IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Protecting Wild Animals or Humans (Real Past IELTS Exam)

by Dave | Jun 25, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of protecting wild animals or humans.

Be sure to sign up for my Patreon.com/HowtodoIELTS for my exclusive Ebooks and other materials!

Check out a related video here too: https://youtube.com/shorts/R-7vLPqjfis?si=li058QWVhLHUJEfG

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Protecting Wild Animals or Humans

Some people think that resources should be spent on protecting wild animals, while others think those would be better used for the human population.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Exam

There are many who doubt the logic of spending money and time on wild animals when there are so many humans in need. In my opinion, the valid reasons to prioritise humanity do not outweigh the fact that animals more desperately require refuge.

Those who advocate for less aid for animals believe that human life is inherently more valuable. Humans are capable of higher reasoning skills, have more emotionally complex lives, and most importantly, we share a primary obligation to members of our own species. A good example of this would be when humans and animals come into conflict. Recently, a boy fell into a gorilla cage at a zoo and the wild animal was killed to protect the child. There was a large public outcry but only extremists would argue the human should die in such situations. Increased funding for wildlife in effect means reduced resources allocated to charities for the underprivileged and the implicit elevation of animals over humans.

However, the risk to wild animals is pressing and justifies responsible action. Despite the vulnerability of particular humans, nothing imperils humanity as a whole. This is not the case for endangered animals like bald eagles, cheetahs, lions, and polar bears. They face threats ranging from the impact of climate change to deforestation to poaching. Those are all a direct result of human activity. Without our help, there is a very real chance that some species on the brink will go extinct in the coming decades. Once they have gone extinct, there will be no way to bring them back and this is the existential threat that ought to compel continued funding for programs aimed at wildlife conservation.

In conclusion, thought human life is more valuable, the danger looming for at-risk animals is greater and validates compassionate effort. The longer we neglect animals, the greater the chances of extinction.

Analysis

1. There are many who doubt the logic of spending money and time on wild animals when there are so many humans in need. 2. In my opinion, the valid reasons to prioritise humanity do not outweigh the fact that animals more desperately require refuge.

1. Repeat the overall topic for the essay.
2. Write a clear opinion and choose an overall side.

1. Those who advocate for less aid for animals believe that human life is inherently more valuable. 2. Humans are capable of higher reasoning skills, have more emotionally complex lives, and most importantly, we share a primary obligation to members of our own species. 3. A good example of this would be when humans and animals come into conflict. 4. Recently, a boy fell into a gorilla cage at a zoo and the wild animal was killed to protect the child. 5. There was a large public outcry but only extremists would argue the human should die in such situations. 6. Increased funding for wildlife in effect means reduced resources allocated to charities for the underprivileged and the implicit elevation of animals over humans.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea, if necessary.
3. Give an example.
4. Develop the example.
5. Continue to develop the example.
6. Relate the example back to your main idea for the paragraph.

1. However, the risk to wild animals is pressing and justifies responsible action. 2. Despite the vulnerability of particular humans, nothing imperils humanity as a whole. 3. This is not the case for endangered animals like bald eagles, cheetahs, lions, and polar bears. 4. They face threats ranging from the impact of climate change to deforestation to poaching. 5. Those are all a direct result of human activity. 6. Without our help, there is a very real chance that some species on the brink will go extinct in the coming decades. 7. Once they have gone extinct, there will be no way to bring them back and this is the existential threat that ought to compel continued funding for programs aimed at wildlife conservation.

1. Write another topic sentence with another clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Use specific details/animals.
4. State the specific threats.
5. Develop why those threats are a human responsibility.
6. Continue developing why.
7. Finish with a strong statement.

1. In conclusion, thought human life is more valuable, the danger looming for at-risk animals is greater and validates compassionate effort. 2. The longer we neglect animals, the greater the chances of extinction.

1. Repeat your opinion.
2. Finish summarising and add a final thought.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

There are many who doubt the logic of spending money and time on wild animals when there are so many humans in need. In my opinion, the valid reasons to prioritise humanity do not outweigh the fact that animals more desperately require refuge.

Those who advocate for less aid for animals believe that human life is inherently more valuable. Humans are capable of higher reasoning skills, have more emotionally complex lives, and most importantly, we share a primary obligation to members of our own species. A good example of this would be when humans and animals come into conflict. Recently, a boy fell into a gorilla cage at a zoo and the wild animal was killed to protect the child. There was a large public outcry but only extremists would argue the human should die in such situations. Increased funding for wildlife in effect means reduced resources allocated to charities for the underprivileged and the implicit elevation of animals over humans.

However, the risk to wild animals is pressing and justifies responsible action. Despite the vulnerability of particular humans, nothing imperils humanity as a whole. This is not the case for endangered animals like bald eagles, cheetahs, lions, and polar bears. They face threats ranging from the impact of climate change to deforestation to poaching. Those are all a direct result of human activity. Without our help, there is a very real chance that some species on the brink will go extinct in the coming decades. Once they have gone extinct, there will be no way to bring them back and this is the existential threat that ought to compel continued funding for programs aimed at wildlife conservation.

In conclusion, thought human life is more valuable, the danger looming for at-risk animals is greater and validates compassionate effort. The longer we neglect animals, the greater the chances of extinction.

Answers

doubt the logic question the reasoning

wild animals animals living outside homes, in nature

in need vulnerable

valid reasons good justifications

prioritise humanity put humans first

outweigh more important than

more desperately require refuge more urgently need protection

advocate support

inherently naturally

higher reasoning skills thinking ability

emotionally complex lives have a range of complicated emotions

most importantly the crucial factor being

share a primary obligation have an important duty

members parts of

come into conflict fight

gorilla cage where they keep gorillas at a zoo

protect keep safe

large public outcry lots of people angry

extremists people with extreme opinions

in effect essentially

reduced resources allocated to less money given to

underprivileged poor people

implicit elevation indirectly raising

pressing important, urgent

justifies responsible action give good reasons to take steps

vulnerability weakness

particular humans individual people

imperils endangers

as a whole altogether

this is not the case it is not true of

endangered animals animals with low population numbers

face threats ranging from are imperiled by

deforestation cutting down forests

poaching hunting animals

direct result caused by

human activity what people do

on the brink nearly

extinct eradicated

the coming decades in next 20 – 30 years

bring them back return

existential threat risk related to their existence

ought to compel should force

aimed at geared towards

conservation keeping safe

looming on the horizon

at-risk animals vulnerable animals

validates compassionate effort justifies caring and helping

neglect not paying attention to

the longer … the greater the more time it takes, the more harm

Pronunciation

Listen and repeat:

daʊt ðə ˈlɒʤɪk 
waɪld ˈænɪməlz 
ɪn niːd
ˈvælɪd ˈriːznz 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz hju(ː)ˈmænɪti 
aʊtˈweɪ 
mɔː ˈdɛspərɪtli rɪˈkwaɪə ˈrɛfjuːʤ
ˈædvəkɪt 
ɪnˈhɪərəntli
ˈhaɪə ˈriːznɪŋ skɪlz
ɪˈməʊʃənli ˈkɒmplɛks lɪvz
məʊst ɪmˈpɔːtəntli
ʃeər ə ˈpraɪməri ˌɒblɪˈgeɪʃən 
ˈmɛmbəz 
kʌm ˈɪntuː ˈkɒnflɪkt
gəˈrɪlə keɪʤ 
prəˈtɛkt 
lɑːʤ ˈpʌblɪk ˈaʊtkraɪ
ɪksˈtriːmɪsts 
ɪn ɪˈfɛkt 
rɪˈdjuːst rɪˈsɔːsɪz ˈæləʊkeɪtɪd tuː 
ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪʤd 
ɪmˈplɪsɪt ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən 
ˈprɛsɪŋ 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪz rɪsˈpɒnsəbl ˈækʃ(ə)n
ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪti 
pəˈtɪkjʊlə ˈhjuːmənz
ɪmˈpɛrɪlz 
æz ə həʊl
ðɪs ɪz nɒt ðə keɪs 
ɪnˈdeɪnʤəd ˈænɪməlz 
feɪs θrɛts ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
dɪˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃ(ə)n 
ˈpəʊʧɪŋ
dɪˈrɛkt rɪˈzʌlt 
ˈhjuːmən ækˈtɪvɪti
ɒn ðə brɪŋk 
ɪksˈtɪŋkt 
ðə ˈkʌmɪŋ ˈdɛkeɪdz
brɪŋ ðɛm bæk
ˌɛgzɪˈstɛnʃəl θrɛt 
ɔːt tuː kəmˈpɛl 
eɪmd æt 
ˌkɒnsə(ː)ˈveɪʃən
ˈluːmɪŋ 
æt-rɪsk ˈænɪməlz 
ˈvælɪdeɪts kəmˈpæʃənɪt ˈɛfət
ðə ˈlɒŋgə … ðə ˈgreɪtə …
nɪˈglɛkt 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

There are many who d___________________c of spending money
and time on w____________________s when there are so many
humans i___________d. In my opinion, the v___________________s
to p______________________y do not o___________h the
fact that animals m_____________________________e.

Those who a____________e for less aid for animals believe
that human life is i__________________y more valuable. Humans
are capable of h_________________________s, have more e_________________________s,
and m____________________________y, we s_______________________n
to m_____________s of our own species. A good example of this
would be when humans and animals c______________________t.
Recently, a boy fell into a g___________________e at a zoo and
the wild animal was killed to p_____________t the child. There
was a l_____________________y but only e__________________s
would argue the human should die in such situations. Increased funding
for wildlife i______________t means r________________________________o
charities for the u_____________________d and the i____________________________n
of animals over humans.

However, the risk to wild animals is p_________________g and
j__________________________n. Despite the v___________________y
of p___________________________s, nothing i________________s
humanity a____________________e. T________________________e
for e______________________s like bald eagles, cheetahs,
lions, and polar bears. They f______________________________m
the impact of climate change to d____________________________n to
p_______________g. Those are all a
d___________________________t of h__________________y.
Without our help, there is a very real chance that some species o________________k
will go e______________t in t_____________________s.
Once they have gone extinct, there will be no way to
b____________________k and this is the e_______________________t
that o_____________________l continued funding for
programs a_______________t wildlife c___________________n.

In conclusion, thought human life is more valuable, the danger l_________________g
for a____________________s is greater and v______________________t.
T______________r we n______________t animals,
t______________________r the chances of extinction.

Reading Practice

Read more about endangered animals on the World Wildlife Foundation website:

https://www.worldwildlife.org/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the real questions from IELTS speaking:

Wildlife

Have you ever seen a wild animal?

What is your favourite wild animal?

How do you feel when you see animals at the zoo?

What is the importance of animals to children?

Real Past IELTS Exam

Writing Practice

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

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Exam

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Horizontal and Vertical Cities (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

by Dave | Jun 23, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of living in vertical or horizontal cities from the real IELTS exam.

Be sure to sign up for my Patreon.com/HowtodoIELTS to support me and receive more weekly sample answers from the real exam.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Horizontal and Vertical Cities

Some cities create housing for growing populations by building taller buildings while other cities have opted to build on wider areas of land.

Which solution is better?

Real Past IELTS Exam

Many cities today are expanding upwards to accommodate surging urban populations. In my opinion, this can help preserve nearby land for other uses and is a better solution than encouraging urban sprawl.

Some would argue that tall cities present challenges for inhabitants and a spread-out city offers better quality of life. Condensed urban areas with lots of tall apartment blocks, like in New York City or Shanghai, are famously difficult to live in due to the effects of overcrowding on sanitation, safety, and traffic conditions. In contrast, decentralised cities like Los Angeles and Nashville allow for the development of unique individual neighborhoods, more space for residential construction and a reduction of the urban issues listed above. Individuals living in these cities often report greater feelings of satisfaction and many ‘transplants’ move to such cities because of the better living standards.

However, those in favour of taller buildings can logically point out the resultant benefits for the area around a city. It is often hard to check the growth of economically important cities and that can lead to massive urban sprawl, as is in the case around Mexico City and Tokyo. By building more skyscrapers, the surrounding area can be preserved or used in another way. Pristine natural lands can be designated as national parks. If the city requires more food to feed its population, there could be proximately located farms with fast delivery times. This surplus land could also be turned into quiet suburban towns to give residents the choice of raising a family outside the city and still earning a good wage and having easy access to the cultural benefits of large metropolises.

In conclusion, horizontal cities facilitate some positive living conditions but taller cities make more sense in the modern world. It is, nonetheless, important to strike a balance and mitigate the issues caused by growing urban populations with quality infrastructure.

Word count: 291

Analysis

1. Many cities today are expanding upwards to accommodate surging urban populations. 2. In my opinion, this can help preserve nearby land for other uses and is a better solution than encouraging urban sprawl.

1. Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
2. Write a clear opinion and choose 1 side overall.

1. Some would argue that tall cities present challenges for inhabitants and a spread-out city offers better quality of life. 2. Condensed urban areas with lots of tall apartment blocks, like in New York City or Shanghai, are famously difficult to live in due to the effects of overcrowding on sanitation, safety, and traffic conditions. 3. In contrast, decentralised cities like Los Angeles and Nashville allow for the development of unique individual neighborhoods, more space for residential construction and a reduction of the urban issues listed above. 4. Individuals living in these cities often report greater feelings of satisfaction and many ‘transplants’ move to such cities because of the better living standards.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Begin developing your idea with specific examples and ideas.
3. Focus deeply on your examples.
4. State the final result and conclude the paragraph.

1. However, those in favour of taller buildings can logically point out the resultant benefits for the area around a city. 2. It is often hard to check the growth of economically important cities and that can lead to massive urban sprawl, as is in the case around Mexico City and Tokyo. 3. By building more skyscrapers, the surrounding area can be preserved or used in another way. 4. Pristine natural lands can be designated as national parks. 5. If the city requires more food to feed its population, there could be proximately located farms with fast delivery times. 6. This surplus land could also be turned into quiet suburban towns to give residents the choice of raising a family outside the city and still earning a good wage and having easy access to the cultural benefits of large metropolises.

1. Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
2. Begin to explain or develop your main idea.
3. Vary your long and short sentences so it is easy to read.
4. Focus very specifically.
5. Don’t switch to a new main idea, just add more support for the same idea.
6. Conclude with the final results/development.

1. In conclusion, horizontal cities facilitate some positive living conditions but taller cities make more sense in the modern world. 2. It is, nonetheless, important to strike a balance and mitigate the issues caused by growing urban populations with quality infrastructure.

1. Repeat your opinion and summarise your arguments.
2. Add a final detail/thought.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many cities today are expanding upwards to accommodate surging urban populations. In my opinion, this can help preserve nearby land for other uses and is a better solution than encouraging urban sprawl.

Some would argue that tall cities present challenges for inhabitants and a spread-out city offers better quality of life. Condensed urban areas with lots of tall apartment blocks, like in New York City or Shanghai, are famously difficult to live in due to the effects of overcrowding on sanitation, safety, and traffic conditions. In contrast, decentralised cities like Los Angeles and Nashville allow for the development of unique individual neighborhoods, more space for residential construction and a reduction of the urban issues listed above. Individuals living in these cities often report greater feelings of satisfaction and many ‘transplants‘ move to such cities because of the better living standards.

However, those in favour of taller buildings can logically point out the resultant benefits for the area around a city. It is often hard to check the growth of economically important cities and that can lead to massive urban sprawl, as is in the case around Mexico City and Tokyo. By building more skyscrapers, the surrounding area can be preserved or used in another way. Pristine natural lands can be designated as national parks. If the city requires more food to feed its population, there could be proximately located farms with fast delivery times. This surplus land could also be turned into quiet suburban towns to give residents the choice of raising a family outside the city and still earning a good wage and having easy access to the cultural benefits of large metropolises.

In conclusion, horizontal cities facilitate some positive living conditions but taller cities make more sense in the modern world. It is, nonetheless, important to strike a balance and mitigate the issues caused by growing urban populations with quality infrastructure.

Answers

expanding upwards growing taller

accommodate surging urban populations increasing number of people living in cities

preserve nearby land keep land around cities safe

other uses can be utilised for other purposes

encouraging urban sprawl advocating for spread-out, large cities

argue believe

present challenges make it difficult

spread-out city city taking up lots of area

better quality of life higher standard of living

condensed urban areas smaller cities with lots of people

apartment blocks residential buildings

famously difficult notoriously hard

overcrowding too many people

sanitation cleanliness

safety how dangerous/safe a place is, crime

traffic conditions how busy the streets are

decentralised cities spread-out cities

unique individual neighborhoods disctinctive districts in a city

residential construction houses, condos, apartments

reduction less of

report say they have

satisfaction feeling happy with

transplants people who move to a new city to live

better living standards better quality of life

logically point out rationally argue

resultant benefits advantages that come as a result

check control

skyscrapers very tall buildings

preserved kept safe

pristine natural lands beautiful scenery

designated set aside for

national parks parks owned by the government

proximately located farms nearby farms

fast delivery times can get their goods more quickly

surplus land extra land/space

quiet suburban towns small, calm suburbs

raising a family having a family life

earning a good wage get good money

easy access no problem getting to

cultural benefits museums, music, libraries, etc.

metropolises big cities

facilitate make easier

living conditions how people live in a city

make more sense in the modern world more logical for the way things are now

nonetheless regardless

strike a balance be moderate

mitigate lessen, control

growing urban populations more and more people living in cities

quality infrastructure good buildings, streets, plumbing, etc.

Pronunciation

Listen and repeat:

ɪksˈpændɪŋ ˈʌpwədz 
əˈkɒmədeɪt ˈsɜːʤɪŋ ˈɜːbən ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃənz
prɪˈzɜːv ˈnɪəbaɪ lænd 
ˈʌðə ˈjuːzɪz 
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤɪŋ ˈɜːbən sprɔːl
ˈɑːgjuː 
ˈprɛznt ˈʧælɪnʤɪz 
sprɛd-aʊt ˈsɪti 
ˈbɛtə ˈkwɒlɪti ɒv laɪf
kənˈdɛnst ˈɜːbən ˈeərɪəz 
əˈpɑːtmənt blɒks
ˈfeɪməsli ˈdɪfɪkəlt 
ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ 
ˌsænɪˈteɪʃən
ˈseɪfti
ˈtræfɪk kənˈdɪʃənz
diːˈsɛntrəlaɪzd ˈsɪtiz 
juːˈniːk ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ˈneɪbəhʊdz
ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl kənˈstrʌkʃən 
rɪˈdʌkʃən 
rɪˈpɔːt 
ˌsætɪsˈfækʃən 
trænsˈplɑːnts
ˈbɛtə ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈstændədz
ˈlɒʤɪkəli pɔɪnt aʊt 
rɪˈzʌltənt ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
ʧɛk 
ˈskaɪˌskreɪpəz
prɪˈzɜːvd 
ˈprɪstaɪn ˈnæʧrəl lændz 
ˈdɛzɪgneɪtɪd 
ˈnæʃənl pɑːks
ˈprɒksɪmɪtli ləʊˈkeɪtɪd fɑːmz 
fɑːst dɪˈlɪvəri taɪmz
ˈsɜːpləs lænd 
ˈkwaɪət səˈbɜːbən taʊnz 
ˈreɪzɪŋ ə ˈfæmɪli 
ˈɜːnɪŋ ə gʊd weɪʤ 
ˈiːzi ˈæksɛs 
ˈkʌlʧərəl ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
mɪˈtrɒpəlɪsɪz
fəˈsɪlɪteɪt 
ˈlɪvɪŋ kənˈdɪʃənz 
meɪk mɔː sɛns ɪn ðə ˈmɒdən wɜːld
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
straɪk ə ˈbæləns 
ˈmɪtɪgeɪt 
ˈgrəʊɪŋ ˈɜːbən ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃənz 
ˈkwɒlɪti ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧə

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many cities today are e______________________s to a__________________________________________s. In my opinion, this can help p________________________________d for o____________________s and is a better solution than e_________________________________l.

Some would a__________e that tall cities p_________________________s for inhabitants and a s__________________y offers b__________________________e. C_____________________________s with lots of tall a_______________________s, like in New York City or Shanghai, are f____________________t to live in due to the effects of o___________________g on s________________n, s___________y, and t_____________________________s. In contrast, d_______________________s like Los Angeles and Nashville allow for the development of u______________________________________s, more space for r_______________________________n and a r________________n of the urban issues listed above. Individuals living in these cities often r____________t greater feelings of s____________________n and many ‘t_________________s‘ move to such cities because of the b________________________s.

However, those in favour of taller buildings can l________________________t the r______________________s for the area around a city. It is often hard to c_________k the growth of economically important cities and that can lead to massive urban sprawl, as is in the case around Mexico City and Tokyo. By building more s_____________________s, the surrounding area can be p__________________d or used in another way. P__________________________s can be d_______________d as n______________________s. If the city requires more food to feed its population, there could be p__________________________________s with f________________________s. This s____________________d could also be turned into q__________________________s to give residents the choice of r_____________________y outside the city and still e_________________________e and having e___________________s to the c______________________________s of large m________________s.

In conclusion, horizontal cities f__________________e some positive l_____________________________s but taller cities m________________________________________d. It is, n__________________s, important to s______________________e and m_______________e the issues caused by g________________________________s with q___________________________e.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Listen to some architects here:

Reading Practice

Learn about the neighborhoods of Los Angeles below:

https://la.curbed.com/2018/6/15/17454456/los-angeles-neighborhoods-where-to-live-advice

Speaking Practice

Answer the following questions about urban planning from the real IELTS exam below:

Urban Planning

How important is urban planning for a city?

What are the possible drawbacks of not having a good plan?

How do cities in your country differ?

What effect do businesses have on urban planning?

How can people make their voices heard when it comes to urban planning?

Real IELTS Speaking Exam

Writing Practice

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

There are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Exam

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Producing & Importing Food (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

by Dave | Jun 19, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to producing and importing food from the real IELTS exam.

Be sure to sign up for on Patreon.com/HowtodoIELTS for my exclusive Ebooks and other materials!

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Producing & Importing Food

Some feel that countries should produce most of the food that is eaten in their country and import as little as possible.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Exam

Many today are increasingly of the opinion that countries should be self-sufficient in their food production and import as little as possible. Though I grant this is unrealistic in certain countries, the economic implications are convincing.

In most countries, imported foods are simply a luxury but this belies those nations where imports ensure survival. Some of these countries include populous Southeast Asian nations, and numerous Middle Eastern and African countries. The reasons range from poorly developed infrastructure, little arable soil, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Many Asian countries in particular, import and stockpile basic foods such as rice for potential catastrophes. As agricultural technology develops and allows for crops that require less water, their desperation will lessen but it would be inhumane today to starve citizens in these countries.

The above-mentioned scenarios are exceptions; the majority of countries would be better served through vibrant food cultivation and production industries. The economic impact is twofold. First, these industries employ thousands of agricultural and meat-packing workers. Secondly, these workers then contribute to the local economy by buying goods and services. Replace them with international food conglomerates and suddenly they are funding the GDP of another country. A good counter-example to this would be in South Korea where the vast majority of products are nationally produced and, in fact, were some of the initial, primary sources of income for technology giants like Samsung and LG.

In conclusion, except in extreme cases, countries should import fewer food products to better serve their citizenry economically. There will always be a place for a limited range of imports but it should not supersede local production.

Analysis

1. Many today are increasingly of the opinion that countries should be self-sufficient in their food production and import as little as possible. 2. Though I grant this is unrealistic in certain countries, the economic implications are convincing.

1. Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
2. Clearly state your opinion.

1. In most countries, imported foods are simply a luxury but this belies those nations where imports ensure survival. 2. Some of these countries include populous Southeast Asian nations, and numerous Middle Eastern and African countries. 3. The reasons range from poorly developed infrastructure, little arable soil, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. 4. Many Asian countries in particular, import and stockpile basic foods such as rice for potential catastrophes. 5. As agricultural technology develops and allows for crops that require less water, their desperation will lessen but it would be inhumane today to starve citizens in these countries.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Use specific examples for support.
3. Give specific details.
4. Continue developing your ideas and examples.
5. Conclude your paragraph by relating it back to the overall topic.

1. The above-mentioned scenarios are exceptions; the majority of countries would be better served through vibrant food cultivation and production industries. 2. The economic impact is twofold. 3. First, these industries employees thousands of agricultural and meat-packing workers. 4. Secondly, these workers then contribute to the local economy by buying goods and services. 5. Replace them with international food conglomerates and suddenly they are funding the GDP of another country. 6. A good counter-example to this would be in South Korea where the vast majority of products are nationally produced and, in fact, were some of the initial, primary sources of income for technology giants like Samsung and LG.

1. Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Vary long and short sentences.
3. Develop your main idea specifically.
4. Make sure you focus on a single main idea.
5. State the full results.
6. Include an example or counter-example.

1. In conclusion, except in extreme cases, countries should import fewer food products to better serve their citizenry economically. 2. There will always be a place for a limited range of imports but it should not supersede local production.

1. Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
2. Add a final thought/detail.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many today are increasingly of the opinion that countries should be self-sufficient in their food production and import as little as possible. Though I grant this is unrealistic in certain countries, the economic implications are convincing.

In most countries, imported foods are simply a luxury but this belies those nations where imports ensure survival. Some of these countries include populous Southeast Asian nations, and numerous Middle Eastern and African countries. The reasons range from poorly developed infrastructure, little arable soil, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Many Asian countries in particular, import and stockpile basic foods such as rice for potential catastrophes. As agricultural technology develops and allows for crops that require less water, their desperation will lessen but it would be inhumane today to starve citizens in these countries.

The above-mentioned scenarios are exceptions; the majority of countries would be better served through vibrant food cultivation and production industries. The economic impact is twofold. First, these industries employees thousands of agricultural and meat-packing workers. Secondly, these workers then contribute to the local economy by buying goods and services. Replace them with international food conglomerates and suddenly they are funding the GDP of another country. A good counter-example to this would be in South Korea where the vast majority of products are nationally produced and, in fact, were some of the initial, primary sources of income for technology giants like Samsung and LG.

In conclusion, except in extreme cases, countries should import fewer food products to better serve their citizenry economically. There will always be a place for a limited range of imports but it should not supersede local production.

Answers

increasingly of the opinion more and more think

self-sufficient can support themselves

food production growing food (meat and crops)

import as little as possible don’t bring in much food from other countries

grant will allow

unrealistic not really possible

implications results

convincing persuasive

simply a luxury only for enjoyment

belies falsely undermines

ensure survival allow them to live

populous lots of people

range from include

infrastructure buildings, roads, farms, etc.

little arable soil not much usable land for farming

vulnerability weak

natural disasters tsunamis, hurricanes, etc.

stockpile store up

potential catastrophes possible disasters

agricultural technology develops farming methods advance

crops farm food

require need

desperation really need

lessen weaken

inhumane not human, cruel

starve citizens people die from hunger

above-mentioned scenarios just talked about situations

exceptions not generally true

vibrant food cultivation thriving food industry

twofold has two parts

meat-packing collecting meat

contribute give to

local economy national economy

services providing something you do for others

replace take the place of

international food conglomerates big food companies

funding giving money

GDP gross domestic product

counter-example example showing the opposite

vast majority most of

nationally produced made by that country

initial, primary sources first, main origin of

income money earned

technology giants Facebook, Google, Samsung, etc.

except in extreme cases besides the outliers

better serve make more sense for

citizenry economically people financially

a place an area for, should still exist

limited range not everywhere

supersede overtake, supplant

Pronunciation

Listen and repeat:

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ɒv ði əˈpɪnjən 
sɛlf-səˈfɪʃənt 
fuːd prəˈdʌkʃən 
ˈɪmpɔːt æz ˈlɪtl æz ˈpɒsəbl
grɑːnt 
ˌʌnrɪəˈlɪstɪk
ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz 
kənˈvɪnsɪŋ
ˈsɪmpli ə ˈlʌkʃəri 
bɪˈlaɪz 
ɪnˈʃʊə səˈvaɪvəl
ˈpɒpjʊləs 
reɪnʤ frɒm 
ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧə
ˈlɪtl ˈærəbl sɔɪl
ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪti 
ˈnæʧrəl dɪˈzɑːstəz
ˈstɒkpaɪl 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl kəˈtæstrəfiz
ˌægrɪˈkʌlʧərəl tɛkˈnɒləʤi dɪˈvɛləps 
krɒps 
rɪˈkwaɪə 
ˌdɛspəˈreɪʃən 
ˈlɛsn 
ˌɪnhju(ː)ˈmeɪn 
stɑːv ˈsɪtɪznz 
əˈbʌvˈmɛnʃ(ə)nd sɪˈnɑːrɪəʊz 
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz
ˈvaɪbrənt fuːd ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən 
ˈtuːfəʊld
ˈmiːtˌpækɪŋ 
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)t 
ˈləʊkəl i(ː)ˈkɒnəmi 
ˈsɜːvɪsɪz
rɪˈpleɪs 
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl fuːd kənˈglɒmərɪts 
ˈfʌndɪŋ 
ʤiː-diː-piː 
ˈkaʊntər-ɪgˈzɑːmpl 
vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈnæʃnəli prəˈdjuːst 
ɪˈnɪʃəl, ˈpraɪməri ˈsɔːsɪz 
ˈɪnkʌm 
tɛkˈnɒləʤi ˈʤaɪənts 
ɪkˈsɛpt ɪn ɪksˈtriːm ˈkeɪsɪz
ˈbɛtə sɜːv 
ˈsɪtɪznri ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪkəli
ə pleɪs 
ˈlɪmɪtɪd reɪnʤ 
ˌsjuːpəˈsiːd 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many today are i_____________________________n that countries should be s_____________________________t in their f_________________________n and i_________________________________e. Though I g________t this is u______________c in certain countries, the economic i_________________s are c____________________g.

In most countries, imported foods are s___________________y but this b________s those nations where imports e______________________l. Some of these countries include p________________s Southeast Asian nations, and numerous Middle Eastern and African countries. The reasons r________________m poorly developed i_____________________e, l___________________________l, and increased v____________________y to n____________________________s. Many Asian countries in particular, import and s________________e basic foods such as rice for p___________________________s. As a________________________________s and allows for c________s that r___________e less water, their d_________________n will l___________n but it would be i________________e today to s________________s in these countries.

The a______________________________s are e________________s; the majority of countries would be better served through v___________________________n and production industries. The economic impact is t_____________d. First, these industries employees thousands of agricultural and m________________g workers. Secondly, these workers then c___________________e to the l______________________y by buying goods and s________________s. R_______________e them with i___________________________________s and suddenly they are f___________g the G____P of another country. A good c____________________________e to this would be in South Korea where the v________________________y of products are n_______________________d and, in fact, were some of the i__________l, p____________________s of i_____________e for t________________________s like Samsung and LG.

In conclusion, e___________________________s, countries should import fewer food products to b_________________e their c__________________________y. There will always be a___________e for a l_________________e of imports but it should not s_______________e local production.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Learn more about eating locally here (slightly irrelevant to the exact question):

Reading Practice

Read about your country and food imports/exports below:

https://www.businessinsider.com/nomura-food-crisis-2010-9#23-latvia-3

Speaking Practice

Talk about the related topic of cakes below from the real speaking exam:

Cakes

Do you like cakes?

Have you ever baked a cake?

How often do you eat cakes?

Are cakes popular in your country?

Real Past IELTS Exam

Writing Practice

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

In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry.

Why is this the case?

What can be done about this problem?

Real Past IELTS Exam