IELTS Essay: Sports Sponsorships

IELTS Essay: Sports Sponsorships

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answers essay from the real exam on the topic of sports sponsorships and advertising.

Check out my others on Patreon!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Sports Sponsorships

Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is a negative.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Many believe that the influence of multinational companies on sports through sponsorship deals has a harmful effect. In my opinion, while advertising creates potential conflicts of interest, this a positive situation overall as it funds the sports industry.

The growing primacy of sponsorships in sports can be problematic when it precipitates an ethical dilemma. In recent years, many Middle Eastern corporate entities linked closely to governments with poor human rights records such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have purchased and are now endorsed by major footballing leagues and teams. This raises the question of whether such leagues should accept morally bankrupt ownership. A similar example was seen in the NBA recently, which has signed various lucrative sponsorships with Chinese companies and was put in a difficult position when a league executive expressed support for the independence movement in Hong Kong. The league was forced to backtrack amid pressure of boycotts from China.

Nonetheless, advertising is a key part of the viewing experience fans have come to expect. The advertisements themselves are slightly annoying at best, but they allow leagues to make games widely available to watch and guarantees the salaries of the best players. Most games, whether it be football, basketball, tennis or another sport, can be viewed for free on major television networks or online. Advertising allows the distributors and owners to earn enough for this to be a viable option. Moreover, leagues do not operate in a vacuum. If one league banned all advertising, then players would simply switch to play somewhere else where salaries are higher. Advertising is therefore an unavoidable, crucial prerequisite to having the top players.

In conclusion, the fan benefits outweigh the pernicious impact of sponsorship deals in sport. It is regardless important for leagues to balance competing ethical, economic, and entertainment priorities.

Analysis

1. Many believe that the influence of multinational companies on sports through sponsorship deals has a harmful effect. 2. In my opinion, while advertising creates potential conflicts of interest, this a positive situation overall as it funds the sports industry.

  1. I paraphrase the overall essay topic first.
  2. Then I include my overall opionion. Read more about introductions here.

1. The growing primacy of sponsorships in sports can be problematic when it precipitates an ethical dilemma. 2. In recent years, many Middle Eastern corporate entities linked closely to governments with poor human rights records such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have purchased and are now endorsed by major footballing leagues and teams. 3. This raises the question of whether such leagues should accept morally bankrupt ownership. 4. A similar example was seen in the NBA recently, which has signed various lucrative sponsorships with Chinese companies and was put in a difficult position when a league executive expressed support for the independence movement in Hong Kong. 5. The league was forced to backtrack amid pressure of boycotts from China.

  1. I first write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Next, I describe some specific examples that I know about.
  3. I draw conclusions from those examples.
  4. Then I switch to another related example and develop it fully.
  5. I conclude with a more general statement.

1. Nonetheless, advertising is a key part of the viewing experience fans have come to expect. 2. The advertisements themselves are slightly annoying at best, but they allow leagues to make games widely available to watch and guarantees the salaries of the best players. 3. Most games, whether it be football, basketball, tennis or another sport, can be viewed for free on major television networks or online. 4. Advertising allows the distributors and owners to earn enough for this to be a viable option. 5. Moreover, leagues do not operate in a vacuum. 6. If one league banned all advertising, then players would simply switch to play somewhere else where salaries are higher. 7. Advertising is therefore an unavoidable, crucial prerequisite to having the top players.

  1. Here is another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. First I qualify my main idea and then I explain it.
  3. Then I start to focus on more specific sports.
  4. I explain how sponsorships help earn money specifically.
  5. Notice how I vary the long and short sentences.
  6. Next, I state the possible results of banning ads.
  7. Finally, I summarise my thoughts with a general statement.

1. In conclusion, the fan benefits outweigh the pernicious impact of sponsorship deals in sport. 2. It is regardless important for leagues to balance competing ethical, economic, and entertainment priorities.

  1. I repeat my opinion and summarise my main ideas briefly.
  2. Then I add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many believe that the influence of multinational companies on sports through sponsorship deals has a harmful effect. In my opinion, while advertising creates potential conflicts of interest, this a positive situation overall as it funds the sports industry.

The growing primacy of sponsorships in sports can be problematic when it precipitates an ethical dilemma. In recent years, many Middle Eastern corporate entities linked closely to governments with poor human rights records such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have purchased and are now endorsed by major footballing leagues and teams. This raises the question of whether such leagues should accept morally bankrupt ownership. A similar example was seen in the NBA recently, which has signed various lucrative sponsorships with Chinese companies and was put in a difficult position when a league executive expressed support for the independence movement in Hong Kong. The league was forced to backtrack amid pressure of boycotts from China.

Nonetheless, advertising is a key part of the viewing experience fans have come to expect. The advertisements themselves are slightly annoying at best, but they allow leagues to make games widely available to watch and guarantees the salaries of the best players. Most games, whether it be football, basketball, tennis or another sport, can be viewed for free on major television networks or online. Advertising allows the distributors and owners to earn enough for this to be a viable option. Moreover, leagues do not operate in a vacuum. If one league banned all advertising, then players would simply switch to play somewhere else where salaries are higher. Advertising is therefore an unavoidable, crucial prerequisite to having the top players.

In conclusion, the fan benefits outweigh the pernicious impact of sponsorship deals in sport. It is regardless important for leagues to balance competing ethical, economic, and entertainment priorities.

What do the words in bold below mean?

Answers

influence effect

multinational companies international corporations

sponsorship deals paying to use representatives from a sport or to have your logo associated with the team

harmful effect negative impact

creates potential conflicts of interest causes possible thorny ethical problems

positive situation overall good in general

funds the sports industry supports sports

growing primacy more and more important

problematic causes problems

precipitates starts/causes

ethical dilemma moral choice

corporate entities companies

linked closely connected deeply

poor human rights records don’t have rights for their citizens

endorsed by supported by

morally bankrupt ownership owners without ethics

signed various lucrative sponsorships contracted to work together

difficult position tough spot

league executive high up official

expressed support said he was in favour of

independence movement fighting for freedom

backtrack amid pressure take back what was said because of threats

boycotts not buying

nonetheless regardless

key part important piece

viewing experience watching the sport

come to expect now feel entitled to

slightly annoying at best a little irritating in the best case scenario

allow leagues let sporting federations

make games widely available everyone can watch them

guarantees the salaries makes it sure they can pay a lot

major television networks big TV stations

distributors those who broadcast the games

owners those who own the teams

viable option possible choice

do not operate in a vacuum are always in a context

banned not allowed

switch change to

therefore thus

unavoidable can’t be stopped

crucial prerequisite key requirement

outweigh stronger than

pernicious impact negative effect

balance competing keep in perspective conflicting

ethical moral

economic related to money

priorities interests

Pronunciation

ˈɪnflʊəns 
ˌmʌltɪˈnæʃənl ˈkʌmpəniz 
ˈspɒnsəʃɪp diːlz 
ˈhɑːmfʊl ɪˈfɛkt 
kri(ː)ˈeɪts pəʊˈtɛnʃəl ˈkɒnflɪkts ɒv ˈɪntrɪst 
ˈpɒzətɪv ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən ˈəʊvərɔːl 
fʌndz ðə spɔːts ˈɪndəstri 
ˈgrəʊɪŋ ˈpraɪməsi 
ˌprɒblɪˈmætɪk 
prɪˈsɪpɪtɪts 
ˈɛθɪkəl dɪˈlɛmə 
ˈkɔːpərɪt ˈɛntɪtiz 
lɪŋkt ˈkləʊsli 
pʊə ˈhjuːmən raɪts ˈrɛkɔːdz 
ɪnˈdɔːst baɪ 
ˈmɒrəli ˈbæŋkrʌpt ˈəʊnəʃɪp 
saɪnd ˈveərɪəs ˈluːkrətɪv ˈspɒnsəʃɪps 
ˈdɪfɪkəlt pəˈzɪʃən 
liːg ɪgˈzɛkjʊtɪv 
ɪksˈprɛst səˈpɔːt 
ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns ˈmuːvmənt 
ˈbæktræk əˈmɪd ˈprɛʃə 
ˈbɔɪkɒts 
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs 
kiː pɑːt 
ˈvjuːɪŋ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns 
kʌm tuː ɪksˈpɛkt 
ˈslaɪtli əˈnɔɪɪŋ æt bɛst 
əˈlaʊ liːgz 
meɪk geɪmz ˈwaɪdli əˈveɪləbl 
ˌgærənˈtiːz ðə ˈsæləriz 
ˈmeɪʤə ˈtɛlɪˌvɪʒən ˈnɛtwɜːks 
dɪsˈtrɪbjʊtəz 
ˈəʊnəz 
ˈvaɪəbl ˈɒpʃən 
duː nɒt ˈɒpəreɪt ɪn ə ˈvækjʊəm 
bænd 
swɪʧ 
ˈðeəfɔː 
ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbl 
ˈkruːʃəl ˌpriːˈrɛkwɪzɪt 
aʊtˈweɪ 
pɜːˈnɪʃəs ˈɪmpækt 
ˈbæləns kəmˈpiːtɪŋ 
ˈɛθɪkəl 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk 
praɪˈɒrɪtiz 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blank:

Many believe that the i_____________e of m________________________s on sports through s_____________________s has a h__________________t. In my opinion, while advertising c________________________________________t, this a p_____________________________l as it f_______________________y.

The g____________________y of sponsorships in sports can be p________________c when it p_________________s an e___________________a. In recent years, many Middle Eastern c___________________s l___________________y to governments with p_________________________s such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar have purchased and are now e_______________y major footballing leagues and teams. This raises the question of whether such leagues should accept m____________________________p. A similar example was seen in the NBA recently, which has s________________________________________s with Chinese companies and was put in a d_______________________n when a l_______________________e e____________________________t for the i__________________________t in Hong Kong. The league was forced to b________________________e of b_________________s from China.

N__________________s, advertising is a k______________t of the v______________________e fans have c__________________t. The advertisements themselves are s____________________________t, but they a_________________s to m______________________________e to watch and g_________________________s of the best players. Most games, whether it be football, basketball, tennis or another sport, can be viewed for free on m_____________________________s or online. Advertising allows the d_______________s and o____________s to earn enough for this to be a v______________n. Moreover, leagues d___________________________m. If one league b___________d all advertising, then players would simply s___________h to play somewhere else where salaries are higher. Advertising is t_____________e an u________________e, c________________________e to having the top players.

In conclusion, the fan benefits o____________h the p______________________t of sponsorship deals in sport. It is regardless important for leagues to b____________________g e__________l, e_______________c, and entertainment p_________________s.

Listening Practice

Learn more about the NBA and China below:

Reading Practice

Read more about a team owned by Qatar below:

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/psg-champions-league-final-qatar-paris-saint-germain-a9677466.html

Speaking Practice

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

Running Read my sample answer here.

  1. Do you like running?
  2. When was the last time you went for a run?
  3. Do you like to watch running competions on TV?
  4. Is your hometown a good place for running?

Writing Practice

Write about the following topic and then 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: Children & the Countryside

IELTS Essay General Training: Children & the Countryside

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of children living in the city or the countryside from the general training exam.

For all my exclusive IELTS PDFs, sign up for my Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Essay General Training: Children & the Countryside

Some people believe that children should grow up in the city while others believe the countryside is a better choice.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Many think that children ought to be raised in the city, while others feel a rural setting contributes to a better childhood. In my opinion, though living in the countryside allows children to learn a variety of useful skills, the crucial life skill is learned in the city.

Children who grow up in the countryside tend to have a good grasp of many household jobs. In the countryside, it is more difficult and expensive to bring in a maid or handyman for assistance. As a result, many country kids that live on farms or in remote areas must lend a hand in taking care of the livestock, cooking for the family, and undertaking various small repairs around the home. Children living in the city, in contrast, are more likely to get their food from restaurants and spend more time focused on their homework, not taking on an active engagement with the environment around them. Over time, the gulf in terms of what a child from the countryside from city can do widens.

Nonetheless, the city is better for raising children because of the social skills one can learn there. Children from country often find themselves a product of their unique household and struggle to adapt to different social spheres if they move to the city for work. Those who grow up in the city have to interact with other children from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds on a daily basis. In order to do this, they develop greater empathy for others and improve their conversational skills. They may switch from one group of friends to another or interact with adults with diverse occupations and nationalities, all contributing to their social education. The end result is that they grow up with a far keener understanding of how to communicate and connect with people, a skill of singular value.

In conclusion, children in the country learn a number of practical skills but lag behind in terms of social skills. Parents must weigh many competing priorities but if all factors are equal, they should opt for urban life.

Analysis

1. Many think that children ought to be raised in the city, while others feel a rural setting contributes to a better childhood. 2. In my opinion, though living in the countryside allows children to learn a variety of useful skills, the crucial life skill is learned in the city.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion and choose a side. Read more about introductions here.

1. Children who grow up in the countryside tend to have a good grasp of many household jobs. 2. In the countryside, it is more difficult and expensive to bring in a maid or handyman for assistance. 3. As a result, many country kids that live on farms or in remote areas must lend a hand in taking care of the livestock, cooking for the family, and undertaking various small repairs around the home. 4. Children living in the city, in contrast, are more likely to get their food from restaurants and spend more time focused on their homework, not taking on an active engagement with the environment around them. 5. Over time, the gulf in terms of what a child from the countryside from city can do widens.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Focus on the countryside and include specific details.
  3. Explain the results.
  4. Contrast with city kids.
  5. Conclude with a strong statement.

1. Nonetheless, the city is better for raising children because of the social skills one can learn there. 2. Children from country often find themselves a product of their unique household and struggle to adapt to different social spheres if they move to the city for work. 3. Those who grow up in the city have to interact with other children from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds on a daily basis. 4. In order to do this, they develop greater empathy for others and improve their conversational skills. 5. They may switch from one group of friends to another or interact with adults with diverse occupations and nationalities, all contributing to their social education. 6. The end result is that they grow up with a far keener understanding of how to communicate and connect with people, a skill of singular value.

  1. Write another clear topic sentences with another clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific details/examples.
  4. Continue developing the same main idea.
  5. This paragraph should be longer and more detailed because you agree with this side.
  6. State the end results and their importance.

1. In conclusion, children in the country learn a number of practical skills but lag behind in terms of social skills. 2. Parents must weigh many competing priorities but if all factors are equal, they should opt for urban life.

  1. Summarise your main 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 think that children ought to be raised in the city, while others feel a rural setting contributes to a better childhood. In my opinion, though living in the countryside allows children to learn a variety of useful skills, the crucial life skill is learned in the city.

Children who grow up in the countryside tend to have a good grasp of many household jobs. In the countryside, it is more difficult and expensive to bring in a maid or handyman for assistance. As a result, many country kids that live on farms or in remote areas must lend a hand in taking care of the livestock, cooking for the family, and undertaking various small repairs around the home. Children living in the city, in contrast, are more likely to get their food from restaurants and spend more time focused on their homework, not taking on an active engagement with the environment around them. Over time, the gulf in terms of what a child from the countryside from city can do widens.

Nonetheless, the city is better for raising children because of the social skills one can learn there. Children from country often find themselves a product of their unique household and struggle to adapt to different social spheres if they move to the city for work. Those who grow up in the city have to interact with other children from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds on a daily basis. In order to do this, they develop greater empathy for others and improve their conversational skills. They may switch from one group of friends to another or interact with adults with diverse occupations and nationalities, all contributing to their social education. The end result is that they grow up with a far keener understanding of how to communicate and connect with people, a skill of singular value.

In conclusion, children in the country learn a number of practical skills but lag behind in terms of social skills. Parents must weigh many competing priorities but if all factors are equal, they should opt for urban life.

Answers

ought should

raised grow up

rural setting countryside

contributes to give to

countryside rural areas

variety lots of different types

crucial life skill important ability for life

tend to have usually have

good grasp can do well

household jobs chores, odd jobs

handyman person who fixes things

assistance help

remote areas rural areas, isolated places

lend a hand help out

taking care of looking after

livestock animals on a farm

undertaking doing

repairs fixing

in contrast compared to/however

taking on engaged with

active engagement fully involved with

gulf gap

in terms of as it relates to

widens gets larger

nonetheless regardless

social skills communicating with others

a product of the result of

unique household idiosyncratic home

struggle have trouble

adapt change

social spheres different groups of people

interact with talk to

ethnic race

socioeconomic backgrounds how rich you are

daily basis everyday

greater empathy for others understand others better

conversational skills being able to talk well

switch change

diverse occupations different jobs

nationalities from different countries

end result final outcome

far keener understanding better handle on

communicate talk to

connect understand

singular value inimitable importance

lag behind fall behind

weigh many competing priorities consider different interests

if all factors are equal everything the same

opt choose

urban life city life

Pronunciation

ɔːt 
reɪzd 
ˈrʊərəl ˈsɛtɪŋ 
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)ts tuː 
ˈkʌntrɪˌsaɪd 
vəˈraɪəti 
ˈkruːʃəl laɪf skɪl 
tɛnd tuː hæv 
gʊd grɑːsp 
ˈhaʊshəʊld ʤɒbz
ˈhændɪmən 
əˈsɪstəns
rɪˈməʊt ˈeərɪəz 
lɛnd ə hænd 
ˈteɪkɪŋ keər ɒv 
ˈlaɪvstɒk
ˌʌndəˈteɪkɪŋ 
rɪˈpeəz 
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst
ˈteɪkɪŋ ɒn 
ˈæktɪv ɪnˈgeɪʤmənt 
gʌlf 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈwaɪdnz
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈsəʊʃəl skɪlz 
ə ˈprɒdʌkt ɒv 
juːˈniːk ˈhaʊshəʊld 
ˈstrʌgl 
əˈdæpt 
ˈsəʊʃəl sfɪəz 
ˌɪntərˈækt wɪð 
ˈɛθnɪk 
ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌɛkəˈnɒmɪk ˈbækgraʊndz 
ˈdeɪli ˈbeɪsɪs
ˈgreɪtər ˈɛmpəθi fɔːr ˈʌðəz 
ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃənl skɪlz
swɪʧ 
daɪˈvɜːs ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənz 
ˌnæʃəˈnælɪtiz
ɛnd rɪˈzʌlt 
fɑː ˈkiːnər ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ 
kəˈmjuːnɪkeɪt 
kəˈnɛkt 
ˈsɪŋgjʊlə ˈvæljuː
læg bɪˈhaɪnd 
weɪ ˈmɛni kəmˈpiːtɪŋ praɪˈɒrɪtiz 
ɪf ɔːl ˈfæktəz ɑːr ˈiːkwəl
ɒpt 
ˈɜːbən laɪf

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many think that children o_______t to be r________d in the city, while others feel a r______________g c__________________o a better childhood. In my opinion, though living in the c_____________e allows children to learn a v__________y of useful skills, the c______________l is learned in the city.

Children who grow up in the countryside t__________________e a g___________p of many h__________________s. In the countryside, it is more difficult and expensive to bring in a maid or h_____________n for a____________e. As a result, many country kids that live on farms or in r______________s must l_________________d in t______________e of the l_____________k, cooking for the family, and u_______________g various small r______________s around the home. Children living in the city, i______________t, are more likely to get their food from restaurants and spend more time focused on their homework, not t_____________n an a____________________t with the environment around them. Over time, the g_____f i______________f what a child from the countryside from city can do w__________s.

N_____________s, the city is better for raising children because of the s_______________s one can learn there. Children from country often find themselves a________________f their u__________________d and s____________e to a_________t to different s__________________s if they move to the city for work. Those who grow up in the city have to i_________________h other children from a variety of e_________c and s___________________________s on a d_______________s. In order to do this, they develop g___________________________s and improve their c________________________s. They may s_________h from one group of friends to another or interact with adults with d______________________s and n_________________s, all contributing to their social education. The e_______________t is that they grow up with a f_________________________g of how to c___________________e and c___________t with people, a skill of s____________________e.

In conclusion, children in the country learn a number of practical skills but l______________d in terms of social skills. Parents must w_______________________s but i________________________l, they should o___t for u__________________e.

Listening Practice

Learn about the costs of raising kids in New York City:

Reading Practice

Learn here about the benefits of raising kids in the countryside:

http://thestir.cafemom.com/being_a_mom/177008/reasons_raise_kids_country_benefits

Speaking Practice

Answers the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Where you Live

My sample speaking for these questions is here.

  1. Where do you live at the moment?
  2. What do you like about your neighborhood?
  3. Are there any parks where you live?

Writing Practice

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

It is better for children if the whole family including aunts, uncles and so on are involved in a child’s upbringing, rather than just their parents.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Essay: Fixed Punishments

IELTS Essay: Fixed Punishments

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real exam on the topic of fixed punishments and crimes.

Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 

This one is only available on my Patreon, but you can sign up for as low as $1 so you don’t miss out on any of my answers (and support me!).

Sign up for my Patreon and get the full PDF here.

Dave

IELTS Task 1 Essay: British Emigration

IELTS Task 1 Essay: British Emigration

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of British Emigration to selected destinations from 2004 – 2007 (presented in a bar chart).

For my exclusive sample answer PDFs, sign up for my Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Task 1 Essay: British Emigration

The bar chart provides information comparing emigration out of the UK to 5 countries. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that emigration to Australia was most common throughout the period. Besides Australia, all countries saw decreases in the number of British immigrants.

The countries accepting the most British were Australia and Spain, with the former beginning at over 40,000 in 2004, dipping slightly in 2005, before a surge to over 50,000 in 2006, and a fall back to around 44,000 by the end of the period. In contrast, the latter started at around 34,000, rose imperceptibly the next year, and then declined steadily to finish at under 30,000 in 2007.

The other countries generally remained below 30,000 British emigrants, beginning with New Zealand (falling at steady intervals from 23,000 to 21,000 in 2007) and the USA , which decreased steeply from the same starting point to under 20,000 in 2005, more than recovering to 24,000 and then declining again to 20,000. In France, there was a sharp uptick of 10,000 emigrants to 33,000 in the first year before a precipitous fall to under 20,000, the lowest figure for all nations.

Analysis

1. The bar chart provides information comparing emigration out of the UK to 5 countries. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that emigration to Australia was most common throughout the period. 3. Besides Australia, all countries saw decreases in the number of British immigrants.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a general overview that covers all the main trends.
  3. Make sure everything is covered – aim for a 2 setence overview.

1. The countries accepting the most British were Australia and Spain, with the former beginning at over 40,000 in 2004, dipping slightly in 2005, before a surge to over 50,000 in 2006, and a fall back to around 44,000 by the end of the period. 2. In contrast, the latter started at around 34,000, rose imperceptibly the next year, and then declined steadily to finish at under 30,000 in 2007.

  1. Begin to include the data.
  2. Compare different countries to each other.

1. The other countries generally remained below 30,000 British emigrants, beginning with New Zealand (falling at steady intervals from 23,000 to 21,000 in 2007) and the USA , which decreased steeply from the same starting point to under 20,000 in 2005, more than recovering to 24,000 and then declining again to 20,000. 2. In France, there was a sharp uptick of 10,000 emigrants to 33,000 in the first year before a precipitous fall to under 20,000, the lowest figure for all nations.

  1. Describe the rest of the data.
  2. Make sure all countries have been covered in full.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

The bar chart provides information comparing emigration out of the UK to 5 countries. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that emigration to Australia was most common throughout the period. Besides Australia, all countries saw decreases in the number of British immigrants.

The countries accepting the most British were Australia and Spain, with the former beginning at over 40,000 in 2004, dipping slightly in 2005, before a surge to over 50,000 in 2006, and a fall back to around 44,000 by the end of the period. In contrast, the latter started at around 34,000, rose imperceptibly the next year, and then declined steadily to finish at under 30,000 in 2007.

The other countries generally remained below 30,000 British emigrants, beginning with New Zealand (falling at steady intervals from 23,000 to 21,000 in 2007) and the USA , which decreased steeply from the same starting point to under 20,000 in 2005, more than recovering to 24,000 and then declining again to 20,000. In France, there was a sharp uptick of 10,000 emigrants to 33,000 in the first year before a precipitous fall to under 20,000, the lowest figure for all nations.

Answers

provides information illustrates

emigration leaving to live in another country

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

most common happened the most

throughout the period over the whole graph time period

besides also

saw underwent

immigrants people who have left their country

accepting allowing in

with first of all

former country mentioned before

dipping slightly falling a little

surge increase a lot

fall back decrease

by the end of the period by 2007

in contrast in comparison

latter country mentioned second

imperceptibly barely noticeably

declined steadily decreased at steady intervals

finish done, complete

generally remained below overall was under

beginning with starting with

falling at steady intervals decreasing steadily

decreased steeply fell quickly

more than recovering getting back to the numbers from before and more

declining again decreasing a second time

sharp uptick increase quickly

precipitous fall steep decrease

lowest figure for all nations low point for all countries

Pronunciation

prəˈvaɪdz ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən 
ˌɛmɪˈgreɪʃən 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
məʊst ˈkɒmən 
θru(ː)ˈaʊt ðə ˈpɪərɪəd
bɪˈsaɪdz 
sɔː 
ˈɪmɪgrənts
əkˈsɛptɪŋ 
wɪð 
ˈfɔːmə 
ˈdɪpɪŋ ˈslaɪtli 
sɜːʤ 
fɔːl bæk 
baɪ ði ɛnd ɒv ðə ˈpɪərɪəd
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst
ˈlætə 
ˌɪmpəˈsɛptəbli 
dɪˈklaɪnd ˈstɛdɪli 
ˈfɪnɪʃ 
ˈʤɛnərəli rɪˈmeɪnd bɪˈləʊ 
bɪˈgɪnɪŋ wɪð 
ˈfɔːlɪŋ æt ˈstɛdi ˈɪntəvəlz 
diːˈkriːst ˈstiːpli 
mɔː ðæn rɪˈkʌvərɪŋ 
dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ əˈgɛn 
ʃɑːp ʌptɪk 
prɪˈsɪpɪtəs fɔːl 
ˈləʊɪst ˈfɪgə fɔːr ɔːl ˈneɪʃənz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

The bar chart p________________________n comparing e______________n out of the UK to 5 countries. L____________________________________________________________t emigration to Australia was m_________________n t_____________________d. B_________s Australia, all countries s___w decreases in the number of British i________________s.

The countries a_____________g the most British were Australia and Spain, w______h the f_________r beginning at over 40,000 in 2004, d________________y in 2005, before a s________e to over 50,000 in 2006, and a f__________k to around 44,000 b__________________________d. I____________t, the l_________r started at around 34,000, rose i___________________y the next year, and then d_____________________y to f__________h at under 30,000 in 2007.

The other countries g______________________w 30,000 British emigrants, b______________________h New Zealand (f___________________________s from 23,000 to 21,000 in 2007) and the USA , which d_____________________y from the same starting point to under 20,000 in 2005, m_______________________g to 24,000 and then d___________________n to 20,000. In France, there was a s________________k of 10,000 emigrants to 33,000 in the first year before a p___________________l to under 20,000, the l____________________________s.

Listening Practice

Learn about immigration to Britain here:

Reading Practice

Learn more about migration trends on the BBC here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z8x6wxs/revision/3

Speaking Practice

Practice your speaking with these related questions from the real IELTS exam:

Where you Live

  1. Have you lived for a long time in your current city?
  2. What kind of a home are you living in?
  3. How could your living area be improved?

Writing Practice

Write about the following graph then check with my sample answer:

ielts chart household uk
ielts chart household uk
IELTS Essay: Communication between Young and Old People

IELTS Essay: Communication between Young and Old People

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the difficulty of young and old people communicating when they live in different places.

A bit of a strange question…

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IELTS Essay: Communication between Young and Old People

In some places, young people find it difficult to communicate with older people.

Why is this?

What are the solutions?

In many countries, there is a communication rift between the older and younger generations. This is a natural phenomenon and the solution is for both sides to compromise.

The old and young often cannot communicate well because of major differences in perspective. It is natural that older people will have a more mature outlook and younger people be more radical in their views. A good example of this would be in Vietnam where the older generation holds very conservative, traditional views related to familial structures, careers, and social values that conflict with the more modern, progressive positions of the younger generation. Young people have heard the traditional arguments for years and want to rebel, often out of naivety. Older people have the benefit of experience and and feel young people should follow their advice. This basic antagonism underlies poor communication between the generations.

The best solutions all rely on compromise. Young people ought to accept that their lack of life experience puts them at a disadvantage in understanding the world. Many of their opinions are premature and will evolve over time. This implies that they should make greater efforts to understand the counsel of their elders. Their elders, in turn, must realise that their experiences are a small sample size from a unique time period. If, for example, they had to struggle to earn a living and raise a family, they must concede this only a single instance that cannot be simplistically generalised. Moreover, times have changed and what was sound advice in the past, may be largely irrelevant today.

In conclusion, the old and young are in different life stages and naturally have contrasting mindsets and the best solutions require a self-reflective modesty from both demographics. In this way, they will be able to learn more from each other.

Analysis

1. In many countries, there is a communication rift between the older and younger generations. 2. This is a natural phenomenon and the solution is for both sides to compromise.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Clearly answer both questions. Read more about two-part questions here.

1. The old and young often cannot communicate well because of major differences in perspective. 2. It is natural that older people will have a more mature outlook and younger people be more radical in their views. 3. A good example of this would be in Vietnam where the older generation holds very conservative, traditional views related to familial structures, careers, and social values that conflict with the more modern, progressive positions of the younger generation. 4. Young people have heard the traditional arguments for years and want to rebel, often out of naivety. 5. Older people have the benefit of experience and and feel young people should follow their advice. 6. This basic antagonism underlies poor communication between the generations.

  1. Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
  2. Develop your main idea.
  3. Give a specific example.
  4. Develop the example.
  5. Continue developing it and don’t switch to a new main idea.
  6. Conclude the paragraph.

1. The best solutions all rely on compromise. 2. Young people ought to accept that their lack of life experience puts them at a disadvantage in understanding the world. 3. Many of their opinions are premature and will evolve over time. 4. This implies that they should make greater efforts to understand the counsel of their elders. 5. Their elders, in turn, must realise that their experiences are a small sample size from a unique time period. 6. If, for example, they had to struggle to earn a living and raise a family, they must concede this only a single instance that cannot be simplistically generalised. 7. Moreover, times have changed and what was sound advice in the past, may be largely irrelevant today.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea or begin talking about your first solution.
  3. Vary your long and short sentences.
  4. Draw conclusions from your examples.
  5. Switch to your other solution.
  6. Develop your solution.
  7. Finish developing it fully.

1. In conclusion, the old and young are in different life stages and naturally have contrasting mindsets and the best solutions require a self-reflective modesty from both demographics. 2. In this way, they will be able to learn more from each other.

  1. Summarise your main ideas and repeat your answers.
  2. Add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

In many countries, there is a communication rift between the older and younger generations. This is a natural phenomenon and the solution is for both sides to compromise.

The old and young often cannot communicate well because of major differences in perspective. It is natural that older people will have a more mature outlook and younger people be more radical in their views. A good example of this would be in Vietnam where the older generation holds very conservative, traditional views related to familial structures, careers, and social values that conflict with the more modern, progressive positions of the younger generation. Young people have heard the traditional arguments for years and want to rebel, often out of naivety. Older people have the benefit of experience and and feel young people should follow their advice. This basic antagonism underlies poor communication between the generations.

The best solutions all rely on compromise. Young people ought to accept that their lack of life experience puts them at a disadvantage in understanding the world. Many of their opinions are premature and will evolve over time. This implies that they should make greater efforts to understand the counsel of their elders. Their elders, in turn, must realise that their experiences are a small sample size from a unique time period. If, for example, they had to struggle to earn a living and raise a family, they must concede this only a single instance that cannot be simplistically generalised. Moreover, times have changed and what was sound advice in the past, may be largely irrelevant today.

In conclusion, the old and young are in different life stages and naturally have contrasting mindsets and the best solutions require a self-reflective modesty from both demographics. In this way, they will be able to learn more from each other.

Answers

communication rift breakdowns in talking to each other

natural phenomenon happens normally

compromise meet in the middle

major differences in perspective contrasting viewpoints

mature outlook more reasonable viewpoints

radical extreme

views opinions

holds very conservative have traditional opinions

traditional views conservative opinions

familial structures family types

conflict with disagree with

modern new

progressive positions modern views

rebel fight against

naivety inexperienced

benefit of experience can lean on past experiences

follow their advice listen to

basic antagonism underlies conflict at the base of

accept concede

lack of life experience puts them at a disadvantage not having many experiences makes their positions weaker

premature young, not ready

evolve change and get better

implies means

make greater efforts try more

realise understand

small sample size didn’t happen many times

unique time period that time in history

struggle to earn a living have a tough time making money

concede accept

simplistically generalised reductively applied to everyone

sound advice good advice

largely irrelevant today mostly doesn’t apply today

different life stages different times in your life

contrasting mindsets differing outlooks

self-reflective modesty able to be self-critical

demographics age groups

Pronunciation

kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən rɪft 
ˈnæʧrəl fɪˈnɒmɪnən 
ˈkɒmprəmaɪz
ˈmeɪʤə ˈdɪfrənsɪz ɪn pəˈspɛktɪv
məˈtjʊər ˈaʊtlʊk 
ˈrædɪkəl 
vjuːz
həʊldz ˈvɛri kənˈsɜːvətɪv
trəˈdɪʃənl vjuːz 
ˈfæmɪli ˈfɪliəl ˈstrʌkʧəz
ˈkɒnflɪkt wɪð 
ˈmɒdən
prəʊˈgrɛsɪv pəˈzɪʃənz 
ˈrɛbl
nɑːˈiːvti
ˈbɛnɪfɪt ɒv ɪksˈpɪərɪəns 
ˈfɒləʊ ðeər ədˈvaɪs
ˈbeɪsɪk ænˈtægənɪzm ˌʌndəˈlaɪz 
əkˈsɛpt 
læk ɒv laɪf ɪksˈpɪərɪəns pʊts ðɛm æt ə ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪʤ 
ˌprɛməˈtjʊə 
ɪˈvɒlv 
ɪmˈplaɪz 
meɪk ˈgreɪtər ˈɛfəts 
ˈrɪəlaɪz 
smɔːl ˈsɑːmpl saɪz 
juːˈniːk taɪm ˈpɪərɪəd
ˈstrʌgl tuː ɜːn ə ˈlɪvɪŋ 
kənˈsiːd 
sɪmˈplɪstɪk(ə)li ˈʤɛnərəlaɪzd
saʊnd ədˈvaɪs 
ˈlɑːʤli ɪˈrɛlɪvənt təˈdeɪ
ˈdɪfrənt laɪf ˈsteɪʤɪz 
kənˈtrɑːstɪŋ ˈmaɪndsɛts 
sɛlf-rɪˈflɛktɪv ˈmɒdɪsti 
ˌdiːməˈgræfɪks

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

In many countries, there is a c________________________t between the older and younger generations. This is a n______________________n and the solution is for both sides to c_____________e.

The old and young often cannot communicate well because of m______________________________e. It is natural that older people will have a more m___________________k and younger people be more r___________l in their v_______s. A good example of this would be in Vietnam where the older generation h__________________________e, t______________________s related to f_________________________s, careers, and social values that c_______________________h the more m__________n, p_________________________s of the younger generation. Young people have heard the traditional arguments for years and want to r________l, often out of n_________y. Older people have the b___________________________e and and feel young people should f_________________________e. This b___________________________s poor communication between the generations.

The best solutions all rely on compromise. Young people ought to a_________t that their l__________________________________________________e in understanding the world. Many of their opinions are p____________e and will e__________e over time. This i__________s that they should m________________________s to understand the counsel of their elders. Their elders, in turn, must r___________e that their experiences are a s_____________________e from a u_______________________d. If, for example, they had to s____________________________g and raise a family, they must c___________e this only a single instance that cannot be s_______________________________d. Moreover, times have changed and what was s__________________e in the past, may be l_____________________________y.

In conclusion, the old and young are in d________________________s and naturally have c_________________________s and the best solutions require a s_________________________________y from both d___________________s. In this way, they will be able to learn more from each other.

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic here:

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following real questions from the IELTS exam:

Discussions

  1. What do you usually discuss with friends?
  2. How often do you change your mind after a discussion?
  3. What kind of discussions did you have as a kid?
  4. Do you listen to talk more in a discussion?

Writing Practice

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

Many people think that it is better to get advice from old rather than young people.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?