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
Stay updated on the latest news about Artifical Intelligence from Wired here:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether it is better to read about the past through film or written documents.
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: Learning Through Film or Written Documents
It is better to learn the way people lived in the past through films and video records than written documents.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Writing Exam/Test
Some believe that learning about the past is best done through written documents, while others feel video is a more accurate medium. In my opinion, recent films in particular can be useful but most information about the past is contained in documents.
Those who argue in favour of video recordings can point to their accuracy. Images transform every observation into a firsthand account. For example, there are documentaries and home videos starting in the 1960s that show how people lived. By watching these films, a social anthropologist can spot more than the surface content. They can see how people talked to each other in real life, what products they used, get a sense for the fashion and the way people spoke. In order to better understand their subject, historians would give anything for an opportunity to have similar film of the Ancient Greeks or Romans.
However, video is limited, especially in terms of its access to important persons and events of the past. It might reveal how everyday people behaved but the facts of what was going on behind the scenes is contained in firsthand notes, memos, letters, and official documents. A good example of this would be the exhaustive four volume biography of Lyndon Johnson written by Robert Caro. A famously meticulous writer, he has poured over thousands of documents ranging from private diaries and correspondences to the laws and orders issued at the time. Slowly, a good observor of the past is able to piece together disparate pieces of information into a narrative that approaches truth. There simply does not exist the same repository of video evidence from any period to yet allow for such a complete understanding of individuals or historic periods.
In conclusion, the value of film may increase in the future but documents still offer the greatest insights into the past. It is important to be mindful that all history is speculation but the best history sticks closely to the facts.
Anaylsis
1. Some believe that learning about the past is best done through written documents, while others feel video is a more accurate medium. 2. In my opinion, recent films in particular can be useful but most information about the past is contained in documents.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Include your opinion. Read more here about introductions.
1. Those who argue in favour of video recordings can point to their accuracy. 2. Images transform every observation into a firsthand account. 3. For example, there are documentaries and home videos starting in the 1960s that show how people lived. 4. By watching these films, a social anthropologist can spot more than the surface content. 5. They can see how people talked to each other in real life, what products they used, get a sense for the fashion and the way people spoke. 6. In order to better understand their subject, historians would give anything for an opportunity to have similar film of the Ancient Greeks or Romans.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Give a specific example.
Develop the example.
Continue to develop it – don’t switch to a new idea or example.
State the final results of the example.
1. However, video is limited, especially in terms of its access to important persons and events of the past. 2. It might reveal how everyday people behaved but the facts of what was going on behind the scenes is contained in firsthand notes, memos, letters, and official documents. 3. A good example of this would be the exhaustive four volume biography of Lyndon Johnson written by Robert Caro. 4. A famously meticulous writer, he has poured over thousands of documents ranging from private diaries and correspondences to the laws and orders issued at the time. 5. Slowly, a good observor of the past is able to piece together disparate pieces of information into a narrative that approaches truth. 6. There simply does not exist the same repository of video evidence from any period to yet allow for such a complete understanding of individuals or historic periods.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Write another real example.
Develop the example.
Keep developing it.
Conclude the paragraph with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, the value of film may increase in the future but documents still offer the greatest insights into the past. 2. It is important to be mindful that all history is speculation but the best history sticks closely to the facts.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought/detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Some believe that learning about the past is best done through written documents, while others feel video is a more accurate medium. In my opinion, recent films in particular can be useful but most information about the past is contained in documents.
Those who argue in favour of video recordings can point to their accuracy. Images transform every observation into a firsthand account. For example, there are documentaries and home videos starting in the 1960s that show how people lived. By watching these films, a social anthropologist can spot more than the surface content. They can see how people talked to each other in real life, what products they used, get a sense for the fashion and the way people spoke. In order to better understand their subject, historians would give anything for an opportunity to have similar film of the Ancient Greeks or Romans.
However, video is limited, especially in terms of its access to important persons and events of the past. It might reveal how everyday people behaved but the facts of what was going on behind the scenes is contained in firsthand notes, memos, letters, and official documents. A good example of this would be the exhaustive four volume biography of Lyndon Johnson written by Robert Caro. A famously meticulous writer, he has poured over thousands of documents ranging fromprivate diaries and correspondences to the laws and orders issued at the time. Slowly, a good observor of the past is able to piece together disparate pieces of information into a narrative that approaches truth. There simply does not exist the same repository of video evidence from any period to yet allow for such a complete understanding of individuals or historic periods.
In conclusion, the value of film may increase in the future but documents still offer the greatest insights into the past. It is important to be mindful that all history is speculation but the best history sticks closely to the facts.
Answers
best done better approach
written documents books, notes, diaries, etc.
accurate medium best way
in particular especially
argue in favour of believe that
transform change into
observation watching
firsthand account live account in person, not secondhand
home videos films made at home
spot find/see
surface content what is immediately apparent
get a sense for have some understanding of
subject what they are studying
would give anything willing to sacrifice anything
opportunity chance
in terms of when it comes to
access can get to
reveal uncover
behind the scenes what is happening where people can’t see
firsthand notes what people wrote themselves
memos notes
official documents orders, receipts, reports, etc.
exhaustive comprehensive
volume book
famously meticulous writer well-known for doing good research
poured over read closely
ranging from including
private diaries journals
correspondences letters
orders demands
observor someone watching
piece together disparate pieces of information combine facts
Some believe that learning about the past is b__________e through w________________________s, while others feel video is a more a_______________________m. In my opinion, recent films i__________________r can be useful but most information about the past is contained in documents.
Those who a_______________________f video recordings can point to their accuracy. Images t_________________m every o_______________n into a f_________________________t. For example, there are documentaries and h_____________________s starting in the 1960s that show how people lived. By watching these films, a social anthropologist can s______t more than the s___________________t. They can see how people talked to each other in real life, what products they used, g__________________r the fashion and the way people spoke. In order to better understand their s_________t, historians w______________________g for an o_________________y to have similar film of the Ancient Greeks or Romans.
However, video is limited, especially i___________f its a__________s to important persons and events of the past. It might r_________l how everyday people behaved but the facts of what was going on b________________s is contained in f_________________s, m________s, letters, and o__________________________s. A good example of this would be the e_______________e four v__________e biography of Lyndon Johnson written by Robert Caro. A f______________________________________r, he has p__________________r thousands of documents r_________________mp___________________s and c__________________________s to the laws and o__________s issued at the time. Slowly, a good o____________r of the past is able to p___________________________________________________n into a n____________e that a___________________h. There simply does not exist the same r______________y of video evidence from any period to yet allow for such a c___________________________g of individuals or h_____________________s.
In conclusion, the value of film may increase in the future but documents still offer the g__________________s into the past. It is important to be m______________l that all history is s_______________n but the best history s_______________________________s.
Listening Practice
Watch some history videos from the playlist below:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer from the general training exam on the topic of people retiring abroad.
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 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Retired People Abroad
Many retired people today are choosing to live in other countries.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many elderly people today are opting to spend their retirement living abroad. In my opinion, the disadvantages to this relate to living standards in foreign countries, while the advantages are largely financial.
Those who are suspicious of this trend can point to the conditions of countries where it is possible to retire cheaply. Most of those choosing to retire abroad are moving somewhere with lower living costs, such as a developing nation. This allows them to live more comfortably with a fixed income but there are risks. The medical services are probably not as developed and they may not have insurance. This puts their lives in jeopardy in the increasingly likely event of an accident or prolonged illness. Moreover, many older people will have to adapt to lower standards than they are used to as it relates to cleanliness, transportation, and accommodation. This can result in both more mental and physical strain.
Spending one’s retirement abroad is nonetheless a positive because of the financial incentives. Many people today retire with meagre savings and little support from the government, depending on their nationality. If they do not have family to live with, they face the prospect of living in poverty or just above subsistence in their final years. By moving abroad, their money will stretch much further and allow them to feel peace of mind. In the countries where most choose to retire, the costs of living are considerably cheaper due to reduced rents and lower food costs. This might even allow older people to set aside money so that they can travel or leave an inheritance to their relations.
In conclusion, the financial gains from residing abroad during retirement outweigh concerns about living conditions. Before making this decision it is important for each retired individual to weigh a number of factors pertaining to quality of life, finances, family and culture.
Analysis
1. Many elderly people today are opting to spend their retirement living abroad. 2. In my opinion, the disadvantages to this relate to living standards in foreign countries, while the advantages are largely financial.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Give a clear opinion or hint at your main ideas for later. Read here about writing introductions.
1. Those who are suspicious of this trend can point to the conditions of countries where it is possible to retire cheaply. 2. Most of those choosing to retire abroad are moving somewhere with lower living costs, such as a developing nation. 3. This allows them to live more comfortably with a fixed income but there are risks. 4. The medical services are probably not as developed and they may not have insurance. 5. This puts their lives in jeopardy in the increasingly likely event of an accident or prolonged illness. 6. Moreover, many older people will have to adapt to lower standards than they are used to as it relates to cleanliness, transportation, and accommodation. 7. This can result in both more mental and physical strain.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end. Read more about topic sentences here.
Explain your main idea.
Develop your idea.
Use specific ideas – don’t be general.
State the results.
Make sure that you describe more than one advantage.
Develop the second advantage.
1. Spending one’s retirement abroad is nonetheless a positive because of the financial incentives. 2. Many people today retire with meagre savings and little support from the government, depending on their nationality. 3. If they do not have family to live with, they face the prospect of living in poverty or just above subsistence in their final years. 4. By moving abroad, their money will stretch much further and allow them to feel peace of mind. 5. In the countries where most choose to retire, the costs of living are considerably cheaper due to reduced rents and lower food costs. 6. This might even allow older people to set aside money so that they can travel or leave an inheritance to their relations.
Write another clear topic sentence.
Explain your main idea.
Use examples or hypothetical examples.
State the results again.
Support your main idea with very clear examples.
State the final results.
1. In conclusion, the financial gains from residing abroad during retirement outweigh concerns about living conditions. 2. Before making this decision it is important for each retired individual to weigh a number of factors pertaining to quality of life, finances, family and culture.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
Add a final thought/detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many elderly people today are opting to spend their retirement living abroad. In my opinion, the disadvantages to this relate to living standards in foreign countries, while the advantages are largely financial.
Those who are suspicious of this trend can point to the conditions of countries where it is possible to retire cheaply. Most of those choosing to retire abroad are moving somewhere with lower living costs, such as a developing nation. This allows them to live more comfortably with a fixed income but there are risks.The medical services are probably not as developed and they may not have insurance. This puts their lives in jeopardy in the increasingly likely event of an accident or prolonged illness. Moreover, many older people will have to adapt to lower standards than they are used to as it relates to cleanliness, transportation, and accommodation. This can result in both more mental and physical strain.
Spending one’s retirement abroad is nonetheless a positive because of the financial incentives.Many people today retire with meagre savings and little support from the government, depending on their nationality. If they do not have family to live with, they face the prospect of living in poverty or just above subsistence in their final years. By moving abroad, their money will stretch much further and allow them to feel peace of mind.In the countries where most choose to retire, the costs of living are considerably cheaper due to reduced rents and lower food costs. This might even allow older people to set aside money so that they can travel or leave an inheritance to their relations.
In conclusion, the financial gains from residing abroad during retirement outweigh concerns about living conditions. Before making this decision it is important for each retired individual to weigh a number of factorspertaining to quality of life, finances, family and culture.
Answers
opting choosing
living abroad residing in another country
living standards how well people live
largely financial mostly related to money
suspicious questionable
trend pattern/development
point to argue
conditions the present state of
retire stop working, usually in one’s 60s
lower living costs less money to spend on rent, food, etc.
developing nation poor country
comfortably easily
fixed income no change in salary/money earned
risks dangers
medical services hospitals
insurance money in case of an accident or illness
puts their lives in jeopardy their life is at risk
increasingly likely event more and more probably will happen
prolonged illness chronic sickness
moreover furthermore
adapt conform to
as it relates to involving
this can result in the impact will be
mental and physical strain pressure
financial incentives money reasons
meagre savings not a lot of money
depending on their nationality regarding the country they are from
face the prospect have to deal with the chances of
poverty very poor
just above subsistence barely surviving
stretch much further hold out longer
feel peace of mind calm, security
considerably cheaper a lot less money
reduced rents paying less for your home
set aside money save money
leave an inheritance have savings for others after you die
Many elderly people today are o___________g to spend their retirement l__________________d. In my opinion, the disadvantages to this relate to l_____________________s in foreign countries, while the advantages are l______________________l.
Those who are s_________________s of this t________d can p__________o the c_____________s of countries where it is possible to r_________e cheaply. Most of those choosing to retire abroad are moving somewhere with l________________s, such as a d_______________________n. This allows them to live more c___________________y with a f___________________e but there are r________s.The m______________________s are probably not as developed and they may not have i________________e. This p_____________________________y in the i__________________________t of an accident or p________________________s. M_______________r, many older people will have to a_________t to lower standards than they are used to a________________o cleanliness, transportation, and accommodation. T____________________n both more m___________________________n.
Spending one’s retirement abroad is nonetheless a positive because of the f________________________s.Many people today retire with m__________________s and little support from the government, d______________________________y. If they do not have family to live with, they f______________________t of living in p_______________y or j_____________________________e in their final years. By moving abroad, their money will s__________________________r and allow them to f_____________________________d.In the countries where most choose to retire, the costs of living are c_______________________r due to r___________________s and lower food costs. This might even allow older people to s_____________________y so that they can travel or l______________________e to their relations.
In conclusion, the f___________________s from r___________________d during retirement outweigh c____________s about living conditions. Before making this decision it is important for each retired individual to w_______________________________sp___________________o quality of life, finances, family and culture.
Listening Practice
Watch the woman below talk about retiring abroad:
Reading Practice
Check here if your country is in the top 10 to retire abroad in:
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