This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the general training exam on the topic of learning practical skills at school.
These topics (schools, practical skills) are really common on IELTS and worth reading about in case if they come up on your 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
Before reading, listen to the audio and take notes to get the most out of it:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay General Training: Practical Skills (Real Past Exam/Test)
Many feel that students today should learn practical skills at school such as car maintenance and managing a bank account.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Some believe that useful life skills should be taught at schools in addition to the standard academic schedule. In my opinion, school is chiefly an opportunity to learn about academic subjects.
The main argument in favour of learning these skills is self-evident: they are useful. The majority of students graduate from high school well versed in a foreign language, algebra, anatomy, and classic literature but helpless when confronted with the realities of daily life. Some skills they lack include general car maintenance such as changing the oil or a flat tire, cooking their own meals, managing their finances, and doing odd jobs around the house. The majority of what they learned in school will not be useful in their life and, without attention, will eventually fade from memory. Practical skills, on the other hand, will stay fresh in their mind due to repeated application and have a more ostensibly tangible impact.
Nonetheless, practical skills can be learned at home while the best place to learn about academic subjects is school. Many students will learn the craft of daily life from their family or naturally pick it up later. Cooking will not become a daily habit when living at home and the skills are unlikely to resurface intact years later when called upon. In contrast, schools are filled with experts in their fields only available at this time of life. A quality math or history teacher will guide you in a way books alone cannot. The accumulated knowledge from all these experts may or may not be directly useful but this singular opportunity to learn about a wide breadth of subjects will inform an individual’s long-term intellectual life.
In conclusion, useful subjects are important but should not detract from the true purpose of schooling. Practical skills should be taught at schools only if they can be seamlessly worked into the curriculum and are not detrimental to academics.
Word Count: 308
Analysis
1. Some believe that useful life skills should be taught at schools in addition to the standard academic schedule. 2. In my opinion, school is chiefly an opportunity to learn about academic subjects.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
Give your opinion – don’t sit in the middle – be clear!
1. The main argument in favour of learning these skills is self-evident: they are useful. 2. The majority of students graduate from high school well versed in a foreign language, algebra, anatomy, and classic literature but helpless when confronted with the realities of daily life. 3. Some skills they lack include general car maintenance such as changing the oil or a flat tire, cooking their own meals, managing their finances, and doing odd jobs around the house. 4. The majority of what they learned in school will not be useful in their life and, without attention, will eventually fade from memory. 5. Practical skills, on the other hand, will stay fresh in their mind due to repeated application and have a more ostensibly tangible impact.
Write a topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
Begin to develop it. Notice the specific ideas and vocabulary that I use.
Be as specific as possible with your supporting ideas.
Draw conclusions from your ideas.
Here I use a counterpoint to make the argument stronger.
1. Nonetheless, practical skills can be learned at home while the best place to learn about academic subjects is school. 2. Many students will learn the craft of daily life from their family or naturally pick it up later. 3. Cooking will not become a daily habit when living at home and the skills are unlikely to resurface intact years later when called upon. 4. In contrast, schools are filled with experts in their fields only available at this time of life. 5. A quality math or history teacher will guide you in a way books alone cannot. 6. The accumulated knowledge from all these experts may or may not be directly useful but this singular opportunity to learn about a wide breadth of subjects will inform an individual’s long-term intellectual life.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end of it.
Explain your main idea, if necessary.
Use a specific example (such as cooking) to develop your idea.
Continue to develop the same main idea.
Be as specific as possible with your support.
Draw conclusions/results to finish the paragraph.
1. In conclusion, useful subjects are important but should not detract from the true purpose of schooling. 2. Practical skills should be taught at schools only if they can be seamlessly worked into the curriculum and are not detrimental to academics.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in an extra detail or final thought to get band 7+ for task achievement from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Some believe that useful life skills should be taught at schools in addition to the standard academic schedule. In my opinion, school is chiefly an opportunity to learn about academic subjects.
The main argument in favour of learning these skills is self-evident: they are useful. The majority of students graduate from high school well versed in a foreign language, algebra, anatomy, and classic literature but helpless when confronted with the realities of daily life. Some skills they lack include general car maintenance such as changing the oil or a flat tire, cooking their own meals, managing their finances, and doing odd jobs around the house. The majority of what they learned in school will not be useful in their life and, without attention, will eventually fade from memory. Practical skills, on the other hand, will stay fresh in their mind due to repeated application and have a more ostensibly tangible impact.
Nonetheless, practical skills can be learned at home while the best place to learn about academic subjects is school. Many students will learn the craft of daily life from their family or naturally pick it up later. Cooking will not become a daily habit when living at home and the skills are unlikely to resurface intact years later when called upon. In contrast, schools are filled with experts in their fields only available at this time of life. A quality math or history teacher will guide you in a way books alone cannot. The accumulated knowledge from all these experts may or may not be directly useful but this singular opportunity to learn about a wide breadth of subjects will inform an individual’s long-term intellectual life.
In conclusion, useful subjects are important but should not detract from the true purpose of schooling. Practical skills should be taught at schools only if they can be seamlessly worked into the curriculum and are not detrimental to academics.
Answers
in addition to also
standard academic schedule normal classes/curriculum
chiefly mainly
in favour of supporting
self-evident obvious
well versed knowledgeable about
algebra a kind of math
anatomy study of the body
classic literature old books
helpless unable to do
realities of daily life day to day activities
lack don’t have
general car maintenance handy with cars
changing the oil putting new oil in your car
flat tire a tire that lost all air
managing their finances in charge of their money
odd jobs various little fix-ups around the house
majority most of
without attention neglected
eventually fade from memory be forgotten
stay fresh be remembered
due to repeated application because of being done often
ostensibly tangible impact more obvious clear effect
learn the craft of daily life learn life skills
naturally pick it up later learn it later just by living
resurface intact be remembered fully
when called upon when needed
experts in their fields know a lot about a subject
time of life point of life/age
accumulated knowledge everything they have learned added together
directly useful clear benefit
singular opportunity only chance
wide breadth diverse range
inform make up/contribute to
long-term intellectual life thinking
detract take away from
true purpose real reason
seamlessly worked into the curriculum added to their studies without it being disruptive
Some believe that useful life skills should be taught at schools i___________________o the s__________________________e. In my opinion, school is c__________y an opportunity to learn about academic subjects.
The main argument i_____________f learning these skills is s______________t: they are useful. The majority of students graduate from high school w_____________________d in a foreign language, a_________a, a____________y, and c_________________e but h___________s when confronted with the r_________________________e. Some skills they l_____k include g____________________________e such as c________________________l or a f_____________________e, cooking their own meals, m_______________________s, and doing o______________s around the house. The m_____________y of what they learned in school will not be useful in their life and, w_______________n, will e________________________________y. Practical skills, on the other hand, will s______________h in their mind d_____________________________n and have a more o_______________________________t.
Nonetheless, practical skills can be learned at home while the best place to learn about academic subjects is school. Many students will l___________________________________e from their family or n________________________________r. Cooking will not become a daily habit when living at home and the skills are unlikely to r_______________________t years later w_________________________n. In contrast, schools are filled with e________________________s only available at this t______________________e. A quality math or history teacher will guide you in a way books alone cannot. The a_____________________________e from all these experts may or may not be d___________________________l but this s______________________________y to learn about a w______________h of subjects will i______________m an individual’s l_________________________________e.
In conclusion, useful subjects are important but should not d______________t from the t______________________e of schooling. Practical skills should be taught at schools only if they can be s______________________________m and are not d_____________________l to academics.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Here are some basic life skills teens should learn:
Reading Practice
Here are 5 skills that you could use as examples in your writing:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of learning from history from the real IELTS exam.
It is a simple question, but very hard to develop and think of examples for.
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
Before reading, you can also listen to the audio file for extra practice:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Learning from History (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Some believe that history has little to teach us about today while others think that the study of the past helps us to understand the present.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Recent Past IELTS Exam/Test
Many feel that the study of the past does little to inform the present while others believe it can help aid understanding. In my opinion, history certainly holds insights but they are so deeply woven into a specific context so as to be as misleading as enlightening.
Those who argue in favour of learning from history can point to the importance of understanding a culture. A frequently cited example of this is the war between Vietnam and the United States in the mid 1960s to early 1970s. Both before and during the war, the United States President and his advisors understood little about the history of Vietnam with its successive invasions from foreign nations including China and Japan. A deeper understanding of the unity and resilience of Vietnam might have led them to make different decisions regarding splitting the country in half and the escalation of ground troops. Mistakes born of ignorance take place all the time in international relations and even domestic politics.
Regardless, history only holds lessons for the keenest observors. Every historical moment passes through a complex set of circumstances, many of which are hidden from history books, and cannot be reduced to simple lessons. For example, the Vietnam war is often summed up with the platitude that it is impossible to invade and occupy a foreign nation. This ignores the myriad reasons that led to defeat and supposes that other conflicts are identical. After the invasion of Iraq proved to be a quagmire, many relished the historical lessons of Vietnam without considering the very diverse set of circumstances that led to failure in each country. There are certainly insights to be gained from studying past conflicts, but they will rarely result in fixed, black and white rules applicable to every new situation.
In conclusion, history is not a simple road map for the future. Those who are too avid to accept seemingly apparent lessons are doomed to lead themselves astray and make new mistakes.
Analysis
1. Many feel that the study of the past does little to inform the present while others believe it can help aid understanding. 2. In my opinion, history certainly holds insights but they are so deeply woven into a specific context so as to be as misleading as enlightening.
Paraphrase what the whole essay is about.
Write a clear opinion. You don’t have to include your main ideas like I did but it will help your cohesion and coherence score.
1. Those who argue in favour of learning from history can point to the importance of understanding a culture. 2. A frequently cited example of this is the war between Vietnam and the United States in the mid 1960s to early 1970s. 3. Both before and during the war, the United States President and his advisors understood little about the history of Vietnam with its successive invasions from foreign nations including China and Japan. 4. A deeper understanding of the unity and resilience of Vietnam might have led them to make different decisions regarding splitting the country in half and the escalation of ground troops. 5. Mistakes born of ignorance take place all the time in international relations and even domestic politics.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea for the whole paragraph at the end.
Develop it with a specific example.
Continue using the example to develop your main idea.
Don’t switch to a new main idea or example, if possible.
Conclude by related your main idea back to the overall essay topic.
1. Regardless, history only holds lessons for the keenest observors. 2. Every historical moment passes through a complex set of circumstances, many of which are hidden from history books, and cannot be reduced to simple lessons. 3. For example, the Vietnam war is often summed up with the platitude that it is impossible to invade and occupy a foreign nation. 4. This ignores the myriad reasons that led to defeat and supposes that other conflicts are identical. 5. After the invasion of Iraq proved to be a quagmire, many relished the historical lessons of Vietnam without considering the very diverse set of circumstances that led to failure in each country. 6. There are certainly insights to be gained from studying past conflicts, but they will rarely result in fixed, black and white rules applicable to every new situation.
Another topic sentence with a clear main idea.
Explain your main idea if you need to.
Being another example.
Explain why your example proves your main idea.
Continue with the same example.
Draw conclusions from your example.
1. In conclusion, history is not a simple road map for the future. 2. Those who are too avid to accept seemingly apparent lessons are doomed to lead themselves astray and make new mistakes.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in an extra detail or final thought for full points for task achievement from the examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many feel that the study of the past does little to inform the present while others believe it can help aid understanding. In my opinion, history certainly holds insights but they are so deeply woven intoa specificcontextso as to be asmisleading as enlightening.
Those who argue in favour of learning from history can point to the importance of understanding a culture. A frequently cited example of this is the war between Vietnam and the United States in the mid 1960s to early 1970s. Both before and during the war, the United States President and his advisors understood little about the history of Vietnam with its successive invasions from foreign nations including China and Japan. A deeper understanding of the unity and resilience of Vietnam might have led them to make different decisions regarding splitting the country in half and the escalation of ground troops. Mistakes born of ignorance take place all the time in international relations and even domestic politics.
Regardless, history only holds lessons for the keenest observors. Every historical moment passes through a complex set of circumstances, many of which are hidden from history books, and cannot be reduced to simple lessons. For example, the Vietnam war is often summed up with the platitude that it is impossible to invade and occupy a foreign nation. This ignores the myriad reasons that led to defeat and supposes that other conflicts are identical. After the invasion of Iraq proved to be a quagmire, many relished the historical lessons of Vietnam without considering the very diverse set of circumstances that led to failure in each country. There are certainly insights to be gained from studying past conflicts, but they will rarely result in fixed, black and white rules applicable to every new situation.
In conclusion, history is not a simple road map for the future. Those who are too avid to accept seemingly apparent lessons are doomed to lead themselves astray and make new mistakes.
Answers
does little almost no impact
inform add to/enlighten
holds insights has important information
so deeply woven intoa specificcontextso as to be asmisleading as enlightening wrapped up in the situation so much that it gives bad information
point to argue
frequently cited example of this is well-known instance
mid 1960s to early 1970s around 1965 – 1974
advisors cabinet/confidants
successive invasions attacks one after another
deeper understanding to know something very well
unity together
resilience determination
regarding splitting in connection with dividing
escalation of ground troops sending in more soldiers
mistakes born of ignorance take place errors from lack of understanding happen
international relations relationships between countries
domestic politics politics inside a country
regardless nonetheless
holds lessons has lessons/things to learn from
keenest observors sharpest interpreters
historical moment passes through event goes through
complex complicated
reduced to simple lessons easily distilled
summed up with summarised by
platitude cliche
invade attack
occupy remain in
myriad various
supposes assumes
identical the same
proved to be turned out
quagmire very difficult/tricky situation
relished took joy in
without considering not thinking of
diverse set of circumstances many factors to consider
Many feel that the study of the past d_____________________m the present while others believe it can help aid understanding. In my opinion, history certainly h________________s but they are s_______________________________________________________________________g.
Those who argue in favour of learning from history can p___________o the importance of understanding a culture. A f_____________________________________________s the war between Vietnam and the United States in the m__________________________s. Both before and during the war, the United States President and his a____________s understood little about the history of Vietnam with its s_____________________s from foreign nations including China and Japan. A d_____________________g of the u______y and r___________e of Vietnam might have led them to make different decisions r_____________________g the country in half and the e________________________________s. M____________________________________e all the time in i_____________________________________s and even d________________________s.
R________________s, history only h_____________________s for the k_________________________s. Every h_________________________________h a c_____________x set of circumstances, many of which are hidden from history books, and cannot be r_______________________________s. For example, the Vietnam war is often s________________________h the p_____________e that it is impossible to i_____________e and o_____________y a foreign nation. This ignores the m___________d reasons that led to defeat and s____________s that other conflicts are i_______________l. After the invasion of Iraq p_____________e a q________________e, many r___________d the historical lessons of Vietnam w_______________________g the very d_______________________________s that led to failure in each country. There are certainly insights to be gained from studying past conflicts, but they will rarely result in fixed, b__________________e rules a__________________e to every new situation.
In conclusion, history is not a simple r____________p for the future. Those who are too a_______d to accept s_________________________s are d____________d to l___________________________y and make new mistakes.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch my opinion of history here:
Learn an historical warning about flus here:
Reading Practice
Read an interesting article from The Atlantic on this topic here:
Talk about a person who taught you how to do something. Include:
Who it was
What they taught you
If you can still do it
Writing Practice
Write about the question below then check with my sample answer:
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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/Test
Fewer undergraduates today than ever before are opting to pursue careers in science. This is because business related subjects offer greater financial security and this will result in less overall talent in scientific fields.
The main reason that science majors are dwindling is the lure of business. Studying a scientific subject such as biology or chemistry requires intense specification, long hours in labs, and unstable future career options. Business related majors, on the other hand, are guaranteed an easier path to a good salary and the esteem of others. Good evidence of this comes in the form of all the majors related to commerce rapidly growing in popularity including marketing, finance, corporate law, banking, and economics. Parents often put pressure on their children to major in these subjects to secure a minimum level of financial success and raise the ceiling on future earning potential.
The impact will be felt in an overall decrease of talent in science. In the past, science tended to attract the best and brightest students who saw it as a path to personal wealth, glory and the public good. A good example of this is in the decades leading up to World War 2 when advances in medicine and technology of bright individuals like Marie Curie, Alexander Fleming, and Albert Einstein made them immortal role models. Today, our role models are more likely to be businessmen of a sort such as Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, and Donald Trump. This is not only evidence of the societal shift but also portends fewer great figures in science going forward.
In conclusion, business has siphoned off potential science majors and this will result in fewer high quality scientists. It is important to highlight the achievements of scientists and denigrate businessmen in order to curb this alarming trend.
Analysis
1. Fewer undergraduates today than ever before are opting to pursue careers in science. 2. This is because business related subjects offer greater financial security and this will result in less overall talent in scientific fields.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay first of all.
Write a clear opinion.
1. The main reason that science majors are dwindling is the lure of business. 2. Studying a scientific subject such as biology or chemistry requires intense specification, long hours in labs, and unstable future career options. 3. Business related majors, on the other hand, are guaranteed an easier path to a good salary and the esteem of others. 4. Good evidence of this comes in the form of all the majors related to commerce rapidly growing in popularity including marketing, finance, corporate law, banking, and economics. 5. Parents often put pressure on their children to major in these subjects to secure a minimum level of financial success and raise the ceiling on future earning potential.
Write a topic sentence with a main idea at the end. Keep this sentence short and simply.
Begin to develop your main idea. Here I start with a counter-example.
Then I transition to why business is so appealing.
I develop the appeal of business.
Finally, I add another detail to support my main idea – not a new main idea!
1. The impact will be felt in an overall decrease of talent in science. 2. In the past, science tended to attract the best and brightest students who saw it as a path to personal wealth, glory and the public good. 3. A good example of this is in the decades leading up to World War 2 when advances in medicine and technology of bright individuals like Marie Curie, Alexander Fleming, and Albert Einstein made them immortal role models. 4. Today, our role models are more likely to be businessmen of a sort such as Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, and Donald Trump. 5. This is not only evidence of the societal shift but also portends fewer great figures in science going forward.
Write another topic sentence with a main idea for the other side.
Explain your main idea, if necessary.
Use specific examples as I do here.
Develop those examples.
Conclude your paragraph by relating it back to the main topic.
1. In conclusion, business has siphoned off potential science majors and this will result in fewer high quality scientists. 2. It is important to highlight the achievements of scientists and denigrate businessmen in order to curb this alarming trend.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final detail/thought for full marks from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Fewer undergraduates today than ever before are opting to pursue careers in science. This is because business related subjects offer greater financial security and this will result in less overall talent in scientific fields.
The main reason that science majors are dwindling is the lure of business. Studying a scientific subject such as biology or chemistry requires intense specification, long hours in labs, and unstable future career options. Business related majors, on the other hand, are guaranteed an easier path to a good salary and the esteem of others. Good evidence of this comes in the form of all the majors related to commerce rapidly growing in popularity including marketing, finance, corporate law, banking, and economics. Parents often put pressure on their children to major in these subjects to secure a minimum level of financial success and raise the ceiling on future earning potential.
The impact will be felt in an overall decrease of talent in science. In the past, science tended to attract the best and brightest students who saw it as a path to personal wealth, glory and the public good. A good example of this is in the decades leading up to World War 2 when advances in medicine and technology of bright individuals like Marie Curie, Alexander Fleming, and Albert Einstein made them immortal role models. Today, our role models are more likely to be businessmen of a sort such as Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, and Donald Trump. This is not only evidence of the societal shift but also portends fewer great figures in science going forward.
In conclusion, business has siphoned off potential science majors and this will result in fewer high quality scientists. It is important to highlight the achievements of scientists and denigrate businessmen in order to curb this alarming trend.
Answers
than ever before greater compared to
opting choosing
pursue careers major in/study
offer greater financial security more stable career
result in end up with
dwindling decreasing
lure attraction/appeal
specification becoming focused on one area, opposite of a generalist
labs where scientists work (laboratories)
unstable future career options uncertain job prospects
guaranteed will definitely get
easier path fewer obstacles/challenges
esteem opinion
good evidence strong support
commerce related to buying/selling/trading
marketing advertisting
finance related to money
corporate law becoming a lawyer specialising in companies
put pressure on force
major verb of major (choose to study)
secure a minimum level of financial success guarantee a decent paycheck
raise the ceiling on future earning potential allow for the possibility of big salaries
Remember and fill in the blanks in your head or on a piece of paper:
Fewer undergraduates today t___________________e are o________g to p_________________s in science. This is because business related subjects o_________________________________y and this will r_____________n less overall talent in scientific fields.
The main reason that science majors are d_____________g is the l______e of business. Studying a scientific subject such as biology or chemistry requires intense s______________n, long hours in l____s, and u______________________________s. Business related majors, on the other hand, are g___________d an e________h to a good salary and the e________m of others. G_______________e of this comes in the form of all the majors related to c_____________e rapidly growing in popularity including m___________g, f_____________e, c__________________w, banking, and economics. Parents often p________________n their children to m_____r in these subjects to s________________________________________________s and r_______________________________________________l.
The i_____________________________t in an overall decrease of talent in science. In the past, science t__________________o attract the b____________________________t students who saw it as a p___________________________________h, g___________y and t___________________d. A good example of this is in the decades l_________________o World War 2 when advances in medicine and technology of b______________________s like Marie Curie, Alexander Fleming, and Albert Einstein made them i________________________s. Today, our role models are more likely to be businessmen o_____________t such as Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, and Donald Trump. This is not only evidence of the s_______________t but also p________________s fewer great figures in science g_______________d.
In conclusion, business has s_________________f potential science majors and this will result in fewer high quality scientists. It is important to h______________t the achievements of scientists and d______________e businessmen in order to c_______b this a_____________________d.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen to a well-known scientist on this topic and get some ideas:
Answer the following question below then read my sample answer:
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
Discuss both these views and then give your own opinion.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer esssay from the general training exam on the topic of getting advice from old people.
Usually I write about both sides in agree/disagree questions but for this one I decided to just agree.
Check out the structure in the analysis 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 below to improve your listening skills:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay General Training: Advice from Old People (Real IELTS Exam/Test)
Many people think that it is better to get advice from old rather than young people.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
There is a growing tendency to seek advice from older, instead of younger, people. In my opinion, this is prudent because older people are less narcissistic and have more mature viewpoints.
Recent research has confirmed the suspicion that our seniors are less self-involved. Just as children begin as complete narcissists incapable of feeling empathy, young people must also work through trauma, hurtful pride and delusions to become healthy. When you get a job, work as part of a team, form friendships and have lovers, you will naturally uncover your own unhealthy drives and slowly replace them with socially constructive ones. This expanded confidence and self-growth allows you to truly listen to what others are saying and be capable of giving sound advice disentangled from personal insecurities.
The other reason that older people give better advice is that they have opinions shaped through years of experience. Young people tend to be more idealistic and less willing to consider what is pragmatic. If an individual has had a family they will have to navigate work/life balance issues, raising a child, intimacy, and financial obstacles. They will develop coping mechanisms and methods to deal with these problems and be able to pass them on to anyone in search of guidance. Young people could give similar advice, but since it is not based on experience and has not been tested, it is less likely to be effective.
In conclusion, a settled temperament and experience are the factors that favour the counsel of older people. As young people become old people, it is increasingly likely they will see the veracity of this.
Analysis
1. There is a growing tendency to seek advice from older, instead of younger, people. 2. In my opinion, this is prudent because older people are less narcissistic and have more mature viewpoints.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Write your opinion – it must be 100% clear. In this one, I decided to agree because I have two separate main reasons that I can develop.
1. Recent research has confirmed the suspicion that our seniors are less self-involved. 2. Just as children begin as complete narcissists incapable of feeling empathy, young people must also work through trauma, hurtful pride and delusions to become healthy. 3. When you get a job, work as part of a team, form friendships and have lovers, you will naturally uncover your own unhealthy drives and slowly replace them with socially constructive ones. 4. This expanded confidence and self-growth allows you to truly listen to what others are saying and be capable of giving sound advice disentangled from personal insecurities.
Write a clear topic sentence with a main idea at the end of it.
Begin developing your main idea. I start by comparing old and young people.
I further develop it by listing the specific experiences that make a person less of a narcissist.
Continue developing in your last sentence and relate it back to the overall topic question.
1. The other reason that older people give better advice is that they have opinions shaped through years of experience. 2. Young people tend to be more idealistic and less willing to consider what is pragmatic. 3. If an individual has had a family they will have to navigate work/life balance issues, raising a child, intimacy, and financial obstacles. 4. They will develop coping mechanisms and methods to deal with these problems and be able to pass them on to anyone in search of guidance. 5. Young people could give similar advice, but since it is not based on experience and has not been tested, it is less likely to be effective.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end. Only write with this structure if you have two distinct main ideas.
Explain your main idea if necessary.
List specific details/examples.
Continue developing the effect of those details.
I conclude this paragraph by again comparing young and old people.
1. In conclusion, a settled temperament and experience are the factors that favour the counsel of older people. 2. As young people become old people, it is increasingly likely they will see the veracity of this.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final detail or thought to conclude your essay.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
There is a growing tendency to seek advice from older, instead of younger, people. In my opinion, this is prudent because older people are less narcissistic and have more mature viewpoints.
Recent research has confirmed the suspicion that our seniors are less self-involved. Just as children begin as complete narcissists incapable of feeling empathy, young people must also work through trauma, hurtful pride and delusions to become healthy. When you get a job, work as part of a team, form friendships and have lovers, you will naturally uncover your own unhealthy drives and slowly replace them with socially constructive ones. This expanded confidence and self-growth allows you to truly listen to what others are saying and be capable of giving sound advice disentangled from personal insecurities.
The other reason that older people give better advice is that they have opinions shaped through years of experience. Young people tend to be more idealistic and less willing to consider what is pragmatic. If an individual has had a family they will have to navigate work/life balance issues, raising a child, intimacy, and financial obstacles. They will develop coping mechanisms and methods to deal with these problems and be able to pass them on to anyone in search of guidance. Young people could give similar advice, but since it is not based on experience and has not been tested, it is less likely to be effective.
In conclusion, a settled temperament and experience are the factors that favour the counsel of older people. As young people become old people, it is increasingly likely they will see the veracity of this.
Answers
growing tendency more and more common
seek advice ask for guidance for problems
prudent cautious and wise
narcissistic only able to meet your own needs
mature viewpoints experienced opinions
confirmed the suspicion was indeed correct
less self-involved not as narcissistic
incapable of feeling empathy cannot feel the emotions of others
trauma terrible, scarring events
hurtful pride arrogance
delusions fantasies
as part of a team in a group
form friendships become friends
naturally uncover in the course of things
unhealthy drives wasteful desires
socially constructive good for all of society
expanded confidence greater self-esteem
self-growth developing
truly listen actually hear out
giving sound advice disentangled giving good guidance free from
personal insecurities self-doubts
give better advice give superior guidance
opinions shaped views molded
idealistic overly optimistic
less willing don’t want to
pragmatic practical
navigate work/life balance issues work through issues with your time
raising a child being a parent
intimacy close connection
financial obstacles money problems
develop coping mechanisms deal with through habits
There is a g________________y to s_____________e from older, instead of younger, people. In my opinion, this is p________t because older people are less n_____________c and have more m____________________s.
Recent research has c________________________n that our seniors are le___________________d. Just as children begin as complete narcissists i____________________________y, young people must also work through t__________a, h________________e and d______________s to become healthy. When you get a job, work a___________________m, f____________________s and have lovers, you will n________________________r your own u____________________s and slowly replace them with s_____________________e ones. This e_________________________e and s_______________h allows you to t___________________n to what others are saying and be capable of g_________________________________d from p_________________________s.
The other reason that older people g_______________________e is that they have o_____________________d through years of experience. Young people tend to be more i___________________c and l____________________g to consider what is p_________________c. If an individual has had a family they will have to n____________________________________s, r_________________d, i_______________y, and f_______________________s. They will d_____________________________s and m________________________h these problems and be able to p_______________________n to anyone i_______________________________e. Young people could give similar advice, but since it is not based on experience and has not been tested, it is less likely to be e_________________e.
In conclusion, a s____________________________t and experience are the factors that f__________________________l of older people. As young people become old people, it is i______________________y they will s________________________y of this.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch the video below for some good advice from old and young people!
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of vehicles registered in Australia in 2010, 2012, and 2014 from the real IELTS exam/test.
The overview for this one is very simple because they already give you the general trends but there is still one tricky area that many students may forget about.
Read my answer below to find out the tricky part of the overview.
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Before reading, listen to the audio and make notes:
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Essay: Vehicles in Australia Table (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
The table gives an account of the kinds of vehicles registered in Australia in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Registrations for all vehicles increased, though the growth in motorcycles and light trucks stands out most. Despite a smaller percentile increase, the totals for passenger vehicles were by far the highest and light trucks were lowest.
Passenger and commercial vehicles led total registrations throughout with the former beginning at 11.8 million in 2010 before rising by .9 million and .3 million, for a 10.2% overall jump. The latter underwent a 17.4% climb, going from 2.3 million to 2.6 million and finally 2.7 million by 2014.
The 3 remaining types of vehicles were considerably less common. The respective starting points for each were 540,000 motorcycles, 384,000 heavy trucks and 106,000 light trucks. Motorcycles rose the most rapidly, with a more than 30% increase to 709,000 by the end of the period. Heavy trucks made marginal gains totaling 8.3%, which amounted to 416,00 registrations in 2014. Finally, 124,000 new light trucks were registered in 2012 and an additional 131,000 in 2014 (translating to a 23.5% increase).
Word Count: 170
Analysis
1. The table gives an account of the kinds of vehicles registered in Australia in 2010, 2012, and 2014. 2. Registrations for all vehicles increased, though the growth in motorcycles and light trucks stands out most. 3. Despite a smaller percentile increase, the totals for passenger vehicles were by far the highest and light trucks were lowest.
Paraphrase what the table shows.
Include the trend for all areas – do they go up, down or stay the same? You can also highlight if one increased a lot, as I did with light trucks.
To get full marks for your overview, also include the overall rankings. Even though light trucks increased the most, it was lowest overall while passenger vehicles was by far the highest.
1. Passenger and commercial vehicles led total registrations throughout with the former beginning at 11.8 million in 2010 before rising by .9 million and .3 million, for a 10.2% overall jump. 2. The latter underwent a 17.4% climb, going from 2.3 million to 2.6 million and finally 2.7 million by 2014.
Begin describing the data. Try to group together the highest and lowest categories.
Finish describing and comparing the data for those categories.
1. The 3 remaining types of vehicles were considerably less common. 2. The respective starting points for each were 540,000 motorcycles, 384,000 heavy trucks and 106,000 light trucks. 3. Motorcycles rose the most rapidly, with a more than 30% increase to 709,000 by the end of the period. 4. Heavy trucks made marginal gains totaling 8.3%, which amounted to 416,00 registrations in 2014. 5. Finally, 124,000 new light trucks were registered in 2012 and an additional 131,000 in 2014 (translating to a 23.5% increase).
Compare the lower categories.
Here I list the starting point for all the kinds of vehicles.
Now I describe how one of them changed – make sure you include all the data!
I next write about heavy trucks. Try to vary up your grammar and vocbulary.
I finish with the last are. You do not need a conclusion!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The table gives an account of the kinds of vehicles registered in Australia in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Registrations for all vehicles increased, though the growth in motorcycles and light trucks stands out most. Despite a smaller percentile increase, the totals for passenger vehicles were by far the highest and light trucks were lowest.
Passenger and commercial vehicles led total registrations throughout with the former beginning at 11.8 million in 2010 before rising by .9 million and .3 million, for a 10.2% overall jump. The latter underwent a 17.4% climb, going from 2.3 million to 2.6 million and finally 2.7 million by 2014.
The 3 remaining types of vehicles were considerably less common. The respective starting points for each were 540,000 motorcycles, 384,000 heavy trucks and 106,000 light trucks. Motorcycles rose the most rapidly, with a more than 30% increase to 709,000 by the end of the period. Heavy trucks made marginal gains totaling 8.3%, which amounted to 416,00 registrations in 2014. Finally, 124,000 new light trucks were registered in 2012 and an additional 131,000 in 2014 (translating to a 23.5% increase).
Answers
gives an account of illustrates
registrations people reporting their vehicles to the authorities
growth increase
stands out most most striking
smaller percentile increase increased in proportion less
led was first
throughout all during
former mentioned first
jump increase
underwent experienced
climb increase
remaining left over
considerably less common much less popular
respective starting points where each began
most rapidly very fast
by the end of the period at the end of the time surveyed
marginal gains totaling just small increases adding up to
The table g___________________f the kinds of vehicles registered in Australia in 2010, 2012, and 2014. R_____________s for all vehicles increased, though the g______h in motorcycles and light trucks s____________________t. Despite a s_____________________________e, the totals for passenger vehicles were by far the highest and light trucks were lowest.
Passenger and commercial vehicles l__d total registrations t__________t with the f________r beginning at 11.8 million in 2010 before rising by .9 million and .3 million, for a 10.2% overall j____p. The latter u__________t a 17.4% c______b, going from 2.3 million to 2.6 million and finally 2.7 million by 2014.
The 3 r______________g types of vehicles were c________________________n. The r_____________________________s for each were 540,000 motorcycles, 384,000 heavy trucks and 106,000 light trucks. Motorcycles rose the m_____________y, with a more than 30% increase to 709,000 b_______________________d. Heavy trucks made m_________________________g 8.3%, which a______________o 416,00 registrations in 2014. Finally, 124,000 new light trucks were registered in 2012 and an a____________l 131,000 in 2014 (t______________o a 23.5% increase).
Listen and check:
Speaking Practice
Answer the questions below about public transportation from the real IELTS speaking exam:
Driving
Do you like driving?
Where was the last place you drove?
Where do you like to sit in a car?
Is driving common in your country?
Writing Practice
Write about the table below then check my sample answer:
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