Some think that quality art can be made by anyone while others think that it requires special talent and ability.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Real IELTS Exam/Test
Some believe that art ought to be left to talented professionals while others believe anyone can make worthwhile pieces. In my opinion, talent is a complex concept but its lack of clarity does not make it any less crucial.
Talent, particularly in a subjective field such as art, is indefinable. It is impossible to determine the interplay between talent and genetic predisposition, upbringing, personal qualities like perseverance, motivation, luck, and practice. Research into sports has shown the importance of genetics but that is largely because of the athletic requirements. Good hand eye coordination, superior spatial sense, and linguistic prowess may give one a talent advantage in the arts but many technically skilled artists produce lifeless, unoriginal art. There are simply too many unknowns as to what informs talent and how this translates to subjective works to make a definitive appraisal of its value.
However, let us make no mistake: talent is important for all human endeavours and art is no exception. The term itself may be hazy but there is no doubt in practice that certain individuals can create stirring masterpieces and others cannot, regardless of how much hard work they put in. A good example of this would be in music. Some bands and artists toil away for years without making much of an impression while others, like the Beatles and Mozart, were successful from a very young age. John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s lyrical gifts and understanding of melody were present for them in their early 20s and few other individuals, professional or amateur, in their entire lifetime have had the talent to reach their heights.
In conclusion, though it is difficult to define, good art requires talent. There is therapeutic value for amateurs but great art with universal appeal is the prerogative of the gifted.
Analysis
1. Some believe that art ought to be left to talented professionals while others believe anyone can make worthwhile pieces. 2. In my opinion, talent is a complex concept but its lack of clarity does not make it any less crucial.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
Write your opinion clearly.
1. Talent, particularly in a subjective field such as art, is indefinable. 2. It is impossible to determine the interplay between talent and genetic predisposition, upbringing, personal qualities like perseverance, motivation, luck, and practice. 3. Research into sports has shown the importance of genetics but that is largely because of the athletic requirements. 4. Good hand eye coordination, superior spatial sense, and linguistic prowess may give one a talent advantage in the arts but many technically skilled artists produce lifeless, unoriginal art. 5. There are simply too many unknowns as to what informs talent and how this translates to subjective works to make a definitive appraisal of its value.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to develop it with specific ideas.
Continue development of the same main idea.
Add as much specific detail as you can.
Finish with a strong statement.
1. However, let us make no mistake: talent is important for all human endeavours and art is no exception. 2. The term itself may be hazy but there is no doubt in practice that certain individuals can create stirring masterpieces and others cannot, regardless of how much hard work they put in. 3. A good example of this would be in music. 4. Some bands and artists toil away for years without making much of an impression while others, like the Beatles and Mozart, were successful from a very young age. 5. John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s lyrical gifts and understanding of melody were present for them in their early 20s and few other individuals, professional or amateur, in their entire lifetime have had the talent to reach their heights.
Write another topic sentence with another clear main idea.
Support or explain your main idea.
Give an example.
Develop your example.
Continue to full develop that example.
1. In conclusion, though it is difficult to define, good art requires talent. 2. There is therapeutic value for amateurs but great art with universal appeal is the prerogative of the gifted.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final detail/thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Some believe that art ought to be left to talented professionals while others believe anyone can make worthwhile pieces. In my opinion, talent is a complex concept but its lack of clarity does not make it any less crucial.
Talent, particularly in a subjective field such as art, is indefinable. It is impossible to determine the interplay between talent and genetic predisposition, upbringing, personal qualities like perseverance, motivation, luck, and practice. Research into sports has shown the importance of genetics but that is largely because of the athletic requirements. Good hand eye coordination, superior spatial sense, and linguistic prowess may give one a talent advantage in the arts but many technically skilled artists produce lifeless, unoriginal art. There are simply too many unknowns as to what informs talent and how this translates to subjective works to make a definitive appraisal of its value.
However, let us make no mistake: talent is important for all human endeavours and art is no exception. The term itself may be hazy but there is no doubt in practice that certain individuals can create stirring masterpieces and others cannot, regardless of how much hard work they put in. A good example of this would be in music. Some bands and artists toil away for years without making much of an impression while others, like the Beatles and Mozart, were successful from a very young age. John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s lyrical gifts and understanding of melody were present for them in their early 20s and few other individuals, professional or amateur, in their entire lifetime have had the talent to reach their heights.
In conclusion, though it is difficult to define, good art requires talent. There is therapeutic value for amateurs but great art with universal appeal is the prerogative of the gifted.
Answers
left to talented professionals only for real artists
worthwhile pieces important works
complex concept complicated idea
lack of clarity unclear
crucial essential
subjective field open to interpretation jobs
indefinable can’t be clearly summarised
determine decide on
interplay relationship between
genetic predisposition what you were born with
upbringing how you are raised
personal qualities characteristics
perseverance working through obstacles
motivation desire, determination
athletic requirements physical prerequisites
hand eye coordination how fast your hands and eyes work together
superior spatial sense kinaesthetic sense
linguistic prowess language ability
talent advantage more ability
technically skilled artists ability of artists
lifeless flat, boring
unoriginal not creative, stale
unknowns can’t be known
informs leads to, makes up
translates becomes
subjective open to interpretation
definitive appraisal clear judgment
value worth
let us make no mistake there is no doubt
human endeavours what mankind attempts
no exception conforms to the rule
term word
hazy unclear
no doubt in practice can’t be questioned in reality
stirring masterpieces beautiful works of art
put in contribute
toil away work at
without making much of an impression leaving little mark
Some believe that art ought to be l______________________________s while others believe anyone can make w_________________s. In my opinion, talent is a c__________________t but its l______________y does not make it any less c_________l.
Talent, particularly in a s__________________d such as art, is i______________e. It is impossible to d____________e the i____________y between talent and g___________________________n, u_______________g, p________________s like p____________________e, m____________n, luck, and practice. Research into sports has shown the importance of genetics but that is largely because of the a_________________s. Good h____________________________n, s____________________________e, and l______________________s may give one a t__________________________e in the arts but many t_________________________s produce l____________s, u_______________l art. There are simply too many u_______________s as to what i____________s talent and how this t______________s to s_____________e works to make a d__________________l of its v______e.
However, l_____________________e: talent is important for all h___________________s and art is n___________________n. The t_____m itself may be hazy but there is n____________________e that certain individuals can create s__________________s and others cannot, regardless of how much hard work they p________n. A good example of this would be in music. Some bands and artists t____________y for years w_________________________________n while others, like the Beatles and Mozart, were successful from a very young age. John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s l____________s and understanding of m__________y were p_____________t for them in their early 20s and few other individuals, professional or a____________r, in their entire l_____________e have had the talent to r________________s.
In conclusion, though it is difficult to d_________e, good art requires talent. There is t____________________e for amateurs but great art with u___________________l is the p_________________________d.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real general training exam on the topic of wearing uniforms.
It’s an interesting question and I really enjoyed writing about it!
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Uniforms (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
A lot of companies and organisations require employees to wear uniforms.
Which kind of jobs are uniforms suitable for?
Are there any disadvantages to wearing a uniform to work?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Many jobs today and in the past have required their employees to wear uniforms. This is especially true for jobs that must be recognisable and its greatest drawback relates to resentment.
The jobs that most require uniforms all relate to positions of authority. It is important for the public and other employees to be able to recognise these figures. The original example of this is soldiers who must be recognisable to their own people and each other in order to fight an enemy effectively. Today this same principle applies to authorities ranging from the police to fire fighters. There are also more civilian occupations where authority is self-evidently important such as for doctors, judges, and chefs. Even simple jobs such as working in a fast food restaurant or supermarket require uniforms in order to make it easier for customers to identify them.
The disadvantage to wearing a uniform at work is the effect on morale. In some instances, uniforms can be inspiring if the employee is personally invested in the service or product the company provides. For the majority of employees, however, uniforms repress individuality and comodify. In the same way that cans of soup are wrapped in a label, an employee may come to feel like a company product. The jobs most susceptible to this will not be high-ranking ones such as a doctor, where the uniform instills pride, but lower order work such as a factory worker, cashier, or cleaner. Uniforms will likely only add to pre-existing resentment of their position in life.
In conclusion, uniforms are necessary for operations but can hurt mental health in certain occupations. There is little that can be done to address the necessity of uniforms but their effects can be mitigated with compassionate company policies.
Analysis
1. Many jobs today and in the past have required their employees to wear uniforms. 2. This is especially true for jobs that must be recognisable and its greatest drawback relates to resentment.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Answer the two questions directly and clearly.
1. The jobs that most require uniforms all relate to positions of authority. 2. It is important for the public and other employees to be able to recognise these figures. 3. The original example of this is soldiers who must be recognisable to their own people and each other in order to fight an enemy effectively. 4. Today this same principle applies to authorities ranging from the police to fire fighters. 5. There are also more civilian occupations where authority is self-evidently important such as for doctors, judges, and chefs. 6. Even simple jobs such as working in a fast food restaurant or supermarket require uniforms in order to make it easier for customers to identify them.
Write a simple topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Give a specific example.
Develop or extend your example.
Here I develop the example but showing how it related to other jobs.
Finally, I include how it applies to the lowest class of workers.
1. The disadvantage to wearing a uniform at work is the effect on morale. 2. In some instances, uniforms can be inspiring if the employee is personally invested in the service or product the company provides. 3. For the majority of employees, however, uniforms repress individuality and comodify. 4. In the same way that cans of soup are wrapped in a label, an employee may come to feel like a company product. 5. The jobs most susceptible to this will not be high-ranking ones such as a doctor, where the uniform instills pride, but lower order work such as a factory worker, cashier, or cleaner. 6. Uniforms will likely only add to pre-existing resentment of their position in life.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Here I qualify my main idea because there are some obvious exceptions.
Now I focus on why uniforms hurt morale.
I argue here by analogy.
I develop it further by listing the specific jobs affected.
Finally, I conclude the paragraph with a strong statement.
1. In conclusion, uniforms are necessary for operations but can hurt mental health in certain occupations. 2. There is little that can be done to address the necessity of uniforms but their effects can be mitigated with compassionate company policies.
Many jobs today and in the past have required their employees to wear uniforms. This is especially true for jobs that must be recognisable and its greatest drawback relates to resentment.
The jobs that most require uniforms all relate to positions of authority. It is important for the public and other employees to be able to recognise these figures. The original example of this is soldiers who must be recognisable to their own people and each other in order to fight an enemy effectively. Today this same principle applies to authorities ranging from the police to fire fighters. There are also more civilian occupations where authority is self-evidently important such as for doctors, judges, and chefs. Even simple jobs such as working in a fast food restaurant or supermarket require uniforms in order to make it easier for customers to identify them.
The disadvantage to wearing a uniform at work is the effect on morale. In some instances, uniforms can be inspiring if the employee is personally invested in the service or product the company provides. For the majority of employees, however, uniforms repress individuality and commodify. In the same way that cans of soup are wrapped in a label, an employee may come to feel like a company product. The jobs most susceptible to this will not be high-ranking ones such as a doctor, where the uniform instills pride, but lower order work such as a factory worker, cashier, or cleaner. Uniforms will likely only add to pre-existing resentment of their position in life.
In conclusion, uniforms are necessary for operations but can hurt mental health in certain occupations. There is little that can be done to address the necessity of uniforms but their effects can be mitigated with compassionate company policies.
Many jobs today and in the past have required their employees to wear uniforms. This is e_____________e for jobs that must be r______________e and its g__________________k relates to r_____________t.
The jobs that most require uniforms all relate to p______________________y. It is important for the public and other employees to be able to recognise these f__________s. The o____________________e of this is soldiers who must be recognisable to their own people and each other in order to fight an enemy e_____________y. Today this s______________________s to authorities r________________m the police to fire fighters. There are also more c___________________________s where a_______________y is s_______________________t such as for doctors, judges, and chefs. Even simple jobs such as working in a fast food restaurant or supermarket require uniforms in order to make it easier for customers to i__________y them.
The disadvantage to wearing a uniform at work is the effect on m_________e. In some instances, uniforms can be i____________g if the employee is p______________________d in the service or product the company provides. For the majority of employees, however, uniforms r____________________y and c_____________y. In the same way that cans of soup are w____________________l, an employee may c__________________e a company product. The jobs m__________________e to this will not be h_____________g ones such as a doctor, where the uniform i_______________e, but l_________________k such as a factory worker, cashier, or cleaner. Uniforms will likely only add to p______________________t of their p__________________e.
In conclusion, uniforms are necessary for operations but can h____________________h in c______________________s. There is little that can be done to a___________s the necessity of uniforms but their effects can be m______________d with c________________________________s.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch 50 years of flight attendant uniforms below:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real exam on the topic of the internet and schools.
Education and technology/the internet are really common topics on IELTS so reading this can really help you to prepare!
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: The Internet & School (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Some today argue that schools are no longer necessary because children can learn so much from the internet and be educated at home.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
There are some today who would argue that the internet has sufficiently supplanted the role of traditional education so as to make it redundant. In my opinion, though the internet opens up possibilities for learning, schools are a crucial filter.
What separates the internet from how other advances in technology have impacted education is greater accessibility to information. It is no exaggeration to claim that nearly everything can be found on the internet. School age children can access educational videos on YouTube, read online articles and use interactive learning platforms. As they get older, the possibilities expand and include scholarly articles, video-conferencing platforms like Zoom, and online newspapers from every country in the world that can be translated to your native language in modern internet browsers. There is immense potential for autodidacts and parents who choose to homeschool.
Nonetheless, schools are the real world editors of the internet. A lot of news is thrown up instantly and not carefully vetted. This means that students can get led into dark corners such as alt-left and right websites that specialise in sensationalised propaganda. Children and teens are especially susceptible to what they read online as they might be less skeptical. Teachers have more life experience and their training helps them approach information critically. They can then pass these skills on to their pupils by teaching them how to read closely, spot biases, and check information through a number of primary and secondary sources. Without teachers, students are more likely to be indoctrinated rather than educated.
In conclusion, teachers are important to dispel the inherent risks of unreliable online information. Schools and administrators ought to take a long-view in order to assess the value of the internet for learning.
Analysis
1. There are some today who would argue that the internet has sufficiently supplanted the role of traditional education so as to make it redundant. 2. In my opinion, though the internet opens up possibilities for learning, schools are a crucial filter.
I paraphrase the question to start.
Then I include a clear opinion.
1. What separates the internet from how other advances in technology have impacted education is greater accessibility to information. 2. It is no exaggeration to claim that nearly everything can be found on the internet. 3. School age children can access educational videos on YouTube, read online articles and use interactive learning platforms. 4. As they get older, the possibilities expand and include scholarly articles, video-conferencing platforms like Zoom, and online newspapers from every country in the world that can be translated to your native language in modern internet browsers. 5. There is immense potential for autodidacts and parents who choose to homeschool.
This is my topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end of it.
I explain my main idea next.
After that I give some specific examples.
I continue with more examples as children get older.
Finally I conclude by drawing a conclusion from this.
1. Nonetheless, schools are the real world editors of the internet. 2. A lot of news is thrown up instantly and not carefully vetted. 3. This means that students can get led into dark corners such as alt-left and right websites that specialise in sensationalised propaganda. 4. Children and teens are especially susceptible to what they read online as they might be less skeptical. 5. Teachers have more life experience and their training helps them approach information critically. 6. They can then pass these skills on to their pupils by teaching them how to read closely, spot biases, and check information through a number of primary and secondary sources. 7. Without teachers, students are more likely to be indoctrinated rather than educated.
Another topic sentence with a single main idea at the end.
I start explaining my argument.
Notice the very specific examples of the results.
I continue to develop the same argument.
By related this back to teachers, I make my argument stronger.
I fully draw out the results here.
Notice this paragraph is longer – that’s fine because this is the side that I agree with.
1. In conclusion, teachers are important to dispel the inherent risks of unreliable online information. 2. Schools and administrators ought to take a long-view in order to assess the value of the internet for learning.
My conclusion starts with repeating my opinion.
I finish with a final detail/thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
There are some today who would argue that the internet has sufficiently supplanted the role of traditional education so as to make it redundant. In my opinion, though the internet opens up possibilities for learning, schools are a crucial filter.
What separates the internet from how other advances in technology have impacted education is greater accessibility to information. It is no exaggeration to claim that nearly everything can be found on the internet. School age children can access educational videos on YouTube, read online articles and use interactive learning platforms. As they get older, the possibilities expand and include scholarly articles, video-conferencing platforms like Zoom, and online newspapers from every country in the world that can be translated to your native language in modern internet browsers. There is immense potential for autodidacts and parents who choose to homeschool.
Nonetheless, schools are the real world editors of the internet. A lot of news is thrown up instantly and not carefully vetted. This means that students can get led into dark corners such as alt-left and right websites that specialise in sensationalised propaganda. Children and teens are especially susceptible to what they read online as they might be less skeptical. Teachers have more life experience and their training helps them approach information critically. They can then pass these skills on to their pupils by teaching them how to read closely, spot biases, and check information through a number of primary and secondary sources. Without teachers, students are more likely to be indoctrinated rather than educated.
In conclusion, teachers are important to dispel the inherent risks of unreliable online information. Schools and administrators ought to take a long-view in order to assess the value of the internet for learning.
Answers
sufficiently supplanted replaced enough
so as to make enough to allow for
redundant not needed
opens up possibilities creates chances
crucial filter important judge
separates keeps apart from
greater accessibility more availability of
exaggeration hyperbole
claim argue
access get into
interactive learning platforms websites for learning online
expand increase
scholarly articles academic journals
video-conferencing platforms talking through video on apps
Zoom a popular video-conferencing app
native language L1
modern internet browsers Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc.
immense potential lots of possibility
autodidacts people who teach themselves
homeschool learning at home, not school
real world editors people who shift and filter
thrown up instantly not checked
not carefully vetted not verified
dark corners dangerous areas
alt-left and right extreme liberals and conservatives
specialise focus in on
sensationalised propaganda fanatical views
especially susceptible vulnerable
skeptical questioning
life experience jaded
approach information critically take everything with a grain of salt
pass these skills on instill in others
pupils students
read closely read carefully and slowly
spot biases be able to identify the writer’s purpose
primary and secondary sources firsthand and collected books/articles
There are some today who would argue that the internet has s_____________________d the role of traditional education s_____________e it r____________t. In my opinion, though the internet o________________________s for learning, schools are a c________________r.
What s__________s the internet from how other advances in technology have impacted education is g______________________y to information. It is no e__________________n to c_______m that nearly everything can be found on the internet. School age children can a________s educational videos on YouTube, read online articles and use i_______________________________s. As they get older, the possibilities e_________d and include s_________________s, v____________________________s like Z___m, and online newspapers from every country in the world that can be translated to your n________________e in m__________________________s. There is i_____________________l for a__________________s and parents who choose to h______________l.
Nonetheless, schools are the r____________________s of the internet. A lot of news is t_____________________y and n____________________d. This means that students can get led into d_________________s such as a___________________t websites that s______________e in s______________________a. Children and teens are e_______________________e to what they read online as they might be less s____________l. Teachers have more l____________________e and their training helps them a______________________________y. They can then p________________________n to their p___________s by teaching them how to r______________y, s______________s, and check information through a number of p_________________________________s. Without teachers, students are more likely to be i___________________d rather than educated.
In conclusion, teachers are important to d________l the i______________s of u______________________n. Schools and administrators ought to take a l______________w in order to a_________s the value of the internet for learning.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Here’s what Bill Gates think:
…and you can also listen to my IELTS speaking answer on a subject that I would eliminate from schools:
Answer the related questions below about teachers from the real exam:
Teachers
Did you ever want to be a teacher? Which teacher do you remember best? What did you like most about your teachers? Do teachers remember their students in your country?
Real IELTS Speaking Exam
Writing Practice
Answer this similar question then check with my sample answer below:
Some believe that money for education should mainly be spent on better computers while others believe it would be better spent on teachers.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of gender and study/education from the real IELTS exam.
It features two very common topics – education and gender.
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Enjoy!
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Gender & Study (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
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.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Test/Exam
Today more and more parents and policymakers are concerned with the disproportionate ratio of males studying science relative to females. In my opinion, though there are likely social factors at play here that need addressing, there is little value enforcing this change.
The main reason that many are striving to remedy this imbalance is because they feel it is societal, not natural. For centuries, women have subjugated their careers and education to male siblings and husbands. This has led to a history of mostly male role models in scientific pursuits, with women like Mary Shelly and Frida more likely to shine in the arts. Even today, there is a widespread bias that men are better at science that may discourage girls. There have been a number of famous studies cataloging the gender imbalance in science, with most researchers attributing this to social, rather than genetic, factors.
Nonetheless, heavy-handed efforts to force change are detrimental to both men and women. Women who are helped or strongly encouraged to pursue science rather than the arts will be less self-reliant and more likely to develop self-esteem problems. A corollary example would be the failure of affirmative action to promote racial equality. Individuals prosper when societal barriers to success are removed and they are given the opportunity to help themselves. If overly strong measures are taken, such as a quota of female majors in a given subject, that might place less qualified candidates above more deserving ones and then later manifest itself in reduced self-confidence from the unfairly elevated and resentment from those who were passed over.
In conclusion, though I am in favour of all reforms to provide for equal educational opportunity for the sexes, attempts to reform a tendency rather than allow for its change will bring about more harm than good. Rather, parents and educators should encourage students to pursue their passions.
Analysis
1. Today more and more parents and policymakers are concerned with the disproportionate ratio of males studying science relative to females. 2. In my opinion, though there are likely social factors at play here that need addressing, there is little value enforcing this change.
Paraphrase the overall topic.
Clearly state your opinion.
1. The main reason that many are striving to remedy this imbalance is because they feel it is societal, not natural. 2. For centuries, women have subjugated their careers and education to male siblings and husbands. 3. This has led to a history of mostly male role models in scientific pursuits, with women like Mary Shelly and Frida more likely to shine in the arts. 4. Even today, there is a widespread bias that men are better at science that may discourage girls. 5. There have been a number of famous studies cataloging the gender imbalance in science, with most researchers attributing this to social, rather than genetic, factors.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Develop it – here I start with an historical arguments.
Then I state the result of this history.
Finally I connect it to the present day.
And conclude with some research to back up my claim.
1. Nonetheless, heavy-handed efforts to force change are detrimental to both men and women. 2. Women who are helped or strongly encouraged to pursue science rather than the arts will be less self-reliant and more likely to develop self-esteem problems. 3. A corollary example would be the failure of affirmative action to promote racial equality. 4. Individuals prosper when societal barriers to success are removed and they are given the opportunity to help themselves. 5. If overly strong measures are taken, such as a quota of female majors in a given subject, that might place less qualified candidates above more deserving ones and then later manifest itself in reduced self-confidence from the unfairly elevated and resentment from those who were passed over.
Write another topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Begin to support your opinion.
Use an example – here I argue by analogy.
Develop your example.
Finish your development. Vary using long and short sentences.
1. In conclusion, though I am in favour of all reforms to provide for equal educational opportunity for the sexes, attempts to reform a tendency rather than allow for its change will bring about more harm than good. 2. Rather, parents and educators should encourage students to pursue their passions.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final detail/thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean:
Today more and more parents and policymakers are concerned with the disproportionate ratio of males studying science relative to females. In my opinion, though there are likely social factors at play here that need addressing, there is little value enforcing this change.
The main reason that many are striving to remedy this imbalance is because they feel it is societal, not natural. For centuries, women have subjugated their careers and education to male siblings and husbands. This has led to a history of mostly male role models in scientific pursuits, with women like Mary Shelly and Frida more likely to shine in the arts. Even today, there is a widespread bias that men are better at science that may discourage girls. There have been a number of famous studies cataloging the gender imbalance in science, with most researchers attributing this to social, rather than genetic, factors.
Nonetheless, heavy-handed efforts to force change are detrimental to both men and women. Women who are helped or strongly encouraged to pursue science rather than the arts will be less self-reliant and more likely to develop self-esteem problems. A corollary example would be the failure of affirmative action to promote racial equality. Individuals prosper when societal barriers to success are removed and they are given the opportunity to help themselves. If overly strong measures are taken, such as a quota of female majors in a given subject, that might place less qualified candidates above more deserving ones and then later manifest itself in reduced self-confidence from the unfairly elevated and resentment from those who were passed over.
In conclusion, though I am in favour of all reforms to provide for equal educational opportunity for the sexes, attempts to reform a tendency rather than allow for its change will bring about more harm than good. Rather, parents and educators should encourage students to pursue their passions.
Answers
policymakers politicians
concerned worried about
disproportionate ratio too many of one group
relative to in comparison to
social factors at play how society influences
need addressing must be dealt with
little value enforcing this change not much to be gained from making this reform
striving trying to
remedy fix
imbalance not equal
societal related to society
natural related to genetic predisposition
centuries hundreds of years
subjugated made less/lower
siblings brothers and sisters
scientific pursuits working in science
Mary Shelly author of Frankenstein
Frida Mexican painter
shine stand out
widespread bias stereotypes
discourage not encourage, dissuade
cataloging keeping track of
gender imbalance unequal in terms of men/women
attributing this
genetic natural
heavy-handed efforts strong attempts
detrimental hurts
self-reliant responsible
self-esteem problems feeling bad about yourself
corollary example analogous instance
affirmative action giving more opportunity to a specific race
promote racial equality make the races more equal
prosper succeed
societal barriers institutional setbacks
removed taken away
overly strong measures too powerful actions
quota set number
in a given subject in a specific major
place less qualified candidates above promote people less deserving
deserving ones those who earned it
manifest become true
reduced self-confidence lower self-esteem
unfairly elevated unjustly promotoed
resentment dislike of
passed over skipped
in favour of preferring
reforms changes
equal educational opportunity same chance for all
attempts tries
reform changes
tendency inclination
bring about more harm than good hurt more than help
Today more and more parents and policymakers are concerned with the disproportionate ratio of males studying science relative to females. In my opinion, though there are likely social factors at play here that need addressing, there is little value enforcing this change.
The main reason that many are striving to remedy this imbalance is because they feel it is societal, not natural. For centuries, women have subjugated their careers and education to male sibligings and husbands. This has led to a history of mostly male role models in scientific pursuits, with women like Mary Shelly and Frida more likely to shine in the arts. Even today, there is a widespread bias that men are better at science that may discourage girls. There have been a number of famous studies cataloging the gender imbalance in science, with most researchers attributing this to social, rather than genetic, factors.
Nonetheless, heavy-handed efforts to force change are detrimental to both men and women. Women who are helped or strongly encouraged to pursue science rather than the arts will be less self-reliant and more likely to develop self-esteem problems. A corollary example would be the failure of affirmative action to promote racial equality. Individuals prosper when societal barriers to success are removed and they are given the opportunity to help themselves. If overly strong measures are taken, such as a quota of female majors in a given subject, that might place less qualified candidates above more deserving ones and then later manifest itself in reduced self-confidence from the unfairly elevated and resentment from those who were passed over.
In conclusion, though I am in favour of all reforms to provide for equal educational opportunity for the sexes, attempts to reform a tendency rather than allow for its change will bring about more harm than good. Rather, parents and educators should encourage students to pursue their passions.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of writing a friendly letter.
The key with all letter is:
Use the right level of formality/informality.
Include enough detail about all 3 points.
If you can do that, you’ll at least get a really good task achievement score.
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Friendly Letter (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Write a letter to friend to inform them of a celebration you are having for a recent job promotion. Include information about
The promotion
The celebration
Their accomodation
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Hey Sally,
It’s been a while since we were last talked and I wanted to touch base with you. Actually, I’m writing to brag because I just got that big promotion I’ve been gunning for! It’s not actually a promotion, more of a new job offer to head up the marketing department for a rival company. It will mean a lot of responsibility and, more importantly, a better salary!
I’m having a dinner with some friends and co-workers who I’ll be leaving behind to celebrate this pivotal moment in my life. It’s going to be at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan called Elio’s, which is well-known for its authentic dishes and how hard it is to get a reservation. They make some of the best ravioli I’ve ever had!
If you are free on the 23rd for dinner you can stay at my place after the party. I’ve got a sofa in the living room that you can use and you can get the train back to Syracuse in the morning. If you want to stay over the whole weekend, that would be no problem either.
Really hope to hear from you!
Jim
Analysis
1. Hey Sally,
Say ‘hello’ or ‘hi’ because this is an informal letter.
1. It’s been a while since we were last talked and I wanted to touch base with you. 2. Actually, I’m writing to brag because I just got that big promotion I’ve been gunning for! 3. It’s not actually a promotion, more of a new job offer to head up the marketing department for a rival company. 4. It will mean a lot of responsibility and, more importantly, a better salary!
Begin to discuss the first point by saying your purpose for writing.
Add more detail.
Keep adding detail for 2 – 3 sentences.
The more detail on each point, the better task achievement score!
1. I’m having a dinner with some friends and co-workers who I’ll be leaving behind to celebrate this pivotal moment in my life. 2. It’s going to be at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan called Elio’s, which is well-known for its authentic dishes and how hard it is to get a reservation. 3. They make some of the best ravioli I’ve ever had!
Start writing about the second point.
Develop it with specific detail.
Add as much as possible!
1. If you are free on the 23rd for dinner you can stay at my place after the party. 2. I’ve got a sofa in the living room that you can use and you can get the train back to Syracuse in the morning. 3. If you want to stay over the whole weekend, that would be no problem either.
Write about the third point.
Make sure it is fully covered…
and detailed or you will get a low task achievement score!
1. Really hope to hear from you!
2. Jim
Write ‘Best Regards’ or a similar informal phrase to end the letter.
Sign/write your name at the end.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Hey Sally,
It’s been a while since we were last talked and I wanted to touch base with you. Actually, I’m writing to brag because I just got that big promotion I’ve been gunning for! It’s not actually a promotion, more of a new job offer to head up the marketing department for a rival company. It will mean a lot of responsibility and, more importantly, a better salary!
I’m having a dinner with some friends and co-workers who I’ll be leaving behind to celebrate this pivotal moment in my life. It’s going to be at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan called Elio’s, which is well-known for its authentic dishes and how hard it is to get a reservation. They make some of the best ravioli I’ve ever had!
If you are free on the 23rd for dinner you can stay at my place after the party. I’ve got a sofa in the living room that you can use and you can get the train back to Syracuse in the morning. If you want to stay over the whole weekend, that would be no problem either.
Really hope to hear from you!
Jim
Answers
been a while taken some time
touch base with reconnect with
brag show off
big promotion moving up the ladder
gunning for trying to get
new job offer new employment opportunity
head up be in charge of
marketing department advertising
rival company competitor
salary wages
pivotal moment key point
well-known famous
authentic dishes real food
reservation get a table/seat
some of the best ravioli among the best pasta around
free not busy
stay at my place sleepover at my home
get the train back take the train to your home afterwards
whole weekend saturday and sunday
no problem either also fine
really hope to hear from you looking forward to your response
It’s b______________e since we were last talked and I wanted to t______________h you. Actually, I’m writing to b______g because I just got that b________________n I’ve been g_____________r! It’s not actually a promotion, more of a n_________________r to h___________p the m_________________t for a r_________________y. It will mean a lot of responsibility and, more importantly, a better s___________y!
I’m having a dinner with some friends and co-workers who I’ll be leaving behind to celebrate this p_________________t in my life. It’s going to be at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan called Elio’s, which is w_____________n for its a_________________s and how hard it is to get a r______________n. They make s____________________________i I’ve ever had!
If you are f______e on the 23rd for dinner you can s_________________e after the party. I’ve got a sofa in the living room that you can use and you can g_____________________k to Syracuse in the morning. If you want to stay over the w_________________d, that would be n__________________r.
"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"
