There are severe social consequences to housing shortages in cities and only the government can solve these problems.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real IELTS Exam/Test
Many people today feel that limited housing in urban areas can only be seriously addressed by governmental action. In my opinion, private investiture in this area will always be low so governments bear the burden of responsibility.
Only limited support for housing problems will come from the private sector. Large real estate and construction firms are mainly motivated to generate the greatest profits and will therefore largely cater projects towards a wealthy clientele. This means building large apartments and homes that likely replace smaller homes, exacerbating any existing housing crisis. In New York City, for example, ambitious developers knocked down government housing projects and built luxury apartments and brownstone homes. These efforts push poor residents out of the city and further away from their work and engender a variety of social problems.
The only realistic solution for housing shortages in major urban areas in governmental intervention. Governments can either build themselves or accept bids from construction companies. There are inspirational examples of public works projects in cities all around the world. The typical process is that the government will delineate an undeveloped or poorly planned area for new homes and accept bids from private companies. Since these areas are unavailable for unregulated commercial exploitation, the government holds power over the private companies. Once these projects are completed, they can house thousands of residents affordably, which allows occupants to find quality jobs in the city and eventually move out of these housing developments.
In conclusion, the government is the major catalyst in all housing solutions in cities. Governments ought to prioritise these efforts before cities become too gentrified and this hinders upwards social mobility.
Analysis
1. Many people today feel that limited housing in urban areas can only be seriously addressed by governmental action. 2. In my opinion, private investiture in this area will always be low so governments bear the burden of responsibility.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Write a clear opinion – choose a side!
1. Only limited support for housing problems will come from the private sector. 2. Large real estate and construction firms are mainly motivated to generate the greatest profits and will therefore largely cater projects towards a wealthy clientele. 3. This means building large apartments and homes that likely replace smaller homes, exacerbating any existing housing crisis. 4. In New York City, for example, ambitious developers knocked down government housing projects and built luxury apartments and brownstone homes. 5. These efforts push poor residents out of the city and further away from their work and engender a variety of social problems.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end of it.
Begin developing or explaining your main idea.
Continue to develop it with specific details.
Here I give an example of a real city – be as specific as possible.
Conclude with the result of your example.
1. The only realistic solution for housing shortages in major urban areas in governmental intervention. 2. Governments can either build themselves or accept bids from construction companies. 3. There are inspirational examples of public works projects in cities all around the world. 4. The typical process is that the government will delineate an undeveloped or poorly planned area for new homes and accept bids from private companies. 5. Since these areas are unavailable for unregulated commercial exploitation, the government holds power over the private companies. 6. Once these projects are completed, they can house thousands of residents affordably, which allows occupants to find quality jobs in the city and eventually move out of these housing developments.
Another topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Start developing your main idea.
You don’t always need a specific example if it is a common occurrence.
Develop the process in detail.
The more nuanced your argument, the higher your score.
State the result again to conclude the paragraph.
1. In conclusion, the government is the major catalyst in all housing solutions in cities. 2. Governments ought to prioritise these efforts before cities become too gentrified and this hinders upwards social mobility.
Repeat your overall opinion.
Add in a final detail or thought for full marks from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many people today feel that limited housing in urban areas can only be seriously addressed by governmental action. In my opinion, private investiture in this area will always be low so governments bear the burden of responsibility.
Only limited support for housing problems will come from the private sector. Large real estate and construction firms are mainly motivated to generate the greatest profits and will therefore largely cater projects towards a wealthy clientele. This means building large apartments and homes that likely replace smaller homes, exacerbating any existing housing crisis. In New York City, for exampe, ambitious developersknocked down government housing projects and built luxury apartments and brownstone homes. These efforts pushe poor residents out of the city and further away from their work and engender a variety of social problems.
The only realistic solution for housing shortages in major urban areas in governmental intervention. Governments can either build themselves or accept bids from construction companies. There are inspirational examples of public works projects in cities all around the world. The typical process is that the government will delineate an undeveloped or poorly planned area for new homes and accept bids from private companies. Since these areas are unavailable for unregulated commercial exploitation, the government holds power over the private companies. Once these projects are completed, they can house thousands of residents affordably, which allows occupants to find quality jobs in the city and eventually move out of these housing developments.
In conclusion, the government is the major catalyst in all housing solutions in cities. Governments ought to prioritise these efforts before cities become too gentrified and this hinders upwards social mobility.
Answers
limited housing not enough places to live
urban areas cities
seriously addressed dealt with well
governmental action steps taken by the government
private investiture companies
bear the burden of responsibility have a duty towards
limited support not much help
private sector companies/corporations
firms companies
generate the greatest profits make the most money
largely cater projects towards a wealthy clientele mostly just care about rich projects
likely replace smaller homes probably get rid of small houses/apartments
exacerbating making worse
existing housing crisis already there problems with housing
to a great degree significantly
ambitious developersknocked down companies looking to make money destroyed
housing projects where lots of people live, tends to be poorer people
built luxury apartments construct nice homes
brownstone homes nice homes made from a brown material
pushes poor residents out of the city gentrifies
further away from their work not near their jobs
engenders creates, leads to
realistic solution practical resolution
governmental intervention governments stepping in
accept bids take offers
inspirational examples strong instances of
public works projects built for the public
typical process normal way
delineate allow for, circumsribe
unavailable for unregulated commercial exploitation cannot be developed for profit
holds power over controls
house verb meaning to provide a house for
affordably cheaply
occupants residents
major catalyst biggest driver behind
prioritise consider most important
gentrified getting richer and pushing out poorer residents
hinders upwards social mobility stops people from getting richer
Many people today feel that l______________g in u_____________s can only be s___________________d by g__________________________n. In my opinion, p____________________________e in this area will always be low so governments b________________________________y.
Only l__________________t for housing problems will come from the p________________r. Large real estate and construction f__________s are mainly motivated to g________________________________s and will therefore l________________________________________e. This means building large apartments and homes that l___________________________s, e_______________________g any e________________________________s. This has happened t________________________e in New York City where a_________________________________n government h______________________s and b________________________________s and b__________________________s. This p________________________________y and f__________________________k and e___________________s a variety of social problems.
The only r__________________n for housing shortages in major urban areas in g______________________________n. Governments can either build themselves or a__________________s from construction companies. There are i______________________s of p________________________________s in cities all around the world. The t____________________s is that the government will d__________________e an undeveloped or poorly planned area for new homes and accept bids from private companies. Since these areas are u_____________________________________________________________n, the government h___________________r the private companies. Once these projects are completed, they can h________e thousands of residents a______________y, which allows o______________s to find quality jobs in the city and eventually move out of these housing developments.
In conclusion, the government is the m______________t in all housing solutions in cities. Governments ought to p________________e these efforts before cities become too g______________d and this h___________________________________y.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch a specific housing crisis problem in the short video below:
Reading Practice
Read here about how going green can help with the housing crisis:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of fashion.
It was a little bit tricky to think of main ideas for each paragraph – read below to see what I did with it!
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training Sample Answer Essay: Fashion (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
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
More and more people today are interested in and have the disposable income to take greater care with their fashion choices. In my opinion, though many fashion companies exploit their workers, this is a positive development overall.
Those who criticise the fashion industry often point out its treatment of workers. The most famous fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel (as well as footwear makers such as Nike and Adidas) outsource their labour at reduced costs to East Asia. Workers in their factories make subsistence wages and are notoriously mistreated, while the countries in question often have lax child labour laws as well. Exploitive fashion companies then massively inflate prices for their products. Their actions cannot be controlled directly by consumers but nonetheless undermine every innocent transaction at a shopping mall.
Regardless, fashion is an important aesthetic choice for ordinary people. The exploitation of workers ought to be regulated by governments and corporations, not consumers. Those who buy fashionable clothes are trying to express themselves through their attire and the end result of a more fashion-conscious public is greater beauty for onlookers. No one would question the importance of beautiful buildings and public works of art but fashion is arguably more noticeable. Fashion gives not only individuals but also towns, cities, and nations a distinctive flair, without which the world would be blander and less beautiful.
In conclusion, the beauty fashion engenders outweighs any ethical considerations. Governments ought to properly regulate labour so that their citizens can shop and flaunt with a clear conscience.
Analysis
1. More and more people today are interested in and have the disposable income to take greater care with their fashion choices. 2. In my opinion, though many fashion companies exploit their workers, this is a positive development overall.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Clearly state your opinion.
1. Those who criticise the fashion industry often point out its treatment of workers. 2. The most famous fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel (as well as footwear makers such as Nike and Adidas) outsource their labour at reduced costs to East Asia. 3. Workers in their factories make subsistence wages and are notoriously mistreated, while the countries in question often have lax child labour laws as well. 4. Exploitive fashion companies then massively inflate prices for their products. 5. Their actions cannot be controlled directly by consumers but nonetheless undermine every innocent transaction at a shopping mall.
State the end result or draw conclusions from your examples.
Conclude the paragraph.
1. Regardless, fashion is an important aesthetic choice for ordinary people. 2. The exploitation of workers ought to be regulated by governments and corporations, not consumers. 3. Those who buy fashionable clothes are trying to express themselves through their attire and the end result of a more fashion-conscious public is greater beauty for onlookers. 4. No one would question the importance of beautiful buildings and public works of art but fashion is arguably more noticeable. 5. Fashion gives not only individuals but also towns, cities, and nations a distinctive flair, without which the world would be blander and less beautiful.
Write another topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Here I start developing it by referring back to the argument from the last paragraph – this is good for cohesion/coherence.
Instead of an example, I use a logical argument.
Then I argue with an analogy.
Finally, I conclude the paragraph by summarising my argument.
1. In conclusion, the beauty fashion engenders outweighs any ethical considerations. 2. Governments ought to properly regulate labour so that their citizens can shop and flaunt with a clear conscience.
Repeat your opinion.
Include a final detail/thought.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
More and more people today are interested in and have the disposable income to take greater care with their fashion choices. In my opinion, though many fashion companies exploit their workers, this is a positive development overall.
Those who criticise the fashion industry often point out its treatment of workers. The most famous fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel (as well as footwear makers such as Nike and Adidas) outsource their labour at reduced costs to East Asia. Workers in their factories make subsistence wages and are notoriously mistreated, while the countries in question often have lax child labourlaws as well. Exploitive fashion companies then massively inflate prices for their products. Their actions cannot be controlled directly by consumers but nonetheless undermine every innocent transaction at a shopping mall.
Regardless, fashion is an important aesthetic choice for ordinary people. The exploitation of workers ought to be regulated by governments and corporations, not consumers. Those who buy fashionable clothes are trying to express themselves through their attire and the end result of a more fashion-conscious public is greater beauty for onlookers. No one would question the importance of beautiful buildings and public works of art but fashion is arguably more noticeable. Fashion gives not only individuals but also towns, cities, and nations a distinctive flair, without which the world would be blander and less beautiful.
In conclusion, the beauty fashion engenders outweighs any ethical considerations. Governments ought to properly regulate labour so that their citizens can shop and flaunt with a clear conscience.
Answers
more and more increasingly
disposable income money to spend
take greater care with pay more attention to
exploit take advantage of
positive development overall good
criticise think badly of
point out argue
treatment of workers employment conditions
brands companies
footwear shoes
outsource send to other countries
labour workers
reduced costs money saved
subsistence wages just enough to live on
notoriously mistreated badly expoloited
in question relevant here
lax child labourlaws allow kids to work
massively inflate prices increase the cost a lot
controlled directly have power over
undermine is part of
innocent transaction guiltless purchase
regardless nonetheless
aesthetic choice artistic decision
ordinary people normal citizens
regulated controlled
express themselves show off
attire clothes
end result final impact
fashion-conscious public people who care about their clothes
M_____________________e people today are interested in and have the d___________________e to t_________________________h their fashion choices. In my opinion, though many fashion companies e________t their workers, this is a p________________________________l.
Those who c_________e the fashion industry often p_____________t its t__________________________s. The most famous fashion b________s like Louis Vuitton and Chanel (as well as f_________________r makers such as Nike and Adidas) o____________e their l____________r at r______________s to East Asia. Workers in their factories make s__________________s and are n____________________d, while the countries i____________________n often have l______________________s as well. Exploitive fashion companies then m___________________________s for their products. Their actions cannot be c___________________y by consumers but nonetheless u_______________e every i__________________n at a shopping mall.
R________________s, fashion is an important a___________________e for o_______________e. The exploitation of workers ought to be r____________d by governments and corporations, not consumers. Those who buy fashionable clothes are trying to e__________________s through their a________e and the e_______________t of a more f______________________________c is greater beauty for o__________s. No one would question the importance of beautiful buildings and public works of art but fashion is a______________y more n_____________e. Fashion gives not only individuals but also towns, cities, and nations a d________________________r, w_______________h the world would be b__________r and less beautiful.
In conclusion, the beauty fashion e_____________s outweighs any e____________________s. Governments ought to p____________y regulate labour so that their citizens can shop and f_________t with a c____________________e.
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!
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