IELTS Essay: Map of Pentland

IELTS Essay: Map of Pentland

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay based on a map of Pentland.

Maps are always a bit tricky so be sure to check out how I wrote the overview below.

For my exclusive IELTS PDFs and Ebooks, sign up to Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Essay: Map of Pentland

The map details alterations to the town of Pentland from 1980 to 2007. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there was a lot a of residential and commercial development over the years including construction of a marina for yachts, shops, houses and entertainment facilities.

In 1980, Pentland consisted mainly of grasslands to the south, two main intersecting roads, an eastern car park, an industrial area in the west and the sea to the north. By 2007, every area had changed or been relocated. An additional road was built by the coast (now a yacht marina) with a park bordering it in the northwest and seaside apartments on the opposite side.

The roads are now lined with shops and the car park added floors and moved from the eastern to western end of town, adjacent to a new swimming pool. In the south, grasslands made way for a cinema to the west and rows of houses along a new eastward avenue.

Analysis

1. The map details alterations to the town of Pentland from 1980 to 2007. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there was a lot a of residential and commercial development over the years including construction of a marina for yachts, shops, houses and entertainment facilities.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a general over for the map. Include the major changes and group them generally.

1. In 1980, Pentland consisted mainly of grasslands to the south, two main intersecting roads, an eastern car park, an industrial area in the west and the sea to the north. 2. By 2007, every area had changed or been relocated. 3. An additional road was built by the coast (now a yacht marina) with a park bordering it in the northwest and seaside apartments on the opposite side.

  1. Begin to describe the changes.
  2. Use sentences to transition.
  3. Make sure all information is included.

1. The roads are now lined with shops and the car park added floors and moved from the eastern to western end of town, adjacent to a new swimming pool. 2. In the south, grasslands made way for a cinema to the west and rows of houses along a new eastward avenue.

  1. Switch to another part of the map.
  2. Don’t include any opinion and don’t forget any areas.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

The map details alterations to the town of Pentland from 1980 to 2007. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there was a lot a of residential and commercial development over the years including construction of a marina for yachts, shops, houses and entertainment facilities.

In 1980, Pentland consisted mainly of grasslands to the south, two main intersecting roads, an eastern car park, an industrial area in the west and the sea to the north. By 2007, every area had changed or been relocated. An additional road was built by the coast (now a yacht marina) with a park bordering it in the northwest and seaside apartments on the opposite side.

The roads are now lined with shops and the car park added floors and moved from the eastern to western end of town, adjacent to a new swimming pool. In the south, grasslands made way for a cinema to the west and rows of houses along a new eastward avenue.

Answers

details alterations describes changes

looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall

residential and commercial development housing and businesses

marina a small harbour

yachts big luxury boats

entertainment facilities places for entertainment

consisted made up of

mainly of mostly

to the south in the Southern part

intersecting crossing

eastern in the east

in the west to the west

to the north northwards

relocated moved

additional extra

coast along the water

bordering next to

seaside near the seaw

opposite side mirrored

lined in a row

end of town one side of the town

adjacent next to

made way for move so that

rows lines

eastward avenue street to the east

Pronunciation

ˈdiːteɪlz ˌɔːltəˈreɪʃ(ə)nz 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl ænd kəˈmɜːʃəl dɪˈvɛləpmənt 
mʌˈriːnə 
jɒts
ˌɛntəˈteɪnmənt fəˈsɪlɪtiz
kənˈsɪstɪd 
ˈmeɪnli ɒv 
tuː ðə saʊθ
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈsɛktɪŋ 
ˈiːstən 
ɪn ðə wɛst 
tuː ðə nɔːθ
ˌriːləʊˈkeɪtɪd
əˈdɪʃənl 
kəʊst 
ˈbɔːdərɪŋ 
ˈsiːsaɪd 
ˈɒpəzɪt saɪd
laɪnd 
ɛnd ɒv taʊn
əˈʤeɪsənt 
meɪd weɪ fɔː 
rəʊz 
ˈiːstwəd ˈævɪnjuː

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

The map d__________________s to the town of Pentland from 1980 to 2007. L_____________________________________________________t there was a lot a of r______________________________________t over the years including construction of a m___________a for y_________s, shops, houses and e_________________________________s.

In 1980, Pentland c____________d m_____________f grasslands t_____________h, two main i____________g roads, an e__________n car park, an industrial area i______________t and the sea t____________h. By 2007, every area had changed or been r___________d. An a_______________l road was built by the c_______t (now a yacht marina) with a park b___________g it in the northwest and s___________e apartments on the o______________e.

The roads are now l__________d with shops and the car park added floors and moved from the eastern to western e___________n, a_________t to a new swimming pool. In the south, grasslands m_____________r a cinema to the west and r______s of houses along a new e_______________e.

Speaking Practice

Practice speaking with the following real questions from the IELTS speaking exam:

Parks

  1. Are there any parks near your home?
  2. What do you do when you go to the park?
  3. Do you often go to parks?
  4. Is it common for people in your country to go to parks?

Writing Practice

Write about another map below then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Cambridge 14 Map
IELTS Cambridge 14 Map
IELTS Essay General Training: Work and Social Life

IELTS Essay General Training: Work and Social Life

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of work and social life.

My full answer for this is available as a PDF Ebook on my Patreon, which you can sign up for here.

Signing up for my Patreon helps support me in writing these essays for students so I greatly appreciate anyone who can contribute!

When you sign up, you will also get access to a whole ton of past materials – PDFs, Ebooks, etc.

Enjoy and sign up today!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Sports Facilities

IELTS Essay: Sports Facilities

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a topic sentences with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Start an example.
  3. Develop the example.
  4. Continue developing it.
  5. Keep developing it and don’t switch to a new main idea.
  6. 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.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain it.
  3. Begin to develop it.
  4. Use a specific example.
  5. 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.

  1. Repeat your opinion and summarise your ideas.
  2. 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

resources money, time, etc.

allocated sent to

greater need more important for

Pronunciation

ˈhɛvi ɪnˈvɛstmənt 
eɪmd æt 
kəmˈpiːt ɪn ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl ɪˈvɛnts
ˈnæʃənl praɪd 
ˈnɛgətɪv ɒn ðə həʊl 
teɪks ˈfʌndɪŋ əˈweɪ frɒm 
ˈævərɪʤ ˈsɪtɪzn
prəˈpəʊnənts 
ˈpræktɪs 
brɪŋz ðə ˈneɪʃən təˈgɛðə
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl ˌkɒmpɪˈtɪʃənz 
ˈsʌmər ænd ˈwɪntər əʊˈlɪmpɪks
ˈfeɪməsli ɪnˈvɛstɪd ˈmɪljənz 
prəsˈpɛktɪv əʊˈlɪmpɪənz 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪ ði ɪksˈpɛndɪʧə
ˈwaɪdər ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz 
ˈnæʃənl ˈjuːnɪti 
ɪnˈtaɪə ˈkʌntri 
ˈtɛlɪkɑːsts 
ˈruːtɪŋ 
dɪˈvaɪsɪv dəʊˈmɛstɪk dɪsˈpjuːts 
ˈtɛmpərərɪli 
ˈfəʊkəsɪz ɒn 
ˈprəʊgrəs 
mʌʧ ɒv ðɪs 
ˈspɛʃ(ə)laɪzd spɔːts fəˈsɪlɪtiz 
bɛst kəmˈpɛtɪtəz
ə sɪˈlɛkt fjuː 
məˈʤɒrɪti
ˈlɪmɪtɪd pɑːt 
ˈfɛdərəl ˈbʌʤɪt 
ˈkʌvər ɪˈsɛnʃəl ˈeərɪəz 
daɪˈvɜːtɪd təˈwɔːdz 
wɜːld-klɑːs ˈæθliːts 
tuː sʌm ɪksˈtɛnt 
weɪst 
kʌts ˈɪntuː 
ˈɪnə ˈsɪti juːθs 
læk ˈæksɛs 
aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪd 
wʌn ɒv ðə ˈfæktəz 
ˈpɒvəti tuː biː ɪnˈhɛrɪtɪd ˈəʊvə ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃənz
dɪˈrɛkt 
ˈwaɪdə 
ˈʌndəsɜːvd 
lɛs ˈtænʤəbl ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
ˈnæʃənl kəʊˈhiːsɪvnəs
ɒn ˈlɛvl 
ˈfeɪvəz 
ˈtæləntɪd maɪˈnɒrɪti
rɪˈsɔːsɪz 
ˈæləʊkeɪtɪd 
ˈgreɪtə niːd

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

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.

Listening Practice

Watch more about these facilities below:

Reading Practice

Read about this topic here as well:

https://www.mustdobrisbane.com/features/best-kids-parks-brisbane-inner-city

Speaking Practice

Answer the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Sport

  1. What sport do you like?
  2. Do you prefer team or individual sports?
  3. Who is your favourite sports star?
  4. What is the most popular sport in your country?

Writing Practice

Write about the related topic below and check with my sample answer:

One good way to promote world peace is through international sporting events.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay General Training: Cooking at Home

IELTS Essay General Training: Cooking at Home

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real IELTS general training exam on the topic of cooking at home.

Don’t miss out on my exlusive PDFs – sign up here: Patreon.com/howtodoielts

Dave

IELTS Essay General Training: Cooking at Home

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end. This sentence can be short.
  2. Explain your main idea in detail.
  3. Develop it fully – vary long and short sentences.
  4. 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.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
  2. Explain your main idea – you can use research to support your ideas.
  3. Write short and long sentences.
  4. Include any caveats or exceptions.
  5. Keep developing your main idea.
  6. 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.

  1. Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
  2. 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 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.

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 onlybut 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

Pronunciation

ˌɪnɪˈsɛnʃəl 
ju(ː)ˈbɪkwɪti 
ˌʌndəˈstændəbl əˈpiːl 
ˌʌndəˈmaɪn 
prɪˈpeərɪŋ jɔːr əʊn miːlz
kənˈviːniənt
ˈɛvɪdənst 
kliːn ʌp ˈɑːftəwədz
ɪnˈsɛntɪvz ˈkɒmbaɪn 
ɪnˈtaɪs 
ˈævərɪʤ ˈwɜːkə
nɒt ˈəʊnli … bʌt ˈɔːlsəʊ
rɪˈdjuːs ðeə strɛs ˈlɛvlz 
kəʊp 
ˈgɪvn ɔːl ðiːz ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪŋ ˈfæktəz
nəʊ səˈpraɪz 
kənˈvɪnst ðəmˈsɛlvz 
weɪst ɒv taɪm.
rɪˈgɑːdlɪs
aʊtˈweɪ 
ˈnjuːmərəs ˈrɛplɪkeɪtɪd ˈstʌdiz 
ˈliːdɪŋ kənˈtrɪbjʊtəz 
rɪsk ˈfæktəz 
ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv 
ˈpɜːfɪktli ˈpɒsəbl 
həʊm kʊks 
kəmˈpliːt kənˈtrəʊl 
ɪnˈgriːdiənts 
ˈædɪŋ ðə prɪˈzɜːvətɪvz ɔː ˈkɛmɪkəlz 
faʊnd ɪn fɑːst fuːd
ɪnˈstɛd 
sɜːv frɛʃ fruːts ænd ˈvɛʤtəb(ə)lz 
ˈʤɛnərəli ˈkɒnʃəs 
ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ ʃɔːt ænd ˈlɒŋtɜːm hɛlθ
ˈnæʧrəli əˈtræktɪv 
ˈseɪvə 
ɪmˈplaɪ 
ˈkruːʃəl 
ʌnˈlaɪkli tuː ʧeɪnʤ ɪn ðə nɪə ˈfjuːʧə

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

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______________________s b__________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:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/fast-food-copycat-recipes/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Cooking

  1. Do you like to cook?
  2. Why do some people like cooking?
  3. Do you usually eat at home or eat out?
  4. What do people in your country usually cook?

Writing Practice

Write about the following related topic and then check with my sample answer:

In many countries, traditional foods are being replaced by fast food. This has a negative impact on families, individuals and society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay: Plastic Containers

IELTS Essay: Plastic Containers

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of plastic containers.

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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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Use short and long sentences.
  4. Use specific details.
  5. The more specific and the more results explained, the better!
  6. 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.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea (the one that you agree with).
  2. Begin to explain your idea.
  3. Develop it fully.
  4. Keep stating further results.
  5. Add as much detail as you can.
  6. 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.

  1. Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
  2. 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 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.

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

enjoys receives

less likely to rip open won’t tear

spill fall out of

make use of them afterwards use them again

banned not allowed

lose these conveniences not have the benefits

radically alter .change a lot

undermine their value hurt their importance

average customer a consumer

explore innovations find new ways

environmentally friendly good for nature

Pronunciation

ˈplæstɪk kənˈteɪnəz 
ju(ː)ˈbɪkwɪtəs 
ˈriːsnt ˈdɛkeɪdz
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl ˈdrɔːbæks 
aʊtˈweɪ 
ɪnˌvaɪərənˈmɛntl kɒst 
dɪsˈpəʊzəbl ˈplæstɪk kənˈteɪnəz 
ˈmæsɪv
pʊt ˈɪntuː 
ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈgreɪdəb(ə)l
ˈiːkəʊ-ˈfrɛndli ˈpeɪpə 
ˈkɑːdbɔːd
əˈraɪvəl 
ɒn tuː ˈmeɪʤə frʌnts
ˈfɒsl fjʊəl ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkt 
rɪˈkwaɪəz kruːd ɔɪl 
prəˈdʌkʃən 
ɪˈmɪʃənz 
ˈɒf(ə)n ˈsaɪtɪd æz 
ʧiːf kənˈtrɪbjʊtə 
ˈheɪsnɪŋ ɒv ˈklaɪmɪt ʧeɪnʤ
mɔːˈrəʊvə
ˈlændfɪlz
pəˈluːtɪŋ ˈpriːviəsli ˈprɪstaɪn lænd
ɛnd ʌp 
ˈfɔːmɪŋ lænd ˈmæsɪz 
ɪnˈʤʊərɪəs 
məˈriːn laɪf
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
kənˈkɒmɪtənt ˈprɒbləmz 
ˈlɪstɪd əˈbʌv 
ˌəʊvəˈraɪd 
ˈjuːsfʊlnəs
ˈjuːnɪfɔːm kənˈsɪstənsi
əˈdɒptɪd baɪ 
fɑːst fuːd ˈʤaɪənts 
ˈləʊkəl ˈgrəʊsəri ʧeɪnz
ˈseɪvɪŋz
pɑːst ɒn tuː ðə kənˈsjuːmə 
ɪnˈʤɔɪz 
lɛs ˈlaɪkli tuː rɪp ˈəʊpən 
spɪl 
meɪk juːz ɒv ðɛm ˈɑːftəwədz 
bænd 
luːz ðiːz kənˈviːniənsɪz
ˈrædɪkəli ˈɔːltə .
ˌʌndəˈmaɪn ðeə ˈvæljuː 
ˈævərɪʤ ˈkʌstəmə
ɪksˈplɔːr ˌɪnəʊˈveɪʃənz 
ɪnˌvaɪərənˈmɛntli ˈfrɛndli

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

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_____________o b_______________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.

Listening Practice

Learn more and improve your listening below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt9DRifRwn0&ab_channel=Howitsmade

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic too in case if it comes up on your IELTS exam:

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-51040155

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Environment

  1. Why do people throw rubbish the streets?
  2. How can people be encouraged to not litter?
  3. What are the results of littering?
  4. What steps has your government taken to make people pick up after themselves?
  5. Do the efforts of a single person have an impact on the world as a whole?

Writing Practice

Write about the related topic below and check with my sample answer:

Plastic shopping bags are used widely and cause many environmental problems. Some people say they should be banned.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?