the l________________________s to n_______________________s, this a negative o___________l as it f____________s a t______________________y. More r________________s should be a_______________d towards facilities for those in g_______________d.
Cooking at home is a waste of time because there are so many convenient fast food options that make life less stressful.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people today feel that cooking food at home has become inessential due to the ubiquity of fast food restaurants. In my opinion, the understandable appeal of fast food does little to undermine the health benefits of preparing your own meals.
Fast food is convenient. This is evidenced through its popularity and is based on how quickly it can be purchased, its price, the fact you do not have to prepare it yourself and how easy it is to clean up afterwards. These incentives combine to entice the average worker, coming home tired after a long day, that some burgers from McDonald’s or a pizza from Domino’s will not only make their lives easier and reduce their stress levels but also help them cope with any personal problems. Given all these motivating factors, it is no surprise that many today have convinced themselves that cooking at home is a waste of time.
Regardless, the above listed reasons do not outweigh the health risks of fast food or the health benefits of home-cooked meals. Fast food has been shown, in numerous replicated studies over decades of research, to be one of the leading contributors to the risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The alternative to fast food is cooking at home. This is not always healthy; it is perfectly possible to prepare an unhealthy meal by oneself. However, home cooks have complete control over the ingredients and are not adding the preservatives or chemicals that are typically found in fast food. They are instead more likely to serve fresh fruits and vegetables and be generally conscious of what goes into their body, thereby improving short and long-term health.
In conclusion, fast food is a naturally attractive time and stress saver that does not imply people should stop cooking at home. The health benefits of home-cooking are crucial and this is unlikely to change in the near future.
Analysis
1. Many people today feel that cooking food at home has become inessential due to the ubiquity of fast food restaurants. 2. In my opinion, the understandable appeal of fast food does little to undermine the health benefits of preparing your own meals.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Fast food is convenient. 2. This is evidenced through its popularity and is based on how quickly it can be purchased, its price, the fact you do not have to prepare it yourself and how easy it is to clean up afterwards. 3. These incentives combine to entice the average worker, coming home tired after a long day, that some burgers from McDonald’s or a pizza from Domino’s will not only make their lives easier and reduce their stress levels but also help them cope with any personal problems. 4. Given all these motivating factors, it is no surprise that many today have convinced themselves that cooking at home is a waste of time.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end. This sentence can be short.
Explain your main idea in detail.
Develop it fully – vary long and short sentences.
Conclude the paragraph.
1. Regardless, the above listed reasons do not outweigh the health risks of fast food or the health benefits of home-cooked meals. 2. Fast food has been shown, in numerous replicated studies over decades of research, to be one of the leading contributors to the risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. 3. The alternative to fast food is cooking at home. 4. This is not always healthy; it is perfectly possible to prepare an unhealthy meal by oneself. 5. However, home cooks have complete control over the ingredients and are not adding the preservatives or chemicals that are typically found in fast food. 6. They are instead more likely to serve fresh fruits and vegetables and be generally conscious of what goes into their body, thereby improving short and long-term health.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
Explain your main idea – you can use research to support your ideas.
Write short and long sentences.
Include any caveats or exceptions.
Keep developing your main idea.
Finish developing your main idea fully and don’t switch to a new one.
1. In conclusion, fast food is a naturally attractive time and stress saver that does not imply people should stop cooking at home. 2. The health benefits of home-cooking are crucial and this is unlikely to change in the near future.
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?
Many people today feel that cooking food at home has become inessential due to the ubiquity of fast food restaurants. In my opinion, the understandable appeal of fast food does little to undermine the health benefits of preparing your own meals.
Fast food is convenient. This is evidenced through its popularity and is based on how quickly it can be purchased, its price, the fact you do not have to prepare it yourself and how easy it is to clean up afterwards. These incentives combine to entice the average worker, coming home tired after a long day, that some burgers from McDonald’s or a pizza from Domino’s will not only make their lives easier and reduce their stress levelsbut also help them cope with any personal problems. Given all these motivating factors, it is no surprise that many today have convinced themselves that cooking at home is a waste of time.
Regardless, the above listed reasons do not outweigh the health risks of fast food or the health benefits of home-cooked meals. Fast food has been shown, in numerous replicated studies over decades of research, to be one of the leading contributors to the risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The alternative to fast food is cooking at home. This is not always healthy; it is perfectly possible to prepare an unhealthy meal by oneself. However, home cooks have complete control over the ingredients and are not adding the preservatives or chemicals that are typically found in fast food. They are instead more likely to serve fresh fruits and vegetables and be generally conscious of what goes into their body, thereby improving short and long-term health.
In conclusion, fast food is a naturally attractive time and stress saver that does not imply people should stop cooking at home. The health benefits of home-cooking are crucial and this is unlikely to change in the near future.
Answers
inessential not important
ubiquity very common
understandable appeal easy to understand why people want it
undermine doubt
preparing your own meals cooking at home
convenient easy and simple
evidenced supported by
clean up afterwards do the dishes, etc.
incentives combine reasons together
entice attract
average worker normal person
not only … but also including both
reduce their stress levels make life less stressful
cope deal with
given all these motivating factors considering these enticements
no surprise naturally
convinced themselves make themselves think
waste of time not a good use of time
regardless nonetheless
outweigh stronger than
numerous replicated studies repeated in different research over and over
leading contributors main causes
risk factors what can lead to you getting a condition/disease
alternative different option
perfectly possible likely to happen
home cooks people who cook at home
complete control total oversight
ingredients what you put into a dish
adding the preservatives or chemicals putting in artificial substances
found in fast food that is in fast food
instead on the other hand
serve fresh fruits and vegetables recently bought foods
generally conscious more or less aware of
improving short and long-term health feeling better now and in the future
naturally attractive obviously something people want
saver keeps
imply necessarily
crucial really important
unlikely to change in the near future probably not going to be different later
Many people today feel that cooking food at home has become i________________l due to the u_______________y of fast food restaurants. In my opinion, the u_____________________l of fast food does little to u______________e the health benefits of p_______________________s.
Fast food is c______________t. This is e____________d through its popularity and is based on how quickly it can be purchased, its price, the fact you do not have to prepare it yourself and how easy it is to c______________________s. These i____________________e to e_________e the a________________r, coming home tired after a long day, that some burgers from McDonald’s or a pizza from Domino’s will n___________y make their lives easier and r______________________sb__________o help them c_____e with any personal problems. G___________________________________s, it is n_____________e that many today have c_______________________________s that cooking at home is a w_____________e.
R________________s, the above listed reasons do not o______________h the health risks of fast food or the health benefits of home-cooked meals. Fast food has been shown, in n_________________________________s over decades of research, to be one of the l________________________s to the r________________s for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The a________________e to fast food is cooking at home. This is not always healthy; it is p_________________e to prepare an unhealthy meal by oneself. However, h_____________s have c______________________l over the i__________________s and are not a___________________________________s that are typically f__________________d. They are i___________d more likely to s________________________________s and be g_______________________s of what goes into their body, thereby i_________________________________________h.
In conclusion, fast food is a n___________________________e time and stress s___________r that does not i_________y people should stop cooking at home. The health benefits of home-cooking are c___________l and this is u____________________________________e.
Listening Practice
Watch and listen to Gordon Ramsay cooking at home below:
Reading Practice
Learn some copycat recipes below so that you don’t have to go get fast food later:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of plastic containers.
For my exclusive IELTS PDFs released weekly, sign up for my Patreon here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Plastic Containers
In many countries, plastic containers have become more common than ever and are used by many food and drink companies.
Do you think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?
Using plastic containers for various food products has become ubiquitous in recent decades. Though this has potential drawbacks for the environment, I believe it does not outweigh the benefits to businesses and individuals.
The environmental cost of disposable plastic containers is massive. Before plastics, foods and drinks were typically put into biodegradable, eco-friendly paper or cardboard. The arrival of plastics has impacted the environment on two major fronts. Firstly, plastic itself is a fossil fuel byproduct that requires crude oil for its production and later transportation. The emissions from fossil fuels are often cited as the chief contributor to the hastening of climate change. Moreover, the containers themselves either find their ways to landfills, polluting previously pristine land, or end up in the ocean, forming ‘land masses’ that are injurious to marine life.
Nonetheless, the concomitant problems of plastic containers listed above do not override their usefulness. For companies, using plastic containers is cheap and allows for uniform consistency. This is the reason why they have been adopted by companies ranging from fast food giants like McDonald’s to local grocery chains. This savings is then passed on to the consumer who enjoys cheaper prices and the many conveniences of plastic containers. They are less likely to rip open and spill compared with paper and most families make use of them afterwards for leftover food. If plastic containers for food items were banned not only would people lose these conveniences but many companies would have to radically alter their packaging, and potentially, products themselves.
In conclusion, the environmental impact of plastic containers does little to undermine their value for both corporations and the average customer. It is instead important to explore innovations to make plastics more environmentally friendly.
Analysis
1. Using plastic containers for various food products has become ubiquitous in recent decades. 2. Though this has potential drawbacks for the environment, I believe it does not outweigh the benefits to businesses and individuals.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Give your opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The environmental cost of disposable plastic containers is massive. 2. Before plastics, foods and drinks were typically put into biodegradable, eco-friendly paper or cardboard. 3. The arrival of plastics has impacted the environment on two major fronts. 4. Firstly, plastic itself is a fossil fuel byproduct that requires crude oil for its production and later transportation. 5. The emissions from fossil fuels are often cited as the chief contributor to the hastening of climate change. 6. Moreover, the containers themselves either find their ways to landfills, polluting previously pristine land, or end up in the ocean, forming ‘land masses’ that are injurious to marine life.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Use short and long sentences.
Use specific details.
The more specific and the more results explained, the better!
Fully explain any ideas you mention.
1. Nonetheless, the concomitant problems of plastic containers listed above do not override their usefulness. 2. For companies, using plastic containers is cheap and allows for uniform consistency. 3. This is the reason why they have been adopted by companies ranging from fast food giants like McDonald’s to local grocery chains. 4. This savings is then passed on to the consumer who enjoys cheaper prices and the many conveniences of plastic containers. 5. They are less likely to rip open and spill compared with paper and most families make use of them afterwards for leftover food. 6. If plastic containers for food items were banned not only would people lose these conveniences but many companies would have to radically alter their packaging, and potentially, products themselves.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea (the one that you agree with).
Begin to explain your idea.
Develop it fully.
Keep stating further results.
Add as much detail as you can.
Don’t switch to a new main idea – just develop one fully.
1. In conclusion, the environmental impact of plastic containers does little to undermine their value for both corporations and the average customer. 2. It is instead important to explore innovations to make plastics more environmentally friendly.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Include a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold mean?
Using plastic containers for various food products has become ubiquitous in recent decades. Though this has potential drawbacks for the environment, I believe it does not outweigh the benefits to businesses and individuals.
The environmental cost of disposable plastic containers is massive. Before plastics, foods and drinks were typically put intobiodegradable, eco-friendly paper or cardboard. The arrival of plastics has impacted the environment on two major fronts. Firstly, plastic itself is a fossil fuel byproduct that requires crude oil for its production and later transportation. The emissions from fossil fuels are often cited as the chief contributor to the hastening of climate change. Moreover, the containers themselves either find their ways to landfills, polluting previously pristine land, or end up in the ocean, forming ‘land masses’ that are injurious to marine life.
Nonetheless, the concomitant problems of plastic containers listed above do not override their usefulness. For companies, using plastic containers is cheap and allows for uniform consistency. This is the reason why they have been adopted by companies ranging from fast food giants like McDonald’s to local grocery chains. This savings is then passed on to the consumer who enjoys cheaper prices and the many conveniences of plastic containers. They are less likely to rip open and spill compared with paper and most families make use of them afterwards for leftover food. If plastic containers for food items were banned not only would people lose these conveniences but many companies would have to radically alter their packaging, and potentially, products themselves.
In conclusion, the environmental impact of plastic containers does little to undermine their value for both corporations and the average customer. It is instead important to explore innovations to make plastics more environmentally friendly.
Answers
plastic containers bags, bottles, boxes, etc.
ubiquitous common
recent decades last 30 or so years
potential drawbacks possible disadvantages
outweigh stronger than
environmental cost hurts the environment
disposable plastic containers single-use plastics
massive huge
put into added to
biodegradable break down over time in nature
eco-friendly paper paper that is biodegradable
cardboard stronger paper
arrival onset
on two major fronts in two main areas
fossil fuel byproduct comes from fossil fuels
requires crude oil needs oil in its raw form
production making of it
emissions gases produced
often cited as commonly regarded as
chief contributor main cause
hastening of climate change speeding up of global warming
moreover also
landfills trash put in the ground
polluting previously pristine land contaminating nature
end up finally
forming ‘land masses’ making big collections
injurious harmful
marine life sea animals
nonetheless regardless
concomitant problems related issues
listed above mentioned before
override be stronger than
usefulness convenience
uniform consistency all the same
adopted by used by
fast food giants fast food restaurants
local grocery chains supermarkets
savings not wasting money
passed on to the consumer customers also save money
Using p_____________________s for various food products has become u______________s in r________________s. Though this has p_________________s for the environment, I believe it does not o_____________h the benefits to businesses and individuals.
The e____________________t of d______________________________s is m____________e. Before plastics, foods and drinks were typically p_____________ob_______________e, e_____________________r or c_________________d. The a_____________l of plastics has impacted the environment o_________________________s. Firstly, plastic itself is a f_____________________________t that r________________________l for its p_________________n and later transportation. The e_______________s from fossil fuels are o__________________s the c____________________r to the h___________________________e. M_____________r, the containers themselves either find their ways to l________________s, p______________________________d, or e________p in the ocean, f________________________s’ that are i______________s to m_____________e.
N________________s, the c_______________________s of plastic containers l________________e do not o_____________e their u_____________s. For companies, using plastic containers is cheap and allows for u_____________________y. This is the reason why they have been a_______________y companies ranging from f_________________s like McDonald’s to l_________________________s. This s____________s is then p_________________________r who e__________s cheaper prices and the many conveniences of plastic containers. They are l________________________n and s______l compared with paper and most families m__________________________________s for leftover food. If plastic containers for food items were b____________d not only would people l____________________________s but many companies would have to r________________________r their packaging, and potentially, products themselves.
In conclusion, the environmental impact of plastic containers does little to u___________________________e for both corporations and the a____________________________r. It is instead important to e________________________s to make plastics more e____________________________y.
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of households with cars in a European country.
For my full, exclusive IELTS PDFs, learn more about my Patreon here.
Dave
IELTS Essay Task 1: Households with Cars
The bar chart compares the percentages for car ownership in a European country at 10 year intervals from 1971 to 2001. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that proportions for households with no car and 1 car showed inverse patterns, with the latter rising to become most common by the end of the period. More than 2 cars increased as well, also overtaking no cars.
The number of homes in this European country with no car stood at just under 50% in 1971, before a steady decline by more than 5% each decade to finish at under 30% in 2001. In contrast, those houses with 1 car rose at less steady intervals from 35% to over 40% in 1981, followed by a dip to under 40% in 1991, and finally a surge to 50%.
More than 2 cars began the time surveyed with the lowest ratio (25%) then grew, mirroring the trajectory of 1 car and finishing at 35%, nearly 10% higher than no car households.
Analysis
1. The bar chart compares the percentages for car ownership in a European country at 10 year intervals from 1971 to 2001. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that proportions for households with no car and 1 car showed inverse patterns, with the latter rising to become most common by the end of the period. 3. More than 2 cars increased as well, also overtaking no cars.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Begin your overview by describing the trends.
Make sure all categories are covered. Learn more about overviews here.
1. The number of homes in this European country with no car stood at just under 50% in 1971, before a steady decline by more than 5% each decade to finish at under 30% in 2001. 2. In contrast, those houses with 1 car rose at less steady intervals from 35% to over 40% in 1981, followed by a dip to under 40% in 1991, and finally a surge to 50%.
Start with one of the categories and include all the data.
Always compare the categories.
1. More than 2 cars began the time surveyed with the lowest ratio (25%) then grew, mirroring the trajectory of 1 car and finishing at 35%, nearly 10% higher than no car households.
Make sure that all areas and all data has been described fully and accurately.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The bar chart compares the percentages for car ownership in a European country at 10 yearintervals from 1971 to 2001. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent thatproportions for households with no car and 1 car showed inverse patterns, with the latter rising to become most common by the end of the period. More than 2 cars increased as well, also overtaking no cars.
The number of homes in this European country with no car stood at just under 50% in 1971, before a steady decline by more than 5% each decade to finish at under 30% in 2001. In contrast, those houses with 1 car rose at less steady intervals from 35% to over 40% in 1981, followed by a dip to under 40% in 1991, and finally a surge to 50%.
More than 2 cars began the time surveyed with the lowest ratio (25%) then grew, mirroring the trajectory of 1 car and finishing at 35%, nearly 10% higher than no car households.
Answers
compares shows the differences between
10 yearintervals every 10 years
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
The bar chart c______________s the percentages for car ownership in a European country at 1_______________s from 1971 to 2001. L___________________________________________tp____________s for households with no car and 1 car s___________________________s, with the l___________r rising to become most common b____________________________d. More than 2 cars increased as well, also o_______________g no cars.
The number of homes in this European country with no car s_______d at j____________r 50% in 1971, b________e a s______________e by m___________n 5% each d___________e to f___________h at under 30% in 2001. I____________t, those houses with 1 car rose at l_________________s from 35% to over 40% in 1981, f____________________y a d___p to under 40% in 1991, and finally a s__________e to 50%.
More than 2 cars began the time s________________d with the l___________________o (25%) then grew, m______________g the t________________y of 1 car and f___________________t 35%, nearly 10% h_______________________n no car households.
Listening Practice
Watch the video below about car ownership in the future:
and a related speaking test here:
Reading Practice
Read more about this topic on The New York Times below:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay from the general training exam on whether it is better to live in cities or rural areas.
For my exclusive IELTS PDFs, sign up to my Patreon here.
Dave
IELTS Essay General Training: Cities vs Rural Areas
Some people think that cities are the best places to live. Others prefer to live in rural areas.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
There are fundamentally different reasons that dictate whether one lives in the countryside or an urban area. In my opinion, the health benefits of living in the countryside do not outweigh the range of opportunities available in cities.
The chief advantages of the countryside relate to health. City-dwelling lends itself to a more sedentary lifestyle and the threat of air pollution is ever-growing. In contrast, individuals living in the country are much more likely to walk or ride bikes as part of their daily routine. Over time this equates to healthier living habits and can reduce the risk of obesity and concomitant conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Moreover, recent studies have found that worsening air quality in cities and the absorption of microparticles into the lungs is driving up rates of cancer and asthma. The countryside presents an alternative environment where cleaner air can result in both short and long-term health benefits.
Nonetheless, cities offer a wide array of options rural areas lack. This begins with the employment on offer. The vast majority of well-paid jobs are located in cities ranging from doctors to lawyers to managers in companies. Living in the countryside limits one to careers primarily centred around agriculture. Cities also contain a richer variety of educational and cultural opportunities. The best schools are usually found in cities and museums and concerts are rare in the countryside. Take New York City for example, where some of the most famous museums in the world are located next to beautiful concert venues and renowned five star restaurants. This broadens an individual’s horizons and makes cities ideal for both single people and families.
In conclusion, despite the healthier overall lifestyle enjoyed in the countryside, city life allows too many modern conveniences to be ignored. Each individual must decide what they value highest but most should opt for city life.
Analysis
1. There are fundamentally different reasons that dictate whether one lives in the countryside or an urban area. 2. In my opinion, the health benefits of living in the countryside do not outweigh the range of opportunities available in cities.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about writing introductions here.
1. The chief advantages of the countryside relate to health. 2. City-dwelling lends itself to a more sedentary lifestyle and the threat of air pollution is ever-growing. 3. In contrast, individuals living in the country are much more likely to walk or ride bikes as part of their daily routine. 4. Over time this equates to healthier living habits and can reduce the risk of obesity and concomitant conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 5. Moreover, recent studies have found that worsening air quality in cities and the absorption of microparticles into the lungs is driving up rates of cancer and asthma. 6. The countryside presents an alternative environment where cleaner air can result in both short and long-term health benefits.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Use specific examples to support your idea.
State the results to develop your idea.
Don’t write about a new idea but you can write about multiple ideas within a topic (healthy).
Conclude with a summary sentence.
1. Nonetheless, cities offer a wide array of options rural areas lack. This begins with the employment on offer. 2. The vast majority of well-paid jobs are located in cities ranging from doctors to lawyers to managers in companies. 3. Living in the countryside limits one to careers primarily centred around agriculture. 4. Cities also contain a richer variety of educational and cultural opportunities. 5. The best schools are usually found in cities and museums and concerts are rare in the countryside. 6. Take New York City for example, where some of the most famous museums in the world are located next to beautiful concert venues and renowned five star restaurants. 7. This broadens an individual’s horizons and makes cities ideal for both single people and families.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Use counter-examples for more support.
Start with more general sentences.
Then get more specific.
Use a specific city as an example.
Conclude with a strong statement relating it back to your opinion.
1. In conclusion, despite the healthier overall lifestyle enjoyed in the countryside, city life allows too many modern conveniences to be ignored. 2. Each individual must decide what they value highest but most should opt for city life.
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?
There are fundamentally different reasons that dictate whether one lives in the countryside or an urban area. In my opinion, the health benefits of living in the countryside do not outweigh the range of opportunities available in cities.
The chief advantages of the countryside relate to health. City-dwellinglends itself to a more sedentary lifestyle and the threat of air pollution is ever-growing. In contrast, individuals living in the country are much more likely to walk or ride bikes as part of their daily routine. Over time this equates to healthier living habits and can reduce the risk of obesity and concomitant conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Moreover, recent studies have found that worsening air quality in cities and the absorption of microparticles into the lungs is driving uprates of cancer and asthma. The countryside presents an alternative environment where cleaner air can result in both short and long-term health benefits.
Nonetheless, cities offer a wide array of options rural areas lack. This begins with the employment on offer. The vast majority of well-paid jobs are located in cities ranging from doctors to lawyers to managers in companies. Living in the countryside limits one to careers primarily centred around agriculture. Cities also contain a richer variety of educational and cultural opportunities. The best schools are usually found in cities and museums and concerts are rare in the countryside. Take New York City for example, where some of the most famous museums in the world are located next to beautiful concert venues and renowned five star restaurants. This broadens an individual’s horizons and makes cities ideal for both single people and families.
In conclusion, despite the healthier overall lifestyle enjoyed in the countryside, city life allows too many modern conveniences to be ignored. Each individual must decide what they value highest but most should opt for city life.
Answers
fundamentally different reasons basically differing justifications
dictate decide
urban area city
health benefits good for you
outweigh stronger than
range of opportunities many chances
chief advantages main benefits
relate to regarding
city-dwellinglends itself living in a city makes you more likely to
more sedentary lifestyle less active living
threat of air pollution risk of poor air quality
ever-growing always increasing
in contrast however
part of their daily routine something you do everyday
equates means
healthier living habits doing something healthy everday
reduce the risk less chance of
obesity getting fat
concomitant conditions related problems
cardiovascular disease heart disease
diabetes a disease from eating too much sugar
recent studies have found research has shown
worsening air quality more air pollution
absorption becoming part of
microparticles small bits of stuff
driving uprates of cancer increasing the odds of getting cancer
asthma a breathing condition
presents allows for
alternative environment different place
cleaner air less air pollution
result in so
short and long-term health benefits in the near and distant future
nonetheless regardless
wide array of options many chances
lack don’t have
employment on offer jobs available
vast majority most of
well-paid jobs good employment
ranging from including
limits restricts
primarily centred around agriculture mostly to do with farming
contain a richer variety have a lot more
educational related to education
cultural opportunities museums, theatre, music, etc.
There are f______________________________s that d__________e whether one lives in the countryside or an u_____________a. In my opinion, the h______________s of living in the countryside do not o_____________h the r__________________________s available in cities.
The c___________________s of the countryside r____________o health. C_______________________________f to a m____________________e and the t_________________________n is e_______________g. I_______________t, individuals living in the country are much more likely to walk or ride bikes as p___________________________e. Over time this e______________s to h_____________________________s and can r___________________k of o__________y and c_____________________s such as c_______________________e and d____________s. Moreover, r______________________d that w_______________________y in cities and the a________________n of m____________________s into the lungs is d______________________r and a___________a. The countryside p_____________s an a____________________t where c_________________r can r______________n both s________________________s.
N_______________s, cities offer a w____________________s rural areas l_____k. This begins with the e_____________________r. The v_________________y of w_____________________s are located in cities r________________m doctors to lawyers to managers in companies. Living in the countryside l___________s one to careers p_________________________________e. Cities also c________________________y of e_________________l and c______________________s. The best schools are u___________________d in cities and museums and concerts are r_____e in the countryside. Take New York City for example, where some of the most famous museums in the world a_____________d next to beautiful c________________s and r______________________________s. This b_______________s an i__________________________s and makes cities i______l for both single people and families.
In conclusion, despite the healthier overall lifestyle e_______________n the countryside, city life allows too many m___________________s to be i_______________d. Each individual must decide what they v_______________t but most should o_____t for city life.
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