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.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
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.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin developing your idea with specific examples and ideas.
Focus deeply on your examples.
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.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
Begin to explain or develop your main idea.
Vary your long and short sentences so it is easy to read.
Focus very specifically.
Don’t switch to a new main idea, just add more support for the same idea.
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.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your arguments.
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.
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:
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.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
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.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Use specific examples for support.
Give specific details.
Continue developing your ideas and examples.
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.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Vary long and short sentences.
Develop your main idea specifically.
Make sure you focus on a single main idea.
State the full results.
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.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your main ideas.
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
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:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to cyclists and cars sharing the road and the related problems/solutions from the real past IELTS exam.
When cars and cyclists use the same roads, there are often problems.
Why is this the case?
What are the solutions?
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many issues arise when cyclists and motorists occupy the same streets. In my opinion, this is typically the fault of the former and the solutions all relate to better urban planning.
When cyclists and motorists come into conflict on roads it is often because the cyclist has a warped sense of priority. The general rule of thumb is that when cars have the right of way, they possess the option of yielding to cyclists. Otherwise, since cars travel much more quickly than bicycles, the cyclist must allow the car to pass by first so that roads do not become congested. Unfortunately, many people on bicycles attempt to travel as fast as cars without the maneuverability, safety, or breaking ability of cars. The result is that cars and cyclists are often at odds and wary of each other or, in extreme situations, collisions may result.
The solutions to ease these road conflicts are to better plan cities and wait for automobiles and cyclists to adapt to each other. A good example of this would be some European cities like Amsterdam where there is a large percentage of people traveling by bicycle. Urban planners have created bike lanes and altered roadways to mitigate potential conflicts. Over time, with clearer rules of engagement and better urban planning, instances of road rage and disagreement have declined. Adding bike lanes is only part of the solution; it is key for planners to develop innovative solutions for roundabouts, traffic lights, and bridges that allow for a seamless flow of traffic minus the veiled aggression that typically defines the car and bicycle relationship.
In conclusion, cars and bikes are in opposition because cyclists have overestimated their mode of travel and these issues can be remedied through better urban planning. Implementing these solutions is advisable since biking is such an environmental boon.
Analysis
1. Many issues arise when cyclists and motorists occupy the same streets. 2. In my opinion, this is typically the fault of the former and the solutions all relate to better urban planning.
Paraphrase the overall topic.
Write a clear opinion.
1. When cyclists and motorists come into conflict on roads it is often because the cyclist has a warped sense of priority. 2. The general rule of thumb is that when cars have the right of way, they possess the option of yielding to cyclists. 3. Otherwise, since cars travel much more quickly than bicycles, the cyclist must allow the car to pass by first so that roads do not become congested. 4. Unfortunately, many people on bicycles attempt to travel as fast as cars without the maneuverability, safety, or breaking ability of cars. 5. The result is that cars and cyclists are often at odds and wary of each other or, in extreme situations, collisions may result.
Write a clear topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Begin to develop your main idea.
Continue to develop it with specific ideas.
Use linking words to make your writing clearer.
State the final result to conclude the paragraph.
1. The solutions to ease these road conflicts are to better plan cities and wait for automobiles and cyclists to adapt to each other. 2. A good example of this would be some European cities like Amsterdam where there is a large percentage of people traveling by bicycle. 3. Urban planners have created bike lanes and altered roadways to mitigate potential conflicts. 4. Over time, with clearer rules of engagement and better urban planning, instances of road rage and disagreement have declined. 5. Adding bike lanes is only part of the solution; it is key for planners to develop innovative solutions for roundabouts, traffic lights, and bridges that allow for a seamless flow of traffic minus the veiled aggression that typically defines the car and bicycle relationship.
Write another topic sentence with another clear main idea at the end.
Start with an example to vary your paragraph structure.
Develop the example.
Keep developing the same example.
Generalise from your example and make sure you have a second solution.
1. In conclusion, cars and bikes are in opposition because cyclists have overestimated their mode of travel and these issues can be remedied through better urban planning. 2. Implementing these solutions is advisable since biking is such an environmental boon.
Repeat your opinion and summarise your arguments.
Add a final thought/detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many issues arise when cyclists and motorists occupy the same streets. In my opinion, this is typically the fault of the former and the solutions all relate to better urban planning.
When cyclists and motorists come into conflict on roads it is often because the cyclist has a warped sense of priority. The general rule of thumb is that when cars have the right of way, they possess the option of yielding to cyclists. Otherwise, since cars travel much more quickly than bicycles, the cyclist must allow the car to pass by first so that roads do not become congested. Unfortunately, many people on bicycles attempt to travel as fast as cars without the maneuverability, safety, or breaking ability of cars. The result is that cars and cyclists are often at odds and wary of each other or, in extreme situations, collisions may result.
The solutions to ease these road conflicts are to better plan cities and wait for automobiles and cyclists to adapt to each other. A good example of this would be some European cities like Amsterdam where there is a large percentage of people traveling by bicycle. Urban planners have created bike lanes and altered roadways to mitigate potential conflicts. Over time, with clearer rules of engagement and better urban planning, instances of road rage and disagreement have declined. Adding bike lanes is only part of the solution; it is key for planners to develop innovative solutions for roundabouts, traffic lights, and bridges that allow for a seamless flow of traffic minus the veiled aggression that typically defines the car and bicycle relationship.
In conclusion, cars and bikes are in opposition because cyclists have overestimated their mode of travel and these issues can be remedied through better urban planning. Implementing these solutions is advisable since biking is such an environmental boon.
Answers
issues arise problems happen
cyclists people who ride bikes
motorists occupy people driving cars share
fault their mistake
former first mentioned subject
relate have to do with
better urban planning the mapping out of a city
come into conflict disagree
warped sense of priority delusional and feel they should be in front
general rule of thumb normally
the right of way should go first when driving/walking
possess have
option choice
yielding allowing others to go
otherwise if not
allow the car to pass by first let the car go in front
congested busy
maneuverability ability to move
safety not as dangerous
breaking ability how a bike/car stops
at odds in disagreement
wary worried about
extreme situations worst case scenario
collisions may result accidents might happen
ease mitigate
adapt change
urban planners people who plan cities
bike lanes spaces on the roads for bikes
altered roadways changing streets
mitigate potential conflicts lessen possible disagreements
over time in the future
clearer rules of engagement easier to understand how to proceed
better urban planning planning out cities better
road rage getting angry when driving
key very important
develop innovative solutions have new remedies
roundabouts rotaries
traffic lights intersections with lights
seamless flow driving easily
minus taking away
veiled aggression barely hidden anger
typically defines usually is
in opposition fighting
overestimated thinking better than it really is
mode of travel way of traveling (bike, on foot, car, etc.)
Many i_______________e when c____________s and m____________________y the same streets. In my opinion, this is typically the f_________t of the f____________r and the solutions all r_____________e to b_______________________g.
When cyclists and motorists c_________________________t on roads it is often because the cyclist has a w__________________________y. The g___________________________b is that when cars have t______________________y, they p________________s the o_______________n of y_______________g to cyclists. O___________________e, since cars travel much more quickly than bicycles, the cyclist must a____________________________t so that roads do not become c________________d. Unfortunately, many people on bicycles attempt to travel as fast as cars without the m________________________y, s____________y, or b_______________________y of cars. The result is that cars and cyclists are often a___________s and w________y of each other or, in e_____________________s, c_____________________t.
The solutions to e________e these road conflicts are to better plan cities and wait for automobiles and cyclists to a___________t to each other. A good example of this would be some European cities like Amsterdam where there is a large percentage of people traveling by bicycle. U____________________s have created b______________s and a_____________________s to m_____________________________s. O____________e, with c_________________________t and b________________________g, instances of r_______________________e and disagreement have declined. Adding bike lanes is only part of the solution; it is k____y for planners to d_______________________________s for r_______________s, t_____________________s, and bridges that allow for a s____________________w of traffic m__________s the v___________________________n that t_____________________s the car and bicycle relationship.
In conclusion, cars and bikes are i____________________n because cyclists have o___________________d their m____________________l and these issues can be r_________________d through better urban planning. I_____________________g these solutions is a___________________e since biking is such an e____________________________n.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen about Amsterdam below:
Speaking Practice
Answer the following related questions from the real exam:
Travelling
Do you like travelling?
What is the most beautiful country you have visited?
Would you like to have a job that demands travelling to other countries?
What problems can occur when travelling?
Real Past IELTS Exam
Writing Practice
Write about the following related topic and then check with my sample answer:
The roads in major cities today are often difficult to travel on.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay General Training: Pocket Money for Children
Giving children and adolescents pocket money is common throughout the world.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this practice and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam
In most countries, it is common for children to be given an allowance. This can lead to problems in extreme cases but the advantages are stronger and relate to maturation.
There are two main drawbacks to this practice if parents are irresponsible. Firstly, a parent might give their child too much spending money. There are many well-known cases of children who become pampered socialites, incapable of contributing positively to society because they have little incentive to work or grow as human beings. The second related scenario involves parents who do not monitor their children’s spending habits. For example, young children might buy candy and parents need to try to counter this by encouraging healthier eating. As they get older, parents must continue to monitor closely misuses ranging from relatively benign videogames to decidedly harmful narcotics.
Nonetheless, the advantages in the majority of cases make allowances a positive. An important part of engaging with society is transactions. The first time a child pays at a shop, they enter into the wider economy and begin to understand their role in it. As they grow up, they will have to make decisions about their pocket money. They might opt to save it thereby cultivating discipline and self-control. The purchase itself will also take on increased relevance. Instead of wasting money on something superfluous or actively injurious to them, such as unhealthy foods or a new gaming console, they might begin to realise independently the importance of healthy habits and choose to buy more books, art supplies, or invest in an extracurricular.
In conclusion, allowances without clear checks can in rare instances lead children down a dark path but, in general, spending money fosters greater independence and better decision making. It is therefore paramount for parents to set clear boundaries for their children.
Analysis
1. In most countries, it is common for children to be given an allowance. 2. This can lead to problems in extreme cases but the advantages are stronger and relate to maturation.
Paraphrase the overall topic.
State your main ideas and your overall opinion.
1. There are two main drawbacks to this practice if parents are irresponsible. 2. Firstly, a parent might give their child too much spending money. 3. There are many well-known cases of children who become pampered socialites, incapable of contributing positively to society because they have little incentive to work or grow as human beings. 4. The second related scenario involves parents who do not monitor their children’s spending habits. 5. For example, young children might buy candy and parents need to try to counter this by encouraging healthier eating. 6. As they get older, parents must continue to monitor closely misuses ranging from relatively benign videogames to decidedly harmful narcotics.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to talk about the first disadvantage.
Develop it fully.
Switch to the second disadvantage.
Use a specific example to develop your idea.
Finish developing your second idea.
1. Nonetheless, the advantages in the majority of cases make allowances a positive. 2. An important part of engaging with society is transactions. 3. The first time a child pays at a shop, they enter into the wider economy and begin to understand their role in it. 4. As they grow up, they will have to make decisions about their pocket money. 5. They might opt to save it thereby cultivating discipline and self-control. 6. The purchase itself will also take on increased relevance. 7. Instead of wasting money on something superfluous or actively injurious to them, such as unhealthy foods or a new gaming console, they might begin to realise independently the importance of healthy habits and choose to buy more books, art supplies, or invest in an extracurricular.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Begin to explain your main idea.
Develop that idea.
Move on to the second advantage.
Develop it with specific ideas/examples.
Continue developing.
Conclude with a strong statement with the full results.
1. In conclusion, allowances without clear checks can in rare instances lead children down a dark path but, in general, spending money fosters greater independence and better decision making. 2. It is therefore paramount for parents to set clear boundaries for their children.
Summarise your main ideas and repeat your opinion.
Conclude with a final thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
In most countries, it is common for children to be given an allowance. This can lead to problems in extreme cases but the advantages are stronger and relate to maturation.
There are two main drawbacks to this practice if parents are irresponsible. Firstly, a parent might give their child too much spending money. There are many well-known cases of children who become pampered socialites, incapable of contributing positively to society because they have little incentive to work or grow as human beings. The second related scenario involves parents who do not monitor their children’s spending habits. For example, young children might buy candy and parents need to try to counter this by encouraging healthier eating. As they get older, parents must continue to monitor closely misuses ranging from relatively benign videogames to decidedly harmful narcotics.
Nonetheless, the advantages in the majority of cases make allowances a positive. An important part of engaging with society is transactions. The first time a child pays at a shop, they enter into the wider economy and begin to understand their role in it. As they grow up, they will have to make decisions about their pocket money. They might opt to save it thereby cultivating discipline and self-control. The purchase itself will also take on increased relevance. Instead of wasting money on something superfluous or actively injurious to them, such as unhealthy foods or a new gaming console, they might begin to realise independently the importance of healthy habits and choose to buy more books, art supplies, or invest in an extracurricular.
In conclusion, allowances without clear checks can in rare instances lead children down a dark path but, in general, spending money fosters greater independence and better decision making. It is therefore paramount for parents to set clear boundaries for their children.
Answers
given an allowance give pocket money
lead to problems result in issues
extreme cases outliers
maturation growing up
two main drawbacks two big takeaways
practice convention/thing people do
irresponsible not taking care of themselves/others
spending money pocket money/allowance
well-known cases famous instances
pampered socialites spoiled rich kids
incapable can’t do
contributing positively to society giving back to the world
In most countries, it is common for children to be g____________________e. This can l______________________s in e____________________s but the advantages are stronger and relate to m__________________n.
There are t_____________________________s to this p_____________e if parents are i_______________________e. Firstly, a parent might give their child too much s_____________________y. There are many w___________________s of children who become p______________________s, i_________________e of c______________________________________y because they have l____________________e to work or g_______________________________s. The second r______________________o involves parents who do not m_______________r their children’s s______________________s. For example, young children might buy candy and parents need to try to c___________r this by e________________________________g. As they get older, parents must continue to m____________________y m_____________s r____________________m r____________________________________s to d______________________________s.
N__________________s, the advantages in the m_____________________s make allowances a p_______________e. An important part of e_________________________y is t__________________s. The first time a child pays at a shop, they e______________o the w___________________y and begin to understand their r_______e in it. As they grow up, they will have to m_____________________s about their p___________________y. They might o___t to save it t_____________________________________e and s_________________l. The purchase itself will also take on i_________________________e. Instead of w_______________g money on something s__________________s or a________________________s to them, such as unhealthy foods or a n_____________________________e, they might begin to r__________________________y the importance of h_____________________s and choose to buy more books, art supplies, or i___________t in an e_________________________r.
In conclusion, allowances without c___________________s can in r_____________________________________________h but, in general, spending money f________________________________e and b____________________________g. It is therefore p____________________t for parents to s__________________________s for their children.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen about this topic here:
Reading Practice
Read about some young adults who still receive an allowance here:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Modern Electronics
Some old people today struggle with the use of modern technologies such as smartphones and computers.
What is the cause of this?
What are some possible solutions?
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many older people today have difficulty acclimating to new technology. The main cause of this is the novel nature of the computer revolution and the best solutions involve education.
The elderly have trouble catching up with new developments in technology because computers and the internet are fundamentally novel. Computers require a skill set that is completely foreign to individuals who did not grow up in the last 30 years. To use a computer, one must be able to type, set up online accounts, remember passwords, troubleshoot IT problems and navigate both the internet and various internet-based apps. For those born into the internet era, this is all second nature but for others the learning curve is often too steep. The simple process of turning on a computer and locating programs using an unfamiliar interface can be overwhelming and serves as the principle, initial barrier.
The best solutions for this relate to education. Older people who are still working require special training programs and patience from their employers and themselves. Competence is likely given detailed instructions and enough time to practice. Moreover, many retired older people want to spend more time with their children, grandchildren and old friends but it can be difficult to travel, particularly if they live far apart. Old people would be extremely motivated to make video calls and stay in touch with loved ones with applications like Skype, Facetime and Facebook Messenger. Through simple instructions from family members, it is possible video-conferencing could become a routine task.
In conclusion, old people today often cannot understand technology because it is a seismic shift in perspective and the solutions involve patient training at work and home. In this way, the benefits of technology can be extended to a generation that missed out on them in their youth.
Analysis
1. Many older people today have difficulty acclimating to new technology. 2. The main cause of this is the novel nature of the computer revolution and the best solutions involve education.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Answer both questions directly and clearly. You need to have 1 or more causes and at least 2 solutions.
1. The elderly have trouble catching up with new developments in technology because computers and the internet are fundamentally novel. 2. Computers require a skill set that is completely foreign to individuals who did not grow up in the last 30 years. 3. To use a computer, one must be able to type, set up online accounts, remember passwords, troubleshoot IT problems and navigate both the internet and various internet-based apps. 4. For those born into the internet era, this is all second nature but for others the learning curve is often too steep. 5. The simple process of turning on a computer and locating programs using an unfamiliar interface can be overwhelming and serves as the principle, initial barrier.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Begin to develop or explain your main idea.
Give specific instances – the more specific the better!
State the results of your examples.
Draw final conclusions and answer the cause directly.
1. The best solutions for this relate to education. 2. Older people who are still working require special training programs and patience from their employers and themselves. 3. Competence is likely given detailed instructions and enough time to practice. 4. Moreover, many retired older people want to spend more time with their children, grandchildren and old friends but it can be difficult to travel, particularly if they live far apart. 5. Old people would be extremely motivated to make video calls and stay in touch with loved ones with applications like Skype, Facetime and Facebook Messenger. 6. Through simple instructions from family members, it is possible video-conferencing could become a routine task.
Write another clear and simple topic sentence with your main idea in the second half of the sentence.
Begin writing about your first solution.
Finish developing your first solution.
Switch to your second solution.
Develop it fully with specific examples.
Conclude the paragraph with the end result of your solution.
1. In conclusion, old people today often cannot understand technology because it is a seismic shift in perspective and the solutions involve patient training at work and home. 2. In this way, the benefits of technology can be extended to a generation that missed out on them in their youth.
Repeat your answer to both questions.
Finish summarising and add a final thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many older people today have difficulty acclimating to new technology. The main cause of this is the novel nature of the computer revolution and the best solutions involve education.
The elderly have trouble catching up with new developments in technology because computers and the internet are fundamentally novel. Computers require a skill set that is completely foreign to individuals who did not grow up in the last 30 years. To use a computer, one must be able to type, set up online accounts, remember passwords, troubleshoot IT problems and navigate both the internet and various internet-based apps. For those born into the internet era, this is all second nature but for others the learning curve is often too steep. The simple process of turning on a computer and locating programs using an unfamiliar interface can be overwhelming and serves as the principle, initial barrier.
The best solutions for this relate to education. Older people who are still working require special training programs and patience from their employers and themselves. Competence is likely given detailed instructions and enough time to practice. Moreover, many retired older people want to spend more time with their children, grandchildren and old friends but it can be difficult to travel, particularly if they live far apart. Old people would be extremely motivated to make video calls and stay in touch with loved ones with applications like Skype, Facetime and Facebook Messenger. Through simple instructions from family members, it is possible video-conferencing could become a routine task.
In conclusion, old people today often cannot understand technology because it is a seismic shift in perspective and the solutions involve patient training at work and home. In this way, the benefits of technology can be extended to a generation that missed out on them in their youth.
Answers
difficulty acclimating trouble getting used to
main cause primary source
novel nature new kind
computer revolution advent of computers, internet, digital tech
best solutions involve better remedies relate to
have trouble catching up are having a tough time learning
new developments in technology changes in technology
fundamentally novel basically new
require a skill set need new skills/abilities
completely foreign totally different
grow up be raised
type write on a computer
set up online accounts join sites and apps
remember passwords recall your login/password
troubleshoot IT problems fix issues with your computer
navigate find their way through
various internet-based apps applications like Instagram, Messenger, etc.
born into were raised during
second nature natural
learning curve is often too steep too hard to pick up something new
simple process easy way to
locating programs find applications
unfamiliar interface confusing layout
overwhelming too much to handle
serves as the principle is the main
initial barrier first thing stopping people
relate to involve
require special training programs need assistance/guidance
competence ability to do something
detailed instructions clear guides
retired no longer working
particularly if they live far apart especially if they don’t live near each other
extremely motivated very interested in, really wanting to
stay in touch keep in contact
loved ones family, friends
simple instructions clear guides
video-conferencing talking with smartphones/cameras
routine task normal activity
seismic shift in perspective huge change in how you see the world
Many older people today have d_________________________g to new technology. The m______________e of this is the n______________e of the c__________________________n and the b___________________________e education.
The elderly h______________________________p with n_________________________________y because computers and the internet are f___________________________l. Computers r_______________________t that is c___________________________n to individuals who did not g______________p in the last 30 years. To use a computer, one must be able to t______e, s______________________________s, r__________________________s, t_____________________________s and n________________e both the internet and v__________________________________s. For those b_______________o the internet era, this is all s____________________e but for others the l____________________________________p. The s_____________________s of turning on a computer and l_______________________s using an u__________________________e can be o_____________________g and s__________________________e, i_______________________r.
The best solutions for this r_______________o education. Older people who are still working r__________________________________s and patience from their employers and themselves. C__________________e is likely given d___________________________s and enough time to practice. Moreover, many r______________d older people want to spend more time with their children, grandchildren and old friends but it can be difficult to travel, p____________________________t. Old people would be e_____________________d to make video calls and s_______________h with l_______________s with applications like Skype, Facetime and Facebook Messenger. Through s_________________________s from family members, it is possible v_________________________g could become a r________________k.
In conclusion, old people today often cannot understand technology because it is a s______________________________e and the solutions involve patient training at work and home. In this way, the b__________________________y can be e____________________d to a generation that m__________________t on them in their y____________h.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch a trailer for a documentary about cyber-seniors here:
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