IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Advertisements & Needs (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Advertisements & Needs (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer on the topic of advertising and needs from the real IELTS exam.

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: Advertisements & Needs (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

Some believe that people will purchase a product based on their needs and advertising is not needed.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many have argued that advertisement serves no real purpose as necessity motivates all purchases. I disagree with this completely because ads give consumers a minimum guarantee of quality and also develop wants into needs.

First of all, advertising is the most direct way to inform customers of a given product’s quality. The content of the ad is less important than the fact they were able to produce, distribute and, oftentimes, get a celebrity endorsement. For example, KFC typically signs the most famous football players to massive sponsorship deals, thereby evidencing the continued relevance and quality of their food. When a lesser known company premiers an advertisement this is evidence that they are generating enough revenue to validate whatever product they sell or service they provide.

Secondly, advertising does not simply meet needs; it creates them. Most people could live more fulfilling lives with fewer products but advertising stimulates desires by appealing to consumer psychology and those initial wants eventually become habitual. A good example of this would be the rise of Apple products in the last two decades and the role of advertising in making them popular. Apple phones and computers are famed not only for their quality but also the sense of being part of a community of users. Stylish ads like the ‘think different’ campaign helped foster their dominance. Now the desire to become part of the Apple community and appear cool has become a basic need for many users hooked into the Apple ecosystem of high-quality consumer electronics.

In conclusion, advertising serves an important role in society. This does not mean that it should not be regulated, simply that consumers and officials should be mindful of the full contribution of advertisers.

Analysis

1. Many have argued that advertisement serves no real purpose as necessity motivates all purchases. 2. I disagree with this completely because ads give consumers a minimum guarantee of quality and also develop wants into needs.

  1. Paraphrase the overall topic of the esasy.
  2. State your opinion clearly.

1. First of all, advertising is the most direct way to inform customers of a given product’s quality. 2. The content of the ad is less important than the fact they were able to produce, distribute and, oftentimes, get a celebrity endorsement. 3. For example, KFC typically signs the most famous football players to massive sponsorship deals, thereby evidencing the continued relevance and quality of their food. 4. When a lesser known company premiers an advertisement this is evidence that they are generating enough revenue to validate whatever product they sell or service they provide.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a single main idea at the end.
  2. Explain or develop your main idea.
  3. Begin a specific example.
  4. Develop your example.

1. Secondly, advertising does not simply meet needs; it creates them. 2. Most people could live more fulfilling lives with fewer products but advertising stimulates desires by appealing to consumer psychology and those initial wants eventually become habitual. 3. A good example of this would be the rise of Apple products in the last two decades and the role of advertising in making them popular. 4. Apple phones and computers are famed not only for their quality but also the sense of being part of a community of users. 5. Stylish ads like the ‘think different’ campaign helped foster their dominance. 6. Now the desire to become part of the Apple community and appear cool has become a basic need for many users hooked into the Apple ecosystem of high-quality consumer electronics.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a new, distinct main idea.
  2. Develop or explain the main idea.
  3. Give a specific example.
  4. Develop the example.
  5. Keep developing the same example.
  6. Draw out conclusions from your example.

1. In conclusion, advertising serves an important role in society. 2. This does not mean that it should not be regulated, simply that consumers and officials should be mindful of the full contribution of advertisers.

  1. Repeat your opinion.
  2. Add in a final thought/detail.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many have argued that advertisement serves no real purpose as necessity motivates all purchases. I disagree with this completely because ads give consumers a minimum guarantee of quality and also develop wants into needs.

First of all, advertising is the most direct way to inform customers of a given product’s quality. The content of the ad is less important than the fact they were able to produce, distribute and, oftentimes, get a celebrity endorsement. For example, KFC typically signs the most famous football players to massive sponsorship deals, thereby evidencing the continued relevance and quality of their food. When a lesser known company premiers an advertisement this is evidence that they are generating enough revenue to validate whatever product they sell or service they provide.

Secondly, advertising does not simply meet needs; it creates them. Most people could live more fulfilling lives with fewer products but advertising stimulates desires by appealing to consumer psychology and those initial wants eventually become habitual. A good example of this would be the rise of Apple products in the last two decades and the role of advertising in making them popular. Apple phones and computers are famed not only for their quality but also the sense of being part of a community of users. Stylish ads like the ‘think different’ campaign helped foster their dominance. Now the desire to become part of the Apple community and appear cool has become a basic need for many users hooked into the Apple ecosystem of high-quality consumer electronics.

In conclusion, advertising serves an important role in society. This does not mean that it should not be regulated, simply that consumers and officials should be mindful of the full contribution of advertisers.

Answers

serves no real purpose pointless

necessity needed

purchases what is bought

consumers customers

minimum guarantee at least

wants desires

most direct way straightforward

inform customers tell consumers

given product’s quality how good something is

content of the ad what they say in the advertisement

distribute send out

oftentimes usually

celebrity endorsement famous people representing a brand

signs signals

massive sponsorship deals lots of money to endorse

thereby therefore

continued relevance still important

lesser known company not as famous

premiers an advertisement ad starts to run

generating enough revenue making enough money

validate justify

service they provide their product

fulfilling satisfying

stimulates desires make people want it

appealing enticing

consumer psychology how customers think/behave

initial beginning

eventually over time

habitual get used to

role place

famed famous for

sense feeling of

being part of together

community of users like-minded people

stylish looks nice

‘think different’ campaign ads by Apple in 2000s

foster their dominance encourage their popularity

appear cool seem to be cool

hooked into addicted to

Apple ecosystem Apple products only

regulated controlled

be mindful of be aware of

full contribution total input

Pronunciation

Listen and repeat:

sɜːvz nəʊ rɪəl ˈpɜːpəs 
nɪˈsɛsɪti 
ˈpɜːʧəsɪz
kənˈsjuːməz 
ˈmɪnɪməm ˌgærənˈtiː 
wɒnts 
məʊst dɪˈrɛkt weɪ 
ɪnˈfɔːm ˈkʌstəməz 
ˈgɪvn ˈprɒdʌkts ˈkwɒlɪti
ˈkɒntɛnt ɒv ði æd 
dɪsˈtrɪbju(ː)t 
ˈɒfntaɪmz
sɪˈlɛbrɪti ɪnˈdɔːsmənt
saɪnz 
ˈmæsɪv ˈspɒnsəʃɪp diːlz
ˈðeəˈbaɪ 
kənˈtɪnju(ː)d ˈrɛlɪvəns 
ˈlɛsə nəʊn ˈkʌmpəni 
ˈprɛmiəz ən ədˈvɜːtɪsmənt 
ˈʤɛnəreɪtɪŋ ɪˈnʌf ˈrɛvɪnjuː 
ˈvælɪdeɪt 
ˈsɜːvɪs ðeɪ prəˈvaɪd
fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ 
ˈstɪmjʊleɪts dɪˈzaɪəz 
əˈpiːlɪŋ 
kənˈsjuːmə saɪˈkɒləʤi 
ɪˈnɪʃəl 
ɪˈvɛnʧəli 
həˈbɪtjʊəl
rəʊl 
feɪmd 
sɛns 
ˈbiːɪŋ pɑːt ɒv 
kəˈmjuːnɪti ɒv ˈjuːzəz
ˈstaɪlɪʃ 
θɪŋk ˈdɪfrənt kæmˈpeɪn 
ˈfɒstə ðeə ˈdɒmɪnəns
əˈpɪə kuːl 
hʊkt ˈɪntuː 
ˈæpl ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm 
ˈrɛgjʊleɪtɪd
biː ˈmaɪndfʊl ɒv 
fʊl ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃən 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many have argued that advertisement s_______________________e as n______________y motivates all p____________s. I disagree with this completely because ads give c___________s a m___________________e of quality and also develop w_______s into needs.

First of all, advertising is the m_______________y to i________________s of a g______________________y. The c___________________d is less important than the fact they were able to produce, d___________e and, o_____________s, get a c_______________________t. For example, KFC typically s______s the most famous football players to m_______________________________s, t_________y evidencing the c_______________________e and quality of their food. When a l______________________y p______________________t this is evidence that they are g_______________________________e to v_______________e whatever product they sell or s____________________e.

Secondly, advertising does not simply meet needs; it creates them. Most people could live more f___________g lives with fewer products but advertising s______________________s by a______________g to c________________________y and those i________l wants e____________y become h__________l. A good example of this would be the rise of Apple products in the last two decades and the r_____e of advertising in making them popular. Apple phones and computers are f__________d not only for their quality but also the s__________e of b___________f a c_____________________s. S_________h ads like the ‘t___________________________n helped f_______________________e. Now the desire to become part of the Apple community and a___________l has become a basic need for many users h______________o the A________________________m of high-quality consumer electronics.

In conclusion, advertising serves an important role in society. This does not mean that it should not be r___________d, simply that consumers and officials should b______________f the f___________________n of advertisers.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch some iconic Apple ads below:

Reading Practice

Here is a really, really old and interesting article about advertising and psychology:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1904/01/the-psychology-of-advertising/303465/

Speaking Practice

Practice by speaking for 2 minutes about the topic from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Talk about advertisment you watched and will not forget

Writing Practice

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

Online shopping is become more common these days.

What effect could this have on the environment and the types of jobs required?

Real Past IELTS Exam
IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Education Spending (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Education Spending (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of education spending from the real exam.

It is an interesting question and provides a good example of how to develop clear main ideas.

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: Education Spending (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

Some believe that money for education should mainly be spent on better computers while others believe it would be better spent on teachers.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

Many today are of the view that education funding ought to be chiefly directed towards upgrading computer technology in schools while others would prioritise teachers. In my opinion, better computers will have the most identifiable impact, but teacher quality is more important.

Those who want increased investment in computers can highlight the unquestioned relevance of computers today and in the future. The single most important skill students will learn and that will serve them in professional and personal contexts over the course of their life, will be computer literacy. Jobs in traditional domains are rapidly vanishing or deteriorating while information technology positions are the most likely to be stable in an uncertain future job market. Someone who learns how to code in school will have a lifetime job at a good salary. This clear evidence insulates from criticism decision-makers opting for increased funding for computers over teachers.

Regardless, the overall impact of teachers is far greater, if not as immediately discernible. A good example of this is in Finland, which has invested heavily in education generally and in teachers particularly. Teachers often remain with the same students for years and are able to form stable bonds, guiding them through both their social and intellectual development. Students will remember these teachers their entire lives but the greatest impact comes from the values and habits instilled by teachers that may never reach the level of conscious gratitude. Students will simply be indebted to them without being able to trace the roots of some of their best qualities.

In conclusion, the quantifiable support for investing in computers only veils the true value teachers hold for education. Educational leaders with the vision to make unpopular, risky decisions will reap later rewards.

Analysis

1. Many today are of the view that education funding ought to be chiefly directed towards upgrading computer technology in schools while others would prioritise teachers. 2. In my opinion, better computers will have the most identifiable impact, but teacher quality is more important.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write your opinion clearly.

1. Those who want increased investment in computers can highlight the unquestioned relevance of computers today and in the future. 2. The single most important skill students will learn and that will serve them in professional and personal contexts over the course of their life, will be computer literacy. 3. Jobs in traditional domains are rapidly vanishing or deteriorating while information technology positions are the most likely to be stable in an uncertain future job market. 4. Someone who learns how to code in school will have a lifetime job at a good salary. 5. This clear evidence insulates from criticism decision-makers opting for increased funding for computers over teachers.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Being to develop your main idea.
  3. Keep developing it with supporting ideas – don’t switch to a new main idea.
  4. Here I include a hypothetical example.
  5. I conclude the paragraph with a criticism of this approach which leads into my next paragraph.

1. Regardless, the overall impact of teachers is far greater, if not as immediately discernible. 2. A good example of this is in Finland, which has invested heavily in education generally and in teachers particularly. 3. Teachers often remain with the same students for years and are able to form stable bonds, guiding them through both their social and intellectual development. 4. Students will remember these teachers their entire lives but the greatest impact comes from the values and habits instilled by teachers that may never reach the level of conscious gratitude. 5. Students will simply be indebted to them without being able to trace the roots of some of their best qualities.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Give an example – make it specific.
  3. Develop the example.
  4. Pull out the results of your example.
  5. Conclude the paragraph with a powerful statement!

1. In conclusion, the quantifiable support for investing in computers only veils the true value teachers hold for education. 2. Educational leaders with the vision to make unpopular, risky decisions will reap later rewards.

  1. Repeat your opinion.
  2. Add in a final detail or thought.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many today are of the view that education funding ought to be chiefly directed towards upgrading computer technology in schools while others would prioritise teachers. In my opinion, better computers will have the most identifiable impact, but teacher quality is more important.

Those who want increased investment in computers can highlight the unquestioned relevance of computers today and in the future. The single most important skill students will learn and that will serve them in professional and personal contexts over the course of their life, will be computer literacy. Jobs in traditional domains are rapidly vanishing or deteriorating while information technology positions are the most likely to be stable in an uncertain future job market. Someone who learns how to code in school will have a lifetime job at a good salary. This clear evidence insulates from criticism decision-makers opting for increased funding for computers over teachers.

Regardless, the overall impact of teachers is far greater, if not as immediately discernible. A good example of this is in Finland, which has invested heavily in education generally and in teachers particularly. Teachers often remain with the same students for years and are able to form stable bonds, guiding them through both their social and intellectual development. Students will remember these teachers their entire lives but the greatest impact comes from the values and habits instilled by teachers that may never reach the level of conscious gratitude. Students will simply be indebted to them without being able to trace the roots of some of their best qualities.

In conclusion, the quantifiable support for investing in computers only veils the true value teachers hold for education. Educational leaders with the vision to make unpopular, risky decisions will reap later rewards.

Answers

of the view believe

education funding money spent on schools

chiefly directed mainly sent to

upgrading computer technology improving existing computers

prioritise make more important

identifiable impact clear effect

highlight focus on

unquestioned relevance no doubt of its importance

serve help

professional trained

personal contexts personal life

course of their life as long as they live

computer literacy being good with a computer

traditional domains normal jobs

rapidly vanishing disappearing quickly

deteriorating getting worse

information technology positions jobs related to computers

stable unchanging, steady

uncertain future job market unclear how employment will be later

lifetime job employed for life

insulates from criticism protects them from critics

decision-makers people who decide, policy-makers

far greater much stronger

if not as immediately discernible though it is not as clear

generally overall

particularly especially

form stable bonds get to know well

guiding helping

social and intellectual development getting along with others and academics

entire lives whole life

values what’s important

habits instilled what they are taught

reach get to

conscious gratitude knowing you owe thanks to

indebted owing thanks to

trace the roots find the source

best qualities finest characteristics

quantifiable support clear evidence

veils obscures

true value actual importance

hold have

vision conviction

unpopular not popular

risky decisions difficult choices

reap later rewards benefit them in the end

Pronunciation

ɒv ðə vjuː 
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən ˈfʌndɪŋ 
ˈʧiːfli dɪˈrɛktɪd 
ʌpˈgreɪdɪŋ kəmˈpjuːtə tɛkˈnɒləʤi 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz 
aɪˈdɛntɪfaɪəbl ˈɪmpækt
ˈhaɪˌlaɪt 
ʌnˈkwɛsʧənd ˈrɛlɪvəns 
sɜːv 
prəˈfɛʃənl 
ˈpɜːsnl ˈkɒntɛksts 
kɔːs ɒv ðeə laɪf
kəmˈpjuːtə ˈlɪtərəsi
trəˈdɪʃənl dəʊˈmeɪnz 
ˈræpɪdli ˈvænɪʃɪŋ 
dɪˈtɪərɪəreɪtɪŋ 
ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃən tɛkˈnɒləʤi pəˈzɪʃənz 
ˈsteɪbl 
ʌnˈsɜːtn ˈfjuːʧə ʤɒb ˈmɑːkɪt
ˈlaɪftaɪm ʤɒb 
ˈɪnsjʊleɪts frɒm ˈkrɪtɪsɪzm 
dɪˈsɪʒən-ˈmeɪkəz 
fɑː ˈgreɪtə
ɪf nɒt æz ɪˈmiːdiətli dɪˈsɜːnəbl
ˈʤɛnərəli 
pəˈtɪkjʊləli
fɔːm ˈsteɪbl bɒndz
ˈgaɪdɪŋ 
ˈsəʊʃəl ænd ˌɪntɪˈlɛktjʊəl dɪˈvɛləpmənt
ɪnˈtaɪə lɪvz 
ˈvæljuːz 
ˈhæbɪts ɪnˈstɪld 
riːʧ 
ˈkɒnʃəs ˈgrætɪtjuːd
ɪnˈdɛtɪd 
treɪs ðə ruːts 
bɛst ˈkwɒlɪtiz
ˈkwɒntɪfaɪəbl səˈpɔːt 
veɪlz 
truː ˈvæljuː 
həʊld 
ˈvɪʒən 
ʌnˈpɒpjʊlə
ˈrɪski dɪˈsɪʒənz 
riːp ˈleɪtə rɪˈwɔːdz

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many today are o____________w that e_________________g ought to be c________________________d towards u___________________________y in schools while others would p____________e teachers. In my opinion, better computers will have the most i__________________t, but teacher quality is more important.

Those who want increased investment in computers can h____________t the u________________________e of computers today and in the future. The single most important skill students will learn and that will s________e them in p____________________l and p________________s over the c_____________________e, will be c___________________y. Jobs in t_____________________s are r__________________g or d____________________g while i____________________________________s are the most likely to be s___________e in an u__________________________________t. Someone who learns how to code in school will have a l__________________b at a good salary. This clear evidence i_______________________m d____________________s opting for increased funding for computers over teachers.

Regardless, the overall impact of teachers is f________________r, i__________________________________e. A good example of this is in Finland, which has invested heavily in education g________________y and in teachers p_______________y. Teachers often remain with the same students for years and are able to f_____________________s, g_____________g them through both their s__________________________t. Students will remember these teachers their e_______________s but the greatest impact comes from the v___________s and h____________________d by teachers that may never r_________h the level of c______________________e. Students will simply be i________________d to them without being able to t__________________s of some of their b__________________s.

In conclusion, the q________________________t for investing in computers only v____________s the t____________________e teachers h________d for education. Educational leaders with the v__________n to make u_______________r, r_______________s will r__________________s.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Learn here about Finland’s teacher training schools:

Reading Practice

Read another perspective on computer literacy here:

https://www.wired.com/2015/08/schools-dont-think-kids-want-learn-computer-science/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the real questions from the IELTS speaking exam below:

Interacting with Others

  1. Do you like talking to strangers?
  2. What was the last conversation you had?
  3. Do you discuss politics with your friends?
  4. Are families in your country very talkative?

Writing Practice

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

More and more students at university today are not choosing to study science.

Why is this happening?

What are the effects of this?

Real Past IELTS Exam
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Essay: Higher Education Bar Chart (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Essay: Higher Education Bar Chart (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay from the real academic exam on the subject of higher education (a bar chart).

There are a couple of key areas to note before you start writing.

First, this graph shows change over time so you will have to describe the full trend for full marks on your overview.

Secondly, there is a lot of data but you must include all of it.

Finally, it is important to structure and compare the data.

Read how I did that below!

Find out more about my exlusive Patreon essays here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Essay: Higher Education Bar Chart (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

The bar chart shows the percentage of young people in higher education in 2000, 2005 and 2010.

Courtest of IELTS Nguyen-Huyen

The bar chart details changes in the proportions of young people studying in higher education across 4 countries and at 3 intervals of 5 years from 2000 to 2010. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that, with the exception of country B where growth was flat, all countries experienced rises. Country D had the highest overall numbers throughout, while country A overtook country C and country B was generally lowest.

Looking first of all at the overall leader, country D, 60% of young people studied higher education in 2000 followed by a slight uptick to 65% in 2005 and a final upswing to 80%. In contrast, country B had far lower levels at 40% in both 2000 and 2010, with a small dip in between to just under 40%.

Country A had 37% of youngsters studying in university at the beginning of the period, trailing country C by approximately 13%. Both countries underwent increases in 2005 (by 11 and 2%, respectively) before country A surged ahead to nearly 60% and country C’s growth stagnated at 53%.

Analysis

1. The bar chart details changes in the proportions of young people studying in higher education across 4 countries and at 3 intervals of 5 years from 2000 to 2010. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that, with the exception of country B where growth was flat, all countries experienced rises. 3. Country D had the highest overall numbers throughout, while country A overtook country C and country B was generally lowest.

  1. Paraphrase what the graph is showing.
  2. Begin your overview. You must include all areas and say whether they increase/decrease.
  3. Also include the ranking and any other notable areas.

1. Looking first of all at the overall leader, country D, 60% of young people studied higher education in 2000 followed by a slight uptick to 65% in 2005 and a final upswing to 80%. 2. In contrast, country B had far lower levels at 40% in both 2000 and 2010, with a small dip in between to just under 40%.

  1. Begin to write about some of the data. I chose to compare the low and high in this paragraph.
  2. Compare and be sure to include all data.

1. Country A had 37% of youngsters studying in university at the beginning of the period, trailing country C by approximately 13%. 2. Both countries underwent increases in 2005 (by 11 and 2%, respectively) before country A surged ahead to nearly 60% and country C’s growth stagnated at 53%.

  1. Describe the data for the other countries.
  2. Be sure that you are always comparing and you don’t miss out on any data.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

The bar chart details changes in the proportions of young people studying in higher education across 4 countries and at 3 intervals of 5 years from 2000 to 2010. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that, with the exception of country B where growth was flat, all countries experienced rises. Country D had the highest overall numbers throughout, while country A overtook country C and country B was generally lowest.

Looking first of all at the overall leader, country D, 60% of young people studied higher education in 2000 followed by a slight uptick to 65% in 2005 and a final upswing to 80%. In contrast, country B had far lower levels at 40% in both 2000 and 2010, with a small dip in between to just under 40%.

Country A had 37% of youngsters studying in university at the beginning of the period, trailing country C by approximately 13%. Both countries underwent increases in 2005 (by 11 and 2%, respectively) before country A surged ahead to nearly 60% and country C’s growth stagnated at 53%.

Answers

details describes

proportions percentages

higher education university

intervals periods

looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall

exception what is different

growth was flat stayed the same

throughout all during the period

while at the same time

overtook surpassed

generally lowest overall at the bottom

overall leader highest in general

slight uptick small increase

final upswing large increase

far lower levels not nearly as high

small dip tiny decrease

just under a little less than

beginning of the period at the start of the time surveyed

trailing behind

approximately around

underwent experienced

respectively in turn

surged ahead increasing past

nearly almost

growth stagnated stopped increasing

Pronunciation

ˈdiːteɪlz
prəˈpɔːʃənz 
ˈhaɪər ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən 
ˈɪntəvəlz 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt
ɪkˈsɛpʃən 
grəʊθ wɒz flæt
θru(ː)ˈaʊt
waɪl 
ˌəʊvəˈtʊk 
ˈʤɛnərəli ˈləʊɪst
ˈəʊvərɔːl ˈliːdə
slaɪt ʌptɪk 
ˈfaɪnl ˈʌpswɪŋ 
fɑː ˈləʊə ˈlɛvlz 
smɔːl dɪp 
ʤʌst ˈʌndə 
bɪˈgɪnɪŋ ɒv ðə ˈpɪərɪəd
ˈtreɪlɪŋ 
əˈprɒksɪmɪtli 
ˌʌndəˈwɛnt 
rɪsˈpɛktɪvli
sɜːʤd əˈhɛd 
ˈnɪəli 
grəʊθ stægˈneɪtɪd 

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

The bar chart d___________s changes in the p_______________s of young people studying in h___________________n across 4 countries and at 3 i__________s of 5 years from 2000 to 2010. L_____________________________________________________________________t, with the e___________n of country B where g______________t, all countries experienced rises. Country D had the highest overall numbers t____________t, w_________e country A o__________k country C and country B was g________________t.

Looking first of all at the o____________r, country D, 60% of young people studied higher education in 2000 followed by a s______________k to 65% in 2005 and a f______________g to 80%. In contrast, country B had f___________________s at 40% in both 2000 and 2010, with a s_____________p in between to j_____________r 40%.

Country A had 37% of youngsters studying in university at the b_____________________________d, t______________g country C by a___________________y 13%. Both countries u_______________t increases in 2005 (by 11 and 2%, r_______________y) before country A s______________________y 60% and country C’s g______________________d at 53%.

Listen and check:

Writing Practice

Write about the bar chart below then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Film as Art (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Film as Art (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of art from the real exam.

Art is a really common topic on IELTS and could come up on the listening, reading, writing, or speaking parts.

Read below to get some experience with this topic!

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: Film as Art (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

Many people believe that film is a less important art than other forms such as literature and painting.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

Film is often looked down on as a less important art form in comparison with more elevated mediums like painting and literature. In my opinion, though the blatant commercialisation of film often undermines its claim to be art at all, it is a clearly more important art form for the 21st century.

Those who would minimise the importance of film, can point out its primary purpose is to make money. This has become increasingly true in the last several decades as studios have assumed greater power. It used to be common for auteurs like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Robert Altman to make modestly budgeted films that earned decent returns. The advent of blockbuster films generally and superhero movies in particular makes it much harder for studios catering to their shareholders to justify anything other than tentpole franchises. The artistic merits of these big movies tend to be low as they are often made by committee and strive only for escapism and fan service.

However, film has clearly overtaken other forms of art in the popular imagination. Hundreds of years ago, composers, playwrights, novelists, and painters were held in higher esteem and their works were the centre of popular culture. Music and film have now displaced them. Someone who would have become a great writer in the 19th century, would now opt to make films as they can reach the greatest number of people and the medium is newer and more open to possibility. A good example of this would be a young filmmaker like P.T. Anderson who creates thoughtful, explorative works that also have a degree of mass appeal.

In conclusion, film as an art form is ascendant today. It is, however, still important for audiences to tune in to a wide breadth of genres in order to encourage the film industry to remain vibrant and innovative.

Analysis

1. Film is often looked down on as a less important art form in comparison with more elevated mediums like painting and literature. 2. In my opinion, though the blatant commercialisation of film often undermines its claim to be art at all, it is a clearly more important art form for the 21st century.

  1. Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
  2. Write your opinion – choose one side!

1. Those who would minimise the importance of film, can point out its primary purpose is to make money. 2. This has become increasingly true in the last several decades as studios have assumed greater power. 3. It used to be common for auteurs like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Robert Altman to make modestly budgeted films that earned decent returns. 4. The advent of blockbuster films generally and superhero movies in particular makes it much harder for studios catering to their shareholders to justify anything other than tentpole franchises. 5. The artistic merits of these big movies tend to be low as they are often made by committee and strive only for escapism and fan service.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a main idea at the end of the sentence.
  2. Begin developing or explaining your main idea.
  3. Use specific examples – real filmmakers or films.
  4. Develop your example – don’t run away from it.
  5. Conclude the paragraph with the results or draw conclusions.

1. However, film has clearly overtaken other forms of art in the popular imagination. 2. Hundreds of years ago, composers, playwrights, novelists, and painters were held in higher esteem and their works were the centre of popular culture. 3. Music and film have now displaced them. 4. Someone who would have become a great writer in the 19th century, would now opt to make films as they can reach the greatest number of people and the medium is newer and more open to possibility. 5. A good example of this would be a young filmmaker like P.T. Anderson who creates thoughtful, explorative works that also have a degree of mass appeal.

  1. Another topic sentence with a main idea for the other side.
  2. Explain or give background for your main idea.
  3. Vary long and short sentences.
  4. Here I use a hypothetical example.
  5. And I conclude the paragraph with a real example.

1. In conclusion, film as an art form is ascendant today. 2. It is, however, still important for audiences to tune in to a wide breadth of genres in order to encourage the film industry to remain vibrant and innovative.

  1. Repeat your opinion.
  2. Add in a final thought/extra detail.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Film is often looked down on as a less important art form in comparison with more elevated mediums like painting and literature. In my opinion, though the blatant commercialisation of film often undermines its claim to be art at all, it is a clearly more important art form for the 21st century.

Those who would minimise the importance of film, can point out its primary purpose is to make money. This has become increasingly true in the last several decades as studios have assumed greater power. It used to be common for auteurs like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Robert Altman to make modestly budgeted films that earned decent returns. The advent of blockbuster films generally and superhero movies in particular makes it much harder for studios catering to their shareholders to justify anything other than tentpole franchises. The artistic merits of these big movies tend to be low as they are often made by committee and strive only for escapism and fan service.

However, film has clearly overtaken other forms of art in the popular imagination. Hundreds of years ago, composers, playwrights, novelists, and painters were held in higher esteem and their works were the centre of popular culture. Music and film have now displaced them. Someone who would have become a great writer in the 19th century, would now opt to make films as they can reach the greatest number of people and the medium is newer and more open to possibility. A good example of this would be a young filmmaker like P.T. Anderson who creates thoughtful, explorative works that also have a degree of mass appeal.

In conclusion, film as an art form is ascendant today. It is, however, still important for audiences to tune in to a wide breadth of genres in order to encourage the film industry to remain vibrant and innovative.

Answers

looked down on deride

in comparison with compared to / in contrast with

elevated mediums more well-regarded forms

blatant commercialisation obviously just for money

undermines hurts

claim contention

art form kind of art

minimise make lesser

point out argue

primary purpose main reason

increasingly true more and more the case

assumed greater power become more powerful

auteurs skilled professionals

modestly budgeted films movies made for little money

earned decent returns made enough money

advent of blockbuster films generally beginning of big movies overall

in particular specifically

catering aimed at

shareholders investors in a company

justify give a reason for

tentpole franchises big-name movies

artistic merits not simply for money

tends to be low not usually high

made by committee many people’s voices

strive try

escapism pure entertainment

fan service just looking to appease fans

overtaken overcome by

popular imagination what captivates most people

composers people who write classical music

playwrights writers of plays

novelists writers of novels/books

held in higher esteem held in high regard

centre of popular culture culturally relevant

displaced taken over by

opt choose

medium form

open to possibility lots can happen

thoughtful carefully considere

explorative works experimental films

a degree of mass appeal some popularity

ascendant in power

tune in watch

wide breadth of genres lots of types of movies

remain vibrant still be alive

innovative pushing the envelope

Pronunciation

lʊkt daʊn ɒn 
ɪn kəmˈpærɪsn wɪð 
ˈɛlɪveɪtɪd ˈmiːdiəmz 
ˈbleɪtənt kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n 
ˌʌndəˈmaɪnz 
kleɪm 
ɑːt fɔːm 
ˈmɪnɪmaɪz 
pɔɪnt aʊt 
ˈpraɪməri ˈpɜːpəs 
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli truː 
əˈsjuːmd ˈgreɪtə ˈpaʊə
ɒd ˈæmətə(ː)z
ˈmɒdɪstli ˈbʌʤɪtɪd fɪlmz 
ɜːnd ˈdiːsnt rɪˈtɜːnz
ˈædvənt ɒv ˈblɒkˌbʌstə fɪlmz ˈʤɛnərəli 
ɪn pəˈtɪkjʊlə 
ˈkeɪtərɪŋ 
ˈʃeəˌhəʊldəz 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪ 
tɛnt pəʊl ˈfrænʧaɪzɪz
ɑːˈtɪstɪk ˈmɛrɪts 
tɛndz tuː biː ləʊ 
meɪd baɪ kəˈmɪti 
straɪv 
ɪsˈkeɪpɪzm 
fæn ˈsɜːvɪs
ˌəʊvəˈteɪkən 
ˈpɒpjʊlər ɪˌmæʤɪˈneɪʃən
kəmˈpəʊzəz
ˈpleɪraɪts
ˈnɒvəlɪsts
hɛld ɪn ˈhaɪər ɪsˈtiːm 
ˈsɛntər ɒv ˈpɒpjʊlə ˈkʌlʧə
dɪsˈpleɪst 
ɒpt 
ˈmiːdiəm 
ˈəʊpən tuː ˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪti
θɔːtfʊl
ɛksˈplɔːrətɪv wɜːks 
ə dɪˈgriː ɒv mæs əˈpiːl
əˈsɛndənt 
tjuːn ɪn 
waɪd brɛdθ ɒv ˈ(d)ʒɑːŋrəz 
rɪˈmeɪn ˈvaɪbrənt 
ɪnˈnɒvətɪv

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Film is often l__________________n as a less important art form i_____________________h more e____________________s like painting and literature. In my opinion, though the b_______________________n of film often u____________________s its c_______m to be art at all, it is a clearly more important a_____________m for the 21st century.

Those who would m_______________e the importance of film, can p__________t its p____________________e is to make money. This has become i________________e in the last several decades as studios have a______________________r. It used to be common for a_________s like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Robert Altman to make m___________________________s that e________________________s. The a_____________________________________y and superhero movies i__________________r makes it much harder for studios c_____________g to their s____________________s to j___________y anything other than t_____________________s. The a__________________s of these big movies t_______________________w as they are often m_______________________e and s________e only for e_____________m and f_______________e.

However, film has clearly o___________n other forms of art in the p____________________n. Hundreds of years ago, c__________________s, p______________s, n______________s, and painters were h______________________m and their works were the c_______________________e. Music and film have now d____________d them. Someone who would have become a great writer in the 19th century, would now o____t to make films as they can reach the greatest number of people and the m__________m is newer and more o_______________________y. A good example of this would be a young filmmaker like P.T. Anderson who creates t__________________l, e________________________s that also have a_________________________l.

In conclusion, film as an art form is a______________t today. It is, however, still important for audiences to t__________n to a w_______________________s in order to encourage the film industry to r__________________t and i_______________e.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Learn more about P.T. Anderson here:

Reading Practice

Read more about film on The Atlantic here:

https://www.theatlantic.com/category/film/

Speaking Practice

Answer the questions from the real IELTS speaking exam below:

Film/Movie Star

  1. Who is your favourite film star?
  2. Would you like to be a film star?
  3. Have you ever met a film star in person?
  4. Are film stars popular in your country?

Writing Practice

Write about a similar art topic below and then check with my sample answer:

The number of people who are interested in and wearing fashionable clothes is increasing.

Is this a positive or negative development?

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training  Sample Answer Essay: Part-Time Jobs (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Part-Time Jobs (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of part-time or hourly paid jobs from the real exam.

In the U.S.A., people typically say part-time work and in the U.K., hourly paid.

Employment is a really common topic on IELTS so reading this answer will help prepare you for similar questions on the real exam.

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: Part-Time Jobs (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

In many countries, teenagers are encouraged to find part-time jobs. Some think this is a good development while others disagree.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

Some believe that teenagers ought to take part in hourly paid work while others feel this is not a good idea. In my opinion, though this can be an added burden for teenagers, it offers a host of benefits related to life experience.

Opponents of part-time work for teenagers seize on the mental repercussions of stress. Teenagers already deal with so many life problems ranging from the chemical changes inherent in puberty to social stress to academic pressure. There are countries such as South Korea and Japan where the academic workload rarely allows for recreation time, let alone paid work. Adding in a job and its encumbent concerns can only worsen a teenager’s mental health and, in the most extreme cases, lead to depression and nervous breakdowns. Even students not affected as deeply are sure to be less happy due to stress.

Regardless, working is a maturing experience. Work continues and hastens the lifelong process of negotiating one’s own priorities against the expectations of others. Most high schoolers start with a low-paying part-time position and that may educate them about the importance of having a good education. They are also likely to begin developing the qualities that will serve them well in a variety of future workplaces including teamwork skills, organisation, and perseverance. The experience will also give them a window into an industry and help them make more informed choices for their future career.

In conclusion, though work can take a toll on mental well-being it is a positive, overall maturing experience. Teenagers should try a variety of jobs in order to have a clear overview of possible working environments.

Analysis

1. Some believe that teenagers ought to take part in hourly paid work while others feel this is not a good idea. 2. In my opinion, though this can be an added burden for teenagers, it offers a host of benefits related to life experience.

  1. Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
  2. Write your opinion – be clear!

1. Opponents of part-time work for teenagers seize on the mental repercussions of stress. 2. Teenagers already deal with so many life problems ranging from the chemical changes inherent in puberty to social stress to academic pressure. 3. There are countries such as South Korea and Japan where the academic workload rarely allows for recreation time, let alone paid work. 4. Adding in a job and its encumbent concerns can only worsen a teenager’s mental health and, in the most extreme cases, lead to depression and nervous breakdowns. 5. Even students not affected as deeply are sure to be less happy due to stress.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a single, clear main idea at the end.
  2. Begin to develop your main idea with specific ideas.
  3. Be as specific as possible – use real countries!
  4. Develop your specific examples.
  5. State the final result to conclude the paragraph.

1. Regardless, working is a maturing experience. 2. Work continues and hastens the lifelong process of negotiating one’s own priorities against the expectations of others. 3. Most high schoolers start with a low-paying part-time position and that may educate them about the importance of having a good education. 4. They are also likely to begin developing the qualities that will serve them well in a variety of future workplaces including teamwork skills, organisation, and perseverance. 5. The experience will also give them a window into an industry and help them make more informed choices for their future career.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. My example here is hypothetical.
  4. Develop the example.
  5. Finish developing your main idea.

1. In conclusion, though work can take a toll on mental well-being it is a positive, overall maturing experience. 2. Teenagers should try a variety of jobs in order to have a clear overview of possible working environments.

  1. Repeat your opinion.
  2. Add in a final thought at the end.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Some believe that teenagers ought to take part in hourly paid work while others feel this is not a good idea. In my opinion, though this can be an added burden for teenagers, it offers a host of benefits related to life experience.

Opponents of part-time work for teenagers seize on the mental repercussions of stress. Teenagers already deal with so many life problems ranging from the chemical changes inherent in puberty to social stress to academic pressure. There are countries such as South Korea and Japan where the academic workload rarely allows for recreation time, let alone paid work. Adding in a job and its encumbent concerns can only worsen a teenager’s mental health and, in the most extreme cases, lead to depression and nervous breakdowns. Even students not affected as deeply are sure to be less happy due to stress.

Regardless, working is a maturing experience. Work continues and hastens the lifelong process of negotiating one’s own priorities against the expectations of others. Most high schoolers start with a low-paying part-time position and that may educate them about the importance of having a good education. They are also likely to begin developing the qualities that will serve them well in a variety of future workplaces including teamwork skills, organisation, and perseverance. The experience will also give them a window into an industry and help them make more informed choices for their future career.

In conclusion, though work can take a toll on mental well-being it is a positive, overall maturing experience. Teenagers should try a variety of jobs in order to have a clear overview of possible working environments.

Answers

take part in do

added burden more pressure

host of benefits many advantages

part-time work hourly paid jobs

seize on point out

mental repercussions psychological effects

deal with handle

ranging from including

chemical changes inherent in puberty body changing as you become a teenager

social stress social anxiety

academic pressure stress to get good grades

academic workload amount of schoolwork you have

recreation time free time

let alone paid work not mentioning a real job

adding in also including

encumbent concerns related worries

worsen become bad

in the most extreme cases rare situations

nervous breakdowns losing your mind for a bit

deeply not superficially

regardless nonetheless

maturing experience makes you more of an adult

hastens speeds up

lifelong process over the course of your life

negotiating one’s own priorities bargaining your interests

expectations of others the interests of other people

low-paying part-time position menial work

importance of having a good education why you should get a degree

serve them well helps them later

future workplaces where you might work later

teamwork skills working together in a group

organisation keeping things in order

perseverance trying hard

give them a window into show them

industry economic sector

informed choices good decisions

future career what you will do for work later in life

take a toll on mental well-being psychological problems

clear overview good idea of

possible working environments potential jobs

Pronunciation

teɪk pɑːt ɪn 
ˈædɪd ˈbɜːdn 
həʊst ɒv ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
pɑːt-taɪm wɜːk 
siːz ɒn 
ˈmɛntl ˌriːpɜːˈkʌʃənz 
diːl wɪð 
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
ˈkɛmɪkəl ˈʧeɪnʤɪz ɪnˈhɪərənt ɪn ˈpjuːbəti 
ˈsəʊʃəl strɛs 
ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ˈprɛʃə
ˌækəˈdɛmɪk ˈwɜːkˌləʊd 
ˌriːkrɪˈeɪʃən taɪm
lɛt əˈləʊn peɪd wɜːk
ˈædɪŋ ɪn 
ˈɛnkʌmbɛnt kənˈsɜːnz 
ˈwɜːsn 
ɪn ðə məʊst ɪksˈtriːm ˈkeɪsɪz
ˈnɜːvəs ˈbreɪkˌdaʊnz
ˈdiːpli 
rɪˈgɑːdlɪs
məˈtjʊərɪŋ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns
ˈheɪsnz 
ˈlaɪflɒŋ ˈprəʊsɛs 
nɪˈgəʊʃɪeɪtɪŋ wʌnz əʊn praɪˈɒrɪtiz 
ˌɛkspɛkˈteɪʃənz ɒv ˈʌðəz
ləʊ-ˈpeɪɪŋ pɑːt-taɪm pəˈzɪʃən 
ɪmˈpɔːtəns ɒv ˈhævɪŋ ə gʊd ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən
sɜːv ðɛm wɛl 
ˈfjuːʧə ˈwɜːkˌpleɪsɪz 
ˈtiːmwɜːk skɪlz
ˌɔːgənaɪˈzeɪʃən
ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns
gɪv ðɛm ə ˈwɪndəʊ ˈɪntuː 
ˈɪndəstri 
ɪnˈfɔːmd ˈʧɔɪsɪz 
ˈfjuːʧə kəˈrɪə
teɪk ə təʊl ɒn ˈmɛntl wɛl-ˈbiːɪŋ 
klɪər ˈəʊvəvjuː 
ˈpɒsəbl ˈwɜːkɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪərənmənts

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Some believe that teenagers ought to t______________n hourly paid work while others feel this is not a good idea. In my opinion, though this can be an a________________n for teenagers, it offers a h_________________s related to life experience.

Opponents of p_________________k for teenagers s_________n the m____________________s of stress. Teenagers already d__________h so many life problems r____________m the c___________________________________y to s_______________s to a_________________________e. There are countries such as South Korea and Japan where the a__________________d rarely allows for r___________________e, l______________________k. A________________n a job and its e____________________s can only w_____________n a teenager’s mental health and, i______________________________s, lead to depression and n__________________________s. Even students not affected as d____________y are sure to be less happy due to stress.

R_____________s, working is a m_________________e. Work continues and h_____________s the l_______________s of n____________________________s against the e________________________s. Most high schoolers start with a l_____________________________n and that may educate them about the i_________________________________________n. They are also likely to begin developing the qualities that will s______________l in a variety of f_____________________________s including t_____________________s, o__________________n, and p_________________e. The experience will also g_________________________o an i_____________y and help them make more i_____________________s for their f__________________r.

In conclusion, though work can t___________________________________g it is a positive, overall maturing experience. Teenagers should try a variety of jobs in order to have a c_______________w of p_________________________________s.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch a Ted Talk on this subject below:

Reading Practice

Read from The New York Times on this subject:

https://www.southernphone.com.au/Blog/2018/Apr/part-time-jobs-for-teenagers-complete-guide

Speaking Practice

Answer the questions from the real speaking booklet below:

Work

Why did you choose your job?

How much work do you do in a week?

Do you have to work on weekends as well?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related question below then read my sample answer:

Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test