IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Learning Through Film or Written Documents (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

by Dave | Jul 15, 2020 | Real Past Tests

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.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. 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.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Give a specific example.
4. Develop the example.
5. Continue to develop it – don’t switch to a new idea or example.
6. 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.

1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Write another real example.
4. Develop the example.
5. Keep developing it.
6. 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.

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

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

narrative story

approaches truth gets close to being accurate

repository collection

complete understanding fully know about

historic periods times in the past

greatest insights biggest takeaways

mindful aware of

speculation guesses

sticks closely to the facts not speculate

Pronunciation

bɛst dʌn 
ˈrɪtn ˈdɒkjʊmənts
ˈækjʊrɪt ˈmiːdiəm
ɪn pəˈtɪkjʊlə 
ˈɑːgjuː ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv 
trænsˈfɔːm 
ˌɒbzə(ː)ˈveɪʃən 
ˈfɜːstˈhænd əˈkaʊnt
həʊm ˈvɪdɪəʊz 
spɒt 
ˈsɜːfɪs ˈkɒntɛnt
gɛt ə sɛns fɔː 
ˈsʌbʤɪkt
wʊd gɪv ˈɛnɪθɪŋ 
ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪti 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈæksɛs 
rɪˈviːl 
bɪˈhaɪnd ðə siːnz 
ˈfɜːstˈhænd nəʊts
ˈmiːməʊz
əˈfɪʃəl ˈdɒkjʊmənts
ɪgˈzɔːstɪv 
ˈvɒljʊm 
ˈfeɪməsli mɪˈtɪkjʊləs ˈraɪtə
pɔːd ˈəʊvə 
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
ˈpraɪvɪt ˈdaɪəriz 
ˌkɒrɪsˈpɒndənsɪz 
ˈɔːdəz 
əbˈzɜːvə 
piːs təˈgɛðə ˈdɪspərɪt ˈpiːsɪz ɒv ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən 
ˈnærətɪv 
əˈprəʊʧɪz truːθ
rɪˈpɒzɪtəri 
kəmˈpliːt ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ 
hɪsˈtɒrɪk ˈpɪərɪədz
ˈgreɪtɪst ˈɪnsaɪts 
ˈmaɪndfʊl 
ˌspɛkjʊˈleɪʃən 
stɪks ˈkləʊsli tuː ðə fækts

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blank:

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_________________m p___________________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:

Reading Practice

Read about a scandal from history below:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/07/roger-stone/614068/

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

History

Do you like reading books about history?

Which country’s history is most interesting to you?

Which historical event or period do you find most interesting?

Why is it important to read about history?

IELTS Speaking Exam

Writing Practice

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

Some believe that history has little to teach us about today while others think that the study of the past helps us to understand the present.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Writing Exam

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Banning Mobile Phones in Public Places (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

by Dave | Jul 13, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of banning mobile phones in public from the real IELTS exam.

Here is a similar question from the exam on mobile phones.

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: Banning Mobile Phones in Public Places

Many people think that mobile phones should be banned in public places such as libraries, shops and public transport.

Do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Exam Essay

There have been recent calls for the regulation of mobile phones in public areas. In my opinion, though this would have a positive effect on social interactions, a complete ban is unrealistic and impractical.

Those in favour of such sweeping reforms can point to reduced communication in society. Look inside any public space, whether it be a library, a store, a bus, or a park, and most likely the majority of individuals will be staring at their phones. This stands in stark contrast to the days before smartphones when people had to resort to talking to each other, or, at worst, reading a book to curb social anxiety. In the last two decades, mobiles have greatly reduced chance encounters, potential friendships, and conversations with both strangers and friends. The long-term effects of this are still unknown but it is safe to say that future generations will be less sociable and dynamic and more isolated and passive.

Nonetheless, banning phones in public is purely theoretical as they have become indispensable. Most jobs require employees to either be available by phone, for example doctors and police officers, or to use their phones throughout the day, as is common with businessmen and lawyers. This means most people must have their phone on them in public places for work reasons. Moreover, phone addiction has reached a point where nearly everyone in public is either messaging, playing a game, reading the news, or scrolling through social media. These have become important escapes for individuals and serve the practical purpose of minimising boredom during breaks and while waiting. Phones are therefore no longer a luxury but a key ingredient in daily life.

In conclusion, despite the impact of phones on social interaction, I believe a ban would interfere too much with ingrained habits. It is instead the responsibility of individuals to police their own behaviour.

Analysis

1. There have been recent calls for the regulation of mobile phones in public areas. 2. In my opinion, though this would have a positive effect on social interactions, a complete ban is unrealistic and impractical.

1. Paraphrase the overall topic. Read about introductions here.
2. Write a clear opinion – don’t sit in the middle. Include your main ideas if possible.

1. Those in favour of such sweeping reforms can point to reduced communication in society. 2. Look inside any public space, whether it be a library, a store, a bus, or a park, and most likely the majority of individuals will be staring at their phones. 3. This stands in stark contrast to the days before smartphones when people had to resort to talking to each other, or, at worst, reading a book to curb social anxiety. 4. In the last two decades, mobiles have greatly reduced chance encounters, potential friendships, and conversations with both strangers and friends. 5. The long-term effects of this are still unknown but it is safe to say that future generations will be less sociable and dynamic and more isolated and passive.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain or begin to develop your main idea.
3. Making a comparison to the past is a good way to develop your idea.
4. Include specific details.
5. State the final results and don’t switch to a new main idea.

1. Nonetheless, banning phones in public is purely theoretical as they have become indispensable. 2. Most jobs require employees to either be available by phone, for example doctors and police officers, or to use their phones throughout the day, as is common with businessmen and lawyers. 3. This means most people must have their phone on them in public places for work reasons. 4. Moreover, phone addiction has reached a point where nearly everyone in public is either messaging, playing a game, reading the news, or scrolling through social media. 5. These have become important escapes for individuals and serve the practical purpose of minimising boredom during breaks and while waiting. 6. Phones are therefore no longer a luxury but a key ingredient in daily life.

1. Write another topic sentence with a new clear main idea.
2. Begin developing your idea.
3. State the results.
4. If you switch to another idea, be sure it is related to your topic sentence.
5. Explain/develop your ideas fully.
6. Finish with a strong statement.

1. In conclusion, despite the impact of phones on social interaction, I believe a ban would interfere too much with ingrained habits. 2. It is instead the responsibility of individuals to police their own behaviour.

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

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

There have been recent calls for the regulation of mobile phones in public areas. In my opinion, though this would have a positive effect on social interactions, a complete ban is unrealistic and impractical.

Those in favour of such sweeping reforms can point to reduced communication in society. Look inside any public space, whether it be a library, a store, a bus, or a park, and most likely the majority of individuals will be staring at their phones. This stands in stark contrast to the days before smartphones when people had to resort to talking to each other, or, at worst, reading a book to curb social anxiety. In the last two decades, mobiles have greatly reduced chance encounters, potential friendships, and conversations with both strangers and friends. The long-term effects of this are still unknown but it is safe to say that future generations will be less sociable and dynamic and more isolated and passive.

Nonetheless, banning phones in public is purely theoretical as they have become indispensable. Most jobs require employees to either be available by phone, for example doctors and police officers, or to use their phones throughout the day, as is common with businessmen and lawyers. This means most people must have their phone on them in public places for work reasons. Moreover, phone addiction has reached a point where nearly everyone in public is either messaging, playing a game, reading the news, or scrolling through social media. These have become important escapes for individuals and serve the practical purpose of minimising boredom during breaks and while waiting. Phones are therefore no longer a luxury but a key ingredient in daily life.

In conclusion, despite the impact of phones on social interaction, I believe a ban would interfere too much with ingrained habits. It is instead the responsibility of individuals to police their own behaviour.

Answers

recent calls people asking for

regulation rules about

public areas libraries, parks, etc.

positive effect good impact

social interactions talking to people

complete ban totally restricting

unrealistic not likely

impractical can’t really happen

in favour of preferring

sweeping reforms big changes

reduced communication less talking to each other

public space outside the home

whether it be if it is… or

most likely often

majority most of

staring looking at

stands in stark contrast to big difference to

resort have to use

at worst worst case scenario

curb social anxiety be calm in public

greatly reduced chance encounters much fewer opportunities for new meetings

potential friendships possible relationships

long-term effects how things will be impacted in the future

unknown still up in the air

it is safe to say that will likely be true that

less sociable not as friendly

dynamic active, malleable

isolated alone

passive not active

purely theoretical only works in theory/as an idea

indispensable can’t be given up

available always on call

as is common with can be seen in

have their phone on them always available

phone addiction can’t stop using a phone

reached a point finally arrived at

scrolling looking through

escapes getaway from

serve the practical purpose have value because

minimising boredom reducing feeling bored

luxury extravagance

key ingredient essential component

interfere get in the way of

ingrained habits can’t change behaviour

police verb of police meaning ‘control’

Pronunciation

ˈriːsnt kɔːlz 
ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃən 
ˈpʌblɪk ˈeərɪəz
ˈpɒzətɪv ɪˈfɛkt 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˌɪntərˈækʃənz
kəmˈpliːt bæn 
ˌʌnrɪəˈlɪstɪk 
ɪmˈpræktɪkəl
ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv 
ˈswiːpɪŋ ˌriːˈfɔːmz 
rɪˈdjuːst kəˌmjuːnɪˈkeɪʃən 
ˈpʌblɪk speɪs
ˈwɛðər ɪt biː 
məʊst ˈlaɪkli 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈsteərɪŋ 
stændz ɪn stɑːk ˈkɒntrɑːst tuː 
rɪˈzɔːt 
æt wɜːst
kɜːb ˈsəʊʃəl æŋˈzaɪəti
ˈgreɪtli rɪˈdjuːst ʧɑːns ɪnˈkaʊntəz
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl ˈfrɛndʃɪps 
ˈlɒŋtɜːm ɪˈfɛkts 
ʌnˈnəʊn 
ɪt ɪz seɪf tuː seɪ ðæt 
lɛs ˈsəʊʃəbl 
daɪˈnæmɪk 
ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd 
ˈpæsɪv.
ˈpjʊəli θɪəˈrɛtɪkəl 
ˌɪndɪsˈpɛnsəbl
əˈveɪləbl 
æz ɪz ˈkɒmən wɪð 
hæv ðeə fəʊn ɒn ðɛm 
fəʊn əˈdɪkʃ(ə)n 
riːʧt ə pɔɪnt 
ˈskrəʊlɪŋ 
ɪsˈkeɪps 
sɜːv ðə ˈpræktɪkəl ˈpɜːpəs 
ˈmɪnɪmaɪzɪŋ ˈbɔːdəm 
ˈlʌkʃəri 
kiː ɪnˈgriːdiənt 
ˌɪntəˈfɪə 
ɪnˈgreɪnd ˈhæbɪts
pəˈliːs 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

There have been r_________________s for the r_______________n of mobile phones in p________________s. In my opinion, though this would have a p_________________t on s____________________s, a c________________n is u________________c and i________________l.

Those i_________________f such s___________________s can point to r____________________________n in society. Look inside any p_________________e, w__________________e a library, a store, a bus, or a park, and m________________y the m______________y of individuals will be s______________g at their phones. This s___________________________o the days before smartphones when people had to r___________t to talking to each other, or, a___________t, reading a book to c___________________y. In the last two decades, mobiles have g________________________________s, p__________________________s, and conversations with both strangers and friends. The l____________________s of this are still u______________n but i___________________________t future generations will be l__________________e and d_______________c and more i_____________d and p_____________e.

Nonetheless, banning phones in public is p____________________l as they have become i____________________e. Most jobs require employees to either be a_________________e by phone, for example doctors and police officers, or to use their phones throughout the day, a____________________h businessmen and lawyers. This means most people must h_________________________m in public places for work reasons. Moreover, p_____________________n has r______________________t where nearly everyone in public is either messaging, playing a game, reading the news, or s_______________g through social media. These have become important e_____________s for individuals and s____________________________e of m______________________m during breaks and while waiting. Phones are therefore no longer a l______________y but a k____________________t in daily life.

In conclusion, despite the impact of phones on social interaction, I believe a ban would i________________e too much with i______________________s. It is instead the responsibility of individuals to p_____________e their own behaviour.

Listening Practice

Watch the related video about a phone ban in schools below:

Reading Practice

Read about how phones may or may not have ruined a generation below:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following topic from the real IELTS part 2 speaking exam:

Talk about a time you could not use your phone

IELTS Speaking Exam

Writing Practice

Write about the following related topic from the exam and check with my sample answer below:

Some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Exam

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Learning Languages and Customs

by Dave | Jul 10, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of learning the languages and customs of another country from the real IELTS exam.

Be sure to sign up for my Patreon if you are interested in more sample answers.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Learning Languages and Customs

Some think that students must travel to another country in order to learn its language and customs.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Exam

Many believe that in order to become immersed in another language and culture it is important to travel to the country in question. I agree generally, though there are certain exceptions depending on the purpose for learning.

Those with an academic interest in a given culture often do not need to travel there. This is particularly true if they are researching an historic period. For example, a scholar learning about Ancient Greece going there today, will only see ruins and a radically different culture. Ancient Greek is no longer even spoken. It would be much more profitable for a student of the Ancients to learn the language fluently on their own and become steeped in their histories and classic literature. The works of Euripides, Sophocles and Herodotus will provide far greater insight into the history, culture, and language of the Ancient Greeks than the few vestiges from thousands of years ago still standing today.

Nonetheless, cases like the one detailed above are rare and most people will benefit greatly from a more immersive experience. The difference between those studying abroad and learning in their own country is illustrative. Students attempting to learn English, for example, will need to be naturally adept at languages to become fluent without living in an English-speaking country. The majority of learners will improve faster when making daily transactions in English and learning in the real world outside the classroom. The cultural advantages are also self-evident. English movies and TV shows are realistic to varying degrees but pale in comparison to having actual foreign friends and experiencing firsthand their traditions and culture.

In conclusion, apart from esoteric academic study, nothing can replace the experience of living in another country. Anyone fully committed to understanding the culture and language of another country must factor in a period of time in residence there.

Analysis

1. Many believe that in order to become immersed in another language and culture it is important to travel to the country in question. 2. I agree generally, though there are certain exceptions depending on the purpose for learning.

1. Paraphrase the overall topic clearly.
2. Write your opinion. Read here more about introductions.

1. Those with an academic interest in a given culture often do not need to travel there. 2. This is particularly true if they are researching an historic period. 3. For example, a scholar learning about Ancient Greece going there today, will only see ruins and a radically different culture. 4. Ancient Greek is no longer even spoken. 5. It would be much more profitable for a student of the Ancients to learn the language fluently on their own and become steeped in their histories and classic literature. 6. The works of Euripides, Sophocles and Herodotus will provide far greater insight into the history, culture, and language of the Ancient Greeks than the few vestiges from thousands of years ago still standing today.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea or begin and example.
3. Start to develop your example.
4. Vary long and short sentences.
5. Develop the example as fully as possible with specific ideas and results.
6. Continue developing until the end of the paragraph.

1. Nonetheless, cases like the one detailed above are rare and most people will benefit greatly from a more immersive experience. 2. The difference between those studying abroad and learning in their own country is illustrative. 3. Students attempting to learn English, for example, will need to be naturally adept at languages to become fluent without living in an English-speaking country. 4. The majority of learners will improve faster when making daily transactions in English and learning in the real world outside the classroom. 5. The cultural advantages are also self-evident. English movies and TV shows are realistic to varying degrees but pale in comparison to having actual foreign friends and experiencing firsthand their traditions and culture.

1. Write another topic sentence with another clear main idea. Read here about main ideas.
2. Explain your main idea, if necessary.
3. The more specific and clear your development, the better.
4. Include as many details as possible.
5. Finish defending your main idea – don’t switch to a new one!

1. In conclusion, apart from esoteric academic study, nothing can replace the experience of living in another country. 2. Anyone fully committed to understanding the culture and language of another country must factor in a period of time in residence there.

1. Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
2. Add a final thought/detail. Read here about writing a conclusion.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many believe that in order to become immersed in another language and culture it is important to travel to the country in question. I agree generally, though there are certain exceptions depending on the purpose for learning.

Those with an academic interest in a given culture often do not need to travel there. This is particularly true if they are researching an historic period. For example, a scholar learning about Ancient Greece going there today, will only see ruins and a radically different culture. Ancient Greek is no longer even spoken. It would be much more profitable for a student of the Ancients to learn the language fluently on their own and become steeped in their histories and classic literature. The works of Euripides, Sophocles and Herodotus will provide far greater insight into the history, culture, and language of the Ancient Greeks than the few vestiges from thousands of years ago still standing today.

Nonetheless, cases like the one detailed above are rare and most people will benefit greatly from a more immersive experience. The difference between those studying abroad and learning in their own country is illustrative. Students attempting to learn English, for example, will need to be naturally adept at languages to become fluent without living in an English-speaking country. The majority of learners will improve faster when making daily transactions in English and learning in the real world outside the classroom. The cultural advantages are also self-evident. English movies and TV shows are realistic to varying degrees but pale in comparison to having actual foreign friends and experiencing firsthand their traditions and culture.

In conclusion, apart from esoteric academic study, nothing can replace the experience of living in another country. Anyone fully committed to understanding the culture and language of another country must factor in a period of time in residence there.

Answers

immersed completely part of

in question relevant here

generally overall

certain exceptions some cases outside the rule

purpose reason

academic interest scholarly interest

a given culture the nation in question

particularly true especially the case

historic period part of history

scholar researcher, student

Ancient Greece the Greeks from thousands of years ago

ruins old buildings, monuments

radically different culture completely different culture

Ancient Greek the language of the Ancient Greeks

profitable benefit more from

Ancients Ancient peoples

on their own by themselves

steeped in immersed in

classic literature old books

works classic literature

provide far greater insight a lot more helpful

vestiges remnants

still standing today not yet gone

nonetheless regardless

cases like the one detailed above examples such as the one just mentioned

rare only sometimes

benefit greatly get a lot out of

more immersive experience more deeply a part of

illustrative shows

naturally adept have a knack for

fluent able to speak well

majority most of

daily transactions paying for things in daily life

real world outside the classroom real life

self-evident obvious

realistic to varying degrees true to some extent

pale in comparison to not as strong as

firsthand your own experience

traditions passed down beliefs and behaviours

apart from besides

esoteric academic study odd area to learn about

nothing can replace irreplaceable

fully committed 100% engaged in

factor in consider

in residence live there

Pronunciation

Listen and repeat:

ɪˈmɜːst 
ɪn ˈkwɛsʧən
ˈʤɛnərəli
ˈsɜːtn ɪkˈsɛpʃənz 
ˈpɜːpəs 
ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ˈɪntrɪst 
ə ˈgɪvn ˈkʌlʧə 
pəˈtɪkjʊləli truː 
hɪsˈtɒrɪk ˈpɪərɪəd
ˈskɒlə 
ˈeɪnʃ(ə)nt griːs 
rʊɪnz 
ˈrædɪkəli ˈdɪfrənt ˈkʌlʧə
ˈeɪnʃ(ə)nt griːk 
ˈprɒfɪtəbl 
ˈeɪnʃ(ə)nts 
ɒn ðeər əʊn 
stiːpt  ɪn
ˈklæsɪk ˈlɪtərɪʧə
wɜːks 
prəˈvaɪd fɑː ˈgreɪtər ˈɪnsaɪt 
ˈvɛstɪʤɪz 
stɪl ˈstændɪŋ təˈdeɪ
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
ˈkeɪsɪz laɪk ðə wʌn ˈdiːteɪld əˈbʌv 
reə 
ˈbɛnɪfɪt ˈgreɪtli 
mɔːr ɪˈmɜːsɪv ɪksˈpɪərɪəns
ˈɪləstreɪtɪv
ˈnæʧrəli ˈædɛpt 
ˈflu(ː)ənt 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈdeɪli trænˈzækʃənz 
rɪəl wɜːld ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə ˈklɑːsrʊm
sɛlf-ˈɛvɪdənt
rɪəˈlɪstɪk tuː ˈveəriɪŋ dɪˈgriːz 
peɪl ɪn kəmˈpærɪsn tuː
ˈfɜːstˈhænd 
trəˈdɪʃənz 
əˈpɑːt frɒm 
ˌɛsəʊˈtɛrɪk ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ˈstʌdi
ˈnʌθɪŋ kæn rɪˈpleɪs 
ˈfʊli kəˈmɪtɪd 
ˈfæktər ɪn 
ɪn ˈrɛzɪdəns 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many believe that in order to become i______________d in another language and culture it is important to travel to the country i_______________n. I agree g______________y, though there are c______________________s depending on the p________________e for learning.

Those with an a______________________t in a_____________________e often do not need to travel there. This is p______________________e if they are researching an h_____________________d. For example, a s_____________r learning about A____________________e going there today, will only see r________s and a r_____________________________e. A___________________k is no longer even spoken. It would be much more p_______________e for a student of the A__________________s to learn the language fluently o_______________n and become s__________________n their histories and c____________________e. The w_________s of Euripides, Sophocles and Herodotus will p________________________t into the history, culture, and language of the Ancient Greeks than the few v______________s from thousands of years ago s________________________y.

N_______________s, c____________________________________e are r______e and most people will b___________________y from a m__________________________e. The difference between those studying abroad and learning in their own country is i__________________e. Students attempting to learn English, for example, will need to be n____________________t at languages to become f____________t without living in an English-speaking country. The m____________y of learners will improve faster when making d______________________s in English and learning in the r_________________________________m. The cultural advantages are also s________________________t. English movies and TV shows are r____________________________s but p__________________________o having actual foreign friends and experiencing f______________d their t________________s and culture.

In conclusion, a____________m e___________________________y, n______________________e the experience of living in another country. Anyone f____________________d to understanding the culture and language of another country must f________________n a period of time i_________________e there.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Learn here about a day in the life of a student living abroad studying English:

Reading Practice

Learn more immersion from The New York Times here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/03/science/how-immersion-helps-to-learn-a-new-language.html

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions from the real speaking exam related to history:

History

Do you like reading books about history?

Which country’s history is most interesting to you?

Which historical event or period do you find most interesting?

Why is it important to read about history?

IELTS Speaking Exam

Writing Practice

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

Some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Real Past IELTS Exam