In many countries, people are spending more time in their workplace.
Why is this?
Is this a negative or positive development?
Real Past IELTS Writing Exam
More and more employees find themselves worker long hours these days. This is chiefly due to the evolving nature of work in the 21st century and it is decidedly not a positive change.
Younger generations today cannot expect to work a traditional 9 to 5 and receive good compensation. In the past, a person collected the majority of their income from salary and was able to afford a car, a home, and a stable family life. Nowadays, salaries are lower relative to living expenses, many good jobs have disappeared as technology improves and companies become more efficient, and investing capital now makes up the major share of income. This shift means the average worker often has to work long hours or take a second job to strive for the same standard of living they remember from childhood. It is unsurprising that many today are therefore discontent with their work-life balance.
This is typically a negative development because it leads to mental health problems. The exception is when an individual has a passion for their job, but few today have the luxury of working in their chosen field. Instead, most must accept jobs they do not love with low salaries. Working long hours, making little money, and not having passion for work can result in the formation of an unhealthy mental state. This ranges according to the individual from mild unhappiness and restlessness to more extreme manifestations such as depression and panic attacks. Many people today have begun self-medicating with alcohol and drugs or turning to a therapist who is only too happy to prescribe mood-altering pharmaceuticals to address the symptoms rooted in large-scale societal problems.
In conclusion, many people work too much today because of lower overall salaries and this worsens mental health. It is important for individuals today to cut back on living expenses to lead a happy life with less money.
Analysis
1. More and more employees find themselves worker long hours these days. 2. This is chiefly due to the evolving nature of work in the 21st century and it is decidedly not a positive change.
1. Younger generations today cannot expect to work a traditional 9 to 5 and receive good compensation. 2. In the past, a person collected the majority of their income from salary and was able to afford a car, a home, and a stable family life. 3. Nowadays, salaries are lower relative to living expenses, many good jobs have disappeared as technology improves and companies become more efficient, and investing capital now makes up the major share of income. 4. This shift means the average worker often has to work long hours or take a second job to strive for the same standard of living they remember from childhood. 5. It is unsurprising that many today are therefore discontent with their work-life balance.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Starting by comparing to the past is a good approach.
Use specific details and examples to support your main idea.
State the results.
Finish by relating it back to the overall question.
1. This is typically a negative development because it leads to mental health problems. 2. The exception is when an individual has a passion for their job, but few today have the luxury of working in their chosen field. 3. Instead, most must accept jobs they do not love with low salaries. 4. Working long hours, making little money, and not having passion for work can result in the formation of an unhealthy mental state. 5. This ranges according to the individual from mild unhappiness and restlessness to more extreme manifestations such as depression and panic attacks. 6. Many people today have begun self-medicating with alcohol and drugs or turning to a therapist who is only too happy to prescribe mood-altering pharmaceuticals to address the symptoms rooted in large-scale societal problems.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
You can start with an exception.
Then explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific support.
Give clera specific examples.
Conclude with a strong statement and the fullest possible results.
1. In conclusion, many people work too much today because of lower overall salaries and this worsens mental health. 2. It is important for individuals today to cut back on living expenses to lead a happy life with less money.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
More and more employees find themselves worker long hours these days. This is chiefly due to the evolving nature of work in the 21st century and it is decidedly not a positive change.
Younger generations today cannot expect to work a traditional 9 to 5 and receive good compensation. In the past, a person collected the majority of their income from salary and was able to afford a car, a home, and a stable family life. Nowadays, salaries are lower relative to living expenses, many good jobs have disappeared as technology improves and companies become more efficient, and investing capital now makes up the major share of income. This shift means the average worker often has to work long hours or take a second job to strive for the same standard of living they remember from childhood. It is unsurprising that many today are therefore discontent with their work-life balance.
This is typically a negative development because it leads to mental health problems. The exception is when an individual has a passion for their job, but few today have the luxury of working in their chosen field. Instead, most must accept jobs they do not love with low salaries. Working long hours, making little money, and not having passion for work can result in the formation of an unhealthy mental state. This ranges according to the individual from mild unhappiness and restlessness to more extreme manifestations such as depression and panic attacks. Many people today have begun self-medicating with alcohol and drugs or turning to a therapist who is only too happy to prescribe mood-altering pharmaceuticals to address the symptoms rooted in large-scale societal problems.
In conclusion, many people work too much today because of lower overall salaries and this worsens mental health. It is important for individuals today to cut back on living expenses to lead a happy life with less money.
Answers
more and more increasingly
find themselves are in the situation
chiefly due to mainly because of
evolving nature of work in the 21st century how employment is changing since 2000
decidedly not definitely not
cannot expect should not anticipate
traditional 9 to 5 normal office job
compensation salary
collected made
majority most of
income salary
afford can pay for
stable family life normal family
lower relative to living expenses less money compared to how much things cost
investing capital stocks, land, etc.
makes up forms
major share majority of
shift change
average worker normal person
take a second job get another occupation
strive try for
same standard of living equal living conditions
unsurprising not surprising
therefore discontent it follows they are unhappy
work-life balance enough free time
typically normally
mental health problems psychological issues
exception outside the normal cases
luxury extravagance
chosen field what they want to do
instead however
accept jobs take positions
formation development/starting
unhealthy mental state psychological problems
ranges according to can include
mild unhappiness a bit unhappy
restlessness discontentment
extreme manifestations furthest examples
depression very sad
panic attacks breakdowns
self-medicating using drugs to deal with issues
turning to seeking advice/help from
therapist psychiatrist
only too happy very willing to
prescribe mood-altering pharmaceuticals give drugs to make them happier
M______________e employees f________________s worker long hours these days. This is c_______________o the e___________________________________________y and it is d__________________t a positive change.
Younger generations today c__________________t to work a t___________________5 and receive good c_________________n. In the past, a person c_______________d the m_____________y of their i____________e from salary and was able to a___________d a car, a home, and a s________________e. Nowadays, salaries are l____________________________s, many good jobs have disappeared as technology improves and companies become more efficient, and i_______________________l now m_______________p the m_____________e of income. This s________t means the a_________________r often has to work long hours or t_____________________b to s__________e for the s__________________________g they remember from childhood. It is u_____________________g that many today are t____________________t with their w_____________________e.
This is t________________y a negative development because it leads to m_________________________s. The e______________n is when an individual has a passion for their job, but few today have the l____________y of working in their c________________d. I___________d, most must a_____________s they do not love with low salaries. Working long hours, making little money, and not having passion for work can result in the f____________n of an u________________________e. This r_____________________o the individual from m____________________s and r_______________s to more e________________________s such as d_______________n and p__________________s. Many people today have begun s__________________g with alcohol and drugs or t________________o a t_______________t who is o___________________y to p_______________________________________s to a_______________s the s____________s r____________n l__________________________s.
In conclusion, many people work too much today because of l_________________________s and this w____________s mental health. It is important for individuals today to c______________k on l_____________________s to l______________________e with less money.
Listening Practice
Watch the video below for some interesting ideas on this topic:
Reading Practice
Read from the BBC below if your long hours are killing you:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Children & Crime
Some people believe that children that commit crimes should be punished. Others think the parents should be punished instead.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam
Some today are calling for parents to be held responsible for crimes committed by their children. In my opinion, there are exceptions but many cases merit greater punishment for parents.
Those arguing against this reform point out that parents are not always culpable. There are numerous instances of loving parents who raise their child well but social problems still manifest from a young age. This is often the case if the child suffers from a mental illness such as schizophrenia or a dissociative disorder. These conditions may stem from simple genetics, in which case parents should not be punished, or from trauma the primary caregivers are unaware of. For example, if they have been abused at school or by a relative then it follows logically the offending, rather than innocent, party should be brought to justice.
Despite the important exceptions above that courts must sort through, parental abuse and neglect should be punishable. Studies have shown that most young children who commit crimes have been abused in some way by their parents. Serial killers are an extreme but useful case in point. Nearly every serial killer begins antisocial behaviour from a young age, including the criminal torture of animals. There are also no known examples of serial killers coming from happy homes; they are all the product of varying degrees of abuse from their parents. This is clear evidence that parents play the pivotal role in molding the psyche of young children. As children grow up and have more influences this may change but for young children, parents are chiefly responsible and courts should recognise this fact.
In conclusion, there are some cases where parents may not be at fault for criminal acts by children but in most situations they are the driving force. Trying parents for their child’s crime and seeking treatment for the children would therefore be a modern, progressive, and positive reform.
Analysis
1. Some today are calling for parents to be held responsible for crimes committed by their children. 2. In my opinion, there are exceptions but many cases merit greater punishment for parents.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Write a clear opinion that you will repeat later. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those arguing against this reform point out that parents are not always culpable. 2. There are numerous instances of loving parents who raise their child well but social problems still manifest from a young age. 3. This is often the case if the child suffers from a mental illness such as schizophrenia or a dissociative disorder. 4. These conditions may stem from simple genetics, in which case parents should not be punished, or from trauma the primary caregivers are unaware of. 5. For example, if they have been abused at school or by a relative then it follows logically the offending, rather than innocent, party should be brought to justice.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific details.
Continue to develop them and don’t switch to another main idea.
Use specific examples to support your main idea.
1. Despite the important exceptions above that courts must sort through, parental abuse and neglect should be punishable. 2. Studies have shown that most young children who commit crimes have been abused in some way by their parents. 3. Serial killers are an extreme but useful case in point. 4. Nearly every serial killer begins antisocial behaviour from a young age, including the criminal torture of animals. 5. There are also no known examples of serial killers coming from happy homes; they are all the product of varying degrees of abuse from their parents. 6. This is clear evidence that parents play the pivotal role in molding the psyche of young children. 7. As children grow up and have more influences this may change but for young children, parents are chiefly responsible and courts should recognise this fact.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea for the idea that you agree with.
Use research to support your opinion if possible.
Use a specific example.
Develop the example.
Keep developing it and don’t switch to a new one.
Generalise from the example back to your main idea.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, there are some cases where parents may not be at fault for criminal acts by children but in most situations they are the driving force. 2. Trying parents for their child’s crime and seeking treatment for the children would therefore be a modern, progressive, and positive reform.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought or detail to support your opinion.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Some today are calling for parents to be held responsible for crimes committed by their children. In my opinion, there are exceptions but many cases merit greater punishment for parents.
Those arguing against this reform point out that parents are not always culpable. There are numerous instances of loving parents who raise their child well but social problems still manifest from a young age. This is often the case if the child suffers from a mental illness such as schizophrenia or a dissociative disorder. These conditions may stem from simple genetics, in which case parents should not be punished, or from trauma the primary caregivers are unaware of. For example, if they have been abused at school or by a relative then it follows logically the offending, rather than innocent, party should be brought to justice.
Despite the important exceptions above that courts must sort through, parental abuse and neglect should be punishable. Studies have shown that most young children who commit crimes have been abused in some way by their parents. Serial killers are an extreme but useful case in point. Nearly every serial killer begins antisocial behaviour from a young age, including the criminal torture of animals. There are also no known examples of serial killers coming fromhappy homes; they are all the product of varying degrees of abuse from their parents. This is clear evidence that parents play the pivotal role in molding the psyche of young children. As children grow up and have more influences this may change but for young children, parents are chiefly responsible and courts should recognise this fact.
In conclusion, there are some cases where parents may not be at fault for criminal acts by children but in most situations they are the driving force. Trying parents for their child’s crime and seeking treatment for the children would therefore be a modern, progressive, and positive reform.
Answers
calling for wanting
held responsible be tried in court
committed did
exceptions cases that don’t apply
many cases merit most situations deserve
arguing against don’t believe
reform change
culpable responsible
numerous instances many examples
raise their child well bring up a kid in a good way
social problems can’t interact with others well
manifest become real
this is often the case if usually happens when
suffers from a mental illness have a mental disorder
schizophrenia a serious mental illness
dissociative disorder suffering a trauma and then a condition from that
conditions environment
stem from come from
genetics what you are born with, your nature
trauma problems in life
primary caregivers parents or whoever takes care of you
unaware of know about
abused getting hurt
relative someone in your family
follows logically naturally
offending guilty
innocent not guilty
party person
brought to justice tried in court, punished
important exceptions above key cases mentioned before
courts where you are tried for a crime
sort through work through
parental abuse and neglect parents hurting or not paying attention to their kids
punishable can be punished (adjective)
in some way through some method
serial killers people who kill multiple victims
extreme serious
useful case in point important example
nearly every almost all
begins antisocial behaviour starts to behave badly
criminal torture of animals hurting animals
no known examples no instances of
coming fromhappy homes raised well
the product of varying degrees of abuse the result of different levels of abuse
Some today are c___________r parents to be h__________________e for crimes c_________________d by their children. In my opinion, there are e_____________s but m_________________t greater punishment for parents.
Those a__________________t this r__________m point out that parents are not always c__________e. There are n_____________________s of loving parents who r________________________l but s_________________s still m____________t from a young age. T________________________f the child s____________________________s such as s_________________a or a d______________________r. These c_____________s may s____________m simple g____________s, in which case parents should not be punished, or from t__________a the p_________________________s are u_________________f. For example, if they have been a_________d at school or by a r__________e then it f____________________y the o____________g, rather than i____________t, p_______y should be b_____________________e.
Despite the i______________________________e that c_________s must s______________________h, p__________________________t should be p______________e. Studies have shown that most young children who commit crimes have been abused i________________y by their parents. S__________________s are an e_____________e but u________________________t. N_______________y serial killer b______________________________r from a young age, including the c_______________________________s. There are also n_________________________s of serial killers c___________________________s; they are all t_________________________________________e from their parents. This is c__________________e that parents p_____________________e in m________________________e of young children. As children grow up and have more i______________s this may change but for young children, parents are c_____________________e and courts should r_____________________t.
In conclusion, there are some cases where parents may not be a___________t for criminal acts by children but in most situations they are the d____________________e. T_________________s for their child’s crime and s_____________________t for the children would therefore be a m__________n, p_______________e, and p___________________m.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the influence of families and other factors on the development of children.
Be sure that you check out my exclusive IELTS Ebooks and materials on Patreon here (and recommend a friend if you can!).
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Child Development
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?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Many today feel that the home no longer plays the largest role in child development. In my opinion, though outside factors have become increasingly invasive, family life is still more influential.
Those who believe children these days are largely shaped by the outside world often focus on the expanding importance of technology. Decades ago, it was more common for families to engage in conversation throughout the day, at dinner, and during holidays. Today, each family member might be more engaged with their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For example, children now have constant access to streaming video sites like YouTube. Instead of watching cartoons for an hour a day on television, they can watch shows all day long, both in and outside the home. The result is that kids often find niche channels and parents have a difficult time monitoring and keeping up with the appropriacy of their interests and influences.
Nonetheless, family life remains the heart of early psychological development. Children are unlikely to have much access to new technology in their early years when researchers say the majority of personality formation occurs. If parents are strict, unforgiving and withhold their love then children begin to either turn inwards feeling rejected or strive compulsively for their parent’s esteem. These early, learned behaviours will manifest themselves in progressively more unhealthy behaviours and evolve as the child matures. Conversely, a child who is loved unconditionally but given honest feedback from their parents has a much greater chance of becoming a well-adjusted adult with strong role models to imitate.
In conclusion, despite the ubiquity of technology today, family is the key catalyst in early development. Regardless of changes in society, parents will continue to be the main influence for their children in the foreseeable future.
Analysis
1. Many today feel that the home no longer plays the largest role in child development. 2. In my opinion, though outside factors have become increasingly invasive, family life is still more influential.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write your opinion clearly. Read more about introductions on IELTS here.
1. Those who believe children these days are largely shaped by the outside world often focus on the expanding importance of technology. 2. Decades ago, it was more common for families to engage in conversation throughout the day, at dinner, and during holidays. 3. Today, each family member might be more engaged with their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. 4. For example, children now have constant access to streaming video sites like YouTube. 5. Instead of watching cartoons for an hour a day on television, they can watch shows all day long, both in and outside the home. 6. The result is that kids often find niche channels and parents have a difficult time monitoring and keeping up with the appropriacy of their interests and influences.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea or begin an example.
Develop your idea – don’t switch to a new one.
Give specific examples.
Develop or state the results of the examples.
Continue developing and relate it back to overall essay topic.
1. Nonetheless, family life remains the heart of early psychological development. 2. Children are unlikely to have much access to new technology in their early years when researchers say the majority of personality formation occurs. 3. If parents are strict, unforgiving and withhold their love then children begin to either turn inwards feeling rejected or strive compulsively for their parent’s esteem. 4. These early, learned behaviours will manifest themselves in progressively more unhealthy behaviours and evolve as the child matures. 5. Conversely, a child who is loved unconditionally but given honest feedback from their parents has a much greater chance of becoming a well-adjusted adult with strong role models to imitate.
Write another topic sentence with a main idea for the other side.
Explain your main idea.
Use a hypothetical example if you don’t know a real one.
Develop the example.
Continue developing it and stating the end results.
1. In conclusion, despite the ubiquity of technology today, family is the key catalyst in early development. 2. Regardless of changes in society, parents will continue to be the main influence for their children in the foreseeable future.
Summarise your ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many today feel that the home no longer plays the largest role in child development. In my opinion, though outside factors have become increasingly invasive, family life is still more influential.
Those who believe children these days are largely shaped by the outside world often focus on the expanding importance of technology. Decades ago, it was more common for families to engage in conversation throughout the day, at dinner, and during holidays. Today, each family member might be more engaged with their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For example, children now have constant access to streaming video sites like YouTube. Instead of watching cartoons for an hour a day on television, they can watch shows all day long, both in and outside the home. The result is that kids often find niche channels and parents have a difficult time monitoring and keeping up with the appropriacy of their interests and influences.
Nonetheless, family life remains the heart of early psychological development. Children are unlikely to have much access to new technology in their early years when researchers say the majority of personality formation occurs. If parents are strict, unforgiving and withhold their love then children begin to either turn inwards feeling rejected or strive compulsively for their parent’s esteem. These early, learned behaviours will manifest themselves in progressively more unhealthy behaviours and evolve as the child matures. Conversely, a child who is loved unconditionally but given honest feedback from their parents has a much greater chance ofbecoming a well-adjusted adult with strong role models to imitate.
In conclusion, despite the ubiquity of technology today, family is the key catalyst in early development. Regardless of changes in society, parents will continue to be the main influence for their children in the foreseeable future.
Answers
plays the largest role do the most
child development how a kid grows up
outside factors not limited to the home
increasingly invasive more and more influential
influential have an impact
largely shaped mostly molded by
the outside world not in the home
expanding importance more and more important
decades ago 20+ years ago
engage in take part in
family member a person in your family
engaged with interacting with
constant access can use any time
streaming video sites Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, etc.
all day long the whole day
niche channels not very popular, odd videos
monitoring supervising
keeping up with knowing about
appropriacy if they should/shouldn’t be watching them
remains the heart of still crucial
psychological development how their brain, emotions develop
unlikely probably won’t happen
access can get
early years when young
majority most of
personality formation how their temperament develops
occurs happens
strict harsh
unforgiving do not forgive, not lenient
withhold not give
turn inwards become introverted
rejected feel spurned
strive compulsively try very hard
parent’s esteem parent’s opinion of them
learned behaviours habits
manifest appear as
progressively more and more
evolve change over time
matures become older, more adult
conversely in contrast
unconditionally without strings attached
honest feedback honest opinion
greater chance more likely
well-adjusted adult normal person
strong role models someone to look up to
imitate copy
ubiquity everywhere
key catalyst chief cause
regardless of nonetheless
continue to be still remain
foreseeable future as far as we can see in the future
Many today feel that the home no longer p______________________e in c___________________________t. In my opinion, though o____________________s have become i_______________________e, family life is still more i__________________l.
Those who believe children these days are l_______________d by t_______________________d often focus on the e_________________________e of technology. D___________________o, it was more common for families to e______________n conversation throughout the day, at dinner, and during holidays. Today, each f___________________r might be more e________________h their smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For example, children now have c____________________s to s___________________s like YouTube. Instead of watching cartoons for an hour a day on television, they can watch shows a___________________________g, both in and outside the home. The result is that kids often find n__________________s and parents have a difficult time m_______________g and k_________________h the a__________________y of their interests and influences.
Nonetheless, family life r_________________________f early p_______________________t. Children are u______________y to have much a___________s to new technology in their e________________s when researchers say the m__________y of p______________________n o__________s. If parents are s____________t, u________________g and w__________d their love then children begin to either t_________________s feeling r____________d or s____________________y for their p_________________m. These early, l_____________________s will m____________t themselves in p___________________y more unhealthy behaviours and e_____________e as the child m________________s. C________________y, a child who is loved u__________________y but given h__________________k from their parents has a much g_________________e ofbecoming a w_____________________t with s_________________s to i_________e.
In conclusion, despite the u_____________y of technology today, family is the k_______________t in early development. R________________f changes in society, parents will c_________________e the main influence for their children in the f______________________e.
Listening Practice
Learn about attachment theory below:
Reading Practice
Read here about the influence of technology on children:
Some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this can have a negative impact on local culture.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam
Some believe cinemas should show a wide breadth of films from around the world, while others worry about the globalising effect on local culture. In my opinion, though reliance on domestic film can contribute greatly to the cultural development of a nation, it is too severe a restriction.
Those wary of the pernicious effects of films from other countries point to the importance of nationally produced films. When a country imports few films from abroad, they are forced into making more and better movies to attract audiences. For instance, in the 1980s immediately after the cultural revolution in China, few foreign films were shows. Studios instead funded ambitious Chinese film-makers like Zhang Yimou, who would later go on to lead the early 1990s ascent of Chinese new wave cinema. This same pattern has been repeated in South Korea, Japan, France, and numerous other countries at different periods in the 20th century. The sum effect on culture for each respective nation has been massive and, in many cases, represents their most recent defining cultural achievements.
Nonetheless, watching foreign films allows individuals to enjoy the best entertainment on offer. It would be cruel to ban foreign films and enforce a sub-par viewing experience in countries with under-developed film industries. Film is, after all, mainly an enjoyable form of relaxation. The most popular movies tend to come from Hollywood and include blockbuster superhero franchises, Oscar-worthy dramas, and comedies. Many local theatre chains would struggle to stay in business without foreign films and the new online streaming options mean that audiences would likely just subscribe to Netflix or download movies illegally. The actual cultural benefits of such restrictions might therefore be questionable while theatre-goers would surely be deprived of quality recreation.
In conclusion, the examples of isolated national film industries do not outweigh the diversionary value of film. There are other methods of preserving and encouraging culture besides censoring outside influences.
Analysis
1. Some believe cinemas should show a wide breadth of films from around the world, while others worry about the globalising effect on local culture. 2. In my opinion, though reliance on domestic film can contribute greatly to the cultural development of a nation, it is too severe a restriction.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
Give a clear opinion. Read more about introductions for IELTS here.
1. Those wary of the pernicious effects of films from other countries point to the importance of nationally produced films. 2. When a country imports few films from abroad, they are forced into making more and better movies to attract audiences. 3. For instance, in the 1980s immediately after the cultural revolution in China, few foreign films were shows. 4. Studios instead funded ambitious Chinese film-makers like Zhang Yimou, who would later go on to lead the early 1990s ascent of Chinese new wave cinema. 5. This same pattern has been repeated in South Korea, Japan, France, and numerous other countries at different periods in the 20th century. 6. The sum effect on culture for each respective nation has been massive and, in many cases, represents their most recent defining cultural achievements.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea, if necessary.
Give an example.
Develop or extend the example to other countries.
State the full results.
1. Nonetheless, watching foreign films allows individuals to enjoy the best entertainment on offer. 2. It would be cruel to ban foreign films and enforce a sub-par viewing experience in countries with under-developed film industries. 3. Film is, after all, mainly an enjoyable form of relaxation. 4. The most popular movies tend to come from Hollywood and include blockbuster superhero franchises, Oscar-worthy dramas, and comedies. 5. Many local theatre chains would struggle to stay in business without foreign films and the new online streaming options mean that audiences would likely just subscribe to Netflix or download movies illegally. 6. The actual cultural benefits of such restrictions might therefore be questionable while theatre-goers would surely be deprived of quality recreation.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain this main idea.
Vary short and long sentences.
Give specific examples to support your main idea.
Continue developing the same main idea – don’t switch to a new one.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, the examples of isolated national film industries do not outweigh the diversionary value of film. 2. There are other methods of preserving and encouraging culture besides censoring outside influences.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought/detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Some believe cinemas should show a wide breadth of films from around the world, while others worry about the globalising effect on local culture. In my opinion, though reliance on domestic film can contribute greatly to the cultural development of a nation, it is too severe a restriction.
Those wary of the pernicious effects of films from other countries point to the importance of nationally produced films. When a country imports few films from abroad, they are forced into making more and better movies to attract audiences. For instance, in the 1980s immediately after the cultural revolution in China, few foreign films were shows. Studios instead funded ambitious Chinese film-makers like Zhang Yimou, who would later go on to lead the early 1990s ascent of Chinese new wave cinema. This same pattern has been repeated in South Korea, Japan, France, and numerous other countries at different periods in the 20th century. The sum effect on culture for each respective nation has been massive and, in many cases, represents their most recent defining cultural achievements.
Nonetheless, watching foreign films allows individuals to enjoy the best entertainment on offer. It would be cruel to ban foreign films and enforce a sub-par viewing experience in countries with under-developed film industries. Film is, after all, mainly an enjoyable form of relaxation. The most popular movies tend to come from Hollywood and include blockbuster superhero franchises, Oscar-worthy dramas, and comedies. Many local theatre chains would struggle to stay in business without foreign films and the new online streaming options mean that audiences would likely just subscribe to Netflix or download movies illegally. The actual cultural benefits of such restrictions might therefore be questionable while theatre-goers would surely be deprived of quality recreation.
In conclusion, the examples of isolated national film industries do not outweigh the diversionary value of film. There are other methods of preserving and encouraging culture besides censoring outside influences.
Answers
wide breadth lots of different
globalising effect making the whole world the same
local culture the country in question
reliance dependence
domestic film film made in their country
contribute greatly add a lot to
cultural development the progress of art/culture
severe extreme
restriction regulation
wary suspicious about
pernicious effects bad impacts
point to argue
nationally produced films movies made in that country
imports what is brought into the country
abroad foreign
forced into must
attract audiences bring people in
immediately after right after, following
cultural revolution in China a program of restriction in China in the 1960s and 70s
studios film companies
funded ambitious gave money to promising
later go on after this would
ascent rise
Chinese new wave cinema early 1990s movement of good Chinese films
same pattern identical trend
repeated happened again
numerous many
different periods various times
20th century 1900-2000
sum effect total impact
respective nation country in question
massive huge
in many cases most of the time
represents total
most recent defining cultural achievements most important art made recently
nonetheless regardless
on offer available
cruel mean
ban restrict
enforce make sure it is followed
sub-par viewing experience bad time at the movies
under-developed not mature, not advanced
form make up
tend to usually
blockbuster superhero franchises Marvel and DC movies
Oscar-worthy dramas high-brow films
local theatre chains cinemas in your country
struggle have a tough time
stay in business continue to operate
streaming options online services for watching videos
audiences the people who watch
subscribe sign up to
download movies illegally steal films
actual cultural benefits real advantages for the culture
restrictions limits
questionable doubtful
theatre-goers people who watch movies
deprived of quality recreation taken away the fun
isolated alone
outweigh more important than
diversionary value important distractions
preserving keeping intact
encouraging helping
censoring outside influences restricting foreign films
Some believe cinemas should show a w___________h of films from around the world, while others worry about the g________________t on l______________e. In my opinion, though r____________e on d_______________m can c________________y to the c______________________t of a nation, it is too s________e a r____________n.
Those w_______y of the p____________________s of films from other countries p_________o the importance of n_________________________s. When a country i__________s few films from a_________d, they are f_____________o making more and better movies to a___________________s. For instance, in the 1980s i_______________________r the c_____________________________a, few foreign films were shows. S________s instead f________________s Chinese film-makers like Zhang Yimou, who would l____________n to lead the early 1990s a________t of C________________________a. This s___________n has been r__________d in South Korea, Japan, France, and n___________s other countries at d____________________s in the 2_______________y. The s____________t on culture for each r___________________n has been m__________e and, i____________s, r________________s their m____________________________________s.
N____________s, watching foreign films allows individuals to enjoy the best entertainment o________r. It would be c_______l to b___n foreign films and e__________e a s___________________________e in countries with u________________d film industries. Film is, after all, mainly an enjoyable f______m of relaxation. The most popular movies t________o come from Hollywood and include b____________________________________s, O_________________________s, and comedies. Many l_______________________s would s______________e to s_________________s without foreign films and the new online s_________________s mean that a______________s would likely just s_______________e to Netflix or d____________________________y. The a__________________________s of such r_______________s might therefore be q__________________e while t_______________s would surely be d____________________________________n.
In conclusion, the examples of i____________d national film industries do not o___________h the d________________________e of film. There are other methods of p_______________g and e_________________g culture besides c_______________________________s.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of artificual intelligence and whether or not it is a positive development that computers will be smarter than humans someday.
Be sure that you check out my exclusive IELTS Ebooks and materials on Patreon here (and recommend a friend if you can!).
Some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligent than human beings. While some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many today are worried about the potential drawbacks of artificial intelligence. In my opinion, these concerns are legitimate but on the whole A.I. will allow for new heights to human endeavour.
The chief associated worries concern its misuse by humans initially and machines later. The former is already coming to pass as automation has phased out many traditional jobs. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, the positions in jeopardy will transition from low-skilled factory staff to data analysts and other white-collar workers. The fear is that companies will be motivated solely by their bottom line, lay off many employees and trigger mass social unrest. Some also believe A.I. portends darker scenarios akin to the apocalyptic dystopias of films like The Matrix and Terminator. This is a possibility though it is impossible to estimate its likelihood.
The speculations above should be taken seriously but they pale in comparison to the technologies A.I. can complement. Companies ranging from Google to Amazon to Tesla are investing heavily in this industry because of its enormous potential. For example, self-driving cars are fast becoming a reality and will reduce the number of vehicular accidents massively. Policymakers in government will be able to take advantage of sophisticated algorithms to project economic policy and positively enhance the lives of billions. In the consumer sphere, smartphones will become increasingly helpful, freeing up individuals to focus their time on work, family, and leisure. This is only a partial list and the most intriguing and impactful applications have yet to be unearthed.
In conclusion, artificial intelligence poses risks to the labour market and the future of humanity, but the opportunities for new projects should take priority. It is important to find a balance and methods of mitigating the dangers.
Analysis
1. Many today are worried about the potential drawbacks of artificial intelligence. 2. In my opinion, these concerns are legitimate but on the whole A.I. will allow for new heights to human endeavour.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The chief associated worries concern its misuse by humans initially and machines later. 2. The former is already coming to pass as automation has phased out many traditional jobs. 3. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, the positions in jeopardy will transition from low-skilled factory staff to data analysts and other white-collar workers. 4. The fear is that companies will be motivated solely by their bottom line, lay off many employees and trigger mass social unrest. 5. Some also believe A.I. portends darker scenarios akin to the apocalyptic dystopias of films like The Matrix and Terminator. 6. This is a possibility though it is impossible to estimate its likelihood.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Use specific examples.
Continue to develop your main idea.
Don’t switch to a new idea.
Conclude by generalising.
1. The speculations above should be taken seriously but they pale in comparison to the technologies A.I. can complement. 2. Companies ranging from Google to Amazon to Tesla are investing heavily in this industry because of its enormous potential. 3. For example, self-driving cars are fast becoming a reality and will reduce the number of vehicular accidents massively. 4. Policymakers in government will be able to take advantage of sophisticated algorithms to project economic policy and positively enhance the lives of billions. 5. In the consumer sphere, smartphones will become increasingly helpful, freeing up individuals to focus their time on work, family, and leisure. 6. This is only a partial list and the most intriguing and impactful applications have yet to be unearthed.
Write another clear topic sentence with the main idea that agree with.
Use real companies/people to write very specific examples.
Begin a specific example.
You can write about related examples instead of developing one example.
Here I switch to a third example.
Conclude with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, artificial intelligence poses risks to the labour market and the future of humanity, but the opportunities for new projects should take priority. 2. It is important to find a balance and methods of mitigating the dangers.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many today are worried about the potential drawbacks of artificial intelligence. In my opinion, these concerns are legitimate but on the whole A.I. will allow for new heights to human endeavour.
The chief associated worries concern its misuse by humans initially and machines later. The former is already coming to pass as automation has phased out many traditional jobs. As artificial intelligence becomes more sophisticated, the positions in jeopardy will transition from low-skilled factory staff to data analysts and other white-collar workers. The fear is that companies will be motivated solely by their bottom line, lay off many employees and trigger mass social unrest. Some also believe A.I. portends darker scenarios akinto the apocalyptic dystopias of films like The Matrix and Terminator. This is a possibility though it is impossible to estimate its likelihood.
The speculations above should be taken seriously but they pale in comparison to the technologies A.I. can complement. Companies ranging from Google to Amazon to Tesla are investing heavily in this industry because of its enormous potential. For example, self-driving cars are fast becoming a reality and will reduce the number of vehicular accidents massively. Policymakers in government will be able to take advantage ofsophisticated algorithms to project economic policy and positively enhance the lives of billions. In the consumer sphere, smartphones will become increasingly helpful, freeing up individuals to focus their time on work, family, and leisure. This is only a partial list and the most intriguing and impactful applications have yet to be unearthed.
In conclusion, artificial intelligence poses risks to the labour market and the future of humanity, but the opportunities for new projects should take priority. It is important to find a balance and methods of mitigating the dangers.
Many today are w______________t the p_________________s of a______________________e. In my opinion, these c____________s are l______________e but o______________e A.I. will allow for n____________s to h______________________r.
The c____________________________________n its m___________e by humans i_____________y and machines later. The former is already c_______________s as a________________n has p______________t many t_____________________s. As artificial intelligence becomes more s______________d, the p______________________y will t_______________n from l__________________________f to d_________________s and other w_____________________s. The fear is that companies will be m____________________y by their b________________e, l_____________f many employees and t_____________________________t. Some also believe A.I. p__________________________________o the a________________________s of films like The Matrix and Terminator. This is a p________________y though it is impossible to e________________e its l_________________d.
The s__________________s above should be t__________________y but they p__________________________o the technologies A.I. can c____________________t. Companies r____________________m Google to Amazon to Tesla are i________________________y in this industry because of its e_______________________l. For example, s___________________s are f_______________________y and will reduce the number of v_____________________________y. P____________________s in government will be able to t__________________________________________s to p___________________________y and p_____________________e the lives of billions. In the c______________________e, smartphones will become i________________________l, f_______________p individuals to f____________________e on work, family, and l____________e. This is only a p________________t and the m__________________g and i________________________s have yet to be u______________d.
In conclusion, artificial intelligence p_____________s to the l__________________t and the future of humanity, but the opportunities for new projects should t_________________y. It is important to find a b_____________e and m____________s of m____________g the d___________s.
Listening Practice
How far is too far?
Reading Practice
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