IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Old People & Exercise (Real Past IELTS Exam)
Even though doctors advise old people to get more exercise, many old people do not get enough.
What are the reasons for this?
What are some possible solutions for this?
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many elderly people today, despite recommendations from doctors, do not get adequate exercise. I believe this is largely related to their upbringing and simple psychology, while the best solutions augment existing remedies.
The most basic sources of this problem are historical and psychological. Many old people today grew up in a period when exercise was not ubiquitous. Gyms in schools and as private businesses are a more recent development so they have not become ingrained habits for past generations. Moreover, men may have experience playing a sport but female athletics were historically underfunded and even banned in many nations, which has an effect on elderly women in particular. This history intermingles with normal human psychology. People are naturally embarrassed to stand out or appear foolish in public. Feeling self-conscious is an initial barrier that prevents many elderly from taking up a new sport or going to the gym for the first time.
The most efficacious solutions involve better accommodating the elderly. One way to do this would be to build more parks for exercise. In some East Asian countries such as Vietnam and South Korea, they have been building both small and large, rural and urban parks with basic exercise equipment for decades. They are easy to use, common and the elderly have become acclimated to them. Many more elderly would exercise if there was an expansion and replication of these successful policies. Another related fix would be to build more fitness centres. This may not have a huge impact at the moment, because gym members tend to be younger, but as a new generation of old people rises up, these centres will become more important and allow governments to take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach.
In conclusion, there are both historic and fundamentally human reasons for why old people do not exercise today. In my opinion, the solutions are not novel but would clearly lead to improved health for the elderly.
Analysis
1. Many elderly people today, despite recommendations from doctors, do not get adequate exercise. 2. I believe this is largely related to their upbringing and simple psychology, while the best solutions augment existing remedies.
Paraphrase the overall topic of the essay.
Clearly answer both questions. My answers are complete but you don’t have to fully include your main ideas here.
1. The most basic sources of this problem are historical and psychological. 2. Many old people today grew up in a period when exercise was not ubiquitous. 3. Gyms in schools and as private businesses are a more recent development so they have not become ingrained habits for past generations. 4. Moreover, men may have experience playing a sport but female athletics were historically underfunded and even banned in many nations, which has an effect on elderly women in particular. 5. This history intermingles with normal human psychology. 6. People are naturally embarrassed to stand out or appear foolish in public. 7. Feeling self-conscious is an initial barrier that prevents many elderly from taking up a new sport or going to the gym for the first time.
Write a topic sentence with your main ideas at the end. This question asks for reasons (plural) so you must have at least 2. More than 2 would be difficult to develop fully.
Explain or give background on your main idea.
Develop your main idea.
Fully extend or add a related idea.
Transition to your second reason.
Explain your second reason.
Develop it as much as possible.
1. The most efficacious solutions involve better accommodating the elderly. 2. One way to do this would be to build more parks for exercise. 3. In some East Asian countries such as Vietnam and South Korea, they have been building both small and large, rural and urban parks with basic exercise equipment for decades. 4. They are easy to use, common and the elderly have become acclimated to them. 5. Many more elderly would exercise if there was an expansion and replication of these successful policies. 6. Another related fix would be to build more fitness centres. 7. This may not have a huge impact at the moment, because gym members tend to be younger, but as a new generation of old people rises up, these centres will become more important and allow governments to take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach.
Write another topic sentence with a new clear main idea at the end. You also need 2 solutions because the question asks for solutions (plural).
Explain your main idea.
Use specific examples to support your opinion fully.
Draw out the results of your examples.
Make your point fully clear and relate it back to overall question.
Transition to your other solution.
Develop that solution as fully as possible too.
1. In conclusion, there are both historic and fundamentally human reasons for why old people do not exercise today. 2. In my opinion, the solutions are not novel but would clearly lead to improved health for the elderly.
Repeat your opinion.
Fully summarise your opinion and make a strong concluding statement.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean? Figure them out from the context of the sentence:
Many elderly people today, despite recommendations from doctors, do not get adequate exercise. I believe this is largely related to their upbringing and simple psychology, while the best solutions augment existing remedies.
The most basic sources of this problem are historical and psychological. Many old people today grew up in a period when exercise was not ubiquitous. Gyms in schools and as private businesses are a more recent development so they have not become ingrained habits for past generations. Moreover, men may have experience playing a sport but female athletics were historically underfunded and even banned in many nations, which has an effect on elderly women in particular. This history intermingles with normal human psychology. People are naturally embarrassed to stand out or appear foolish in public. Feeling self-conscious is an initial barrier that prevents many elderly from taking up a new sport or going to the gym for the first time.
The most efficacious solutions involve better accommodating the elderly. One way to do this would be to build more parks for exercise. In some East Asian countries such as Vietnam and South Korea, they have been building both small and large, rural and urban parks with basic exercise equipment for decades. They are easy to use, common and the elderly have become acclimated to them. Many more elderly would exercise if there was an expansion and replication of these successful policies. Another related fix would be to build more fitness centres. This may not have a huge impact at the moment, because gym members tend to be younger, but as a new generation of old people rises up, these centres will become more important and allow governments to take a proactive, rather than reactive, approach.
In conclusion, there are both historic and fundamentally human reasons for why older people do not exercise today. In my opinion, the solutions are not novel but would clearly lead to improved health for the elderly.
Answers
elderly people old people
despite recommendations from doctors regardless of what doctor’s advise
Many e___________________e today, d______________________________________s, do not get a______________e exercise. I believe this is l_____________y related to their u______________g and s_____________________y, while the best solutions a_________________________s.
The m______________________s of this problem are h_______________l and psychological. Many old people today g____________p in a p____________d when exercise was not u_______________s. Gyms in schools and as private businesses are a m_______________________t so they have not become i______________________s for p___________________s. Moreover, men may have experience playing a sport but f______________________s were historically u_____________________d and even b_____________d in many nations, which has an effect on elderly women i__________________r. This history i__________________s with normal human psychology. People are n_____________________d to s______________t or a____________________c. F_____________________s is an i__________________r that p__________s many elderly from t______________p a new sport or going to the gym f____________________e.
The most e________________________s involve b________________________g the elderly. O______________________________e to build more parks for exercise. In some East Asian countries such as Vietnam and South Korea, they have been building both small and large, r________l and u________n parks with b_________________________________t for d_____________s. They are easy to use, c___________n and the elderly have become a_______________d to them. Many more elderly would exercise if there was an e________________n and r___________________n of these s________________________s. Another r______________x would be to build more f____________________s. This may not have a h_________________t at the moment, because gym members t________d to be younger, but as a new generation of old people r__________p, these centres will become more important and allow governments to take a p_______________e, rather than r_____________e, a________________h.
In conclusion, there are both historic and f____________________s for why older people do not exercise today. In my opinion, the solutions are not n__________l but would c____________________________h for the elderly.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch below about some of the parks I reference in Vietnam:
In some countries, governments provide payments for unemployed people.
How does this impact people?
Is this a positive or negative development?
Real Past IELTS Test
In many nations, the government gives unemployment benefits to its citizens in need. This allows people to make ends meet during difficult times and is largely a positive development.
The effect of unemployment is that struggling individuals and families are able to survive challenging periods. A good recent example of this would be the record unemployment rates in the wake of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. In the United States alone, millions of workers lost their jobs. Many families live paycheck to paycheck and without government support they might lose their homes or struggle to put food on the table every day. Government money allowed them to persevere in a difficult period and use their time to look for a new job. Depending on the conditions of the payments, they can try to find a quality job rather than settling for the first position offered by a company trying to exploit the leverage of an historic jobless rate.
This is largely a positive development because it has wide-reaching effects in society. The one qualification to unemployment benefits is that some individuals will try to take advantage of them and remain jobless while living off government charity. These rare instances aside, society benefits from lifting its most vulnerable citizens out of poverty. Without aid some individuals may turn to illegitimate means of supporting themselves. It is unlikely most would become criminals, but the greater effect would be economic. The unemployed cannot buy products and stimulate the consumer economy. The money the government hands out allows them to keep buying food, going shopping, and props up both large and small businesses. A good economy in turn increases the chances that businesses will begin hiring again and unemployment will decline.
In conclusion, unemployment payments are a great boon for those without jobs and benefit the whole of society as well. It is important that unemployment agencies are well-run and strictly regulated to ensure continuance of the crucial social service they provide.
Analysis
1. In many nations, the government gives unemployment benefits to its citizens in need. 2. This allows people to make ends meet during difficult times and is largely a positive development.
Paraphrase the topic for the whole essay.
Give a clear overall opinion.
1. The effect of unemployment is that struggling individuals and families are able to survive challenging periods. 2. A good recent example of this would be the record unemployment rates in the wake of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. 3. In the United States alone, millions of workers lost their jobs. 4. Many families live paycheck to paycheck and without government support they might lose their homes or struggle to put food on the table every day. 5. Government money allowed them to persevere in a difficult period and use their time to look for a new job. 6. Depending on the conditions of the payments, they can try to find a quality job rather than settling for the first position offered by a company trying to exploit the leverage of an historic jobless rate.
Write a topic sentence with a clear and simple main idea.
Start an example.
Begin to develop it and vary with long/short sentences.
Develop your example more.
Keep developing by detailing the results.
Finish developing your example.
1. This is largely a positive development because it has wide-reaching effects in society. 2. The one qualification to unemployment benefits is that some individuals will try to take advantage of them and remain jobless while living off government charity. 3. These rare instances aside, society benefits from lifting its most vulnerable citizens out of poverty. 4. Without aid some individuals may turn to illegitimate means of supporting themselves. 5. It is unlikely most would become criminals, but the greater effect would be economic. 6. The unemployed cannot buy products and stimulate the consumer economy. 7. The money the government hands out allows them to keep buying food, going shopping, and props up both large and small businesses. 8. A good economy in turn increases the chances that businesses will begin hiring again and unemployment will decline.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
Here I qualify my argument – this isn’t necessary and if you don’t have time, you don’t need a sentence like this.
Explain your main idea.
Develop the idea.
Continue developing the main idea.
Draw out the results as far as possible.
Remember to include specific details for support.
Conclude with the further possible results/implications.
1. In conclusion, unemployment payments are a great boon for those without jobs and benefit the whole of society as well. 2. It is important that unemployment agencies are well-run and strictly regulated to ensure continuance of the crucial social service they provide.
Repeat your opinion.
Add a final detail/thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
In many nations, the government gives unemployment benefits to its citizens in need. This allows people to make ends meet during difficult times and is largely a positive development.
The effect of unemployment is that struggling individuals and families are able to survive challenging periods. A good recent example of this would be the record unemployment rates in the wake of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. In the United States alone, millions of workers lost their jobs. Many families live paycheck to paycheck and without government support they might lose their homes or struggle to put food on the table every day. Government money allowed them to persevere in a difficult period and use their time to look for a new job. Depending on the conditions of the payments, they can try to find a quality job rather than settling for the first position offered by a company trying to exploit the leverage of an historic jobless rate.
This is largely a positive development because it has wide-reaching effects in society. The one qualification to unemployment benefits is that some individuals will try to take advantage of them and remain jobless while living off government charity. These rare instances aside, society benefits from lifting its most vulnerable citizens out of poverty. Without aid some individuals may turn to illegitimate means of supporting themselves. It is unlikely most would become criminals, but the greater effect would be economic. The unemployed cannot buy products and stimulate the consumer economy. The money the government hands out allows them to keep buying food, going shopping, and props up both large and small businesses. A good economy in turn increases the chances that businesses will begin hiring again and unemployment will decline.
In conclusion, unemployment payments are a great boon for those without jobs and benefit the whole of society as well. It is important that unemployment agencies are well-run and strictly regulated to ensure continuance of the crucial social service they provide.
Answers
gives unemployment benefits pays money for people without work
citizens in need people who require help
make ends meet have enough money to live
difficult times hard periods
largely mostly
struggling individuals people in need
survive challenging periods get through difficult times
record new high/low
in the wake of following
Covid-19 pandemic the Coronavirus spread
alone just by itself
lost their jobs unemployed
paycheck to paycheck living just month to month
government support money from the government
lose their homes must move out
struggle have a hard time
put food on the table every day being able to feed yourself/family daily
persevere get through
conditions situation
quality job good job
settling accepting a bad/lesser offer
first position offered first job they get
exploit take advantage of
leverage power over
historic jobless rate most unemployed people in history
wide-reaching effects impact across many areas
one qualification one exception
take advantage exploit
remain jobless still have no job
living off government charity getting by with welfare
rare instances aside ignoring some examples
lifting out of poverty not being desperately poor
vulnerable at risk
illegitimate means illegal methods
greater effect more of an impact
the unemployed people without jobs
stimulate help/encourage
consumer economy the free market
hands out gives out
props up supports
in turn consequently
begin hiring again start employing people again
great boon big help
benefit the whole of society give a lot to everyone in society
unemployment agencies institutions that help people find jobs/get benefits
well-run organised
strictly regulated closely monitored
ensure continuance make sure it continues
crucial social service they provide important help for society
In many nations, the government g____________________________s to its c_____________________d. This allows people to m_____________t during d______________________s and is l____________y a positive development.
The effect of unemployment is that s_________________________s and families are able to s______________________________s. A good recent example of this would be the r___________d unemployment rates i_________________f the 2020 C_______________________c. In the United States a__________e, millions of workers l______________s. Many families live p__________________k and without g_______________________t they might l__________________s or s___________e to p_____________________________________y. Government money allowed them to p______________e in a difficult period and use their time to look for a new job. Depending on the c_________________s of the payments, they can try to find a q_______________b rather than s_____________g for the f_________________________d by a company trying to e______________t the l_______________e of an h_____________________e.
This is largely a positive development because it has w_____________________s in society. The o______________________n to unemployment benefits is that some individuals will try to t_____________________e of them and r_____________________s while l______________________________y. These r___________________________e, society benefits from l__________g its most v_______________e citizens o_________________y. Without aid some individuals may turn to i_________________________s of supporting themselves. It is unlikely most would become criminals, but the g__________________t would be economic. T______________________d cannot buy products and s______________e the c_______________________y. The money the government h_____________t allows them to keep buying food, going shopping, and p______________p both large and small businesses. A good economy i_____________n increases the chances that businesses will b_____________________n and unemployment will decline.
In conclusion, unemployment payments are a g______________n for those without jobs and b__________________________y as well. It is important that u__________________________s are w_______________n and s___________________d to e____________________e of the c________________________________e.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen here from the BBC about unemployment in America:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay related to the number of people living in households in the UK (a bar chart).
My exclusive IELTS Ebooks are only available here on my Patreon.
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Essay: UK Households Bar Chart
The chart compares the number of people per household by percentage in the UK in 1981 and 2001.
The bar chart details percentages for the number of people living in households across a twenty year period beginning in 1981 in the UK. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the households with more people declined and the reverse was true of smaller homes. The middle groups were the only exceptions to this with increases for 4 people homes and declines for 3 person homes.
The overall leaders in both time periods belonged to 1 and 2 people households. Both increased by 3%, finishing the time surveyed at 26% for the former and 34% for the latter. This contrasted with 5 person households (falling by a quarter to 6%) and 6 or more people in a home, which plummeted from 6% to 2%.
The middle groups showed divergent trends with 4 people homes rising by 3% to 15% and 3 people homes declining by the same margin to 17%.
Analysis
1. The bar chart details percentages for the number of people living in households across a twenty year period beginning in 1981 in the UK. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the households with more people declined and the reverse was true of smaller homes. 3. The middle groups were the only exceptions to this with increases for 4 people homes and declines for 3 person homes.
Paraphrase what the chart shows.
Write a general overview. Include whether each category increased/decreased.
Be sure to mention any possible exceptions.
1. The overall leaders in both time periods belonged to 1 and 2 people households. 2. Both increased by 3%, finishing the time surveyed at 26% for the former and 34% for the latter. 3. This contrasted with 5 person households (falling by a quarter to 6%) and 6 or more people in a home, which plummeted from 6% to 2%.
Begin to compare and describe the data.
Include the starting and ending points (or imply them as I do).
Make sure you include all the data.
1. The middle groups showed divergent trends with 4 people homes rising by 3% to 15% and 3 people homes declining by the same margin to 17%.
Don’t forget to write about all the categories on the chart.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The bar chart details percentages for the number of people living in households across a twenty year period beginning in 1981 in the UK. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the households with more people declined and the reverse was true of smaller homes. The middle groups were the only exceptions to this with increases for 4 people homes and declines for 3 person homes.
The overall leaders in both time periods belonged to 1 and 2 people households. Both increased by 3%, finishing the time surveyed at 26% for the former and 34% for the latter. This contrasted with 5 person households (falling by a quarter to 6%) and 6 or more people in a home, which plummeted from 6% to 2%.
The middle groups showed divergent trends with 4 people homes rising by 3% to 15% and 3 people homes declining by the same margin to 17%.
Answers
details illustrates, describes, gives information about
across over
twenty year period 10 years
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that Overall
declined decreased
the reverse was true of the opposite was the case for
only exceptions cases that don’t fit the pattern
declines noun for decreases
belonged to owned by
finishing the time surveyed at at the end of the period stood at
the former the first mentioned category
the latter the last mentioned category from the sentence before
The bar chart d_________s percentages for the number of people living in households a__________s a t____________________d beginning in 1981 in the UK. L____________________________________________________t the households with more people d_____________d and t_________________________f smaller homes. The middle groups were the o____________________s to this with increases for 4 people homes and d_____________s for 3 person homes.
The overall leaders in both time periods b_______________o 1 and 2 people households. Both increased by 3%, f___________________________t 26% for t__________________r and 34% for t_______________r. This c__________________h 5 person households (f_________________________o 6%) and 6 or more people in a home, which p______________________m 6% to 2%.
The middle groups s______________________s with 4 people homes r_____________g by 3% to 15% and 3 people homes d______________g by the same m___________n to 17%.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Learn more about overcrowding here:
Reading Practice
See some more charts here about people living alone:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of focusing in single subjects in school after the age of 15 or studying a more diverse curriculum.
This one was tricky for me because I knew what I wanted to write but it was hard to structure it and make the ideas clear.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Focus on Single Subjects
Some educational systems make students study specialised subjects from the age of fifteen while others require students to study a wide range.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many educational reformers today incline towards a narrower curriculum for students 15 and older. In my opinion, while this is part of a decidedly modern movement for early specialisation, a wide range of knowledge serves as a basis for more well-adjusted adults.
Limiting subjects from the age of 15 onwards can allow for greater focus. It is not uncommon for many children to choose one musical instrument or participate in a single sport from the beginning of grade school. The rationale is that more time spent in one domain inevitably leads to mastery and this is supported by research into the importance of practice for elite performers. There are many famous examples of individuals who focused from their teenage years onwards and found success such as The Beatles’ band members with music and Steve Jobs with computer technology. Fewer subjects after age 15 is therefore one way to safeguard a child’s future.
However, the famous examples above are belied by the bulk of research that shows, for the majority of individuals, a wide range of skills and interests is a better predictor of future success. Studies have overwhelmingly shown that varied skills allow for increased creativity and a more even temperament. The average high school student must study obviously useful subjects such as math and various disciplines of science but also take music, art, home economics, and choose their own electives. They may never become professional musicians but opening up that side of their brain can help them be more creative in another field and feel their education is well-rounded. Without dabbling in these allegedly useless subjects they might feel harnessed to a single career and purpose, unable to exercise autonomy over their own life.
In conclusion, studying a range of subjects after the age of 15 leads to better results in general. A complete syllabus furnishes happier individual citizens and contributes to a richer overall society.
Analysis
1. Many educational reformers today incline towards a narrower curriculum for students 15 and older. 2. In my opinion, while this is part of a decidedly modern movement for early specialisation, a wide range of knowledge serves as a basis for more well-adjusted adults.
Paraphrase the overall topic of the essay.
Write a clear opinion.
1. Limiting subjects from the age of 15 onwards can allow for greater focus. 2. It is not uncommon for many children to choose one musical instrument or participate in a single sport from the beginning of grade school. 3. The rationale is that more time spent in one domain inevitably leads to mastery and this is supported by research into the importance of practice for elite performers. 4. There are many famous examples of individuals who focused from their teenage years onwards and found success such as The Beatles’ band members with music and Steve Jobs with computer technology. 5. Fewer subjects after age 15 is therefore one way to safeguard a child’s future.
Write a topic sentence with a single main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop the argument – focus on the one main idea.
Use examples for further support.
Relate back to the overall topic.
1. However, the famous examples above are belied by the bulk of research that shows, for the majority of individuals, a wide range of skills and interests is a better predictor of future success. 2. Studies have overwhelmingly shown that varied skills allow for increased creativity and a more even temperament. 3. The average high school student must study obviously useful subjects such as math and various disciplines of science but also take music, art, home economics, and choose their own electives. 4. They may never become professional musicians but opening up that side of their brain can help them be more creative in another field and feel their education is well-rounded. 5. Without dabbling in these allegedly useless subjects they might feel harnessed to a single career and purpose, unable to exercise autonomy over their own life.
Another topic sentence with a new main idea.
Explain your main idea – here I use research as support.
Begin an example – my example here is hypothetical.
Develop that example.
Finish developing that example and state any results.
1. In conclusion, studying a range of subjects after the age of 15 leads to better results in general. 2. A complete syllabus furnishes happier individual citizens and contributes to a richer overall society.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final thought/detail for full marks from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many educational reformers today incline towards a narrower curriculum for students 15 and older. In my opinion, while this is part of a decidedly modern movement for early specialisation, a wide range of knowledge serves as a basis for more well-adjusted adults.
Limiting subjects from the age of 15 onwards can allow for greater focus. It is not uncommon for many children to choose one musical instrument or participate in a single sport from the beginning of grade school. The rationale is that more time spent in one domain inevitably leads to mastery and this is supported by research into the importance of practice for elite performers. There are many famous examples of individuals who focused from their teenage years onwards and found success such as The Beatles’ band members with music and Steve Jobs with computer technology. Fewer subjects after age 15 is therefore one way to safeguard a child’s future.
However, the famous examples above are belied by the bulk of research that shows, for the majority of individuals, a wide range of skills and interests is a better predictor of future success. Studies have overwhelmingly shown that varied skills allow for increased creativity and a more even temperament. The average high school student must study obviously useful subjects such as math and various disciplines of science but also take music, art, home economics, and choose their own electives. They may never become professional musicians but opening up that side of their brain can help them be more creative in another field and feel their education is well-rounded. Without dabbling in these allegedly useless subjects they might feel harnessed to a single career and purpose, unable to exercise autonomy over their own life.
In conclusion, studying a range of subjects after the age of 15 leads to better results in general. A complete syllabus furnishes happier individual citizens and contributes to a richer overall society.
Answers
educational reformers people who want to make changes to schools
incline towards are in favour of
narrower curriculum fewer subjects
decidedly modern movement clearly new thinking about
early specialisation focusing on one/a few subjects from a young age
wide range lots of different, variety
serves as a basis a foundation for
well-adjusted adults normal people
limiting narrowing
onwards from then to the future
greater focus more emphasis
It is not uncommon for it is common for
grade school from grades 1 -12
rationale reason for
one domain one subject/area
inevitably leads to mastery always will result in becoming an expert
elite performers experts, masters
found success be successful
The Beatles’ band members Paul, John, George, and Ringo
safeguard guarantee
belied undermined
bulk most of
majority most of
better predictor shows more accurate predictions/estimates
overwhelmingly shown clearly evidenced
increased creativity can think of more ideas
more even temperament not too emotional
obviously useful subjects clearly practical areas of study
various disciplines of science biology, physics, chemistry, etc.
home economics learning about cooking, sewing, etc.
electives subjects you can choose
opening up making possible
side of their brain part of their mind
field subject/occupation
well-rounded overall balanced
dabbling playing around with
allegedly useless subjects supposedly not important
Many e________________________s today i_________________s a n______________________m for students 15 and older. In my opinion, while this is part of a d______________________________t for e______________________n, a w___________________e of knowledge s____________________s for more w__________________________s.
L______________g subjects from the age of 15 o_______________s can allow for g_________________s. I_________________________r many children to choose one musical instrument or participate in a single sport from the beginning of g_________________l. The r________________e is that more time spent in o_____________________n i________________________y and this is supported by research into the importance of practice for e____________________s. There are many famous examples of individuals who focused from their teenage years onwards and f__________________s such as T_____________________s with music and Steve Jobs with computer technology. Fewer subjects after age 15 is therefore one way to s________________d a child’s future.
However, the famous examples above are b__________d by the b________k of research that shows, for the m_____________y of individuals, a wide range of skills and interests is a b___________________r of future success. Studies have o__________________________n that varied skills allow for i______________________y and a m_________________________t. The average high school student must study o_________________________s such as math and v_____________________________e but also take music, art, h__________________s, and choose their own e______________s. They may never become professional musicians but o__________________p that s______________________n can help them be more creative in another f__________d and feel their education is w__________________d. Without d_______________g in these a________________________s they might feel h_______________d to a single career and p_____________e, unable to e__________________________y over their own life.
In conclusion, studying a range of subjects after the age of 15 l____________________s i_________________l. A c_______________________________s happier individual citizens and c________________s to a r__________________________y.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen about this topic here:
Reading Practice
Here is an interesting book review on the subject as well:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay General Training: School Age
Some people argue children should stay in school until the age of 18 while others think that 14 years is long enough.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many feel that compulsory schooling should extend to the age of 18, while others feel 14 is sufficient. In my opinion, there are good reasons to prioritise starting work but it is more important for one’s future to at least graduate high school.
Those who support parental rights argue that if college is not a realistic option, dropping out of school at 14 gives one a better chance of learning a valuable trade. In an ideal world, every student would go to university and become a great success but in the real world the majority of individuals do not enroll in higher education. The years spent cramming in high school are wasted on subjects like algebra and history, having no tangible impact on their future livelihood. Give these students the opportunity to enter the workforce earlier and they will someday be able to master a craft and become a skilled electrician, plumber, or chef. Those jobs might, in the final analysis, pay better than positions open to many university graduates.
Regardless, the value of finishing high school is in the world of infinite possibilities it affords. Not every graduate goes on to university but even a high school diploma makes it both easier to land a quality job and eventually get a promotion. Depending on the country and the government funding available, many high school graduates will be able to attend university regardless of their socioeconomic status and may be the first generation in their family to do so. Even if they opt to enter the workforce after the age of 18, they will have the possibility of later returning to higher education with a clearer understanding of what vocation they want to study. This opportunity alone is enough to justify mandatory attendance until age 18.
In conclusion, it is a privilege that should be enforced to attend school until age 18. There will be cases where school is a waste of time but there will be more instances where a basic level of education makes the difference between a mean and an elevated existence.
Analysis
1. Many feel that compulsory schooling should extend to the age of 18, while others feel 14 is sufficient. 2. In my opinion, there are good reasons to prioritise starting work but it is more important for one’s future to at least graduate high school.
Paraphrase the overall topic of the essay. You don’t have to change all words, just some.
Give a clear opinion. You can include your main ideas like I do, but it is not necessary.
1. Those who support parental rights argue that if college is not a realistic option, dropping out of school at 14 gives one a better chance of learning a valuable trade. 2. In an ideal world, every student would go to university and become a great success but in the real world the majority of individuals do not enroll in higher education. 3. The years spent cramming in high school are wasted on subjects like algebra and history, having no tangible impact on their future livelihood. 4. Give these students the opportunity to enter the workforce earlier and they will someday be able to master a craft and become a skilled electrician, plumber, or chef. 5. Those jobs might, in the final analysis, pay better than positions open to many university graduates.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Give specific examples to develop your main idea.
Continue to develop your main idea with more examples or by explaining the results.
Conclude the paragraph.
1. Regardless, the value of finishing high school is in the world of infinite possibilities it affords. 2. Not every graduate goes on to university but even a high school diploma makes it both easier to land a quality job and eventually get a promotion. 3. Depending on the country and the government funding available, many high school graduates will be able to attend university regardless of their socioeconomic status and may be the first generation in their family to do so. 4. Even if they opt to enter the workforce after the age of 18, they will have the possibility of later returning to higher education with a clearer understanding of what vocation they want to study. 5. This opportunity alone is enough to justify mandatory attendance until age 18.
Write another topic sentence with a simple reason at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Here I shift to describe the benefit for higher education of studying until age 18.
I full explain and support my previous sentence.
Conclude with a strong overall statement.
1. In conclusion, it is a privilege that should be enforced to attend school until age 18. 2. There will be cases where school is a waste of time but there will be more instances where a basic level of education makes the difference between a mean and an elevated existence.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final thought/extra detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many feel that compulsory schooling should extend to the age of 18, while others feel 14 is sufficient. In my opinion, there are good reasons to prioritise starting work but it is more important for one’s future to at least graduate high school.
Those who support parental rights argue that if college is not a realistic option, dropping out of school at 14 gives one a better chance of learning a valuable trade. In an ideal world, every student would go to university and become a great success but in the real world the majority of individuals do not enroll in higher education. The years spent cramming in high school are wasted on subjects like algebra and history, having no tangible impact on their future livelihood. Give these students the opportunity to enter the workforce earlier and they will someday be able to master a craft and become a skilled electrician, plumber, or chef. Those jobs might, in the final analysis, pay better than positions open to many university graduates.
Regardless, the value of finishing high school is in the world of infinite possibilities it affords. Not every graduate goes on to university but even a high school diploma makes it both easier to land a quality job and eventually get a promotion. Depending on the country and the government funding available, many high school graduates will be able to attend university regardless of their socioeconomic status and may be the first generationin their family to do so. Even if they opt to enter the workforce after the age of 18, they will have the possibility of later returning to higher education with a clearer understanding of what vocation they want to study. This opportunity alone is enough to justify mandatory attendance until age 18.
In conclusion, it is a privilege that should be enforced to attend school until age 18. There will be cases where school is a waste of time but there will be more instances where a basic level of educationmakes the difference between a mean and an elevated existence.
Answers
compulsory schooling mandatory going to school
extend make longer
sufficient enough
prioritise consider more important
at least at minimum
high school age 14-18 school in the U.S
parental rights what parents are allowed to control
realistic option most likely scenario
dropping out of school quitting school
gives one a better chance allows for greater possibility
trade job
ideal world best case scenario
a great success be wealthy
majority most
enroll join
higher education university/college
cramming studying hard
wasted not a good use of time
algebra a type of math
no tangible impact no real effect
future livelihood later job
enter the workforce earlier start working from a younger age
someday eventually
master a craft get good at a job
electrician person who works with wiring and electricity
plumber person who works with pipes, toilets
chef cook
in the final analysis in the end
positions open to jobs available for
regardless nonetheless
value of finishing high school is in the reason HS is important
infinite possibilities many different ways of living
affords allows for
diploma certificate for graduation
land a quality job get a good job
eventually someday
promotion move up to a better job
depending on the country it varies from country to country
government funding available money that governments have to give
regardless of their socioeconomic status no matter the family background
first generationin their family no one in their family did it before
opt choose
possibility chance
clearer understanding better understanding, more mature
Many feel that c______________________g should e___________d to the age of 18, while others feel 14 is s_______________t. In my opinion, there are good reasons to p_________________e starting work but it is more important for one’s future to a___________t graduate h________________l.
Those who support p_____________________s argue that if college is not a r___________________n, d___________________l at 14 g_______________________e of learning a valuable t__________e. In an i___________________d, every student would go to university and become a___________________s but in the real world the m_____________y of individuals do not e_________l in h__________________n. The years spent c_______________g in high school are w__________d on subjects like a________________a and history, having n_____________________t on their f________________________d. Give these students the opportunity to e__________________________r and they will s______________y be able to m___________________t and become a skilled e_________________n, p_______________r, or c________f. Those jobs might, i____________________________s, pay better than p______________________o many university graduates.
R___________________s, the v____________________________n the world of i______________________s it a________________s. Not every graduate goes on to university but even a high school d_________________a makes it both easier to l________________________b and e____________________y get a p_________________n. D_______________________y and the g_______________________________e, many high school graduates will be able to attend university r________________________________________________s and may be the f____________________________________y to do so. Even if they o___t to enter the workforce after the age of 18, they will have the p_________________y of later returning to higher education with a c_______________________________g of what v_____________________n they want to study. This opportunity alone is enough to j_______________y mandatory attendance until age 18.
In conclusion, it is a p__________________e that should be e_________________d to attend school until age 18. There will be c_____________s where school is a w____________________e but there will be more i__________________s where a b___________________________nm________________________e between a m_________n and an e__________________________e.
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