IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay General Training: Group and One-on-one Lessons
Some people believe that one-on-one lessons are better for learning while others think that group lessons are superior.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam
Many concerned parties feel that education is best done in private sessions while others feel that group lessons are better. In my opinion, the pacing of individual lessons is an advantage but a classroom setting is superior as it allows for a wider range of skills to develop.
On the one hand, one-on-one lessons enable learners to work at an individualised pace. In the classroom, students either fall behind or get bored because they understand the lessons too easily. A tutor can observe their student’s progress and tailor lessons accordingly. This could result in a situation where a student who is gifted at math progresses well beyond their grade level. If they struggle in another subject, such as English, a Grade 5 aged student could effectively be studying Grade 4 English and Grade 8 math at the same time. This kind of pacing is only possible with one-on-one lessons.
On the other hand, group lessons open up opportunities for collaboration in and outside the classroom. Groups foster a classroom dynamic of debate. Students and teachers can exchange views and learn more from a plurality of perspectives. This is further exemplified in the project work that is commonplace in high schools and university classrooms in the United States. The rationale for assigning these projects is that students must improve their teamwork skills by getting along with classmates, taking on responsibility for given tasks, learning to compromise, and managing different temperaments. Many schools today assign roles within teams, such as team leader, presenter, primary researcher, and so on. These collaborative projects can then be brought into a group lesson and debated.
In conclusion, group lessons are a better way to learn. It is important that educators do not blindly follow the latest academic fads and instead carefully analyse the consequences before making drastic reforms to established educational practices.
Analysis
1. Many concerned parties feel that education is best done in private sessions while others feel that group lessons are better. 2. In my opinion, the pacing of individual lessons is an advantage but a classroom setting is superior as it allows for a wider range of skills to develop.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Give a clear opinion by choosing an overall side.
1. On the one hand, one-on-one lessons enable learners to work at an individualised pace. 2. In the classroom, students either fall behind or get bored because they understand the lessons too easily. 3. A tutor can observe their student’s progress and tailor lessons accordingly. 4. This could result in a situation where a student who is gifted at math progresses well beyond their grade level. 5. If they struggle in another subject, such as English, a Grade 5 aged student could effectively be studying Grade 4 English and Grade 8 math at the same time. 6. This kind of pacing is only possible with one-on-one lessons.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
I begin developing this idea by stating a counter-example.
Explain your main idea.
Give an example. Here my example is hypothetical.
Develop the example – be specific, not general!
Conclude by relating back to the essay topic.
1. On the other hand, group lessons open up opportunities for collaboration in and outside the classroom. 2. Groups foster a classroom dynamic of debate. 3. Students and teachers can exchange views and learn more from a plurality of perspectives. 4. This is further exemplified in the project work that is commonplace in high schools and university classrooms in the United States. 5. The rationale for assigning these projects is that students must improve their teamwork skills by getting along with classmates, taking on responsibility for given tasks, learning to compromise, and managing different temperaments. 6. Many schools today assign roles within teams, such as team leader, presenter, primary researcher, and so on. 7. These collaborative projects can then be brought into a group lesson and debated.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea. Now I’m writing about the other side, the side that I agree with (so my argument is stronger and the paragraph is a little longer).
Explain or support your main idea.
Use specific ideas – don’t be general.
Give an example.
Develop the example.
Keep developing it as much as possible
Finish your development. No need to conclude the paragraph.
1. In conclusion, group lessons are a better way to learn. 2. It is important that educators do not blindly follow the latest academic fads and instead carefully analyse the consequences before making drastic reforms to established educational practices.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final thought/detail for full marks from the examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many concerned parties feel that education is best done in private sessions while others feel that group lessons are better. In my opinion, the pacing of individual lessons is an advantage but a classroom setting is superior as it allows for a wider range of skills to develop.
On the one hand, one-on-one lessonsenable learners to work at an individualised pace. In the classroom, students either fall behind or get bored because they understand the lessons too easily. A tutor can observe their student’s progress and tailor lessons accordingly. This could result in a situation where a student who is gifted at math progresses well beyond their grade level. If they struggle in another subject, such as English, a Grade 5 aged student could effectively be studying Grade 4 English and Grade 8 math at the same time. This kind of pacing is only possible with one-on-one lessons.
On the other hand, group lessons open up opportunities for collaboration in and outside the classroom. Groups foster a classroom dynamic of debate. Students and teachers can exchange views and learn more from a plurality of perspectives. This is further exemplified in the project work that is commonplace in high schools and university classrooms in the United States. The rationale for assigning these projects is that students must improve their teamwork skills by getting along with classmates, taking on responsibility for given tasks, learning to compromise, and managing different temperaments. Many schools today assign roles within teams, such as team leader, presenter, primary researcher, and so on. These collaborative projects can then be brought into a group lesson and debated.
In conclusion, group lessons are a better way to learn. It is important that educators do not blindly follow the latest academic fads and instead carefully analyse the consequences before making drastic reforms to established educational practices.
Answers
concerned parties those who are interested in this issue
best done better accomplished
private sessions one-on-one lessons
group lessons classroom lessons
pacing speed of learning
an advantage a positive
classroom setting in the classroom
superior better
allows for opens up the possibility of
wider range more variety
one-on-one lessons tutoring
enable learners makes it possible for students to
individualised pace at their own speed
fall behind can’t catch up with their work
tutor one-on-one teacher
observe watch
progress advancing in a skill/subject
tailor lessons accordingly make the lessons fit the student’s ability
This could result in a situation where it is possible the effect will be
gifted talented
progresses well beyond advances far faster
grade level how far they are in school
effectively essentially
at the same time simultaneously
open up opportunities allow for the possiblity of
collaboration working together
foster encourage
classroom dynamic of debate exchanging views with other students
exchange views debating
plurality of perspectives many different opinions
exemplified verb of example
commonplace ubiquitous
rationale reason for
assigning giving to
teamwork skills working with others
getting along with classmates be friendly with each other
taking on responsibility for given tasks having duties
learning to compromise not being stubborn, listening to other ideas
managing different temperaments dealing with other personalities
assign roles give jobs
team leader boss
presenter person who presents
primary researcher person who looks up the information
and so on etc.
brought into taken to
debated ideas discussed
blindly without thinking/looking
latest academic fads what’s new in education
carefully analyse the consequences look deeply into the effects
drastic reforms big changes
established educational practices how people have been teaching for a long time
Many c______________________s feel that education is b_________e in p____________________s while others feel that g_________________s are better. In my opinion, the p___________g of individual lessons is an a______________e but a c__________________g is s_____________r as it a_____________r a w_____________e of skills to develop.
On the one hand, o_________________se___________________s to work at an i________________________e. In the classroom, students either f_______________d or get bored because they understand the lessons too easily. A t________r can o____________e their student’s p_____________s and t__________________________y. T________________________________e a student who is g__________d at math p_______________________d their g_____________l. If they struggle in another subject, such as English, a Grade 5 aged student could e__________________y be studying Grade 4 English and Grade 8 math a_____________________e. This kind of pacing is only possible with one-on-one lessons.
On the other hand, group lessons o_________________________s for c__________________n in and outside the classroom. Groups f__________r a c_____________________________________e. Students and teachers can e__________________s and learn more from a p________________________s. This is further e__________________d in the project work that is c_________________e in high schools and university classrooms in the United States. The r______________e for a______________g these projects is that students must improve their t___________________s by g___________________________s, t_______________________________s, l___________________________e, and m___________________________________s. Many schools today a______________s within teams, such as t________________r, p______________r, p______________________r, a_______________n. These collaborative projects can then be b_______________o a group lesson and d____________d.
In conclusion, group lessons are a better way to learn. It is important that educators do not b____________y follow the l______________________s and instead c__________________________________s before making d___________________s to e_____________________________________s.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch an interesting short documentary from The New York Times on this topic below:
Write about the following related educational topic and then check with my sample answer:
In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this tendency should be changed.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Essay: Concerts Line Chart
The graph below shows the percentage of people in different age groups in one city who attended music concerts between 2010 and 2015.
The given line chart details the percentages of people attending concerts from 2010 to 2015 across various age groups. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that all ages showed increasing trends except for 55-64 and that younger people tended to go to concerts more often.
52% of those between the ages of 45 and 54 went to concerts in 2010, leading all age brackets, but there was a dip to 40% in 2011 which allowed the 16-24 group to rise 15% to 55% and lead all concert-goers. From there, both groups increased with broadly similar trends as the 16-24 year olds had risen to 70% by 2015 and the former group had grown to 54%.
The 25-44 and 55-64 groups showed inverse trends with the former group dipping from 40% in 2010 to a low of 30% in 2013 before sloping upwards to nearly 50% by the end of the period. The latter group rose steadily from a starting point of 20% to intersect with the younger group at 30% in 2013 and then fell to just over 20% in 2015. The final group, aged 75+, doubled to 20% in the first year, had surrendered those gains by 2013, before undergoing a stable increase and reaching 20% to finish the period.
Analysis
1. The given line chart details the percentages of people attending concerts from 2010 to 2015 across various age groups. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that all ages showed increasing trends except for 55-64 and that younger people tended to go to concerts more often.
Paraphrase what the graph shows.
Write an overview that includes whether or not the categories went up or down and the general overall ranking of each.
1. 52% of those between the ages of 45 and 54 went to concerts in 2010, leading all age brackets, but there was a dip to 40% in 2011 which allowed the 16-24 group to rise 15% to 55% and lead all concert-goers. 2. From there, both groups increased with broadly similar trends as the 16-24 year olds had risen to 70% by 2015 and the former group had grown to 54%.
Begin to describe the data by comparing different groups.
Continue comparing and list all the groups. You don’t need all the data but make sure the start and end point is clear and how quickly/slowly it rose/fell.
1. The 25-44 and 55-64 groups showed inverse trends with the former group dipping from 40% in 2010 to a low of 30% in 2013 before sloping upwards to nearly 50% by the end of the period. 2. The latter group rose steadily from a starting point of 20% to intersect with the younger group at 30% in 2013 and then fell to just over 20% in 2015. 3. The final group, aged 75+, doubled to 20% in the first year, had surrendered those gains by 2013, before undergoing a stable increase and reaching 20% to finish the period.
Begin to compare the other data.
Continue comparing it listing all the data.
Include any areas that you didn’t talk about at the end as I do here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The given line chart details the percentages of people attending concerts from 2010 to 2015 across various age groups. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that all ages showed increasing trends except for 55-64 and that younger people tended to go to concerts more often.
52% of those between the ages of 45 and 54 went to concerts in 2010, leading all age brackets, but there was a dip to 40% in 2011 which allowed the 16-24 group to rise 15% to 55% and lead all concert-goers. From there, both groups increased with broadly similar trends as the 16-24 year olds had risen to 70% by 2015 and the former group had grown to 54%.
The 25-44 and 55-64 groups showed inverse trends with the former group dipping from 40% in 2010 to a low of 30% in 2013 before sloping upwards to nearly 50% by the end of the period. The latter group rose steadily from a starting point of 20% to intersect with the younger group at 30% in 2013 and then fell to just over 20% in 2015. The final group, aged 75+, doubled to 20% in the first year, had surrendered those gains by 2013, before undergoing a stable increase and reaching 20% to finish the period.
Answers
given presented
details describes
attending concerts going to music shows
across various age groups at different ages
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that Overall
increasing trends more and more
tended were more likely to
leading in front of
age brackets age groups
dip fall
rise increase
concert-goers people who go to concerts
broadly similar trends in general had the same pattern
former one mentioned first
showed inverse trends had opposite patterns
dipping from falling from
a low of the minimum point
sloping upwards gently increasing
latter more recent one
steadily at regular intervals
starting point beginning with
intersect with cross each other at
just over a little above
doubled increased by 2x
surrendered gave up
undergoing experiencing
stable increase regular rise
reaching getting to
to finish the period at the end of the surveyed time
The g______n line chart d__________s the percentages of people a______________________s from 2010 to 2015 a____________________________s. L___________________________________________________________t all ages showed i________________________s except for 55-64 and that younger people t_________d to go to concerts more often.
52% of those between the ages of 45 and 54 went to concerts in 2010, l____________g all a______________s, but there was a d____p to 40% in 2011 which allowed the 16-24 group to r_____e 15% to 55% and lead all c______________s. From there, both groups increased with b___________________________s as the 16-24 year olds had risen to 70% by 2015 and the f_______r group had grown to 54%.
The 25-44 and 55-64 groups s________________________s with the former group d_____________m 40% in 2010 to a________f 30% in 2013 before s_____________________s to nearly 50% by the end of the period. The l________r group rose s____________y from a s___________________t of 20% to i_____________________h the younger group at 30% in 2013 and then fell to j____________r 20% in 2015. The final group, aged 75+, d___________d to 20% in the first year, had s___________________d those gains by 2013, before u________________g a s_______________e and r______________g 20% t____________________________d.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real IELTS exam on the topic of demand for consumer goods and the effect on the environment.
It’s a two-part question so you simply need to answer each question.
The increase in the production of consumer goods results in damage to the natural environment.
What are the causes of this?
What can be done to solve this problem?
Real Past IELTS Exam
The increasing desire for consumer goods today has accelerated industrial production and this poses a threat to the environment. This essay will delineate the reasons for this and also propose solutions for these concomitant environmental risks.
Environmental degradation due to the production of consumer goods can be traced back to governmental shortcomings. Competition between countries makes it nearly impossible to agree on a cohesive global policy. There are attempts, like the recent Paris accords, but many powerful countries, chiefly the United States and China, fear losing their competitive advantages and are unwilling to sign over their autonomy. Developing countries also feel that protecting the environment handicaps them and is a lower priority than rising standards of living. This is coupled with the rise of corporate lobbying groups and corruption in governments around the world. Powerful companies can fund studies for bills that support their efforts to ramp up production and downplay the environmental costs.
The environmental implications of a consumer economy can be mitigated through an array of strict governmental regulations. The best examples of these laws come from environmentally conscious nations in Europe. The European Union has signed every global accord put before them and are making great strides in enforcing among its constituent members the agreed upon limits set forth in these charters. These include allowing countries to buy carbon credits, banning plastic bags and controlling the disposal of toxic waste. There are also more proactive solutions that entail encouraging renewable energies such as solar and wind power. The rest of the world can learn from these European reforms how to wean themselves off an unhealthy dependence on the fossil fuels that underpin consumerism.
In conclusion, government is to blame for the impact of a consumer economy on the environment and they also hold the keys to averting future catastrophe. However, it is unlikely governments will opt to act until the situation is already beyond a tipping point.
Analysis
1. The increasing desire for consumer goods today has accelerated industrial production and this poses a threat to the environment. 2. This essay will delineate the reasons for this and also propose solutions for these concomitant environmental risks.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
State a clear overall opinion – don’t sit in the middle!
1. Environmental degradation due to the production of consumer goods can be traced back to governmental shortcomings. 2. Competition between countries makes it nearly impossible to agree on a cohesive global policy. 3. There are attempts, like the recent Paris accords, but many powerful countries, chiefly the United States and China, fear losing their competitive advantages and are unwilling to sign over their autonomy. 4. Developing countries also feel that protecting the environment handicaps them and is a lower priority than rising standards of living. 5. This is coupled with the rise of corporate lobbying groups and corruption in governments around the world. 6. Powerful companies can fund studies for bills that support their efforts to ramp up production and downplay the environmental costs.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to develop or explain your main idea.
Give a specific example.
Develop the example.
This question asks for more than 1 cause so include a second cause.
Develop that cause as well.
1. The environmental implications of a consumer economy can be mitigated through an array of strict governmental regulations. 2. The best examples of these laws come from environmentally conscious nations in Europe. 3. The European Union has signed every global accord put before them and are making great strides in enforcing among its constituent members the agreed upon limits set forth in these charters. 4. These include allowing countries to buy carbon credits, banning plastic bags and controlling the disposal of toxic waste. 5. There are also more proactive solutions that entail encouraging renewable energies such as solar and wind power. 6. The rest of the world can learn from these European reforms how to wean themselves off an unhealthy dependence on fossil fuels that underpin consumerism.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin another specific example.
Develop the example.
Continue developing it – don’t switch to another example.
This one asks for more than 1 solution, so add a second solution.
Develop that solution as well.
1. In conclusion, government is to blame for the impact of a consumer economy on the environment and they also hold the keys to averting future catastrophe. 2. However, it is unlikely governments will opt to act until the situation is already beyond a tipping point.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final thought/detail.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The increasing desire for consumer goods today has accelerated industrial production and this poses a threat to the environment. This essay will delineate the reasons for this and also propose solutions for these concomitant environmental risks.
Environmental degradation due to the production of consumer goods can be traced back to governmental shortcomings. Competition between countries makes it nearly impossible to agree on a cohesive global policy. There are attempts, like the recent Paris accords, but many powerful countries, chiefly the United States and China, fear losing their competitive advantages and are unwilling to sign over their autonomy. Developing countries also feel that protecting the environment handicaps them and is a lower priority than rising standards of living. This is coupled with the rise of corporate lobbying groups and corruption in governments around the world. Powerful companies can fund studies for bills that support their efforts to ramp up production and downplay the environmental costs.
The environmental implications of a consumer economy can be mitigated through an array of strict governmental regulations. The best examples of these laws come from environmentally conscious nations in Europe. The European Union has signed every global accord put before them and are making great strides in enforcing among its constituent members the agreed uponlimits set forth in these charters. These include allowing countries to buy carbon credits, banning plastic bags and controlling the disposal of toxic waste. There are also more proactive solutions that entail encouraging renewable energies such as solar and wind power. The rest of the world can learn from these European reforms how to wean themselves off an unhealthy dependence on the fossil fuels that underpin consumerism.
In conclusion, government is to blame for the impact of a consumer economy on the environment and they also hold the keys to averting future catastrophe. However, it is unlikely governments will opt to act until the situation is already beyond a tipping point.
Answers
increasing desire wanting more and more
consumer goods products
accelerated industrial production faster creation of products
poses a threat is a problem
delineate describe
propose solutions suggest fixes
concomitant environmental risks resultant problems for the environment
degradation getting worse
traced back has its source in
governmental shortcomings government failing to
nearly impossible almost can’t be done
cohesive global policy consistent regulations for all countries
attempts tries
recent Paris accords not long ago agreements about the environment from a conference in Paris
chiefly mainly
fear scared of
competitive advantages ahead of other countries
unwilling don’t want to
sign over allow
autonomy control
handicaps holds them back
lower priority not as important
rising standards of living people living better lives
coupled combined with
rise increase
corporate lobbying groups people who work for companies to convince/bribe politicians
fund studies give money for research
bills legislation
ramp up increase
downplay make lesser
implications results
mitigated lessened
array lots of kinds
strict governmental regulations tough laws
environmentally conscious caring about the environment
European Union countries in Europe working together
every global accord put before them all agreements presented to them
making great strides getting better at
enforcing making sure the laws are followed
constituent members countries in the E.U.
agreed uponlimits set forth what they have decided to follow, the rules laid out
charters agreements
buy carbon credits purchase the right to pollute
banning plastic bags not allowing single-use plastic bags
controlling the disposal of toxic waste regulating how waste is gotten rid of
proactive solutions active measures
entail encouraging renewable energies include helping clean energy
solar from the sun
wind power wind turbines generating power
reforms changes
wean themselves off stop using
unhealthy dependence have to use, can’t stop
fossil fuels oil, gas
underpin consumerism the foundation for capitalism
is to blame the fault of
hold the keys are in charge of
averting future catastrophe preventing disasters later
unlikely probably not going to happen
beyond a tipping point won’t be able to reverse it
The i______________________e for c____________________s today has a___________________________________n and this p____________________t to the environment. This essay will d______________e the reasons for this and also p____________________s for these c___________________________________s.
Environmental d___________________n due to the production of consumer goods can be t______________k to g____________________________s. Competition between countries makes it n___________________e to agree on a c______________________y. There are a_______________s, like the r________________________s, but many powerful countries, c__________y the United States and China, f______r losing their c_______________________s and are u_______________g to s______________r their a_______________y. Developing countries also feel that protecting the environment h______________s them and is a l____________________y than r____________________________g. This is c__________d with the r_____e of c_____________________________s and corruption in governments around the world. Powerful companies can f_________________s for b________s that support their efforts to r______________p production and d_________________y the environmental costs.
The environmental i_______________________s of a consumer economy can be m______________d through an a_______y of s________________________________s. The best examples of these laws come from e____________________________s nations in Europe. The E________________________n has signed e___________________________________m and are m____________________s in e________________g among its c________________________s the a_____________________________________h in these c______________s. These include allowing countries to b___________________________s, b__________________________s and c_____________________________________e. There are also more p___________________s that e__________________________________s such as s_____________r and w___________________r. The rest of the world can learn from these European r_____________s how to w____________________________f an u___________________________e on the f_____________s that u__________________m.
In conclusion, government i________________e for the impact of a consumer economy on the environment and they also h________________s to a_______________________________e. However, it is u___________y governments will opt to act until the situation is already b_____________________________t.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Learn more here about the impact of consumer goods on the environment:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real IELTS exam on the topic of taking a year off to travel also known as a gap year in the UK.
It is an interesting topic and I tried to come up with a unique opinion (not that you need to do that on IELTS!).
Before reading, listen to the audio for some extra practice:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Gap Year (Real Past IELTS Exam)
After graduation many students take a year to travel. Some think that it would be more useful to work for a year.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Exam
It is very common for privileged students from developed nations to take a year for travel between the end of high school and beginning of university in lieu of working part-time. In my opinion, it is much better to develop your capacity for leisure activity rather than getting a job in this interim period.
The main reason many advocate employment during a gap year is the cultivation of a strong work ethic. When someone begins working, their bad habits necessarily subside. For example, a worker has to be on time, work diligently, follow orders, get along with co-workers, show initiative, have a positive attitude, endure long days, and make ends meet with little pay. This is the molding process of adulthood which entails reconciling your personal desires with the expectations of the community at large. The individual who opts to spend their gap year working, will enter university more well-rounded, disciplined, and humble.
However, a strong work ethic is bound to develop later while the ability to enjoy one’s leisure while traveling is a far more valuable skill. Most people acclimate to work with a part-time job during high school or in unversity. At worst, they develop these qualities after graduation. Since they have been either working or studying their entire lives they have neglected the ability to enjoy leisure that distinguishes higher classes. The average person who has been working their entire life goes on holiday or retires and feels restless. To enjoy your leisure time traveling you must be able to set aside future worries, live in the moment, get outside your comfort zone, have a wide range of hobbies and skills, and be active for a full day without a workday. Chances to cultivate these habits will see far less light with a career and family so it is best to nourish them before university.
In conclusion, the gap year is a crucial space for individuals to develop a personal relationship to their leisure time. This is important as an ever-advancing career can become an undesirable transformational experience.
Analysis
1. It is very common for privileged students from developed nations to take a year for travel between the end of high school and beginning of university in lieu of working part-time. 2. In my opinion, it is much better to develop your capacity for leisure activity rather than getting a job in this interim period.
Paraphrase the overall topic.
Write a clear opinion.
1. The main reason many advocate employment during a gap year is the cultivation of a strong work ethic. 2. When someone begins working, their bad habits necessarily subside. 3. For example, a worker has to be on time, work diligently, follow orders, get along with co-workers, show initiative, have a positive attitude, endure long days, and make ends meet with little pay. 4. This is the molding process of adulthood which entails reconciling your personal desires with the expectations of the community at large. 5. The individual who opts to spend their gap year working, will enter university more well-rounded, disciplined, and humble.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to support your main idea.
Give a specific example or details.
State the results or develop your example.
Continue with the overall results of your example.
1. However, a strong work ethic is bound to develop later while the ability to enjoy one’s leisure while traveling is a far more valuable skill. 2. Most people acclimate to work with a part-time job during high school or in unversity. 3. At worst, they develop these qualities after graduation. 4. Since they have been either working or studying their entire lives they have neglected the ability to enjoy leisure that distinguishes higher classes. 5. The average person who has been working their entire life goes on holiday or retires and feels restless. 6. To enjoy your leisure time traveling you must be able to set aside future worries, live in the moment, get outside your comfort zone, have a wide range of hobbies and skills, and be active for a full day without a workday. 7. Chances to cultivate these habits will see far less light with a career and family so it is best to nourish them before university.
Write another topic sentence with a main idea at the end. Notice that this paragraph is longer because this is the idea that I agree with.
Here I start by disparaging the argument from the paragraph before.
This sentence is also about the last paragraph.
Here I shift back to the main idea of this paragraph.
I develop it with a hypothetical example.
I give specific details of what it means to develop your leisure abilities.
I conclude by relating this back to the overall essay question.
1. In conclusion, the gap year is a crucial space for individuals to develop a personal relationship to their leisure time. 2. This is important as an ever-advancing career can become an undesirable transformational experience.
Repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/detail to end the essay.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
It is very common for privileged students from developed nations to take a year for travel between the end of high school and beginning of university in lieu of working part-time. In my opinion, it is much better to develop your capacity for leisure activity rather than getting a job in this interim period.
The main reason many advocate employment during a gap year is the cultivation of a strong work ethic. When someone begins working, their bad habits necessarily subside. For example, a worker has to be on time, work diligently, follow orders, get along with co-workers, show initiative, have a positive attitude, endure long days, and make ends meet with little pay. This is the molding process of adulthood which entails reconciling your personal desires with the expectations of the community at large. The individual who opts to spend their gap year working, will enter university more well-rounded, disciplined, and humble.
However, a strong work ethic is bound to develop later while the ability to enjoy one’s leisure while traveling is a far more valuable skill. Most people acclimate to work with a part-time job during high school or in unversity. At worst, they develop these qualities after graduation. Since they have been either working or studying their entire lives they have neglected the ability to enjoy leisure that distinguishes higher classes. The average person who has been working their entire life goes on holiday or retires and feels restless. To enjoy your leisure time traveling you must be able to set aside future worries, live in the moment, get outside your comfort zone, have a wide range of hobbies and skills, and be active for a full day without a workday. Chances to cultivate these habits will see far less light with a career and family so it is best to nourish them before university.
In conclusion, the gap year is a crucial space for individuals to develop a personal relationship to their leisure time. This is important as an ever-advancing career can become an undesirable transformational experience.
Answers
privileged lucky, rich, born in a developed country
developed nations rich countries
in lieu of instead of
part-time hourly paid, not full-time
capacity ability
leisure activity not having to work
interim period time in between
advocate argue for
gap year year before university in the UK
cultivation development
strong work ethic hard worker, disciplined
necessarily subside have to decrease/get weaker
on time not late
diligently focused, not lazy
get along with co-workers on good terms with other employees
show initiative ambitious
positive attitude good outlook
endure get through
make ends meet with little pay pay their bills without a high salary
molding process maturing
adulthood becoming an adult
entails reconciling involved balancing
personal desires what an individual wants
expectations of the community at large what the world wants
gap year year before uni
well-rounded all around
disciplined hard-working
humble not arrogant
strong work ethic disciplined
bound to will inevitably
far more much more
acclimate get used to
at worst in the worst situation
neglected don’t pay attention to
distinguishes higher classes separates the best from the worst
retires stop working
restless not content
set aside future worries forget about future problems
live in the moment present in the here and now
get outside your comfort zone be willing to try new things
wide range of hobbies and skills lots of interests
workday 9-5 job
cultivate these habits develop these qualities
far less much less
nourish feed
crucial space important place/time
personal relationship to their leisure time understand well how to use free time
ever-advancing career ambition
undesirable transformational experience not wanted change in yourself
It is very common for p_____________d students from d___________________s to take a year for travel between the end of high school and beginning of university i________f working p__________e. In my opinion, it is much better to develop your c___________y for l__________________y rather than getting a job in this i______________d.
The main reason many a______________e employment during a g___________r is the c______________n of a s___________________c. When someone begins working, their bad habits n__________________e. For example, a worker has to be o_________e, work d_____________y, follow orders, g________________________s, s__________________e, have a p________________e, e__________e long days, and m___________________________y. This is the m_______________s of a________________d which e__________________g your p______________________s with the e____________________________________________e. The individual who opts to spend their gap year working, will enter university more w________________d, d______________d, and h___________e.
However, a s__________________c is b_____________o develop later while the ability to enjoy one’s leisure while traveling is a f__________e valuable skill. Most people a___________e to work with a part-time job during high school or in unversity. A_________t, they develop these qualities after graduation. Since they have been either working or studying their entire lives they have n____________d the ability to enjoy leisure that d___________________________s. The average person who has been working their entire life goes on holiday or r_________s and feels r__________s. To enjoy your leisure time traveling you must be able to s______________________s, l_________________t, g_____________________________e, have a w________________________________s, and be active for a full day without a w___________y. Chances to c__________________________s will see f___________s light with a career and family so it is best to n____________h them before university.
In conclusion, the gap year is a c___________e for individuals to develop a p______________________________________e. This is important as an e________________________________r can become an u_________________________________________e.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Learn more about taking a gap year with BBC6 Minute English:
Reading Practice
Learn about some gap-year work opportunities here:
Before reading, listen to the audio and takes notes on the key words:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: An International Language
Some believe that we should invent a new language for international communication.
Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?
Real Past IELTS Exam
There have been recent calls for the implementation of a novel language to facilitate global communication. In my opinion, though this would make for a more level playing field economically, it is impractical.
Those who support an international language rely on its economic advantages. The salient argument is that it would remove barriers to success currently in place. English is close to a universal language at the moment and those born in English-speaking countries have a clear headstart while those from non-English countries, who cannot afford private instruction, begin life at a disadvantage. A new language would reset these disparities. An added advantage of minimising the value of English would be that developing countries could integrate more deeply with the global market and be better able to extend services, entertainment and products to a wider audience.
However, the disadvantages of this proposal all relate to its feasibility. In an ideal world, we would have a global language but for the time and money required. The best evidence of this is the progress of the world’s current dominant language, English. Countries all around the world pour money and time into funding English education but the majority of the world still cannot attain mastery. A new language would be even more difficult not only because everyone in the world would have to learn it but also because there would be little incentive if you can already communicate with your compatriots and English allows you to talk to a large segment of the world population. The money and time resources required are staggering, unrealistic, and would be detrimental to both individuals and society.
In conclusion, the drawbacks to an international language far outweigh any perceived gains. Instead, countries should continue to fund English education in the hopes of establishing it as a lingua franca.
Analysis
1. There have been recent calls for the implementation of a novel language to facilitate global communication. 2. In my opinion, though this would make for a more level playing field economically, it is impractical.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Give a clear opinion. You don’t need to include your main ideas now (though I do).
1. Those who support an international language rely on its economic advantages. 2. The salient argument is that it would remove barriers to success currently in place. 3. English is close to a universal language at the moment and those born in English-speaking countries have a clear headstart while those from non-English countries, who cannot afford private instruction, begin life at a disadvantage. 4. A new language would reset these disparities. 5. An added advantage of minimising the value of English would be that developing countries could integrate more deeply with the global market and be better able to extend services, entertainment and products to a wider audience.
Write a clear topic sentence – notice that I mention advantageS because I will have to detail 2 in this paragraph.
Begin with one of the advantages.
Develop it with a strong argument or example.
Continue to develop it.
Here I mention the second, related advantage. My strategy is to write about related advantages instead of completely different ones. This way I can develop them both at the same time and have a higher task achievement score.
1. However, the disadvantages of this proposal all relate to its feasibility. 2. In an ideal world, we would have a global language but for the time and money required. 3. The best evidence of this is the progress of the world’s current dominant language, English. 4. Countries all around the world pour money and time into funding English education but the majority of the world still cannot attain mastery. 5. A new language would be even more difficult not only because everyone in the world would have to learn it but also because there would be little incentive if you can already communicate with your compatriots and English allows you to talk to a large segment of the world population. 6. The money and time resources required are staggering, unrealistic, and would be detrimental to both individuals and society.
Another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Support or explain your main idea.
Here I use a specific example.
I develop it fully.
Focus on developing your main idea with examples/results.
Conclude by mentioning both of your disadvantages.
1. In conclusion, the drawbacks to an international language far outweigh any perceived gains. 2. Instead, countries should continue to fund English education in the hopes of establishing it as a lingua franca.
Repeat your opinion.
Add a final detail/thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
There have been recent calls for the implementation of a novel language to facilitate global communication. In my opinion, though this would make for a more level playing field economically, it is impractical.
Those who support an international language rely on its economic advantages. The salient argument is that it would remove barriers to success currently in place. English is close to a universal language at the moment and those born in English-speaking countries have a clear headstart while those from non-English countries, who cannot afford private instruction, begin life at a disadvantage. A new language would reset these disparities. An added advantage of minimising the value of English would be that developing countries could integrate more deeply with the global market and be better able to extend services, entertainment and products to a wider audience.
However, the disadvantages of this proposal all relate to its feasibility. In an ideal world, we would have a global language but for the time and money required. The best evidence of this is the progress of the world’s current dominant language, English. Countries all around the world pour money and time into funding English education but the majority of the world still cannot attain mastery. A new language would be even more difficult not only because everyone in the world would have to learn it but also because there would be little incentive if you can already communicate with your compatriots and English allows you to talk to a large segment of the world population. The money and time resources required are staggering, unrealistic, and would be detrimental to both individuals and society.
In conclusion, the drawbacks to an international language far outweigh any perceived gains. Instead, countries should continue to fund English education in the hopes of establishing it as alingua franca.
Answers
recent calls people now asking for
implementation putting in place
novel new
facilitate global communication help people from different countries talk
make for allow for
level playing field economically equal opportunity for making money
impractical can’t happen
rely need
salient argument important point
remove barriers take away difficulties
currently in place now happening
clear headstart definite advantage
afford private instruction pay for tutoring
begin life at a disadvantage start behind
reset these disparities make everything even again
minimising making less
integrate more deeply combine more
global market world economy
extend services branch out what they offer
wider audience more people
proposal plan, program
feasibility possibility
ideal world best possible scenario
progress development
current dominant language now the most common language
pour add lots to
funding money
majority most of
attain mastery become really good at
little incentive no reason/motivation
compatriots people from your country
large segment good percentage of
staggering huge
unrealistic not likely to happen
detrimental hurts
outweigh more valuable
perceived gains ostensible benefits
establishing making permanent
lingua franca language that non-native speakers agree to speak with each other
There have been r______________s for the i________________n of a n_______l language to f_______________________________n. In my opinion, though this would m________r a more l____________________________y, it is i______________l.
Those who support an international language r______y on its economic advantages. The s_____________________t is that it would r_________________s to success c___________________e. English is close to a universal language at the moment and those born in English-speaking countries have a c_____________________t while those from non-English countries, who cannot a_______________________n, b___________________________e. A new language would r________________________s. An added advantage of m_____________g the value of English would be that developing countries could i__________________________y with the g_________________t and be better able to e_________________s, entertainment and products to a w____________________e.
However, the disadvantages of this p____________l all relate to its f______________y. In an i_____________d, we would have a global language but for the time and money required. The best evidence of this is the p_____________s of the world’s c_________________________e, English. Countries all around the world p________r money and time into f_____________g English education but the m_____________y of the world still cannot a________________y. A new language would be even more difficult not only because everyone in the world would have to learn it but also because there would be l_________________e if you can already communicate with your c___________________s and English allows you to talk to a l___________________t of the world population. The money and time resources required are s_______________g, u_______________c, and would be d_______________l to both individuals and society.
In conclusion, the drawbacks to an international language far o______________h any p________________s. Instead, countries should continue to fund English education in the hopes of e_________________g it as a l__________________a.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen about an attempt to create a universal language that failed:
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