This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the elderly and education from the real IELTS exam.
These are really common topics that could come up on your test.
If you want my exclusive IELTS PDFs, you can sign up for them here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: The Elderly and Education
Some people think governments should care more about elderly while others think they should focus on investing in education for younger people.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
There are many today who believe that it is more important to prioritise education for younger people over looking after the elderly. In my opinion, this makes utilitarian sense but ignores more important justifications.
Those who argue in favour of education can easily draw on the tangible benefits. Some nations have gone so far as to suggest that education is the most important national priority and deserves the greatest allocation of resources. This was famously the case in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Finland decades ago and its efficacy has been evidenced by the growth of innovative industries and progressively rising standards of living. The conclusions from those countries is simple: money spent on education not only contributes to producing jobs in the short-term and stimulating the consumer economy, but the results years later of a well-educated populace will benefit political participation, the economy, safety, and a host of other areas.
Nonetheless, investment on education has peaked and care for the elderly is a sadly neglected area. No one would suggest drastically slashing education budgets, but some resources ought to be diverted to the people who contributed most to present living stangards. Past generations often had to work longer hours at more difficult jobs to build the modern infrastructure and political and economic systems now taken for granted. As these people age, many of them struggle with paying the bills if they do not have a supportive, financially stable family. They might not be able to work anymore so it therefore falls to the government to find ways of taking care of them ranging from retirement homes to monthly checks for living expenses to being aware of how policy changes might affect older people.
In conclusion, education is crucial but it is more important to keep in mind the debt owed to the elderly and take good care of them. Governments must of course balance a multitude of priorities but old people should not slip down the list.
Analysis
1. There are many today who believe that it is more important to prioritise education for younger people over looking after the elderly. 2. In my opinion, this makes utilitarian sense but ignores more important justifications.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Learn more about conclusions here.
1. Those who argue in favour of education can easily draw on the tangible benefits. 2. Some nations have gone so far as to suggest that education is the most important national priority and deserves the greatest allocation of resources. 3. This was famously the case in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Finland decades ago and its efficacy has been evidenced by the growth of innovative industries and progressively rising standards of living. 4. The conclusions from those countries is simple: money spent on education not only contributes to producing jobs in the short-term and stimulating the consumer economy, but the results years later of a well-education populace will benefit political participation, the economy, safety, and a host of other areas.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Use specific examples to develop your main idea.
State the full results of your example.
1. Nonetheless, investment on education has peaked and care for the elderly is a sadly neglected area. 2. No one would suggest drastically slashing education budgets, but some resources ought to be diverted to the people who contributed most to present living stangards. 3. Past generations often had to work longer hours at more difficult jobs to build the modern infrastructure and political and economic systems now taken for granted. 4. As these people age, many of them struggle with paying the bills if they do not have a supportive, financially stable family. 5. They might not be able to work anymore so it therefore falls to the government to find ways of taking care of them ranging from retirement homes to monthly checks for living expenses to being aware of how policy changes might affect older people.
Write another topic sentence with another clear main idea at the end.
Explain or begin developing the main idea.
Be as specific as possible supporting your main idea.
Don’t switch to new main idea.
Conclude with a strong statement and specific ideas.
1. In conclusion, education is crucial but it is more important to keep in mind the debt owed to the elderly and take good care of them. 2. Governments must of course balance a multitude of priorities but old people should not slip down the list.
Repeat your opinion summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
There are many today who believe that it is more important to prioritise education for younger people over looking after the elderly. In my opinion, this makes utilitarian sense but ignores more important justifications.
Those who argue in favour of education can easily draw on the tangible benefits. Some nations have gone so far as to suggest that education is the most important national priority and deserves the greatest allocation of resources. This was famously the case in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Finland decades ago and its efficacy has been evidenced by the growth of innovative industries and progressively rising standards of living. The conclusions from those countries is simple: money spent on education not only contributes to producing jobs in the short-term and stimulating the consumer economy, but the results years later of a well-educated populace will benefit political participation, the economy, safety, and a host of other areas.
Nonetheless, investment on education has peaked and care for the elderly is a sadly neglected area. No one would suggest drastically slashing education budgets, but some resources ought to be diverted to the people who contributed most to present living stangards. Past generations often had to work longer hours at more difficult jobs to build the modern infrastructure and political and economic systems now taken for granted. As these people age, many of them struggle with paying the bills if they do not have a supportive, financially stable family. They might not be able to work anymore so it therefore falls to the government to find ways of taking care of them ranging from retirement homes to monthly checks for living expenses to being aware of how policy changes might affect older people.
In conclusion, education is crucial but it is more important to keep in mind the debt owed to the elderly and take good care of them. Governments must of course balance a multitude of priorities but old people should not slip down the list.
Answers
prioritise focus on
looking after taking care of
utilitarian sense just caring about what it pragmatic
ignores not pay attention to
justifications reasons for
argue in favour of support
easily draw on can point out
tangible benefits real advantages
gone so far as to taken to the extreme of
most important national priority crucial for the country
deserves should get
greatest allocation of resources most money for
famously the case well known example
decades ago more than 10 years ago
efficacy effectiveness
innovative industries companies that develop new products
progressively rising standards of living life getting better and better
not only not limited to
short-term not far in the future
stimulating the consumer economy selling more products
well-educated populace smart citizens
political participation voting
safety lack of crime
a host of many
nonetheless regardless
peaked reached a high point
sadly neglected area unfortunately neglected/forgotten
drastically slashing education budgets cutting money for schools a lot
ought should
diverted taken to another area
contributed most give the most
past generations older people
modern infrastructure buildings, roads, etc.
political related to politics and voting
economic systems how the economy works
taken for granted not appreciated
struggle fight with
supportive helpful
financially stable family family with money
falls to must be responsible for
find ways locate methods
retirement homes places for old people to live
monthly checks for living expenses retirement fund
aware knkow about
policy changes reforms
crucial very important
keep in mind be mindful of
debt owed responsible
take good care of them look after well
balance keep both in mind
multitude of priorities many areas to consider
slip down the list be forgotten, become less important
There are many today who believe that it is more important to p___________e education for younger people over l___________r the elderly. In my opinion, this makes u________________e but i__________s more important j_______________s.
Those who a_________________f education can e_______________n the t____________________s. Some nations have g________________o suggest that education is the m____________________y and d___________s the g___________________________s. This was f_________________e in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Finland d____________o and its e_________y has been evidenced by the growth of i____________________s and p____________________________g. The conclusions from those countries is simple: money spent on education n_________y contributes to producing jobs in the s___________m and s______________________________y, but the results years later of a w_______________________e will benefit p__________________________n, the economy, s_________y, and a___________f other areas.
N______________s, investment on education has p_________d and care for the elderly is a s______________________a. No one would suggest d__________________________________s, but some resources o__________t to be d_____________d to the people who c__________________t to present living stangards. P_________________s often had to work longer hours at more difficult jobs to build the m________________________e and p___________l and e_________________s now t___________________d. As these people age, many of them s______________e with paying the bills if they do not have a s_______________e, f_____________________y. They might not be able to work anymore so it therefore f___________o the government to f______________s of taking care of them ranging from r_________________s to m_____________________s to being a_________e of how p________________s might affect older people.
In conclusion, education is c__________l but it is more important to k______________d the d____________d to the elderly and t_______________________m. Governments must of course b____________e a m______________________s but old people should not s______________________t.
Listening Practice
Learn what it is like to be old in Japan:
Reading Practice
Read the following article about education as a social ladder here:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real IELTS exam on the topic of taxing sugar.
It is really, really similar to a question a few months ago about the government taxing unhealthy foods that you can read here.
Be sure to sign up for my Patreon here so that you don’t miss out on any of my exclusive PDFs.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Taxing Sugar
Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree.
Discuss both views and give you own opinion.
Many believe that new taxes on sugary products are beneficial for the public while others feel they impinge on individual freedoms. In my opinion, despite the drawbacks, the benefits to health justify these regulations.
Those who oppose such laws point out the limits placed on less affluent customers. The wealthy can still afford to buy sugary foods and drinks as the taxes are small enough. However, poorer individuals will find that an extra few dollars for a soda or candy bar is prohibitively expensive. They will rightly feel the right to make choices about their own health and the foods they like has been restricted by government. Consumers buying sugary foods and drinks are already well aware of the associated health risks; they have simply decided to value short-term gratification over long-term health.
Nonetheless, freedom and safety will always be in conflict and this change is unequivocally for the public good. Sugar has been shown in studies to be more harmful that fatty foods and is one of the driving factors behind a variety of conditions ranging from obesity to diabetes to, allegedly, cancer. Soda companies like Coca Cola and candy manufacturers like Nestle have tapped into a basic human desire for sweets to attract customers and build their brands. Because they were allowed free latitude in the past, the only solution now is draconian taxes that can begin to slowly dissuade people from sugary products and eventually break down their dependence to a healthy, moderate level.
In conclusion, though there are class issues associated with taxing sugar, these are outweighed by their benefits to public health. Governments around the world ought to adopt some variation of these important reforms.
Analysis
1. Many believe that new taxes on sugary products are beneficial for the public while others feel they impinge on individual freedoms. 2. In my opinion, despite the drawbacks, the benefits to health justify these regulations.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who oppose such laws point out the limits placed on less affluent customers. 2. The wealthy can still afford to buy sugary foods and drinks as the taxes are small enough. 3. However, poorer individuals will find that an extra few dollars for a soda or candy bar is prohibitively expensive. 4. They will rightly feel the right to make choices about their own health and the foods they like has been restricted by government. 5. Consumers buying sugary foods and drinks are already well aware of the associated health risks; they have simply decided to value short-term gratification over long-term health.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Develop your main idea.
Continue to develop by stating further results.
Don’t swich to a new main idea.
Summarise your argument for the paragraph.
1. Nonetheless, freedom and safety will always be in conflict and this change is unequivocally for the public good. 2. Sugar has been shown in studies to be more harmful that fatty foods and is one of the driving factors behind a variety of conditions ranging from obesity to diabetes to, allegedly, cancer. 3. Soda companies like Coca Cola and candy manufacturers like Nestle have tapped into a basic human desire for sweets to attract customers and build their brands. 4. Because they were allowed free latitude in the past, the only solution now is draconian taxes that can begin to slowly dissuade people from sugary products and eventually break down their dependence to a healthy, moderate level.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Use studies to support your ideas when possible.
Develop your idea with specific, real examples.
Add as much detail as you can.
1. In conclusion, though there are class issues associated with taxing sugar, these are outweighed by their benefits to public health. 2. Governments around the world ought to adopt some variation of these important reforms.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many believe that new taxes on sugary products are beneficial for the public while others feel they impinge on individual freedoms. In my opinion, despite the drawbacks, the benefits to health justify these regulations.
Those who oppose such laws point out the limits placed onless affluent customers. The wealthy can still afford to buy sugary foods and drinks as the taxes are small enough. However, poorer individuals will find that an extra few dollars for a soda or candy bar is prohibitively expensive. They will rightly feel the right to make choices about their own health and the foods they like has been restricted by government. Consumers buying sugary foods and drinks are already well aware of the associated health risks; they have simply decided to value short-term gratification over long-term health.
Nonetheless, freedom and safety will always be in conflict and this change is unequivocally for the public good. Sugar has been shown in studies to be more harmful that fatty foods and is one of the driving factors behind a variety of conditions ranging from obesity to diabetes to, allegedly, cancer. Soda companies like Coca Cola and candy manufacturers like Nestle have tapped into a basic human desire for sweets to attract customers and build their brands. Because they were allowed free latitude in the past, the only solution now is draconian taxes that can begin to slowly dissuade people from sugary products and eventually break down their dependence to a healthy, moderate level.
In conclusion, though there are class issues associated with taxing sugar, these are outweighed by their benefits to public health. Governments around the world ought to adopt some variation of these important reforms.
Answers
taxes money paid to the government
sugary products cupcakes, cakes, candy, etc.
beneficial good
the public citizens, all people
impinge limit
individual freedoms what individuals are permitted to do
despite the drawbacks regardless of the negatives
justify give reason for
regulations keep in check
oppose go against
point out argue
limits placed on restrictions on
less affluent customers poor people
afford can buy
small enough not too big
find realise
extra few dollars some more money
prohibitively expensive too much to be able to buy
rightly correctly
restricted by government limited by law
consumers people who buy, customers
associated health risks related health problems
value short-term gratification over long-term health only care about the present moment
in conflict not in agreement
unequivocally undoubtedly
public good for the benefit of all
fatty foods foods high in fat like pizza, burgers, etc.
Many believe that new t_____s on s__________________s are b___________l for t_____________c while others feel they i__________e on i____________________s. In my opinion, d______________________s, the benefits to health j________y these r______________s.
Those who o__________e such laws p_________t the l_________________nl___________________________s. The wealthy can still a______d to buy sugary foods and drinks as the taxes are s____________h. However, poorer individuals will f_____d that an e_____________s for a soda or candy bar is p____________________e. They will r_________y feel the right to make choices about their own health and the foods they like has been r________________________t. C___________s buying sugary foods and drinks are already well aware of the a______________________s; they have simply decided to v_______________________________________________h.
Nonetheless, freedom and safety will always be i____________t and this change is u____________________y for the p___________d. Sugar has been shown in studies to be more harmful that f___________s and is one of the d________________s behind a v____________________s ranging from o________y to d__________s to, a__________y, cancer. Soda companies like Coca Cola and candy m__________________s like Nestle have t____________o a basic human desire for sweets to a_____________________s and b_________________s. Because they were allowed f_______________e in the past, the only solution now is d________________n taxes that can begin to s_____________________e people from sugary products and eventually b____________n their d______________e to a healthy, m___________________l.
In conclusion, though there are c_____________s associated with taxing sugar, these are o_____________d by their benefits to p_____________h. Governments around the world o________t to a___________________n of these i_______________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn here about a family that quit sugar for a month:
Reading Practice
In contrast, learn about some popular baked goods below:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of cars and damaging the environment.
Sign up for my Patreon.com/HowtodoIELTS so that you don’t miss out on my exclusive PDF essays as well!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Cars Damaging the Environment
The manufacturing and use of cars damages the environment but their popularity is increasing.
Why is this?
How could this be controlled?
Even though both production and car use increase pollution, the auto industry continues to expand. This is because developing nations now have greater disposable income and governments can limit the resultant environmental damage through regulation.
The main cause underlying an increasing numbers of cars is growth in developing countries. Ownership in developed countries peaked decades ago and many European nations in particular are now adopting greener modes of transport. However, in developing nations, cars are seen as a status symbol that boost self-esteem and serve a practical travel purpose. Coupled with increased per capita GDP, the boom in car ownership is unsurprising. For example, a growing middle class in Vietnam has driven up purchases of foreign automobiles dramatically over the last decade. The demand is so great that last year a Vietnamese company introduced the first domestically produced car. This same trend is replicated around the world in developing countries.
The most impactful response is from the government. Consumers will continue to buy cars but the government has control over a range of possible environmental protective measures. For example, there could be stricter laws related to emission standards. This would cut down on the average amount of pollution from individual cars and collectively make a huge difference. Another measure would be to discourage car ownership by taxing cars heavily and improving the quality of public transportation. A good example of this would also be in Vietnam where there is a 200% tax on cars and the government is building the world’s most expensive subway system in Ho Chi Minh City. Individuals are unlikely to change their behaviour en masse so it falls to policymakers to dissuade citizens through proactive reforms and policies.
In conclusion, more cars can be explained by rising incomes globally and pragmatic solutions come from government regulation. If taken seriously, the heavy environmental toll of cars can be curbed.
Analysis
1. Even though both production and car use increase pollution, the auto industry continues to expand. 2. This is because developing nations now have greater disposable income and governments can limit the resultant environmental damage through regulation.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Answer both questions clearly. Learn more about introductions here and two part question structure here.
1. The main cause underlying an increasing numbers of cars is growth in developing countries. 2. Ownership in developed countries peaked decades ago and many European nations in particular are now adopting greener modes of transport. 3. However, in developing nations, cars are seen as a status symbol that boost self-esteem and serve a practical travel purpose. 4. Coupled with increased per capita GDP, the boom in car ownership is unsurprising. 5. For example, a growing middle class in Vietnam has driven up purchases of foreign automobiles dramatically over the last decade. 6. The demand is so great that last year a Vietnamese company introduced the first domestically produced car. 7. This same trend is replicated around the world in developing countries.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Explain or give the background for your idea.
Add in specific detail and don’t switch to a new idea.
Include more specific supporting information.
Give a specific example.
Develop the example.
Generalise to other countries.
1. The most impactful response is from the government. 2. Consumers will continue to buy cars but the government has control over a range of possible environmental protective measures. 3. For example, there could be stricter laws related to emission standards. 4. This would cut down on the average amount of pollution from individual cars and collectively make a huge difference. 5. Another measure would be to discourage car ownership by taxing cars heavily and improving the quality of public transportation. 6. A good example of this would also be in Vietnam where there is a 200% tax on cars and the government is building the world’s most expensive subway system in Ho Chi Minh City. 7. Individuals are unlikely to change their behaviour en masse so it falls to policymakers to dissuade citizens through proactive reforms and policies.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Begin a specific example.
Develop the example.
Include another solution.
Develop that solution with a specific example if possible.
Conclude with a strong general statement.
1. In conclusion, more cars can be explained by rising incomes globally and pragmatic solutions come from government regulation. 2. If taken seriously, the heavy environmental toll of cars can be curbed.
Summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Even though both production and car use increase pollution, the auto industry continues to expand. This is because developing nations now have greater disposable income and governments can limit the resultant environmental damage through regulation.
The main cause underlying an increasing numbers of cars is growth in developing countries. Ownership in developed countries peaked decades ago and many European nations in particular are now adopting greener modes of transport. However, in developing nations, cars are seen as a status symbol that boost self-esteem and serve a practical travel purpose. Coupled with increased per capita GDP, the boom in car ownership is unsurprising. For example, a growing middle class in Vietnam has driven up purchases of foreign automobiles dramatically over the last decade. The demand is so great that last year a Vietnamese company introduced the first domestically produced car. This same trend is replicated around the world in developing countries.
The most impactful response is from the government. Consumers will continue to buy cars but the government has control over a range of possibleenvironmental protective measures. For example, there could be stricter laws related to emission standards. This would cut down on the average amount of pollution from individual cars and collectively make a huge difference. Another measure would be to discourage car ownership by taxing cars heavily and improving the quality of public transportation. A good example of this would also be in Vietnam where there is a 200% tax on cars and the government is building the world’s most expensive subway system in Ho Chi Minh City. Individuals are unlikely to change their behaviour en masseso it falls topolicymakers to dissuade citizens through proactive reforms and policies.
In conclusion, more cars can be explained by rising incomes globally and pragmatic solutions come from government regulation. If taken seriously, the heavy environmental toll of cars can be curbed.
Answers
even though despite
production manufacturing
auto industry making cars
expand grow bigger
greater disposable income more money to spend
limit constrain
resultant environmental damage increasing climate change, polluting the environment
regulation limiting
underlying foundational
ownership have a car
peaked decades ago reach a high point a long time ago
in particular especially
adopting greener modes of transport using more environmentally friendly options
status symbol show-off
boost self-esteem feel better about yourself
serve a practical travel purpose useful
coupled with combine with
per capita GDP average income
boom increase
unsurprising no shock
growing middle class more people with money
driven up increased
dramatically substantially
demand desire
introduced premiered
domestically produced car not a foreign car
trend pattern
replicated repeated
impactful response most effective solution
consumers buyers
control over can regulate
range of possibleenvironmental protective measures many ways to protect the environment
stricter laws better regulations
emission standards how clean a car is
cut down on reduce
average amount how much is used per person
collectively all together
huge difference big impact
measure action
discourage car ownership dissuade people from buying cars
heavily a lot
200% tax pay doble
subway system underground
en masseall together
falls topolicymakers responsibility of government
dissuade discourage
proactive reforms take an active role in changing
policies laws
explained shown
globally around the world
pragmatic solutions practical countermeasures
government regulation laws
if taken seriously done well
heavy environmental toll hurts the environment a lot
E______________h both p______________n and car use increase pollution, the a______________y continues to e__________d. This is because developing nations now have g___________________________e and governments can l______t the r__________________________________e through r___________n.
The main cause u_____________g an increasing numbers of cars is growth in developing countries. O_____________p in developed countries p_____________________o and many European nations i______________r are now a_______________________________________t. However, in developing nations, cars are seen as a s_______________l that b______________m and s_______________________________________e. C_______________h increased p_______________________P, the b_______m in car ownership is u______________g. For example, a g_______________________s in Vietnam has d_____________p purchases of foreign automobiles d______________y over the last decade. The d___________d is so great that last year a Vietnamese company i_______________d the first d________________________r. This same t________d is r_______________d around the world in developing countries.
The most i_______________________e is from the government. C_____________s will continue to buy cars but the government has c_____________r a r_________________________________________________s. For example, there could be s_____________s related to e______________________s. This would c________________________n the a_____________________t of pollution from individual cars and c_________________y make a h__________________e. Another m_____________e would be to d______________________p by taxing cars h_____________y and improving the quality of public transportation. A good example of this would also be in Vietnam where there is a 2_____________x on cars and the government is building the world’s most expensive s____________________m in Ho Chi Minh City. Individuals are unlikely to change their behaviour e__________eso it f____________________s to d____________e citizens through p_____________________s and p_______________s.
In conclusion, more cars can be e______________d by rising incomes g___________y and p_____________________s come from g__________________________n. I____________________y, the h___________________________l of cars can be c__________d.
Listening Practice
Watch the video below to understand the idea of a carbon footprint:
And a related speaking test here:
Reading Practice
Learn more about the environmental impact of cars below:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of restaurants from the real IELTS exam.
Don’t miss out on my exclusive PDFs by signing up for my Patreon here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Restaurants & Food Waste
In many countries, people throw away a lot of food from restaurants and shops.
Why do you think people waste food in this way?
What can be done to reduce the amount of food thrown away?
Food waste is a growing global problem. It happens because people often buy more than they need and the best countermeasure would be to cut down on portion sizes.
Food waste is mainly a result of individuals ordering or purchasing too much food. Many people order extra when dining out to ensure they are not hungry at the end of the meal. Humans are a planning and predicting animal and this is a natural instinct. The same drive partly explains purchasing too much food at the supermarket but there are other possible sources. For example, ambitious shoppers intending to cook a variety of dishes during the week, may buy a lot of healthy fruits and vegetables. If they are busy or cannot summon the initiative, the produce will spoil within a few days and they will have to throw it out and make other plans.
The solution is to reduce the amount of food people eat. A reinforcing cycle of over-eating by obese consumers can lead to greater food waste. People order or buy more than they need and stuff themselves at every meal. Over time, this becomes an ingrained habit and they purchase increasingly greater quantities of food, some of which will naturally go bad or be thrown out if they cannot finish it. A good counter-example to this practice would be in France, which is famed for smaller portion sizes. Food waste is dramatically lower in France simply because people eat modest meals and are therefore more likely to eat all their food. This could be replicated in other nations if governments reformed school meals and took other key steps.
In conclusion, food waste has deep psychological roots and the best solution is for individuals to reduce the size of their average meal. A shift like this will require a concerted effort from both ordinary citizens and health officials.
Analysis
1. Food waste is a growing global problem. 2. It happens because people often buy more than they need and the best countermeasure would be to cut down on portion sizes.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Answer both of the questions directly. Read more about introductions here.
1. Food waste is mainly a result of individuals ordering or purchasing too much food. 2. Many people order extra when dining out to ensure they are not hungry at the end of the meal. 3. Humans are a planning and predicting animal and this is a natural instinct. 4. The same drive partly explains purchasing too much food at the supermarket but there are other possible sources. 5. For example, ambitious shoppers intending to cook a variety of dishes during the week, may buy a lot of healthy fruits and vegetables. 6. If they are busy or cannot summon the initiative, the produce will spoil within a few days and they will have to throw it out and make other plans.
Write a clear topic sentence with the main idea at the end.
Explain or develop your main idea.
Continue to explain and vary your long and short sentences.
Keep developing it more deeply.
Use examples to support your ideas.
Conclude with the fully results of the example.
1. The solution is to reduce the amount of food people eat. 2. A reinforcing cycle of over-eating by obese consumers can lead to greater food waste. 3. People order or buy more than they need and stuff themselves at every meal. 4. Over time, this becomes an ingrained habit and they purchase increasingly greater quantities of food, some of which will naturally go bad or be thrown out if they cannot finish it. 5. A good counter-example to this practice would be in France, which is famed for smaller portion sizes. 6. Food waste is dramatically lower in France simply because people eat modest meals and are therefore more likely to eat all their food. 7. This could be replicated in other nations if governments reformed school meals and took other key steps.
Answer the other question directly with a new main idea.
Begin your solution.
Here I give background for my solution.
I give further background here.
Here I use an example to show a possible solution.
Develop the example.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, food waste has deep psychological roots and the best solution is for individuals to reduce the size of their average meal. 2. A shift like this will require a concerted effort from both ordinary citizens and health officials.
Repeat your answers to both questions.
Add a final thought – read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Food waste is a growing global problem. It happens because people often buy more than they need and the best countermeasure would be to cut downon portion sizes.
Food waste is mainly a result of individuals ordering or purchasing too much food. Many people order extra when dining out to ensure they are not hungry at the end of the meal. Humans are a planning and predicting animal and this is a natural instinct. The same drive partly explains purchasing too much food at the supermarket but there are other possible sources. For example, ambitious shoppersintending to cook a variety of dishes during the week, may buy a lot of healthy fruits and vegetables. If they are busy or cannot summon the initiative, the produce will spoil within a few days and they will have to throw it out and make other plans.
The solution is to reduce the amount of food people eat. A reinforcing cycle of over-eating by obese consumers can lead to greater food waste. People order or buy more than they need and stuff themselves at every meal. Over time, this becomes an ingrained habit and they purchase increasingly greater quantities of food, some of which will naturally go bad or be thrown out if they cannot finish it. A good counter-example to this practice would be in France, which is famed for smaller portion sizes. Food waste is dramatically lower in France simply because people eat modest meals and are therefore more likely to eat all their food. This could be replicated in other nations if governments reformed school meals and took other key steps.
In conclusion, food waste has deep psychological roots and the best solution is for individuals to reduce the size of their average meal. A shift like this will require a concerted effort from both ordinary citizens and health officials.
Answers
growing global problem increasing issue around the world
countermeasure solution
cut downon portion sizes eat less food
mainly mostly
ensure make sure
natural instinct predisposed towards
drive partly explains desire somewhat illustrates
ambitious shoppersintending people buying more than they can eat/prepare wanting to
summon the initiative work up the effort to
produce fruit and veggies
spoil go bad
throw it out put in the trash
make other plans do something else
reinforcing cycle feedback loop
over-eating eating too much
obese consumers fat people
stuff themselves eat too much
over time gradually
ingrained habit accustomed to it
increasingly greater quantities of food larger and larger portion sizes
naturally go bad inevitably spoil
thrown out put in the trash
finish eat all
counter-example example of the opposite case
practice behaviour
smaller portion sizes less food per meal
dramatically lower much less
modest smaller
replicated repeated
reformed school meals changed what kids eat at school
Food waste is a g______________________m. It happens because people often buy more than they need and the best c____________________e would be to c____________________________s.
Food waste is m__________y a result of individuals ordering or purchasing too much food. Many people order extra when dining out to e_______e they are not hungry at the end of the meal. Humans are a planning and predicting animal and this is a n____________________t. The same d_________________________s purchasing too much food at the supermarket but there are other possible sources. For example, a______________________________g to cook a variety of dishes during the week, may buy a lot of healthy fruits and vegetables. If they are busy or cannot s_________________________e, the p____________e will s______l within a few days and they will have to t_______________t and m_________________s.
The solution is to reduce the amount of food people eat. A r_________________e of o______________g by o_________________s can lead to greater food waste. People order or buy more than they need and s_______________________s at every meal. O___________e, this becomes an i____________________t and they purchase i__________________________________d, some of which will n________________d or be t______________t if they cannot f_________h it. A good c__________________e to this p___________e would be in France, which is famed for s__________________________s. Food waste is d______________________r in France simply because people eat m_________t meals and are therefore more likely to eat all their food. This could be r____________d in other nations if governments r____________________s and t______________________s.
In conclusion, food waste has d_________________________s and the best solution is for individuals to reduce the size of their a_________________l. A s______t like this will require a c_________________t from both o__________________s and h__________________s.
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay line graph about the demand for steel.
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IELTS Task 1 Essay: Line Graph (Steel)
The line charts give information about the demand for steel and number of workers employed in a country from January to December.
The charts detail demand for steel and the number of workers employed in a given country over a one year period. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that both demand and employment fluctuated but followed similar downwards trends. By the end of the period, actual demand had overtaken production.
In the first 2 months of the year, workers (6,000), steel production (5,000) and actual demand (3,000) peaked. From there, the number of workers fell steeply to 3,000 in March and was flat through April, while production dropped below 4,000 tonnes and remained stable to July. Actual demand also decreased, though it fluctuated between 2 and 3,000 tonnes through September, before plummeting to 0 in November and recovering to 2,000 in December.
This end of year pattern was largely mirrored by both production and employment as the former crashed from a second peak of nearly 5,000 in July to under 1,000 by the end of the period (with no recovery). Employment numbers rose to 3,500 in August and had steadily subsided to 1,000 by the end of the year.
Analysis
1. The charts detail demand for steel and the number of workers employed in a given country over a one year period. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that both demand and employment fluctuated but followed similar downwards trends. By the end of the period, actual demand had overtaken production.
Paraphrase what the graph shows.
Write a general overview including all categories and the fully trend.
Aim for 2 sentences for your overview. Read more about overviews here.
1. In the first 2 months of the year, workers (6,000), steel production (5,000) and actual demand (3,000) peaked. 2. From there, the number of workers fell steeply to 3,000 in March and was flat through April, while production dropped below 4,000 tonnes and remained stable to July. 3. Actual demand also decreased, though it fluctuated between 2 and 3,000 tonnes through September, before plummeting to 0 in November and recovering to 2,000 in December.
Begin to compare and describe the data.
Group as much data as possible.
Compare the different lines and incluse as much data as you can.
1. This end of year pattern was largely mirrored by both production and employment as the former crashed from a second peak of nearly 5,000 in July to under 1,000 by the end of the period (with no recovery). 2. Employment numbers rose to 3,500 in August and had steadily subsided to 1,000 by the end of the year.
Make sure all areas are fully covered.
And that the end points are clear.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The charts detail demand for steel and the number of workers employed in a given country over a one year period. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that both demand and employment fluctuated but followed similar downwards trends. By the end of the period, actual demand had overtaken production.
In the first 2 months of the year, workers (6,000), steel production (5,000) and actual demand (3,000) peaked. From there, the number of workers fell steeply to 3,000 in March and was flat through April, while production dropped below 4,000 tonnes and remained stable to July. Actual demand also decreased, though it fluctuated between 2 and 3,000 tonnes through September, before plummeting to 0 in November and recovering to 2,000 in December.
This end of year pattern was largely mirrored by both production and employment as the former crashed from a second peak of nearly 5,000 in July to under 1,000 by the end of the period (with no recovery). Employment numbers rose to 3,500 in August and had steadily subsided to 1,000 by the end of the year.
Answers
demand need
a given country a random nation
looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
followed similar downwards trends had almost the same pattern of decreasing
by the end of the period at the end
overtaken become greater than
in the first 2 months of the year January, February
The charts detail d_________d for steel and the number of workers employed in a______________y over a one year period. L________________________________________________________t both demand and employment fluctuated but f_______________________________s. B____________________________d, actual demand had o_________________n production.
I________________________________r, workers (6,000), steel production (5,000) and actual demand (3,000) p_________d. F__________e, the number of workers f_____________y to 3,000 in March and was f____t through April, while production d__________________w 4,000 tonnes and r___________________e to July. Actual demand also decreased, though it fluctuated between 2 and 3,000 tonnes t_____________________r, before p_______________g to 0 in November and r______________g to 2,000 in December.
This end of year p___________n was l_________________d by both production and employment as the f__________________d from a second peak of nearly 5,000 in July to under 1,000 by the end of the period (with n_______________y). Employment numbers rose to 3,500 in August and had s_____________________d to 1,000 by the end of the year.
Listening Practice
If you’re interested, learn about the history of iron and steel below:
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