This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of live performances for the real past IELTS exam.
The topic is really common so this can really help you if there is a similar question on your 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: Live Performances (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Watching a live performance such as a play, concert, or sporting event is more enjoyable than watching the same event on television.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Many believe that watching live entertainment is better than watching it on television. In my opinion, though the experience of attending a performance in person can be exhilarating, television provides the best viewing experience these days.
Live performances are unique. A good example of this would be in the sporting world. Most would jump at the chance to watch the greats of the game like Messi, Federer and Lebron ply their craft by attending one of their matches in person. The recorded versions of those events will last forever but there is a limited window to catch them in person. Experiencing the best players live highlights the speed, precision, and high-level talent required to dominate other professional athletes. This indelible memory of seeing a genius performing in person also applies to varying degrees for concerts, plays, and speeches.
Nonetheless, advances in broadcasting have elevated the home-viewing experience above the live version. The advent of HD televisions in the last two decades and the expansion of channels are the principle causes. These days, an individual watching a basketball game can hear play-by-play and colour commentary, see close-ups of the players, follow the action from the ideal view, and enjoy all this within the comforts of their own home. The memory may be less distinct but the experience itself is more enjoyable. This collective shift away from most major live events and towards home entertainment is evidenced in lower attendance numbers and ticket prices.
In conclusion, the best way to watch a live event is on television. There may be certain exceptions depending on the kind of event and how often it occurs but this holds true for most live performances.
Analysis
1. Many believe that watching live entertainment is better than watching it on television. 2. In my opinion, though the experience of attending a performance in person can be exhilarating, television provides the best viewing experience these days.
Your first sentence should paraphrase the overall idea for the whole essay.
The second sentence should be your opinion. You don’t have to include your main ideas yet (though you can, like I did).
1. Live performances are unique. 2. A good example of this would be in the sporting world. 3. Most would jump at the chance to watch the greats of the game like Messi, Federer and Lebron ply their craft by attending one of their matches in person. 4. The recorded versions of those events will last forever but there is a limited window to catch them in person. 5. Experiencing the best players live highlights the speed, precision, and high-level talent required to dominate other professional athletes. 6. This indelible memory of seeing a genius performing in person also applies to varying degrees for concerts, plays, and speeches.
Keep developing it with specific details – notice the real athletes I include.
Talk about the result/implication of your example.
Continue developing the same main idea.
Here I generalise it to examples beyond sports.
1. Nonetheless, advances in broadcasting have elevated the home-viewing experience above the live version. 2. The advent of HD televisions in the last two decades and the expansion of channels are the principle causes. 3. These days, an individual watching a basketball game can hear play-by-play and colour commentary, see close-ups of the players, follow the action from the ideal view, and enjoy all this within the comforts of their own home. 4. The memory may be less distinct but the experience itself is more enjoyable. 5. This collective shift away from most major live events and towards home entertainment is evidenced in lower attendance numbers and ticket prices.
Another topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Beging developing your main idea.
The more specific details, the better!
Draw conclusions based on your example.
Conclude your paragraph with more support.
1. In conclusion, the best way to watch a live event is on television. 2. There may be certain exceptions depending on the kind of event and how often it occurs but this holds true for most live performances.
Repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought at the end.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many believe that watching live entertainment is better than watching it on television. In my opinion, though the experience of attending a performance in person can be exhilarating, television provides the best viewing experience these days.
Live performances are unique. A good example of this would be in the sporting world. Most would jump at the chance to watch the greats of the game like Messi, Federer and Lebron ply their craft by attending one of their matches in person. The recorded versions of those events will last forever but there is a limited window to catch them in person. Experiencing the best players live highlights the speed, precision, and high-level talent required to dominate other professional athletes. This indelible memory of seeing a genius performing in person also applies to varying degrees for concerts, plays, and speeches.
Nonetheless, advances in broadcasting have elevated the home-viewing experience above the live version. The advent of HD televisions in the last two decades and the expansion of channels are the principle causes. These days, an individual watching a basketball game can hear play-by-play and colour commentary, see close-ups of the players, follow the action from the ideal view, and enjoy all this within the comforts of their own home. The memory may be less distinct but the experience itself is more enjoyable. This collective shift away from most major live events and towards home entertainment is evidenced in lower attendance numbers and ticket prices.
In conclusion, the best way to watch a live event is on television. There may be certain exceptions depending on the kind of event and how often it occurs but this holds true for most live performances.
Answers
live entertainment real time shows
attending going to
in person in real life
exhilarating exciting
best viewing experience these days better for watching nowadays
unique special
the sporting world sports
jump at the chance to eager to
greats of the game best players
ply their craft play
recorded versions taped broadcasts
limited window to catch them in person not much time to see them in real life
highlights best plays from a game
precision exactness
dominate be better than
indelible memory unforgettable experience
applies holds true for
varying degrees depends
nonetheless regardless
broadcasting showing
elevated rising above
home-viewing experience watching at home
advent beginning
HD televisions high definition TVs
last two decades last 20 years
expansion getting larger
principle causes main reasons for
play-by-play what is happening in a game
colour commentary anaylsis of a game
close-ups see the players up close on screen
follow the action from the ideal view see if from the best vantage point
within the comforts of their own home conveniently at home
Many believe that watching l________________________t is better than watching it on television. In my opinion, though the experience of a______________g a performance i______________n can be e____________g, television provides the b_____________________________________s.
Live performances are u__________e. A good example of this would be in t________________________________d. Most would j_________________________o watch the g________________________e like Messi, Federer and Lebron p__________________________t by attending one of their matches in person. The r___________________s of those events will last forever but there is a l___________________________________n. Experiencing the best players live h______________________s the speed, p______________n, and high-level talent required to d____________________e other professional athletes. This i_____________________y of seeing a genius performing in person also a________________s to v_______________s for concerts, plays, and speeches.
N________________s, advances in b__________________g have e___________d the h_______________________________e above the live version. The a_________t of H_______________________s in the l________________s and the e_____________n of channels are the p__________________s. These days, an individual watching a basketball game can hear p___________________y and c_____________________y, see c_______________s of the players, f____________________________________w, and enjoy all this w_____________________________________e. The memory may be l_______________t but the experience itself is more enjoyable. This c________________________________m most major live events and towards home entertainment is e____________________d in lower attendance numbers and ticket prices.
In conclusion, the best way to watch a live event is on television. There may be c_____________________s depending on the kind of event and how often it occurs but this h______________e for most live performances.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Take a look at this guy’s home entertainment system!
Reading Practice
Here is an example of how Coronavirus has impacted live performances:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of mobile phones and social interaction 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!
Before reading it, take a minute to listen to the audio and take notes:
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Mobile Phones and Social Interaction (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Recent IELTS Exam/Test
Many today are of the belief that smartphones are injurious to social interaction. In my opinion, while smartphones can isolate individuals, their creative potential for communication overshadows this downside.
Those who argue against smartphones are typically wary of isolation. In the era before smartphones, it was more common for people to meet up at large social gatherings or see each other in person. This still happens today but it is less common because smartphones allow individuals to communicate and stay connected with their friends in the privacy of their own homes. It is entirely possible for a person today to stay home and completely eschew in person social interaction. Cases of these shut-ins have increased due to smartphones and this is also reflected in the number of services like Netflix and YouTube that cater to isolated consumers.
However, proponents of smartphones can rightly point out their functionality. This is evidenced daily in messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WeChat. It is easy to set up group chats to message, share links, gifs and video for co-workers, family, old classmates, and various subsets of friends. This type of instant, infinitely flexible communication was impossible in the past and the ability to share images and video allows people to be more creative and banter in new ways. Far from destroying social interaction, smartphones have expanded its scope, accessibility, and convenience.
In conclusion, smartphones are not destroying social interactions; they are helping it, in general. It is important to be mindful of both the drawbacks and the new possibilities for communication opening up due to advances in technology.
Analysis
1. Many today are of the belief that smartphones are injurious to social interaction. 2. In my opinion, while smartphones can isolate individuals, their creative potential for communication overshadows this downside.
In your first sentence, paraphrase the topic for the whole essay.
Then write a clear opinion.
1. Those who argue against smartphones are typically wary of isolation. 2. In the era before smartphones, it was more common for people to meet up at large social gatherings or see each other in person. 3. This still happens today but it is less common because smartphones allow individuals to communicate and stay connected with their friends in the privacy of their own homes. 4. It is entirely possible for a person today to stay home and completely eschew in person social interaction. 5. Cases of these shut-ins have increased due to smartphones and this is also reflected in the number of services like Netflix and YouTube that cater to isolated consumers.
Write a topic sentence with your first main reason at the end of it.
Start developing or explaining your main idea.
Continue to develop the same main idea.
Here I include a hypothetical example to further support my idea.
Finally, I reference research and specific examples to finish supporting my main idea.
1. However, proponents of smartphones can rightly point out their functionality. 2. This is evidenced daily in messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WeChat. 3. It is easy to set up group chats to message, share links, gifs and video for co-workers, family, old classmates, and various subsets of friends. 4. This type of instant, infinitely flexible communication was impossible in the past and the ability to share images and video allows people to be more creative and banter in new ways. 5. Far from destroying social interaction, smartphones have expanded its scope, accessibility, and convenience.
Write another topic sentence with another clear main idea at the end of it.
Use specific examples to support your main idea!
Develop the example with supporting ideas.
Keep developing it by talking about the results.
Conclude your paragraph by tying it back to the overall essay topic.
1. In conclusion, smartphones are not destroying social interactions; they are helping it, in general. 2. It is important to be mindful of both the drawbacks and the new possibilities for communication opening up due to advances in technology.
Repeat your opinion.
Include a final thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many today are of the belief that smartphones are injurious to social interaction. In my opinion, while smartphones can isolate individuals, their creative potential for communication overshadows this downside.
Those who argue against smartphones are typically wary of isolation. In the era before smartphones, it was more common for people to meet up at large social gatherings or see each other in person. This still happens today but it is less common because smartphones allow individuals to communicate and stay connected with their friends in the privacy of their own homes. It is entirely possible for a person today to stay home and completely eschew in person social interaction. Cases of these shut-ins have increased due to smartphones and this is also reflected in the number of services like Netflix and YouTube that cater to isolated consumers.
However, proponents of smartphones can rightly point out their functionality. This is evidenced daily in messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WeChat. It is easy to set up group chats to message, share links, gifs and video for co-workers, family, old classmates, and various subsets of friends. This type of instant, infinitely flexible communication was impossible in the past and the ability to share images and video allows people to be more creative and banter in new ways. Far from destroying social interaction, smartphones have expanded its scope, accessibility, and convenience.
In conclusion, smartphones are not destroying social interactions; they are helping it, in general. It is important to be mindful of both the drawbacks and the new possibilities for communication opening up due to advances in technology.
Answers
of the belief
injurious
social interaction
isolate
creative potential
overshadows
downside
argue against
typically wary
era
meet up
large social gatherings
in person
stay connected
in the privacy of their own homes
entirely possible
eschew
cases of these shut-ins
reflected
cater to
proponents
rightly point out
functionality
evidenced daily
set up group chats
gifs
various subsets of friends
instant, infinitely flexible communication
impossible
share images
banter
Far from
expanded its scope, accessibility, and convenience
Many today are o______________f that smartphones are i___________s to s__________________n. In my opinion, while smartphones can i________e individuals, their c_________________l for communication o____________s this d___________e.
Those who a_____________t smartphones are t_______________y of isolation. In the e___a before smartphones, it was more common for people to m_________p at l_________________________s or see each other i_____________n. This still happens today but it is less common because smartphones allow individuals to communicate and s_________________d with their friends i______________________________________________s. It is e____________________e for a person today to stay home and completely e__________w in person social interaction. C__________________________s have increased due to smartphones and this is also r_______________d in the number of services like Netflix and YouTube that c_________o isolated consumers.
However, p_____________s of smartphones can r______________t their f_______________y. This is e_____________________y in messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WeChat. It is easy to s_______________________s to message, share links, g_______s and video for co-workers, family, old classmates, and v______________________s. This type of i___________t, i_____________________________n was i______________e in the past and the ability to s_________________s and video allows people to be more creative and b_____________r in new ways. F__________m destroying social interaction, smartphones have e_______________________e, a________________y, and c___________________e.
In conclusion, smartphones are not destroying social interactions; they are helping it, i______________l. It is important to b_______________l of both the drawbacks and the new possibilities for communication o______________p due to advances in technology.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Learn more about how your cell phone is changing you below:
Reading Practice
Read here about breaking your smartphone addiction:
Nah, if you’re talking about going for a jog or getting on a treadmill. I can’t stand it and I don’t think it’s worth the alleged health benefits. Whenever I feel like exercising, I just lie down and wait for the feeling to pass. I was so happy to hear that it’s bad for your joints because that gave me an excuse not to ever try going for another run and wiped away any health-related guilt I might’ve felt.
2. When was the last time you went for a long run?
I remember pretty well the last time I went for a run, long as I haven’t forgotten any times since then… I was about 22 so must’ve been more than a decade ago. I was dating a girl who was an avid runner – cross country and everything – and I was a good athlete but not a runner. I wanted to show off and thought I could handle it without any training beforehand – I thought I’d be way faster no matter how far we ran. But it was a rude awakening – I gave up halfway through and the experience scarred me enough to put me off running forever.
3. Do you enjoy watching running competitions on TV?
I guess you mean the marathon and Olympic track and field… I’ve never watched the full telecast of the marathon – I doubt anyone has – I’ve only seen highlights on the news of the runners crossing the finish line. I have watched some track and field at the Olympics – the first time Usain Bolt won gold but I haven’t caught any of the last 2 Olympics.
4. Is your neighborhood a good place for running around?
Yes, it’s ideal in a lot of ways. I come from a small suburb – the roads are pretty empty most of the time so you can run in the street or on the sidewalk. There are a lot of little forests nearby with running trails and a big lake. I never availed myself of the opportunity to go for a run because for me a run is a run – even in a paradise, it’s still exercise.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Nah, if you’re talking about going for a jog or getting on a treadmill. I can’t stand it and I don’t think it’s worth the alleged health benefits. Whenever I feel like exercising, I just lie down and wait for the feeling to pass. I was so happy to hear that it’s bad for your joints because that gave me an excuse not to ever try going for another run and wiped away any health-related guilt I might’ve felt.
I remember pretty well the last time I went for a run, long as I haven’t forgotten any times since then… I was about 22 so must’ve been more than a decade ago. I was dating a girl who was an avid runner – cross country and everything – and I was a good athlete but not a runner. I wanted to show off and thought I could handle it without any training beforehand – I thought I’d be way faster no matter how far we ran. But it was a rude awakening – I gave up halfway through and the experience scarred me enough to put me off running forever.
I guess you mean the marathon and Olympic track and field… I’ve never watched the full telecast of the marathon – I doubt anyone has – I’ve only seen highlights on the news of the runners crossing the finish line. I have watched some track and field at the Olympics – the first time Usain Bolt won gold but I haven’t caught any of the last 2 Olympics.
Yes, it’s ideal in a lot of ways. I come from a small suburb – the roads are pretty empty most of the time so you can run in the street or on the sidewalk. There are a lot of little forests nearby with running trails and a big lake. I never availed myself of the opportunity to go for a run because for me a run is a run – even in a paradise, it’s still exercise.
Answers
Nah no
talking about referring to
jog run
treadmill machine for running at the gym
can’t stand it hate it
worth valuable for
alleged health benefits supposedly good for your health
pass go away
happy to hear glad to find out
joints connecting your bones/ligaments
excuse justification
wiped away gotten rid of
health-related guilt feel bad due to health
long as short for ‘as long as’ meaning if I haven’t
times time period
decade 10 years
avid enthusiastic
cross country long distance running
athlete person who plays sports
show off brag about
handle it deal with well
beforehand prior to
way faster much quicker
rude awakening surprised
gave up halfway through quit in the middle
scarred traumatic
put me off made me dislike
marathon 23 mile run
Olympic track and field running events at the Olympics
N__h, if you’re t________________t going for a j__g or getting on a t___________l. I c_____________t and I don’t think it’s w______h the a______________________s. Whenever I feel like exercising, I just lie down and wait for the feeling to p____s. I was so h_______________r that it’s bad for your j________s because that gave me an e________e not to ever try going for another run and w______________y any h_______________t I might’ve felt.
I remember pretty well the last time I went for a run, l__________s I haven’t forgotten any t______s since then… I was about 22 so must’ve been more than a d__________e ago. I was dating a girl who was an a_____d runner – c________________y and everything – and I was a good a__________e but not a runner. I wanted to s_________f and thought I could h__________t without any training b___________d – I thought I’d be w____________r no matter how far we ran. But it was a r_______________g – I g________________________h and the experience s__________d me enough to p____________f running forever.
I guess you mean the m_____________n and O______________________d… I’ve never watched the full t____________t of the marathon – I d_______t anyone has – I’ve only seen h___________s on the news of the runners c______________________e. I have watched some track and field at the Olympics – the first time Usain Bolt won gold but I haven’t c__________t any of the last 2 Olympics.
Yes, it’s i_______l in a lot of ways. I come from a small s__________b – the roads are pretty empty most of the time so you can run in the street or on the sidewalk. There are a lot of little forests nearby with r______________s and a big lake. I never a_______________f of the opportunity to go for a run because for me a run is a run – even in a p_______________e, it’s still exercise.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch the video below to learn a bit more about jogging:
Reading Practice
Read more about the health benefits of jogging here – just don’t go for an actual jog!
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of moving to a new house from real IELTS exam.
It is a letter to a friend so you’ll notice that the level of formality is very low.
You don’t have to write it this informal, but it shouldn’t be as formal as a letter to a company or your boss.
Read it all below!
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
Before reading, listen to the audio and take notes to improve your listening skills:
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Letter: Moving to a New House (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Write a letter to a friend who just moved into a new house that you are sending a gift to. Include
What the gift is
Why you chose it
How it will be delivered
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Hey buddy,
Heard you’re moving house and I wanted to send you a gift. When you open it, you might not recognise it exactly. That’s because it is a very special kind of seed that I got when I was travelling in India a few months back. It will grow a tree that you can’t normally find here in the states. Don’t remember the exact name of it, to be honest.
I got it for you because I know you’re not that into nature and I thought this would spur you on. I guarantee no one in your neighborhood will have a tree like this. If we can trust the guy I bought them from, it’ll also grow some kind of tropical fruit so you’ve got that to look forward to as well.
I couldn’t enclose it in this letter because I was afraid it might get damaged in transit. It will arrive sometime in the next week in a box marked fragile from FedEx. Keep an eye out so no one snatches it if they leave it on your doorstep.
Looking out for you!
Dave
Analysis
1. Hey buddy,
2. Heard you’re moving house and I wanted to send you a gift. 3. When you open it, you might not recognise it exactly. 4. That’s because it is a very special kind of seed that I got when I was travelling in India a few months back. 5. It will grow a tree that you can’t normally find here in the states. 6. Don’t remember the exact name of it, to be honest.
Write ‘hi’ or ‘hey’ or even ‘dear’ for an informal letter.
Mention why you are writing.
Begin to cover the first point – what it is.
Include a few sentences to cover theis point.
Keep talking about the first point.
Conclude the paragraph when you’ve finished the first point.
1. I got it for you because I know you’re not that into nature and I thought this would spur you on. 2. I guarantee no one in your neighborhood will have a tree like this. 3. If we can trust the guy I bought them from, it’ll also grow some kind of tropical fruit so you’ve got that to look forward to as well.
Start writing about the second point.
Include 2 – 3 sentences about the second paragraph.
Finish the paragraph when the second point is done.
1. I couldn’t enclose it in this letter because I was afraid it might get damaged in transit. 2. It will arrive sometime in the next week in a box marked fragile from FedEx. 3. Keep an eye out so no one snatches it if they leave it on your doorstep.
4. Looking out for you!
5. Dave
Start writing about the 3rd point.
Again, include 2 – 3 sentences about the 3rd point.
Conclude the paragraph.
Write sincerely or best or regards or the informal phrase that I use!
Write your name at the end.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold mean?
Hey buddy,
Heard you’re moving house and I wanted to send you a gift. When you open it, you might not recognise it exactly. That’s because it is a very special kind of seed that I got when I was travelling in India a few months back. It will grow a tree that you can’t normally find here in the states. Don’t remember the exact name of it, to be honest.
I got it for you because I know you’re not that into nature and I thought this would spur you on. I guarantee no one in your neighborhood will have a tree like this. If we can trust the guy I bought them from, it’ll also grow some kind of tropical fruit so you’ve got that to look forward to as well.
I couldn’t enclose it in this letter because I was afraid it might get damaged in transit. It will arrive sometime in the next week in a box marked fragile from FedEx. Keep an eye out so no one snatches it if they leave it on your doorstep.
Looking out for you!
Dave
Answers
buddy friend/pal
heard found out
moving house moving to a new place
recognise know
exactly precisely
seed for growing a plant/tree
a few months back 3 months ago (or so)
normally typically
to be honest frankly
not that into nature doesn’t enjoy the outside world
spur you on encourage you
guarantee promise
trust believe in
tropical fruit fruit from an exotic country
you’ve got that to look forward to that’s something to hope for
enclose included
get damaged in transit get hurt when being transported
box marked fragile handle with care package
keep an eye out look for
snatches takes
doorstep front door
looking out for you thinking of your best interests
H_________d you’re m_____________e and I wanted to send you a gift. When you open it, you might not r____________e it e_________y. That’s because it is a very special kind of s_______d that I got when I was travelling in India a____________________k. It will grow a tree that you can’t n____________y find here in the states. Don’t remember the exact name of it, t________________t.
I got it for you because I know you’re n__________________e and I thought this would s_________________n. I g__________________e no one in your neighborhood will have a tree like this. If we can t_________t the guy I bought them from, it’ll also grow some kind of t_____________t so y________________________________o as well.
I couldn’t e___________e it in this letter because I was afraid it might g____________________________t. It will arrive sometime in the next week in a b______________________e from FedEx. K__________________t so no one s___________s it if they leave it on your d____________p.
L_________________________u!
Dave
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch the video below to learn more about moving house:
Throughout history, male leaders have led us into violence and conflict. If a society is governed by female leaders it will be more peaceful.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Many are of the opinion the male inclination towards violence is the root of many international conflicts and societies ruled by women might be more peaceful. In my opinion, this is likely true.
The reason that some oppose this seemingly sexist viewpoint is based on past examples of female leaders. The sample size is much smaller but leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elisabeth I, Joan d’Arc and countless others have started, maintained, and escalated violent conflicts. There are very few examples of peaceful female leaders and those that exist can be matched proportionally with male leaders. The claim that women are more peaceful is not supported by historical evidence. A major caveat is that these are the exceptions and women rulers have held power in a world otherwise dominated by male hierarchy. It is impossible to know how peaceful the world would be if women held the majority of powerful positions.
Furthermore, men are naturally predisposed towards aggression. This stems from both biology and society. Men produce more testosterone than women and this has been shown to increase aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour. Men can curb this instinct but it has the potential to undermine their better nature at any moment. There are also societal forces at work that play on men’s pride. From a young age, boys are raised to be tough, to not back down, to not compromise and to idealise violent heroes. The majority of male role models are violent, ranging from historic figures to action stars and even videogame characters. It is hard to disentangle the roles of nature and nurture clearly but the end product of their combination is clear for both males and females.
In conclusion, males are more violent and women would likely be more peaceful given the opportunity to rule widely. The question of the desirability of ending all conflicts and its global impact is another matter.
Analysis
1. Many are of the opinion the male inclination towards violence is the root of many international conflicts and societies ruled by women might be more peaceful. 2. In my opinion, this is likely true.
Simply paraphrase the overall topic.
Write your opinion. You can include your topic sentences if you like.
1. The reason that some oppose this seemingly sexist viewpoint is based on past examples of female leaders. 2. The sample size is much smaller but leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elisabeth I, Joan d’Arc and countless others have started, maintained, and escalated violent conflicts. 3. There are very few examples of peaceful female leaders and those that exist can be matched proportionally with male leaders. 4. The claim that women are more peaceful is not supported by historical evidence. 5. A major caveat is that these are the exceptions and women rulers have held power in a world otherwise dominated by male hierarchy. 6. It is impossible to know how peaceful the world would be if women held the majority of powerful positions.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Begin to support it with specific female leaders.
Draw conclusions based on those leaders.
Conclude that argument.
Because I agree with the other side, I start to undermine this argument.
I finish undermining the opposing view here.
1. Furthermore, men are naturally predisposed towards aggression. 2. This stems from both biology and society. 3. Men produce more testosterone than women and this has been shown to increase aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour. 4. Men can curb this instinct but it has the potential to undermine their better nature at any moment. 5. There are also societal forces at work that play on men’s pride. 6. From a young age, boys are raised to be tough, to not back down, to not compromise and to idealise violent heroes. 7. The majority of male role models are violent, ranging from historic figures to action stars and even videogame characters. 8. It is hard to disentangle the roles of nature and nurture clearly but the end product of their combination is clear for both males and females.
Write another clear topic sentence with a main idea for the other viewpoint.
Begin developing it with specific ideas/details/examples.
Continue developing it.
Conclude how nature influences males.
Here I switch to the societal factors.
And develop those factors specifically.
I continue developing this.
I summarise how both might make men worse leaders compared to women.
1. In conclusion, males are more violent and women would likely be more peaceful given the opportunity to rule widely. 2. The question of the desirability of ending all conflicts and its global impact is another matter.
Repeat your opinion.
Add an extra detail/final thought for full marks from the examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many are of the opinion the male inclination towards violence is the root of many international conflicts and societies ruled by women might be more peaceful. In my opinion, this is likely true.
The reason that some oppose this seemingly sexist viewpoint is based on past examples of female leaders. The sample size is much smaller but leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elisabeth I, Joan d’Arc and countless others have started, maintained, and escalated violent conflicts. There are very few examples of peaceful female leaders and those that exist can be matched proportionally with male leaders. The claim that women are more peaceful is not supported by historical evidence. A major caveat is that these are the exceptions and women rulers have held power in a world otherwise dominated by male hierarchy. It is impossible to know how peaceful the world would be if women held the majority of powerful positions.
Furthermore, men are naturally predisposed towards aggression. This stems from both biology and society. Men produce more testosterone than women and this has been shown to increase aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour. Men can curb this instinct but it has the potential to undermine their better nature at any moment. There are also societal forces at work that play on men’s pride. From a young age, boys are raised to be tough, to not back down, to not compromise and to idealise violent heroes. The majority of male role models are violent, ranging from historic figures to action stars and even videogame characters. It is hard to disentangle the roles of nature and nurture clearly but the end product of their combination is clear for both males and females.
In conclusion, males are more violent and women would likely be more peaceful given the opportunity to rule widely. The question of the desirability of ending all conflicts and its global impact is another matter.
Answers
are of the opinion believe
male inclination towards violence men’s tendency to hurt others
root source
international conflicts fights between countries, wars
likely true probably the case
seemingly sexist viewpoint apparently demeaning men or women
sample size example group
countless others many more
maintained continued
escalated violent conflicts increased the scale of wars
matched proportionally mirrored with the same number of
claim argue
not supported no evidence for
historical evidence unsupported by the past
major caveat factor undermining this view
exceptions outside the norm
held power were in charge
otherwise dominated by male hierarchy besides that controlled by men
powerful positions in charge
naturally predisposed genetic inclinations
aggression violent behaviour
stems from comes from/is caused by
testosterone the hormone that makes males aggressive
increase aggressive tendencies make more violent
curb this instinct slow down this tendency
potential possible
undermine their better nature at any moment work against their reasoning powers
Many a_________________n the m_________________________________e is the r______t of many i__________________________s and societies ruled by women might be more peaceful. In my opinion, this is l______________e.
The reason that some oppose this s__________________________t is based on past examples of female leaders. The s_____________e is much smaller but leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elisabeth I, Joan d’Arc and c___________________s have started, m_____________d, and e_________________________s. There are very few examples of peaceful female leaders and those that exist can be m__________________________________y with male leaders. The c________m that women are more peaceful is n___________________d by h____________________e. A m________________t is that these are the e________________s and women rulers have h______________r in a world o________________________________________________y. It is impossible to know how peaceful the world would be if women held the majority of p_________________________s.
Furthermore, men are n__________________________d towards a______________n. This s______________m both biology and society. Men produce more t_______________e than women and this has been shown to i______________________________s and violent behaviour. Men can c_________________________t but it has the p________________l to u____________________________________________t. There are also societal forces at work that p________n men’s p________e. From a young age, boys are raised to be tough, to n_______________n, to not c_______________e and to i______________e violent heroes. The majority of male role models are violent, r__________________m historic figures to action stars and even videogame characters. It is hard to d_____________e the roles of n___________________________e clearly but the e__________________t of their combination is clear for both males and females.
In conclusion, males are more violent and women would likely be more peaceful given the opportunity to r_____________y. The question of the d_________________y of ending all conflicts and its global impact is another matter.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
There’s a great playlist from TedEd on this topic, starting with Cleopatra:
Reading Practice
Read the article below for more examples you can use in your writing or speaking:
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