This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether or not historical objects should be returned to their country of origin.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Historical Objects
Historical objects should be brought back to their country of origin.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many today are calling for historical objects currently residing in, largely Western, museums to be returned to their nation of origin. In my opinion, though these items were typically acquired fairly, repatriating them would go a long way to easing international resentment against past colonial powers.
The argument of the institutions currently displaying these items is that they have a legal right. Some objects were unlawfully stolen, but the majority of those have already been sent back. The artifacts now in exhibitions have proofs of sale. The prices appear to modern observers as scandalously low but they were agreed upon in another era and there is no legal basis to revoke these sales. The British Museum in England, for example, has produced unequivocal evidence that all the items they preserve were fairly bargained for and obtained. In any other situation, demanding a product that has been sold be returned would not even be broached and items of historical and cultural importance should be no different.
Regardless of the just case museums can make, there is a practical argument for returning these objects that does not exist for keeping them. A good example of this is in many African countries where their historic artifacts were pillaged during colonialism. The powers that, in effect, stole their history tended to be predominately white, European nations like The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Spain. Since many of these wealthy countries now charge expensive fees to view artefacts from poorer African countries, a natural resentment festers. By returning the property, some of the pain of colonialism could abate. Countries subjected to colonial rule will be able to move past feelings of hostility if there is an attempt made to rectify and sanction the offenders.
In conclusion, though many of these cultural relics were bought legally, there is critical value in giving them back as they can repair historically fraught relations. Every country must balance these an abstract respect for justice against these more utilitarian concerns.
Analysis
1. Many today are calling for historical objects currently residing in, largely Western, museums to be returned to their nation of origin. 2. In my opinion, though these items were typically acquired fairly, repatriating them would go a long way to easing international resentment against past colonial powers.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Give a clear opinion – choose a side! Read more about introductions here.
1. The argument of the institutions currently displaying these items is that they have a legal right. 2. Some objects were unlawfully stolen, but the majority of those have already been sent back. 3. The artifacts now in exhibitions have proofs of sale. 4. The prices appear to modern observers as scandalously low but they were agreed upon in another era and there is no legal basis to revoke these sales. 5. The British Museum in England, for example, has produced unequivocal evidence that all the items they preserve were fairly bargained for and obtained. 6. In any other situation, demanding a product that has been sold be returned would not even be broached and items of historical and cultural importance should be no different.
Write a clear topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Continue to explain or develop your main idea.
Don’t switch to a new idea – keep adding more detail to your first one.
Give a clear example.
Conclude with the further possible results/implications.
1. Regardless of the just case museums can make, there is a practical argument for returning these objects that does not exist for keeping them. 2. A good example of this is in many African countries where their historic artifacts were pillaged during colonialism. 3. The powers that, in effect, stole their history tended to be predominately white, European nations like The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Spain. 4. Since many of these wealthy countries now charge expensive fees to view artefacts from poorer African countries, a natural resentment festers. 5. By returning the property, some of the pain of colonialism could abate. 6. Countries subjected to colonial rule will be able to move past feelings of hostility if there is an attempt made to rectify and sanction the offenders.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Begin an example early in the paragraph if possible.
Explain the example.
Keep developing the example.
Vary long and short sentences.
Conclude your example with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, though many of these cultural relics were bought legally, there is critical value in giving them back as they can repair historically fraught relations. 2. Every country must balance these an abstract respect for justice against these more utilitarian concerns.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many today are calling for historical objects currently residing in, largely Western, museums to be returned to their nation of origin. In my opinion, though these items were typically acquired fairly, repatriating them would go a long way to easing international resentment against past colonial powers.
The argument of the institutions currently displaying these items is that they have a legal right. Some objects were unlawfully stolen, but the majority of those have already been sent back. The artifacts now in exhibitions have proofs of sale. The prices appear to modern observers as scandalously low but they were agreed upon in another era and there is no legal basis to revoke these sales. The British Museum in England, for example, has produced unequivocal evidence that all the items they preserve were fairly bargained for and obtained. In any other situation, demanding a product that has been sold be returned would not even be broached and items of historical and cultural importance should be no different.
Regardless of the just case museums can make, there is a practical argument for returning these objects that does not exist for keeping them. A good example of this is in many African countries where their historic artifacts were pillaged during colonialism. The powers that, in effect, stole their history tended to be predominately white, European nations like The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Spain. Since many of these wealthy countries now charge expensive fees to view artefacts from poorer African countries, a natural resentmentfesters. By returning the property, some of the pain of colonialism could abate. Countries subjected to colonial rule will be able to move past feelings of hostility if there is an attempt made to rectify and sanction the offenders.
In conclusion, though many of these cultural relics were bought legally, there is critical value in giving them back as they can repair historically fraught relations. Every country must balance these an abstract respect for justice against these more utilitarian concerns.
Answers
calling for requesting
historical objects relics from a country
residing in staying in, housed
largely Western mostly from European countries
returned to given back
nation of origin where they come from
typically acquired fairly usually bought legally
repatriating giving back to the original country
go a long way contributes a lot towards
easing international resentment reducing tension between countries
past colonial powers countries that used to own other countries
institutions governments, companies, etc.
displaying showing
legal right entitled to
unlawfully stolen taken illegally
majority most of
already been sent back repatriated already
artifacts documents, relics, paintings, sculptures, etc. from the past
exhibitions displays of items
proofs of sale documents showing something was bought
appear seem
modern observers modern people, people today
scandalously low shockingly little
agreed upon contracted
another era a different time
no legal basis unlawful
revoke these sales overturn the contract
British Museum a museum in England with many historic items
unequivocal evidence clear proof
preserve keep safe
fairly bargained for agreed upon fairly
obtained received
in any other situation in comparable conditions
demanding asking for
broached asked
cultural importance key for a country’s culture
no different the same
regardless of nonetheless
just case fair situation
practical argument pragmatic view
historic artifacts relics from the past
pillaged stolen
colonialism a period when European countries controlled countries around the world
powers important countries
in effect essentially
stole their history took their relics, artifacts
predominately white mostly white
wealthy countries rich nations
charge expensive fees ask for a lot of money
natural resentmentfesters normal animosity grows
property what someone owns
pain of colonialism resentment from the past
abate disappear
subjected to colonial rule under the rule of European countries
move past get over
hostility resentment towards
attempt made tried to
rectify fix
sanction punish
offenders those who did something wrong
cultural relics historic artifacts
legally within the bounds of the law
critical value very important
repair historically fraught relations fix problems between countries
Many today are c______________r h___________________s currently r_______________n, l_________________n, museums to be r_____________o their n________________n. In my opinion, though these items were t__________________________y, r__________________g them would g_______________y to e______________________________t against p_______________________s.
The argument of the i___________________s currently d_________________g these items is that they have a l______________t. Some objects were u_______________________n, but the m_____________y of those have a___________________________k. The a_____________s now in e______________s have p_______________e. The prices a____________r to m___________________s as s_____________________w but they were a_______________n in a______________a and there is n_________________s to r__________________s. The B_______________m in England, for example, has produced u_________________________e that all the items they p______________e were f_________________________r and o_____________d. I_____________________n, d_______________g a product that has been sold be returned would not even be b______________d and items of historical and c_________________e should be n_________________t.
R__________________f the j______________e museums can make, there is a p_____________________t for returning these objects that does not exist for keeping them. A good example of this is in many African countries where their h____________________s were p___________d during c______________m. The p__________s that, i__________t, s__________________y tended to be p_________________________e, European nations like The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Spain. Since many of these w_____________________s now c______________________s to view artefacts from poorer African countries, a n_____________________________s. By returning the p_____________y, some of the p______________________m could a_________e. Countries s______________________________e will be able to m____________t feelings of h___________y if there is an a______________e to r__________y and s__________n the o___________s.
In conclusion, though many of these c_________________s were bought l___________y, there is c________________e in giving them back as they can r__________________________________s. Every country must b__________e these an a_____________________t for justice against these more u_________________________s.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer related to looking after children from the real past IELTS test.
This is an interesting question but there are some tricky areas as well.
The question is:
These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.
What could be the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
In some ways, the question is too easy – the answer is too obvious.
That can make it harder to write about.
Keep scrolling to read how I handled this both easy and hard question!
Attention: if you are enjoying my free essays, please consider supporting me and sharing with your friends about my Patreon here (and getting access to additional, exclusive materials and Ebooks!).
Dave
IELTS Essay: Looking after Children
These days more fathers stay at home and take care of their children while mothers go out to work.
What could be the reasons for this? Is it a positive or negative development?
It is becoming increasingly common for fathers to be primary caretakers while wives develop their careers. I believe this is because of a societal shift in gender relations and it is a positive development.
The most obvious cause of more women in the workplace is modern gender relations. As recently as the 1950s in the United States, it was the unquestioned role of women to cook, clean, and look after the children. Many progressive women began to feel that they were more than their biological prerogative and feminism movements sprouted up in the 1960s. There have been years of struggle and the wage gap is still a hotly debated issue but now most reasonable adults accept that both men and women should have equal opportunity to pursue a career.
On the whole, I believe this is a positive development because women can contribute greatly to society. Since women have come into the workforce en masse there are countless examples of high performing professionals including CEOs like Shery Sandberg, athletes like Serena Williams, and authors like Margaret Atwood. That belies the impact of millions of women performing well in the average job. A company meeting a few decades ago might have been more one-sided in its male dominated viewpoints, but now it is likely to showcase more female viewpoints. This added perspective is one key to creative thinking and greatly enhances decision-making and the resultant products and services of many companies.
In conclusion, the advent of women in the workforce has brought great benefits to the world. The pertinent question is now how quickly will all parts of the world adopt these progressive improvements.
Analysis
1. It is becoming increasingly common for fathers to be primary caretakers while wives develop their careers. 2. I believe this is because of a societal shift in gender relations and it is a positive development.
I paraphrase the overall essay topic to begin.
Then write clear answers to both questions. Read more about introductions here.
1. The most obvious cause of more women in the workplace is modern gender relations. 2. As recently as the 1950s in the United States, it was the unquestioned role of women to cook, clean, and look after the children. 3. Many progressive women began to feel that they were more than their biological prerogative and feminism movements sprouted up in the 1960s. 4. There have been years of struggle and the wage gap is still a hotly debated issue but now most reasonable adults accept that both men and women should have equal opportunity to pursue a career.
I write a clear topic sentence with my main idea at the end.
Then I start a especific example.
And develop the example.
I state the full results so that my idea is fully developed.
1. On the whole, I believe this is a positive development because women can contribute greatly to society. 2. Since women have come into the workforce en masse there are countless examples of high performing professionals including CEOs like Shery Sandberg, athletes like Serena Williams, and authors like Margaret Atwood. 3. That belies the impact of millions of women performing well in the average job. 4. A company meeting a few decades ago might have been more one-sided in its male dominated viewpoints, but now it is likely to showcase more female viewpoints. 5. This added perspective is one key to creative thinking and greatly enhances decision-making and the resultant products and services of many companies.
Here is another topic sentence with a new main idea.
Then I explain and begin developing the idea.
I vary my use of long and short sentences.
I include a hypothetical example.
Finally, I state the full results.
1. In conclusion, the advent of women in the workforce has brought great benefits to the world. 2. The pertinent question is now how quickly will all parts of the world adopt these progressive improvements.
I repeat my opinion.
Then I add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
It is becoming increasingly common for fathers to be primary caretakers while wives develop their careers. I believe this is because of a societal shift in gender relations and it is a positive development.
The most obvious cause of more women in the workplace is modern gender relations. As recently as the 1950s in the United States, it was the unquestioned role of women to cook, clean, and look after the children. Many progressive women began to feel that they were more than their biological prerogative and feminism movements sprouted up in the 1960s. There have been years of struggle and the wage gap is still a hotly debated issue but now most reasonable adults accept that both men and women should have equal opportunity to pursue a career.
On the whole, I believe this is a positive development because women can contribute greatly to society. Since women have come into the workforce en massethere are countless examples of high performing professionals including CEOs like Shery Sandberg, athletes like Serena Williams, and authors like Margaret Atwood. That belies the impact of millions of women performing well in the average job. A company meeting a few decades ago might have been more one-sided in its male dominated viewpoints, but now it is likely to showcase more female viewpoints. This added perspective is one key to creative thinking and greatly enhances decision-making and the resultant products and services of many companies.
In conclusion, the advent of women in the workforce has brought great benefits to the world. The pertinent question is now how quickly will all parts of the world adopt these progressive improvements.
Answers
increasingly common more and more popular
primary caretakers main persona responsible for looking after the kids
societal shift change in how society thinks
gender relations how men/women interact
most obvious cause clearest source
modern gender relations recent developments in males and females in society
as recently as starting as soon as
unquestioned role undoubted place
look after take care of
progressive women forward thinking women
biological prerogative what our bodies are meant to do naturally
feminism movements the rights of women
sprouted up started to appear
struggle conflict with
wage gap differences in pay
hotly debated issue fiercely argued topic
most reasonable adults accept the majority of normal people recognise
equal opportunity the same access, ability
pursue a career have a job
contribute greatly add a lot
come into the workforce start working
en massein total
countless examples many instances
high performing professionals top level workers
belies undermines
performing well doing a good job
average job normal work
a few decades ago 20 – 30 years ago
one-sided not showing both perspectives
male dominated viewpoints the opinions of men
showcase display
female viewpoints women’s opinions
added perspective different viewpoint
one key one important part
greatly enhances decision-making makes a big difference in making decisions
resultant products products produced as a result
advent of women start of women
brought great benefits to the world added a lot of positives for everyone
It is becoming i______________________n for fathers to be p___________________s while wives develop their careers. I believe this is because of a s___________________t in g_________________s and it is a positive development.
The m__________________e of more women in the workplace is m_____________________s. A_________________s the 1950s in the United States, it was the u____________________e of women to cook, clean, and l______________r the children. Many p_____________________n began to feel that they were more than their b___________________e and f______________________s s_________________p in the 1960s. There have been years of s___________e and the w____________p is still a h__________________e but now m_________________________t that both men and women should have e________________________y to p________________r.
On the whole, I believe this is a positive development because women can c____________________y to society. Since women have c_____________________e e___________ethere are c______________________s of h____________________________s including CEOs like Shery Sandberg, athletes like Serena Williams, and authors like Margaret Atwood. That b__________s the impact of millions of women p___________________l in the a______________b. A company meeting a______________________o might have been more o____________d in its m_____________________________s, but now it is likely to s______________e more f______________________s. This a______________________e is o_________y to creative thinking and g__________________________________g and the r______________________s and services of many companies.
In conclusion, the a____________________n in the workforce has b_______________________________________d. The p____________________n is now how quickly will all parts of the world a_________t these p___________________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn about the history of women in the workplace here:
Reading Practice
Read an interesting, related article from The Atlantic below:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay featuring two graphs, a pie chart and a bar chart, related to students in Singaport for 200 to 2010.
For more sample answers like the one below, follow my Patreon here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Two Graphs (Pie and Bar Charts)
The bar chart records how long students spent in school by gender in two year intervals from 2000 to 2010, while the pie charts break down where they were studying. In general, both males and females saw steady rises in years spent at school, though male figures were always higher. In 2000, there were largely equal proportions for secondary, college, diplomas and university degrees but by 2010 university had more students, largely at the expense of secondary school.
In Singapore in 2000, males spent around 7.5 years in school and females were at 5.5. This difference of 2 years remained nearly identical over the period as the numbers for males rose steadily to over 9 to finish the period and women had narrowed the gap slightly to just under 8 years.
Turning to the types of schooling, in 2000 most students were in secondary school (27.7%) which was 1.2% higher than college, 3.7% more than those studying for diplomas and well above university degrees at 21.8%. By 2010, university degrees had surged to 44.5% and secondary declined to 8%. College students also made up a smaller proportion at 16.3%, while diploma students rose by about a third to 31.2%.
Analysis
1. The bar chart records how long students spent in school by gender in two year intervals from 2000 to 2010, while the pie charts break down where they were studying. 2. In general, both males and females saw steady rises in years spent at school, though male figures were always higher. 3. In 2000, there were largely equal proportions for secondary, college, diplomas and university degrees but by 2010 university had more students, largely at the expense of secondary school.
Make sure that you include the complete trend and some of the overall rankings.
1. In Singapore in 2000, males spent around 7.5 years in school and females were at 5.5. 2. This difference of 2 years remained nearly identical over the period as the numbers for males rose steadily to over 9 to finish the period and women had narrowed the gap slightly to just under 8 years.
Begin with the first chart and include all the data.
Be sure to compare the data and cover the beginning and end of the period.
1. Turning to the types of schooling, in 2000 most students were in secondary school (27.7%) which was 1.2% higher than college, 3.7% more than those studying for diplomas and well above university degrees at 21.8%. 2. By 2010, university degrees had surged to 44.5% and secondary declined to 8%. 3. College students also made up a smaller proportion at 16.3%, while diploma students rose by about a third to 31.2%.
Move on to the pie charts and describe the data.
I worte about the years separately but you could combine the years and write about how they rose from …. to ….
Finish with all the data and double check the accuracy of your data and your general overview.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The bar chart records how long students spent in school by gender in two year intervals from 2000 to 2010, while the pie charts break down where they were studying. In general, both males and females saw steady rises in years spent at school, though male figures were always higher. In 2000, there were largely equal proportions for secondary, college, diplomas and university degrees but by 2010 university had more students, largely at the expense of secondary school.
In Singapore in 2000, males spent around 7.5 years in school and females were at 5.5. This difference of 2 years remained nearly identicalover the period as the numbers for males rose steadily to over 9 to finish the period and women had narrowed the gap slightly to just under 8 years.
Turning to the types of schooling, in 2000 most students were in secondary school (27.7%) which was 1.2% higher than college, 3.7% more than those studying for diplomas and well above university degrees at 21.8%. By 2010, university degrees had surged to 44.5% and secondary declined to 8%. College students also made up a smaller proportion at 16.3%, while diploma students rose by about a third to 31.2%.
Answers
records details
gender male or female
two year intervals every 2 years, two year gaps
break down are made up of
in general overall
steady rises consistent increases
figures numbers
largely equal proportions mostly the same percentages
secondary high school
college an institute of higher learning
diplomas certificates
university higher education
largely at the expense of mostly because of
spent put time into
difference gap
remained nearly identicalover the period were mostly the same for that time
rose steadily increased consistently
narrowed the gap slightly reduced the difference a little
just under a little less than
turning to the types of schooling considering what kind of school
The bar chart r____________s how long students spent in school by g__________r in t____________________s from 2000 to 2010, while the pie charts b_______________n where they were studying. I______________l, both males and females saw s_______________s in years spent at school, though male f___________s were always higher. In 2000, there were l__________________________s for s________________y, c___________e, d_____________s and u_____________y degrees but by 2010 university had more students, l_______________________f secondary school.
In Singapore in 2000, males s___________t around 7.5 years in school and females were at 5.5. This d______________e of 2 years r___________________________________d as the numbers for males r___________________y to over 9 to finish the period and women had n_____________________________y to j______________r 8 years.
T_______________________________g, in 2000 most students were in secondary school (27.7%) which was 1.2% h________r than college, 3.7% more than those studying for diplomas and w__________e university degrees at 21.8%. By 2010, university degrees had s____________d to 44.5% and secondary d___________d to 8%. College students also m__________p a s______________________n at 16.3%, while diploma students r_______e by about a__________d to 31.2%.
Listening Practice
Learn about Singapore’s schooling system below:
Reading Practice
Read more about the eduation gap between men and women below:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of packaging from the real IELTS exam.
Sign up for my Patreon here so you don’t miss my exclusive IELTS PDFs!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Packaging
Some people say that supermarkets and manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging on products they sell. Others believe that it is the consumer’s responsibility to avoid buying products which have a lot of packaging.
Discuss both views and give your opinions.
It is often argued that curtailing the over-packaging of products is the onus of supermarkets and manufacturers rather than consumers. From my point of view, I am largely in agreement with the latter viewpoint.
On the one hand, supermarkets and manufacturers are responsible for using less packaging because they are the ones who have instituted unnecessary packaging on a large scale. There is no discernible reason, in light of its dire environmental impact, that toothpaste manufacturers have historically chosen to pack tubes in extra boxes or supermarkets have opted to wrap bananas and apples in Styrofoam trays, covered with plastic. These redundant practices contribute greatly to both the initial production of plastic and its subsequent disposal in landfills. Since supermarkets and manufacturers are the ones with the power to reform their own policies, it is only logical that they should be responsible.
On the other hand, only consumers can force the hands of large corporations by boycotting their products. This is best evidenced in cities where it used to be common to package fruits and vegetables in plastic, such as Chiang Mai in Thailand. Consumer awareness movements among locals have had a discernible impact on companies. It is now much more common to find bananas bare or simply wrapped in natural leaves and vegetables tied together with a single piece of string to lessen their environmental footprint. This same practice employed in cities around the world will have the largest possible impact on the environment.
In conclusion, the only pragmatic way to persuade shareholder-controlled corporations to reform packaging policies is by putting consumer pressure on their bottom lines. If customers make more of an effort to steer clear of heavily packaged products in favour of more environmentally conscious ones, this will lead to a shift in thinking when it comes to the environmental toll of plastics.
Analysis
1. It is often argued that curtailing the over-packaging of products is the onus of supermarkets and manufacturers rather than consumers. 2. From my point of view, I am largely in agreement with the latter viewpoint.
First I paraphrased the overall essay topic.
Then I wrote my opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. On the one hand, supermarkets and manufacturers are responsible for using less packaging because they are the ones who have instituted unnecessary packaging on a large scale. 2. There is no discernible reason, in light of its dire environmental impact, that toothpaste manufacturers have historically chosen to pack tubes in extra boxes or supermarkets have opted to wrap bananas and apples in Styrofoam trays, covered with plastic. 3. These redundant practices contribute greatly to both the initial production of plastic and its subsequent disposal in landfills. 4. Since supermarkets and manufacturers are the ones with the power to reform their own policies, it is only logical that they should be responsible.
I then wrote a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Next, I explain my main idea and add specific support.
Then I state the results of my examples.
Finally, I relate my ideas back to the overall essay question.
1. On the other hand, only consumers can force the hands of large corporations by boycotting their products. 2. This is best evidenced in cities where it used to be common to package fruits and vegetables in plastic, such as Chiang Mai in Thailand. 3. Consumer awareness movements among locals have had a discernible impact on companies. 4. It is now much more common to find bananas bare or simply wrapped in natural leaves and vegetables tied together with a single piece of string to lessen their environmental footprint. 5. This same practice employed in cities around the world will have the largest possible impact on the environment.
I then wrote another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Then I explained my main idea and started a specific example.
I developed the example.
Next, I stated the results of my example.
Finally, I generalised to other cases.
1. In conclusion, the only pragmatic way to persuade shareholder-controlled corporations to reform packaging policies is by putting consumer pressure on their bottom lines. 2. If customers make more of an effort to steer clear of heavily packaged products in favour of more environmentally conscious ones, this will lead to a shift in thinking when it comes to the environmental toll of plastics.
I summarise my main ideas and repeat my opinion.
Then I add a final thought/detail. This introduction is a little bit long – yours can be shorter. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
It is often argued that curtailing the over-packaging of products is the onus of supermarkets and manufacturers rather than consumers. From my point of view, I am largely in agreement with the latter viewpoint.
On the one hand, supermarkets and manufacturers are responsible for using less packaging because they are the ones who have instituted unnecessary packaging on a large scale. There is no discernible reason, in light of its dire environmental impact, that toothpaste manufacturers have historically chosen to pack tubes in extra boxes or supermarkets have opted to wrap bananas and apples in Styrofoam trays, covered with plastic. These redundant practices contribute greatly to both the initial production of plastic and its subsequent disposal in landfills. Since supermarkets and manufacturers are the ones with the power to reform their own policies, it is only logical that they should be responsible.
On the other hand, only consumers can force the hands of large corporations by boycotting their products. This is best evidenced in cities where it used to be common to package fruits and vegetables in plastic, such as Chiang Mai in Thailand. Consumer awareness movements among locals have had a discernible impact on companies. It is now much more common to find bananas bare or simply wrapped in natural leaves and vegetables tied together with a single piece of string to lessen their environmental footprint. This same practice employed in cities around the world will have the largest possible impact on the environment.
In conclusion, the only pragmatic way to persuade shareholder–controlled corporations to reform packaging policies is by putting consumer pressure on their bottom lines. If customers make more of an effort to steer clear of heavily packaged products in favour of more environmentally conscious ones, this will lead to a shift in thinking when it comes to the environmental toll of plastics.
Answers
often argued frequently debated
curtailing lessening
over-packaging wrapping up too much
onus responsibility
manufacturers companies producing products
rather than instead of
from my point of view in my opinion
largely in agreement mostly agree
latter viewpoint opinion I mentioned second
instituted unnecessary packaging on a large scale put in place lots of wrapping up of products
discernible reason clear cause
in light of because of
dire environmental impact series effect on the environment
toothpaste manufacturers companies that make toothpaste
historically chosen in that past opted to
pack tubes package toothpaste tubes
opted chose
Styrofoam a packaging material
covered with wrapped in
redundant practices repetitive uses
initial first
subsequent disposal later throwing away
landfills putting trash in the ground
power to reform ability to change
policies guidelines
force the hands make them
boycotting not buying the products
best evidenced clearly supported
common happens a lot
consumer awareness movements people caring more about an issue
locals people from that area
discernible impact clear effect
bare not packaged
tied together wrapped together
lessen their environmental footprint make more environmentally friendly
employed used
largest possible impact biggest effect achievable
pragmatic way realistic route
persuade shareholder–controlled convince big companies
reform packaging policies change the way they package
consumer pressure customers buying/not buying
bottom lines profits
customers consumers
steer clear avoid
environmentally conscious ones those who care about the environment
lead to a shift in thinking will change how people view
environmental toll of plastics effect of packaging on the environment
It is o________________d that c_____________g the o_________________g of products is the o______s of supermarkets and m________________s r_____________________n consumers. F_____________________w, I am l________________________t with the l____________________t.
On the one hand, supermarkets and manufacturers are responsible for using less packaging because they are the ones who have i____________________________________________e. There is no d____________________n, i_______________f its d__________________________t, that t______________________________s have h____________________n to p______________s in extra boxes or supermarkets have o_______d to wrap bananas and apples in S______________m trays, c_______________h plastic. These r_____________________s contribute greatly to both the i__________l production of plastic and its s_____________________l in l___________s. Since supermarkets and manufacturers are the ones with the p________________m their own p___________s, it is only logical that they should be responsible.
On the other hand, only consumers can f______________s of large corporations by b________________g their products. This is b_______________d in cities where it used to be c______________n to package fruits and vegetables in plastic, such as Chiang Mai in Thailand. C___________________________s among l_________s have had a d_______________________t on companies. It is now much more common to find bananas b______e or simply wrapped in natural leaves and vegetables t_________________r with a single piece of string to l_______________________________t. This same practice e_______________d in cities around the world will have the l_________________________t on the environment.
In conclusion, the only p__________________y to p____________________________________d corporations to r_______________________________s is by putting c__________________e on their b____________________s. If c______________s make more of an effort to s______________r of heavily packaged products in favour of more e______________________________s, this will l_______________________________g when it comes to the e____________________________s.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of large supermarkets and smaller shops from the real IELTS exam.
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Dave
IELTS Essay General Training: Supermarkets and Small Shops
Many large supermarkets are being built today while the number of small shops is decreasing.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
The increasing number of large supermarkets has called into question their value for locals relative to smaller shops. In my opinion, though supermarkets are more convenient, local people benefit more from supporting their community rather than large conglomerates.
The obvious benefits to supermarkets relates to their convenience. They allow consumers to select from a wide variety of products that are consistently available, clearly labelled, fresh, and reasonably priced, depending on the supermarket in question. This contrasts with local shops which are necessarily smaller and therefore cannot stock as many products. These smaller stores are also more likely to run out of goods and charge higher prices. A supermarket can typically operate on smaller profit margins because of the volume of shoppers, which then allows them to offer discounts and special deals. All these factors combine to explain the inevitable dominance of large chain supermarkets over local retailers.
Regardless, by contributing to small shops, consumers fund those in their immediate community and deprive large companies of outsized profits. The money spent at a supermarket barely trickles down to the local area, through subsistence wages for employees, while the majority of the profits go to distant corporate executives and shareholders. Over time, these large companies have amassed considerable capital, as in the case of a company like Walmart, and now generate disproportionately large sums of money for a handful of individuals while paying minimum wage to most workers and leveraging their distribution power to slash rates with their suppliers. In effect, this means that the people producing and selling the food are not reaping the rewards of their efforts.
In conclusion, the modern conveniences of supermarkets do not outweigh their pernicious economic impact. Buying from a local shop is one way to better disperse power within a community.
Analysis
1. The increasing number of large supermarkets has called into question their value for locals relative to smaller shops. 2. In my opinion, though supermarkets are more convenient, local people benefit more from supporting their community rather than large conglomerates.
Here I paraphrased the overall essay topic.
Then I added my overall opinion and included my main ideas. Read more about introductions here.
1. The obvious benefits to supermarkets relates to their convenience. 2. They allow consumers to select from a wide variety of products that are consistently available, clearly labelled, fresh, and reasonably priced, depending on the supermarket in question. 3. This contrasts with local shops which are necessarily smaller and therefore cannot stock as many products. 4. These smaller stores are also more likely to run out of goods and charge higher prices. 5. A supermarket can typically operate on smaller profit margins because of the volume of shoppers, which then allows them to offer discounts and special deals. 6. All these factors combine to explain the inevitable dominance of large chain supermarkets over local retailers.
I wrote a clear topic sentence with my main idea at the end.
Then I explained it with specific examples.
I contract with local shops to make my argument strong.
Next, I wrote a shorter sentence and developed the comparison.
Here I keep developing the comparison.
I conclude the paragraph with a strong statement.
1. Regardless, by contributing to small shops, consumers fund those in their immediate community and deprive large companies of outsized profits. 2. The money spent at a supermarket barely trickles down to the local area, through subsistence wages for employees, while the majority of the profits go to distant corporate executives and shareholders. 3. Over time, these large companies have amassed considerable capital, as in the case of a company like Walmart, and now generate disproportionately large sums of money for a handful of individuals while paying minimum wage to most workers and leveraging their distribution power to slash rates with their suppliers. 4. In effect, this means that the people producing and selling the food are not reaping the rewards of their efforts.
I wrote another clear topic sentence with a new main idea.
Then I explain and begin to develop my idea.
Here I wrote a long sentence fully developing why people should not contribute to large supermarket companies.
I state the full results at the end of the paragraph.
1. In conclusion, the modern conveniences of supermarkets do not outweigh their pernicious economic impact. 2. Buying from a local shop is one way to better disperse power within a community.
I repeat my opinion and include my main ideas.
Finally, I include a final thought/extra detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The increasing number of large supermarkets has called into question their value for locals relative to smaller shops. In my opinion, though supermarkets are more convenient, local people benefit more from supporting their community rather than large conglomerates.
The obvious benefits to supermarkets relates to their convenience. They allow consumers to select from a wide variety of products that are consistently available, clearly labelled, fresh, and reasonably priced, depending on the supermarket in question. This contrasts with local shops which are necessarily smaller and therefore cannot stock as many products. These smaller stores are also more likely to run out of goods and charge higher prices. A supermarket can typically operate on smaller profit margins because of the volume of shoppers, which then allows them to offer discounts and special deals. All these factors combine to explain the inevitable dominance of large chain supermarkets over local retailers.
Regardless, by contributing to small shops, consumers fund those in their immediate community and deprive large companies of outsized profits. The money spent at a supermarket barely trickles down to the local area, through subsistence wages for employees, while the majority of the profits go to distant corporate executives and shareholders. Over time, these large companies have amassed considerable capital, as in the case of a company like Walmart, and now generate disproportionately large sums of money for a handful of individuals while paying minimum wage to most workers and leveraging their distribution power to slash rates with their suppliers. In effect, this means that the people producing and selling the food are not reaping the rewards of their efforts.
In conclusion, the modern conveniences of supermarkets do not outweigh their pernicious economic impact. Buying from a local shop is one way to better disperse power within a community.
Answers
increasing number becoming more common
called into question questioned, dubious
value importance
locals relative to people who live around there related to
convenient easy
benefit more more advantageous
supporting their community help the local area
large conglomerates big companies
relates to has to do with
convenience ease
select from a wide variety choose from a lot of
consistently available can be found at any time
clearly labelled priced, clear ingredients
fresh not old
reasonably priced not too expensive
depending on hinging on
in question being discussed
contrasts differences
necessarily smaller must be not as large
stock products placed on shelves
more likely probably will happen
run out not have anymore
goods products
charge higher prices foods cost more
operate stay open
smaller profit margins making less money per product
volume of shoppers number of customers
offer discounts coupons, reduced prices
special deals discounts
factors combine elements add up to
explain show the reason how
inevitable dominance will be in control
large chain supermarkets big supermarkets owned by companies
local retailers neighborhood shops
regardless nonetheless
contributing to adding to
fund give money to
immediate community nearby area
deprive take away from
outsized profits disproportionate money
barely trickles down doesn’t reach many people
local area local community
subsistence wages just enough money to survive
majority most
distant corporate executives far away rich guys
shareholders people invested in the company
over time over a long period
amassed considerable capital accumulated a lot of money
Walmart a big supermarket/department store in America
generate disproportionately large sums make too much money
handful of some
paying minimum wage low salaries
leveraging their distribution power exploiting their control of sales
slash rates reduce prices
suppliers people/companies that sell to supermarkets
The i______________________r of large supermarkets has c_____________________n their v_______e for l__________________o smaller shops. In my opinion, though supermarkets are more c______________t, local people b________________e from s_________________________y rather than l_________________________s.
The obvious benefits to supermarkets r___________o their c_______________e. They allow consumers to s_________________________y of products that are c__________________________e, c_________________d, f_______h, and r___________________d, d________________n the supermarket i______________n. This c______________s with local shops which are n____________________r and therefore cannot s_______k as many products. These smaller stores are also m___________y to r___________t of g_________s and c____________________s. A supermarket can typically o__________e on s______________________s because of the v______________________s, which then allows them to o_________________s and s_________________s. All these f_________________e to e____________n the i___________________e of l_________________________s over l__________________s.
R_____________s, by c____________________o small shops, consumers f_______d those in their i___________________y and d__________e large companies of o__________________s. The money spent at a supermarket b____________________n to the l____________a, through s__________________s for employees, while the m______________y of the profits go to d_______________________s and s_______________s. O____________e, these large companies have a_________________________________l, as in the case of a company like W_______________t, and now g_________________________________________s of money for a h_______________f individuals while p__________________________e to most workers and l_______________________________________r to s_____________s with their s______________s. I_________________t, this means that the people producing and selling the food are not r_________________________s of their e___________s.
In conclusion, the modern conveniences of supermarkets do not o___________h their p_____________________________t. Buying from a local shop is one way to b______________________e power w____________________y.
Listening Practice
Watch the difference between supermarkets and farmer’s markets below:
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