IELTS Essay: Whole Family Raising Children

IELTS Essay: Whole Family Raising Children

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether or not the whole family should take part in raising children.

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Dave

IELTS Essay: Whole Family Raising Children

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?

Many today feel that is important for the entire extended family to play a role in child-rearing, while others feel that parents are sufficient. In my opinion, the whole family should be part of the process.

Those who doubt the value of the whole family in raising children often point out the potentially negative influence of particular relatives. In an ideal world, each family member would impart their own unique, mature perspectives in the interests of raising a well-rounded child. In practice, many relatives are more likely to serve as bad examples or contradict the efforts of the parents. The best case scenario with such individuals is confusion and in more extreme cases it could lead to developmental problems. There is even the possibility that a close relative is engaging in physical or mental abuse of a child without the parent’s awareness.

Nonetheless, the instances above are exceptions that can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis; in most families extra help lessens the burden on parents. A good example of this would be in countries with very tight-knit families such as in Asia and South America. There it is very common for aunts, uncles and the extended family to lend a hand with raising children. The main benefits of this are for parents and children. Parents get a much needed break from looking after their kids. Children benefit from the undivided attention of their relatives. When they come back home, their mother and father are also more likely to feel recharged and fully engaged in parenting duties having had some time to themselves.

In conclusion, though there are rare situations where the whole family raising a child can be a negative, it is important for parents to receive support from relatives. Parents should strive to have this familial environment in order to raise well-adjusted adults.

Analysis

1. Many today feel that is important for the entire extended family to play a role in child-rearing, while others feel that parents are sufficient. 2. In my opinion, the whole family should be part of the process.

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

1. Those who doubt the value of the whole family in raising children often point out the potentially negative influence of particular relatives. 2. In an ideal world, each family member would impart their own unique, mature perspectives in the interests of raising a well-rounded child. 3. In practice, many relatives are more likely to serve as bad examples or contradict the efforts of the parents. 4. The best case scenario with such individuals is confusion and in more extreme cases it could lead to developmental problems. 5. There is even the possibility that a close relative is engaging in physical or mental abuse of a child without the parent’s awareness.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Develop your main idea or explain it if necessary.
  3. Continue to develop the same main idea.
  4. State the possible results – keep your claims weak.
  5. State further results to continue developing your idea.

1. Nonetheless, the instances above are exceptions that can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis; in most families extra help lessens the burden on parents. 2. A good example of this would be in countries with very tight-knit families such as in Asia and South America. 3. There it is very common for aunts, uncles and the extended family to lend a hand with raising children. 4. The main benefits of this are for parents and children. 5. Parents get a much needed break from looking after their kids. 6. Children benefit from the undivided attention of their relatives. 7. When they come back home, their mother and father are also more likely to feel recharged and fully engaged in parenting duties having had some time to themselves.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Start a specific example as soon as possible.
  3. Develop the exam.
  4. State the results of the example.
  5. Keep developing the same example.
  6. State the results on everyone involved.
  7. Conclude with a strong statement.

1. In conclusion, though there are rare situations where the whole family raising a child can be a negative, it is important for parents to receive support from relatives. 2. Parents should strive to have this familial environment in order to raise well-adjusted adults.

  1. Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
  2. Add a final thought or detail at the end. Read more about writing a conclusion here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many today feel that is important for the entire extended family to play a role in child-rearing, while others feel that parents are sufficient. In my opinion, the whole family should be part of the process.

Those who doubt the value of the whole family in raising children often point out the potentially negative influence of particular relatives. In an ideal world, each family member would impart their own unique, mature perspectives in the interests of raising a well-rounded child. In practice, many relatives are more likely to serve as bad examples or contradict the efforts of the parents. The best case scenario with such individuals is confusion and in more extreme cases it could lead to developmental problems. There is even the possibility that a close relative is engaging in physical or mental abuse of a child without the parent’s awareness.

Nonetheless, the instances above are exceptions that can be dealt with on a case-by-case basis; in most families extra help lessens the burden on parents. A good example of this would be in countries with very tight-knit families such as in Asia and South America. There it is very common for aunts, uncles and the extended family to lend a hand with raising children. The main benefits of this are for parents and children. Parents get a much needed break from looking after their kids. Children benefit from the undivided attention of their relatives. When they come back home, their mother and father are also more likely to feel recharged and fully engaged in parenting duties having had some time to themselves.

In conclusion, though there are rare situations where the whole family raising a child can be a negative, it is important for parents to receive support from relatives. Parents should strive to have this familial environment in order to raise well-adjusted adults.

Answers

entire extended family uncles, aunts, cousins, etc.

play a role help with

child-rearing raising a child

sufficient enough

whole family entire family

part of the process play a role in

doubt question

value believe to be important

point out argue

potentially negative influence possibly hurt

particular relatives certain family members

in an ideal world in a perfect world

impart give/influence

unique individual

mature perspectives adult views

the interests of for others

well-rounded child kid with diverse interests

in practice in reality

serve as bad examples not good examples

contradict go against

efforts attempts

best case scenario the dream situation

confusion misunderstanding

more extreme cases worst case scenarios

developmental problems mental issues

possibility chance

close relative family member that knows them well

engaging in physical or mental abuse hurting, neglecting, abusing

without the parent’s awareness the mother/father not knowing

nonetheless regardless

exceptions cases outside the norm

dealt with handled

case-by-case basis situation to situation

lessens the burden on parents helps parents get by

tight-knit families close families

lend a hand help out

much needed break required rest

looking after taking care of

benefit for the good of

undivided attention not distracted

recharged re-energised

engaged paying attention

parenting duties responsibilities

time to themselves personal time

rare situations some cases

receive support get help

strive try hard

familial environment family situation

well-adjusted adults normal people

Pronunciation

ɪnˈtaɪər ɪksˈtɛndɪd ˈfæmɪli 
pleɪ ə rəʊl 
ʧaɪld-ˈrɪərɪŋ
səˈfɪʃənt
həʊl ˈfæmɪli 
pɑːt ɒv ðə ˈprəʊsɛs
daʊt 
ˈvæljuː 
pɔɪnt aʊt 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəli ˈnɛgətɪv ˈɪnflʊəns 
pəˈtɪkjʊlə ˈrɛlətɪvz
ɪn ən aɪˈdɪəl wɜːld
ɪmˈpɑːt 
juːˈniːk
məˈtjʊə pəˈspɛktɪvz 
ði ˈɪntrɪsts ɒv 
wɛl-ˈraʊndɪd ʧaɪld
ɪn ˈpræktɪs
sɜːv æz bæd ɪgˈzɑːmplz 
ˌkɒntrəˈdɪkt 
ˈɛfəts 
bɛst keɪs sɪˈnɑːrɪəʊ 
kənˈfjuːʒən 
mɔːr ɪksˈtriːm ˈkeɪsɪz 
dɪˌvɛləpˈmɛntl ˈprɒbləmz
ˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti 
kləʊs ˈrɛlətɪv 
ɪnˈgeɪʤɪŋ ɪn ˈfɪzɪkəl ɔː ˈmɛntl əˈbjuːs 
wɪˈðaʊt ðə ˈpeərənts əˈweənəs
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz 
dɛlt wɪð 
keɪs-baɪ-keɪs ˈbeɪsɪs
ˈlɛsnz ðə ˈbɜːdn ɒn ˈpeərənts
taɪt-nɪt ˈfæmɪliz 
lɛnd ə hænd 
mʌʧ ˈniːdɪd breɪk 
ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈɑːftə 
ˈbɛnɪfɪt 
ˌʌndɪˈvaɪdɪd əˈtɛnʃ(ə)n 
riːˈʧɑːʤd 
ɪnˈgeɪʤd 
ˈpeərəntɪŋ ˈdjuːtiz 
taɪm tuː ðəmˈsɛlvz
reə ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃənz 
rɪˈsiːv səˈpɔːt 
straɪv 
familial ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt 
wɛl-əˈʤʌstɪd ˈædʌlts

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many today feel that is important for the e____________________y to p___________e in c________________g, while others feel that parents are s_____________t. In my opinion, the w_____________y should be p_____________s.

Those who d________t the v________e of the whole family in raising children often p____________t the p___________________________e of p______________________s. I_________________d, each family member would i___________t their own u__________e, m________________________s in t_____________________f raising a w_____________________d. I______________e, many relatives are more likely to s___________________s or c_____________t the e__________s of the parents. The b___________________o with such individuals is c_____________n and in m_____________________s it could lead to d__________________________s. There is even the p______________y that a c__________________e is e__________________________________e of a child w_________________________________s.

N_____________s, the instances above are e_____________s that can be d____________________h on a c_____________________s; in most families extra help l___________________________s. A good example of this would be in countries with very t______________________s such as in Asia and South America. There it is very common for aunts, uncles and the extended family to l______________d with raising children. The main benefits of this are for parents and children. Parents get a m___________________k from l___________________r their kids. Children b_____________t from the u______________________n of their relatives. When they come back home, their mother and father are also more likely to feel r____________d and fully e__________d in p____________________s having had some t__________________s.

In conclusion, though there are r_______________s where the whole family raising a child can be a negative, it is important for parents to r____________________t from relatives. Parents should s_________e to have this f______________________t in order to raise w_____________________s.

Listening Practice

Listen about some rules of Japanese parenting below:

Reading Practice

Read more about the topic of family here from The Atlantic:

https://www.theatlantic.com/press-releases/archive/2020/02/march-issue-press-release/606301/

Speaking Practice

Practice with these questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Relatives

  1. Are your relatives or friends more important to you?
  2. When did you last see your relatives?
  3. How do you spend time with your relatives?
  4. Are people in your country usually close with their relatives?

Writing Practice

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

Although families have influence on a children’s development, factors outside the home play a bigger part in their lives nowadays.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Arts & Education Funding (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Arts & Education Funding (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of arts and education funding from the real exam.

Sign up for my Patreon so you don’t miss out on my exclusive essay PDFs.

Dave

IELTS Essay: Arts & Education Funding

The government should lower the budget on the arts in order to allocate more money to education.

To what extent do you agree?

Due to the limits of national budgets, many today are fiercely debating the proper level of funding for the arts and education. While some argue that the arts have important historic value, I side with those who recognize the societal value of education.

On the one hand, many insist that the arts are an important reminder of national history. A good example of this would be the countless paintings of historic events and key figures that became prominent and fashionable during the Renaissance. These pictures now deepen not only our understanding of those events but also the psychology and values of the individuals producing and becoming patrons of art at that time. It is therefore likely that art made today will also give important clues to future generations as to the history and character of their ancestors.

On the other hand, education is the key for the progress of a nation. This can be most clearly seen in developing countries. After World War II, for instance, South Korea’s economy was decimated and there were few pathways to a stable nation. The government invested massively in education and the result is some of the most important companies in the world were founded ranging from Samsung to LG to Hyundai. These companies contribute to the economy and have greatly raised the standard of living for all citizens. I believe efforts to fund education like the one detailed above have a clear and tangible impact.

In conclusion, art is important for its value in terms of history but education is by far more important for its economic effects. Governments should strike some balance but prioritise education.

Analysis

1. Due to the limits national budgets, many today are fiercely debating the proper level of funding for the arts and education. 2. While some argue that the arts have important historic value, I side with those who recognize the societal value of education.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Learn more about introductions here.

1. On the one hand, many insist that the arts are an important reminder of national history. 2. A good example of this would be the countless paintings of historic events and key figures that became prominent and fashionable during the Renaissance. 3. These pictures now deepen not only our understanding of those events but also the psychology and values of the individuals producing and becoming patrons of art at that time. 4. It is therefore likely that art made today will also give important clues to future generations as to the history and character of their ancestors.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Begin a specific example.
  3. Develop the example.
  4. Draw conclusions or generalise from your example.

1. On the other hand, education is the key for the progress of a nation. This can be most clearly seen in developing countries. 2. After World War II, for instance, South Korea’s economy was decimated and there were few pathways to a stable nation. 3. The government invested massively in education and the result is some of the most important companies in the world were founded ranging from Samsung to LG to Hyundai. 4. These companies contribute to the economy and have greatly raised the standard of living for all citizens. 5. I believe efforts to fund education like the one detailed above have a clear and tangible impact.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Begin another specific example.
  3. Develop it and don’t switch to a new example.
  4. State the results.
  5. Conclude with a strong statement.

1. In conclusion, art is important for its value in terms of history but education is by far more important for its economic effects. 2. Governments should strike some balance but prioritise education.

  1. Repeat your main ideas and your opinion.
  2. Include a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Due to the limits of national budgets, many today are fiercely debating the proper level of funding for the arts and education. While some argue that the arts have important historic value, I side with those who recognize the societal value of education.

On the one hand, many insist that the arts are an important reminder of national history. A good example of this would be the countless paintings of historic events and key figures that became prominent and fashionable during the Renaissance. These pictures now deepen not only our understanding of those events but also the psychology and values of the individuals producing and becoming patrons of art at that time. It is therefore likely that art made today will also give important clues to future generations as to the history and character of their ancestors.

On the other hand, education is the key for the progress of a nation. This can be most clearly seen in developing countries. After World War II, for instance, South Korea’s economy was decimated and there were few pathways to a stable nation. The government invested massively in education and the result is some of the most important companies in the world were founded ranging from Samsung to LG to Hyundai. These companies contribute to the economy and have greatly raised the standard of living for all citizens. I believe efforts to fund education like the one detailed above have a clear and tangible impact.

In conclusion, art is important for its value in terms of history but education is by far more important for its economic effects. Governments should strike some balance but prioritise education.

Answers

limits of national budgets constraints of money available

fiercely debating hotly arguing about

proper level of funding correct amount of money

important historic value key to understanding the past

side with agree with

recognize understand

societal value of education importance of schools

insist feel strongly about

reminder makes one remember

national history history of a country

countless paintings of historic events many pictures of events from the past

key figures important people

prominent common

fashionable in vogue

Renaissance period of artistic and scientific growth in Europe around the 1500s

deepen understand more

psychology how people think

becoming patrons of contributing money for

clues hints

future generations people in the future, our grandchildren, etc.

character personality

ancestors people who came before us

progress how the world gets better

most clearly seen obvious in

decimated destroyed

pathways means

stable nation prosperous country

invested massively put a lot of money into

ranging from including

contribute give to

raised the standard of living for all citizens make life better for all

efforts attempts

detailed above listed before

clear and tangible impact real effect

strike some balance find a middle way

prioritise make more important

Pronunciation

ˈlɪmɪts ɒv ˈnæʃənl ˈbʌʤɪts 
ˈfɪəsli dɪˈbeɪtɪŋ 
ˈprɒpə ˈlɛvl ɒv ˈfʌndɪŋ 
ɪmˈpɔːtənt hɪsˈtɒrɪk ˈvæljuː 
saɪd wɪð 
ˈrɛkəgnaɪz 
səˈsaɪətl ˈvæljuː ɒv ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən 
ɪnˈsɪst 
rɪˈmaɪndə 
ˈnæʃənl ˈhɪstəri 
ˈkaʊntlɪs ˈpeɪntɪŋz ɒv hɪsˈtɒrɪk ɪˈvɛnts 
kiː ˈfɪgəz 
ˈprɒmɪnənt 
ˈfæʃnəbl 
rəˈneɪsəns 
ˈdiːpən 
saɪˈkɒləʤi 
bɪˈkʌmɪŋ ˈpeɪtrənz ɒv 
kluːz 
ˈfjuːʧə ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃənz 
ˈkærɪktə 
ˈænsɪstəz 
ˈprəʊgrəs 
məʊst ˈklɪəli siːn 
ˈdɛsɪmeɪtɪd 
ˈpɑːθweɪz 
ˈsteɪbl ˈneɪʃən 
ɪnˈvɛstɪd ˈmæsɪvli 
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)t 
reɪzd ðə ˈstændəd ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ fɔːr ɔːl ˈsɪtɪznz 
ˈɛfəts 
ˈdiːteɪld əˈbʌv 
klɪər ænd ˈtænʤəbl ˈɪmpækt 
straɪk sʌm ˈbæləns 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Due to l_____________________________s, many today are f________________g the p__________________________g for the arts and education. While some argue that the arts have i__________________________e, I s_______________h those who r_____________e the s____________________________n.

On the one hand, many i_________t that the arts are an important r__________r of n________________y. A good example of this would be the c_______________________________s and k____________________s that became p________________t and f_______________e during the R______________e. These pictures now d___________n not only our understanding of those events but also the p_____________y and values of the individuals producing and b____________________f art at that time. It is therefore likely that art made today will also give important c_______s to f___________________s as to the history and c_____________r of their a_____________s.

On the other hand, education is the key for the p___________s of a nation. This can be m_________________n in developing countries. After World War II, for instance, South Korea’s economy was d______________d and there were few p____________s to a s______________n. The government i_________________y in education and the result is some of the most important companies in the world were founded r_________________m Samsung to LG to Hyundai. These companies c________________e to the economy and have greatly r___________________________________s. I believe e__________s to fund education like the one d_______________e have a c_________________________t.

In conclusion, art is important for its value in terms of history but education is by far more important for its economic effects. Governments should s____________________e but p______________e education.

Listening Practice

Learn more about the Renaissance below:

Reading Practice

Learn more about the importance of art below:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/opinion/david-zwirner-museums-coronavirus.html

Speaking Practice

Talk about the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Art

  1. Have you ever been to an art gallery?
  2. Would you like to learn more about art?
  3. Do you hang any art in your home?
  4. Do people in your country enjoy making art?

Writing Practice

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

Many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as literature and painting.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Bar Chart (Education)

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Bar Chart (Education)

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay featuring a bar chart on the topic of education.

For more complete PDF essays, check out my Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Bar Chart (Education)

The chart below gives information about levels of education by age range in the UK in 2010.

The chart details age demographics as they relate to levels of education in the UK in 2010. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that older people, particularly in the oldest age bracket, tended to have no or fewer qualifications.

Looking first of all at younger people, precisely 27% of individuals from ages 16-50 had no qualifications. Breaking that down further, 20% of the 16-24 and 35-50 groups had school certification and 71% had university degrees. For ages 24-35, the numbers are slightly different with 76% having graduated university and 15% with a school certification.

Turning to the older demographics, for those aged 50-75, 50% had a university degree, 20% a school certificate and 30% no qualification. This figure expanded to 72% for people over 75, with just 3% having earned a school certificate and 25% a university degree.

Analysis

1. The chart details age demographics as they relate to levels of education in the UK in 2010. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that older people, particularly in the oldest age bracket, tended to have no or fewer qualifications.

  1. Paraphrase what the graph shows.
  2. Write a general overview that fully covers all areas.

1. Looking first of all at younger people, precisely 27% of individuals from ages 16-50 had no qualifications. 2. Breaking that down further, 20% of the 16-24 and 35-50 groups had school certification and 71% had university degrees. 3. For ages 24-35, the numbers are slightly different with 76% having graduated university and 15% with a school certification.

  1. Begin to describe the data.
  2. Make sure that you include all data.
  3. And try to compare as much as possible.

1. Turning to the older demographics, for those aged 50-75, 50% had a university degree, 20% a school certificate and 30% no qualification. 2. This figure expanded to 72% for people over 75, with just 3% having earned a school certificate and 25% a university degree.

  1. Group together the other age groups and write about them.
  2. Finish with all the data and double check to make sure it is accurate.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

The chart details age demographics as they relate to levels of education in the UK in 2010. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that older people, particularly in the oldest age bracket, tended to have no or fewer qualifications.

Looking first of all at younger people, precisely 27% of individuals from ages 16-50 had no qualifications. Breaking that down further, 20% of the 16-24 and 35-50 groups had school certification and 71% had unviersity degrees. For ages 24-35, the numbers are slightly different with 76% having graduated university and 15% with a school certification.

Turning to the older demographics, for those aged 50-75, 50% had a university degree, 20% a school certificate and 30% no qualification. This figure expanded to 72% for people over 75, with just 3% having earned a school certificate and 25% a university degree.

Answers

age demographics age groups

relate to have to do with

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

age bracket age groups

tended to usually

qualifications degrees, certifications

looking first of all at beginning with

breaking that down further looking more deeply/closely

school certification a degree or paper from a school

slightly different almost the same

graduated university received a university degree

with who had

turning to looking next at

expanded gets bigger

earned received

Pronunciation

eɪʤ ˌdiːməˈgræfɪks 
rɪˈleɪt tuː 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
eɪʤ ˈbrækɪt
ˈtɛndɪd tuː 
ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz
ˈlʊkɪŋ fɜːst ɒv ɔːl æt 
ˈbreɪkɪŋ ðæt daʊn ˈfɜːðə
skuːl ˌsɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən 
ˈslaɪtli ˈdɪfrənt 
ˈgrædjʊeɪtɪd ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsɪti 
wɪð 
ˈtɜːnɪŋ tuː 
ɪksˈpændz 
ɜːnd 

Vocabulary Practice

What do the words in bold below mean?

The chart details a___________________s as they r___________o levels of education in the UK in 2010. L_________________________________________________t older people, particularly in the oldest a___________t, t___________o have no or fewer q_____________s.

L______________________t younger people, precisely 27% of individuals from ages 16-50 had no qualifications. B_________________________r, 20% of the 16-24 and 35-50 groups have s_______________________n and 71% have unviersity degrees. For ages 24-35, the numbers are s____________________t with 76% having g______________________y and 15% w____h a school certification.

T_______________o the older demographics, for those aged 50-75, 50% have a university degree, 20% a school certificate and 30% no qualification. This figure e____________d to 72% for people over 75, with just 3% having e__________d a school certificate and 25% a university degree.

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Studying

  1. Do you work or study?
  2. Why are you studying English?
  3. What will you do after graduating university?

Writing Practice

The chart below shows the results of a survey about people's coffee and tea buying and drinking habits in five Australian cities.

IELTS Essay: The Elderly and Education

IELTS Essay: The Elderly and Education

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Use specific examples to develop your main idea.
  4. 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.

  1. Write another topic sentence with another clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain or begin developing the main idea.
  3. Be as specific as possible supporting your main idea.
  4. Don’t switch to new main idea.
  5. 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.

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

Pronunciation

praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz 
ˈlʊkɪŋ ˈɑːftə 
ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteərɪən sɛns 
ɪgˈnɔːz 
ˌʤʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz
ˈɑːgjuː ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv 
ˈiːzɪli drɔː ɒn 
ˈtænʤəbl ˈbɛnɪfɪts
gɒn səʊ fɑːr æz tuː 
məʊst ɪmˈpɔːtənt ˈnæʃənl praɪˈɒrɪti 
dɪˈzɜːvz 
ˈgreɪtɪst ˌæləʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)n ɒv rɪˈsɔːsɪz
ˈfeɪməsli ðə keɪs 
ˈdɛkeɪdz əˈgəʊ 
ˈɛfɪkəsi 
ɪnˈnɒvətɪv ˈɪndəstriz 
prəʊˈgrɛsɪvli ˈraɪzɪŋ ˈstændədz ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ
nɒt ˈəʊnli 
ʃɔːt-tɜːm 
ˈstɪmjʊleɪtɪŋ ðə kənˈsjuːmər i(ː)ˈkɒnəmi
wɛl-ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪted ˈpɒpjʊləs 
pəˈlɪtɪkəl pɑːˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃən
ˈseɪfti
ə həʊst ɒv 
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
piːkt 
ˈsædli nɪˈglɛktɪd ˈeərɪə
ˈdræstɪk(ə)li ˈslæʃɪŋ ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən ˈbʌʤɪts
ɔːt 
daɪˈvɜːtɪd 
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)tɪd məʊst 
pɑːst ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃənz 
ˈmɒdən ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧə 
pəˈlɪtɪkəl 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsɪstɪmz 
ˈteɪkən fɔː ˈgrɑːntɪd
ˈstrʌgl 
səˈpɔːtɪv
faɪˈnænʃəli ˈsteɪbl ˈfæmɪli
fɔːlz tuː 
faɪnd weɪz 
rɪˈtaɪəmənt həʊmz 
ˈmʌnθli ʧɛks fɔː ˈlɪvɪŋ ɪksˈpɛnsɪz 
əˈweə 
ˈpɒlɪsi ˈʧeɪnʤɪz 
ˈkruːʃəl 
kiːp ɪn maɪnd 
dɛt əʊd 
teɪk gʊd keər ɒv ðɛm
ˈbæləns 
ˈmʌltɪtjuːd ɒv praɪˈɒrɪtiz 
slɪp daʊn ðə lɪst

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

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:

http://www.nytimes.com/ref/college/coll-china-education-004.html

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions from the real IELTS exam:

Talk about an old person you know and respect

Writing Practice

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

Even though doctors advise old people to get more exercise, many old people do not get enough.

What are the reasons for this?

What are some possible solutions for this?

IELTS Essay: Taxing Sugar

IELTS Essay: Taxing Sugar

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Develop your main idea.
  3. Continue to develop by stating further results.
  4. Don’t swich to a new main idea.
  5. 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.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Use studies to support your ideas when possible.
  3. Develop your idea with specific, real examples.
  4. 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.

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

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.

driving factors main catalyst for

a variety of conditions many different problems

obesity fat

diabetes a sugar related disease

allegedly supposedly

manufacturers makers

tapped into exploited

attract customers get people to buy it

build their brands become more successful

free latitude leeway to do what they want

draconian old and strict

slowly dissuade over time lessen

break down reduce

dependence need for

moderate level not too much of

class issues related to how much money you make

outweighed stronger than

public health for the good of citizens’ health

ought should

adopt some variation legislate similarly

important reforms crucial changes

Pronunciation

ˈtæksɪz 
ˈʃʊgəri ˈprɒdʌkts 
ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl 
ðə ˈpʌblɪk 
ɪmˈpɪnʤ 
ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ˈfriːdəmz
dɪsˈpaɪt ðə ˈdrɔːbæks
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪ 
ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃənz
əˈpəʊz 
pɔɪnt aʊt 
ˈlɪmɪts pleɪst ɒn 
lɛs ˈæflʊənt ˈkʌstəməz
əˈfɔːd 
smɔːl ɪˈnʌf
faɪnd 
ˈɛkstrə fjuː ˈdɒləz 
prəˈhɪbɪtɪvli ɪksˈpɛnsɪv
ˈraɪtli 
rɪsˈtrɪktɪd baɪ ˈgʌvnmənt
kənˈsjuːməz 
əˈsəʊʃɪeɪtɪd hɛlθ rɪsks
ˈvæljuː ʃɔːt-tɜːm ˌgrætɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ˈəʊvə ˈlɒŋtɜːm hɛlθ
ɪn ˈkɒnflɪkt 
ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəli 
ˈpʌblɪk gʊd
ˈfæti fuːdz 
ˈdraɪvɪŋ ˈfæktəz 
ə vəˈraɪəti ɒv kənˈdɪʃənz 
əʊˈbiːsɪti 
ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz 
əˈlɛʤdli
ˌmænjʊˈfækʧərəz 
tæpt ˈɪntuː 
əˈtrækt ˈkʌstəməz 
bɪld ðeə brændz
friː ˈlætɪtjuːd 
dreɪˈkəʊnjən 
ˈsləʊli dɪˈsweɪd 
breɪk daʊn 
dɪˈpɛndəns 
ˈmɒdərɪt ˈlɛvl
klɑːs ˈɪʃuːz 
aʊtˈweɪd 
ˈpʌblɪk hɛlθ
ɔːt 
əˈdɒpt sʌm ˌveərɪˈeɪʃən 
ɪmˈpɔːtənt ˌriːˈfɔːmz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

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_________________n l___________________________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:

https://www.kitchenstories.com/en/stories/our-20-most-popular-sweet-baked-goods-ever

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Baking

  1. Did you learn to bake as a child?
  2. Do you bake often now?
  3. What foods are baked in your country most often?
  4. Is baking popular in your country today?

Writing Practice

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

More and more people today are drinking sugar-based drinks.

What are the reasons for this?

What are the solutions?