IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Crime TV Shows (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Crime TV Shows (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer on the topic of crime TV shows from the real past IELTS exam/test.

It is a really interesting, really tough question.

I honestly don’t know why crime shows are so popular today. There are a lot of possible reasons and some of them may be true.

I just chose one reason and supported it full.

The real answer is fit for a book so just choose a simple reason and support it fully.

Read it below and check out my exclusive Patreon essays here!

Dave

Listen to the audio file before reading and take notes on the key vocabulary:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Crime TV Shows (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

Watching TV shows and movies about crime is becoming more and more popular.

Why is this?

What effect does that have on society?

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

The frenzy over crime shows in recent years has led many to question both the origins of this morbid interest and its impact. In my opinion, people watch these shows to dispel or safely confirm psychological similarities with killers and the result for society will be negligible in most cases.

The reason people watch crime shows is to understand and compare the psychology of killers. The mystery of these shows goes deeper than figuring out which suspect is the real perpetrator. Audiences are chiefly concerned with motive and the best shows analyse compelling, complex personality archetypes. People can then try to parse out whether or not these individuals are driven by human nature and are just expressing their desires differently from law-abiding citizens or if they are qualitatively different from the average person. Some watch to try to unequivocally differentiate themselves while others experience a guilty, unconscious pleasure in identification and vicarious living.

The end result of all these shows related to crime will amount to nothing in the final analysis. There will be some exceptions where individuals develop an unhealthy obsession that isolates them from normal society or claim them as excuses for their own crimes but this is just as likely to occur with any form of entertainment. The majority of people watch these shows, think about them and talk about them just as they discuss a book or a sports team. Research has been unable to show any direct link between watching crime shows and committing crimes or altering one’s outlook towards others. Similarly, they will not have a positive impact since most people do not watch them to get tips to avoid criminals and the sample sizes for the crimes taking place are too small relative to the knowledge gained.

In conclusion, people watch crime shows to exonerate or convict themselves and it is a benign obsession. It is more important for psychologists to examine the drive to fascination than its object.

Analysis

1. The frenzy over crime shows in recent years has led many to question both the origins of this morbid interest and its impact. 2. In my opinion, people watch these shows to dispel or safely confirm psychological similarities with killers and the result for society will be negligible in most cases.

  1. Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
  2. Answer both questions directly.

1. The reason people watch crime shows is to understand and compare the psychology of killers. 2. The mystery of these shows goes deeper than figuring out which suspect is the real perpetrator. 3. Audiences are chiefly concerned with motive and the best shows analyse compelling, complex personality archetypes. 4. People can then try to parse out whether or not these individuals are driven by human nature and are just expressing their desires differently from law-abiding citizens or if they are qualitatively different from the average person. 5. Some watch to try to unequivocally differentiate themselves while others experience a guilty, unconscious pleasure in identification and vicarious living.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Begin developing your main idea with specific details.
  4. Keep supporting your argument. Make sure your ideas are logical and link to the previous sentence.
  5. Conclude your argument – you don’t have to summarise the paragraph!

1. The end result of all these shows related to crime will amount to nothing in the final analysis. 2. There will be some exceptions where individuals develop an unhealthy obsession that isolates them from normal society or claim them as excuses for their own crimes but this is just as likely to occur with any form of entertainment. 3. The majority of people watch these shows, think about them and talk about them just as they discuss a book or a sports team. 4. Research has been unable to show any direct link between watching crime shows and committing crimes or altering one’s outlook towards others. 5. Similarly, they will not have a positive impact since most people do not watch them to get tips to avoid criminals and the sample sizes for the crimes taking place are too small relative to the knowledge gained.

  1. Write another clear and simple topic sentence.
  2. Again begin to develop it. I start here with a concession.
  3. Here I use an analogy to make my argument stronger.
  4. I also quote research which is a good way to add in support.
  5. I conclude by covering whether or not there is any positive impact.

1. In conclusion, people watch crime shows to exonerate or convict themselves and it is a benign obsession. 2. It is more important for psychologists to examine the drive to fascination than its object.

  1. Repeat your answer to both questions to be 100% sure you get above band 5 for task achievement by fully answering the topic.
  2. Add in an extra detail/final thought.

Vocabulary

The frenzy over crime shows in recent years has led many to question both the origins of this morbid interest and its impact. In my opinion, people watch these shows to dispel or safely confirm psychological similarities with killers and the result for society will be negligible in most cases.

The reason people watch crime shows is to understand and compare the psychology of killers. The mystery of these shows goes deeper than figuring out which suspect is the real perpetrator. Audiences are chiefly concerned with motive and the best shows analyse compelling, complex personality archetypes. People can then try to parse out whether or not these individuals are driven by human nature and are just expressing their desires differently from law-abiding citizens or if they are qualitatively different from the average person. Some watch to try to unequivocally differentiate themselves while others experience a guilty, unconscious pleasure in identification and vicarious living.

The end result of all these shows related to crime will amount to nothing in the final analysis. There will be some exceptions where individuals develop an unhealthy obsession that isolates them from normal society or claim them as excuses for their own crimes but this is just as likely to occur with any form of entertainment. The majority of people watch these shows, think about them and talk about them just as they discuss a book or a sports team. Research has been unable to show any direct link between watching crime shows and committing crimes or altering one’s outlook towards others. Similarly, they will not have a positive impact since most people do not watch them to get tips to avoid criminals and the sample sizes for the crimes taking place are too small relative to the knowledge gained.

In conclusion, people watch crime shows to exonerate or convict themselves and it is a benign obsession. It is more important for psychologists to examine the drive to fascination than its object.

Answers

frenzy obsession with

question wonder about

origins source

morbid interest dark fascination

dispel dismiss

safely confirm without risk show the connection

psychological similarities same way of thinking

negligible not a major factor

mystery enigma/riddle

deeper not superficial

figuring out knowing

suspect who might have done it

real perpetrator actual guilty criminal

chiefly concerned mostly interested in

motive reason

compelling influential

complex personality archetypes complicated type of person

parse out break down

driven encouraged

human nature nature

expressing their desires differently sublimating

law-abiding citizens people who don’t break the law

qualitatively different a real distinction

average person common person

unequivocally differentiate definitely different

guilty did the crime

unconscious pleasure unacknowledged joy

identification relate to

vicarious living living through others

amount to adds up to

in the final analysis in the end

exceptions outside the norm

unhealthy obsession dark faschinations

isolates makes separate

claim say/think

excuses reasons

just as likely to occur equally possible it will happen

just as the same as

direct link clear cause/effect relationship

altering one’s outlook towards others being less empathetic

sample sizes a group representing a larger group

crimes taking place criminal acts happening

relative to in comparison to

exonerate clear of all wrong-doing

convict criminal

benign harmless

fascination interest in

object who/what is acted upon

Pronunciation

ˈfrɛnzi 
ˈkwɛsʧən 
ˈɒrɪʤɪnz 
ˈmɔːbɪd ˈɪntrɪst 
dɪsˈpɛl 
ˈseɪfli kənˈfɜːm 
ˌsaɪkəˈlɒʤɪkəl ˌsɪmɪˈlærɪtiz 
ˈnɛglɪʤəbl 
ˈmɪstəri 
ˈdiːpə 
ˈfɪgərɪŋ aʊt 
ˈsʌspɛkt 
rɪəl ˈpɜːpɪtreɪtə
ˈʧiːfli kənˈsɜːnd 
ˈməʊtɪv 
kəmˈpɛlɪŋ
ˈkɒmplɛks ˌpɜːsəˈnælɪti ˈɑːkɪtaɪps
pɑːz aʊt 
ˈdrɪvn 
ˈhjuːmən ˈneɪʧə 
ɪksˈprɛsɪŋ ðeə dɪˈzaɪəz ˈdɪfrəntli 
ˈlɔːəˌbaɪdɪŋ ˈsɪtɪznz 
ˈkwɒlɪtətɪvli ˈdɪfrənt 
ˈævərɪʤ ˈpɜːsn
ˌʌnɪˈkwɪvəkəli ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃɪeɪt
ˈgɪlti
ʌnˈkɒnʃəs ˈplɛʒə 
aɪˌdɛntɪfɪˈkeɪʃən 
vaɪˈkeərɪəs ˈlɪvɪŋ
əˈmaʊnt tuː 
ɪn ðə ˈfaɪnl əˈnæləsɪs
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz 
ʌnˈhɛlθi əbˈsɛʃənz 
ˈaɪsəleɪts 
kleɪm 
ɪksˈkjuːsɪz 
ʤʌst æz ˈlaɪkli tuː əˈkɜː 
ʤʌst æz 
dɪˈrɛkt lɪŋk 
ˈɔːltərɪŋ wʌnz ˈaʊtlʊk təˈwɔːdz ˈʌðəz
ˈsɑːmpl ˈsaɪzɪz 
kraɪmz ˈteɪkɪŋ pleɪs 
ˈrɛlətɪv tuː 
ɪgˈzɒnəreɪt 
ˈkɒnvɪkt 
bɪˈnaɪn 
ˌfæsɪˈneɪʃən 
ˈɒbʤɪkt

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

The f______________ over crime shows in recent years has led many to q______________ both the o______________ of this m______________ and its impact. In my opinion, people watch these shows to d______________ or s______________ p______________ with killers and the result for society will be n______________ in most cases.

The reason people watch crime shows is to understand and compare the psychology of killers. The m______________ of these shows goes d______________ than f______________ which s______________ is the r______________. Audiences are c______________ with m______________ and the best shows analyse c______________, c______________. People can then try to p______________ whether or not these individuals are d______________ by h______________ and are just e______________ from l______________ or if they are q______________ from the a______________. Some watch to try to u______________ themselves while others experience a g______________, u______________ in i______________ and v______________.

The end result of all these shows related to crime will a______________ nothing i______________. There will be some e______________ where individuals develop an u______________ that i______________ them from normal society or c______________ them as e______________ for their own crimes but this is j______________ with any form of entertainment. The majority of people watch these shows, think about them and talk about them j______________ they discuss a book or a sports team. Research has been unable to show any d______________ between watching crime shows and committing crimes or a______________ . Similarly, they will not have a positive impact since most people do not watch them to get tips to avoid criminals and the s______________ for the c______________ are too small r______________ the knowledge gained.

In conclusion, people watch crime shows to e______________ or c______________ themselves and it is a b______________ obsession. It is more important for psychologists to examine the drive to f______________ than its o______________.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch the video below from some ideas from a real psychologist:

Reading Practice

Here is an article about its effect for your other paragraph:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-47474996

Speaking Practice

Answer these questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Crime

  1. Why do people commit crimes?
  2. How can criminals be rehabilitated?
  3. What is the purpose of punishment?
  4. Are punishment and revenge the same?
  5. Will crime become less common in the future?

Writing Practice

Write about the following topic then read my sample answer below:

The crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advances in technology.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Technology (Real Past Exam/Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Technology (Real Past Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of technology from a real past IELTS exam/test.

Here are some important links to help you improve your scores as well:

Exlusive Patreon Essays

Recent IELTS Writing Task 1 Topics

Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics

Recent IELTS Speaking Topics

Enjoy!

-Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Technology (Real Past Exam/Test)

Some believe technology has made our lives too complex and the solution is to lead a simpler life without technology.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Tests

Many are of the opinion that technology has done more harm than good and we ought to simplify in order to lead more fulfilling lives. I agree that technology has its drawbacks but I think turning away from technology is impractical.

The main reason that technology has complicated life for people today is that it has made people perpetually available. In the past, a worker might work a 9 to 5 then come home to spend time with their family, have dinner and enjoy their private life. That simplicity is largely no longer the case. Once work ends, you can still get email notifications and phone calls from managers or co-workers. The end result is that you can never be fully present in the moment because work always threatens to pull you back.

Although life has become more complicated and this is a negative development, shutting yourself off from technology would only serve to isolate people from the world. If you want to stay in touch with friends and know about events in your area, it is essential to have a phone. You can use Facebook Messenger to cheaply chat with individuals or make group plans. Email is an indispensable element of nearly every job. Without it, you are filtering out quality jobs and predetermining manual work as your vocation.

In conclusion, although technology has hurt people, turning away from it is not feasible today without making drastic sacrifices. Instead, people ought to seek ways to compartmentalise technology in order to live happier, more satisfying lives.

Analysis

1. Many are of the opinion that technology has done more harm than good and we ought to simplify in order to lead more fulfilling lives. 2. I agree that technology has its drawbacks but I think turning away from technology is impractical.

  1. Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
  2. Include your opinion – choose a side!

1. The main reason that technology has complicated life for people today is that it has made people perpetually available. 2. In the past, a worker might work a 9 to 5 then come home to spend time with their family, have dinner and enjoy their private life. 3. That simplicity is largely no longer the case. 4. Once work ends, you can still get email notifications and phone calls from managers or co-workers. 5. The end result is that you can never be fully present in the moment because work always threatens to pull you back.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a main idea at the end – for me it is being perpetually available.
  2. Begin to develop it. I use a hypothetical example here.
  3. Vary up your long and short sentences for effect.
  4. Be specific – meniote the notifications, phone calls, etc.
  5. State the result to finish the paragraph.

1. Although life has become more complicated and this is a negative development, shutting yourself off from technology would only serve to isolate people from the world. 2. If you want to stay in touch with friends and know about events in your area, it is essential to have a phone. 3. You can use Facebook Messenger to cheaply chat with individuals or make group plans. 4. Email is an indispensable element of nearly every job. 5. Without it, you are filtering out quality jobs and predetermining manual work as your vocation.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Develop it with specific detail.
  3. Make sure that you use really specific examples such as Facebook Messenger.
  4. Keep developing the same main idea.
  5. State the result again.

1. In conclusion, although technology has hurt people, turning away from it is not feasible today without making drastic sacrifices. 2. Instead, people ought to seek ways to compartmentalise technology in order to live happier, more satisfying lives.

  1. Repeat your opinion.
  2. Include a final thought/extra detail for full points from the IELTS examiner for task achievement.

Vocabulary

Many are of the opinion that technology has done more harm than good and we ought to simplify in order to lead more fulfilling lives. I agree that technology has its drawbacks but I think turning away from technology is impractical.

The main reason that technology has complicated life for people today is that it has made people perpetually available. In the past, a worker might work a 9 to 5 then come home to spend time with their family, have dinner and enjoy their private life. That simplicity is largely no longer the case. Once work ends, you can still get email notifications and phone calls from managers or co-workers. The end result is that you can never be fully present in the moment because work always threatens to pull you back.

Although life has become more complicated and this is a negative development, shutting yourself off from technology would only serve to isolate people from the world. If you want to stay in touch with friends and know about events in your area, it is essential to have a phone. You can use Facebook Messenger to cheaply chat with individuals or make group plans. Email is an indispensable element of nearly every job. Without it, you are filtering out quality jobs and predetermining manual work as your vocation.

In conclusion, although technology has hurt people, turning away from it is not feasible today without making drastic sacrifices. Instead, people ought to seek ways to compartmentalise technology in order to live happier, more satisfying lives.

Answers

done more harm than good hurt more than helped

lead more fulfilling lives be happier

turning away giving up

impractical not useful/unrealistic

perpetually available can always be contacted

spend time with hang out with

private life personal life

no longer the case not ture anymore

notifications updates

end result final outcome

fully present in the moment mindful, not distracted

threatens risks

pull you back bring you back to

shutting yourself off isolating

only serve to isolate keeps you away from others

stay in touch keep in touch

essential crucial

cheaply chat inexpensively communicate with

indispensable element crucial part

filtering out avoiding

predetermining manual work making it so you can’t do other jobs

vocation job/calling

feasible realistic

drastic sacrifices big cuts, giving up a lot

compartmentalise technology keep your phone in its place

more satisfying lives living happier

Pronunciation

dʌn mɔː hɑːm ðæn gʊd 
liːd mɔː fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ lɪvz
ˈtɜːnɪŋ əˈweɪ 
ɪmˈpræktɪkəl
pəˈpɛʧʊəli əˈveɪləbl
spɛnd taɪm wɪð 
ˈpraɪvɪt laɪf
nəʊ ˈlɒŋgə ðə keɪs
ˌnəʊtɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz 
ɛnd rɪˈzʌlt 
ˈfʊli ˈprɛznt ɪn ðə ˈməʊmənt 
ˈθrɛtnz 
pʊl juː bæk
ˈʃʌtɪŋ jɔːˈsɛlf ɒf 
ˈəʊnli sɜːv tuː ˈaɪsəleɪt 
steɪ ɪn tʌʧ 
ɪˈsɛnʃəl 
ˈʧiːpli ʧæt 
indispensible ˈɛlɪmənt 
ˈfɪltərɪŋ aʊt 
ˌpriːdɪˈtɜːmɪnɪŋ ˈmænjʊəl wɜːk 
vəʊˈkeɪʃən
ˈfiːzəbl 
ˈdræstɪk ˈsækrɪfaɪsɪz
compartmentalize tɛkˈnɒləʤi 
mɔː ˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ lɪvz

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many are of the opinion that technology has d_________________ and we ought to simplify in order to l _________________. I agree that technology has its drawbacks but I think t_________________ from technology is i_________________.

The main reason that technology has complicated life for people today is that it has made people p_________________. In the past, a worker might work a 9 to 5 then come home to s_________________ their family, have dinner and enjoy their p _________________. That simplicity is largely n_________________ . Once work ends, you can still get email n_________________ and phone calls from managers or co-workers. The e_________________ is that you can never be f_________________ because work always t_________________ to p_________________.

Although life has become more complicated and this is a negative development, s_________________ from technology would o_________________ people from the world. If you want to s_________________ with friends and know about events in your area, it is e_________________ to have a phone. You can use Facebook Messenger to c_________________ with individuals or make group plans. Email is an i_________________ of nearly every job. Without it, you are f_________________ quality jobs and p_________________ as your v_________________.

In conclusion, although technology has hurt people, turning away from it is not f_________________ today without making d_________________. Instead, people ought to seek ways to c_________________ in order to live happier, m_________________.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch here about someone who gave up their phone for 30 days:

Reading Practice

Here’s a related article that may also help you think of some ideas:

https://www.npr.org/2011/07/14/137472487/what-it-means-to-be-always-on-a-smartphone

Speaking Practice

Mobile Phones and Smartphones

  1. What are the advantages of smartphones?
  2. Should children be allowed to own smartphones?
  3. Do you thinks have a major or minor impact on mental health?
  4. Where in your country is it not appropriate to use a phone?
  5. Do you think smartphone usage may decline in the future?

Writing Practice

Write about the following topic then check my sample answer essay below:

Many people believe that social networking sites (such as Facebook) have a huge negative impact on both individuals and society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real past IELTS Exams/Tests

IELTS Student Sample Corrections

The successful in technological development has created a more complicated life for people and in order to solve this issue and it is thought [A1] to live without the appearance of technology. In my opinion, I hold a balanced view in this issue.[A2] 

Living without technology could be the best solution to solve the complexity of our lives, especially for elderly or technophobes. The main reason is because in the present we are surrounded by technological devices, however, old people and those who do not want to adopt the great development of this will find it really hard to use, resulting in creating harder and more complex life for them. [A3] It can easily be seen that people aged 60 or above and technophobes will prefer using physical keyboard phones such as Nokia 550 rather than using state-of-the-art and newest smartphones like iPhone X or Note 8.[A4] 

However, without the need of technology, our lives could be quite hard in many situations that required devices. The main reason because by using smart devices, it helps to reduce the number of tasks needed, instead, it now becomes the responsibility of technological devices, these jobs will be done by machines, hence, increasing people’s life quality. In the past, women spent hours for household tasks, such as sweeping the floors and cooking meals for the whole family, now, these tasks are given to floor-sweeping robots and automated cookers, meaning they will have more time for leisure and their beloved.[A5] 

In conclusion, although living a life without technology could be true to solve the complicated lives in today’s world, using automated machines will handle many tasks that in the past humans needed to involve in.[A6] 


 [A1]Many are of the opinion that we should try to…

 [A2]Not a good idea to do this! It asks to the extent you agree/disagree – make it clear that you only partly agree!

 [A3]Way too vague! We already know this – describe how it is harder or more complex!

 [A4]This is confusing because this isn’t an argument about technology v no technology it is old v new technology so it is irrelevant….

 [A5]Good paragraph in general with a clear main idea and enough support. I’m not sure about the example though because people still do household chores and cook meals… Those tasks have become EASIER – that would be a better argument.

 [A6]There is no position in this essay! Just saying ‘I hold a balanced view’ is an automatic 5 for Task Achievement regardless of everything else…

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: International Sporting Events

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: International Sporting Events

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of international sporting events from real IELTS exam/test.

I found this one a challenge because it is such a complex issue and I know so little about it.

It depends on so many factors and I’m not a politician.

That means I had to speculate a lot but also try to keep it grounded and specific.

See what I decided to do 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

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: International Sporting Events

One good way to promote world peace is through international sporting events.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Recent IELTS Exams/Tests

Some today feel that international sporting events are an opportunity to encourage world peace between traditionally opposed nations. In my opinion, the shared comradery is marginal enough as to be largely meaningless.

Proponents would argue that these events strengthen national bonds, particularly for the host country. Take the recent Olympics in Brasil as an example. Brasilian citizens and the government may have harboured animosity and prejudices towards various other countries where they have political, geographic, or economic ties. These predispositions might soften in citizens as they replace their generalised impressions with the real people now staying in their hotels, eating in their restaurants and passing them on the street. Governments will also have the opportunity to meet with foreign leaders in a spirit of friendly competition and without the tension of trade or military talks.

Nonetheless, only a very small percentage of people will be influenced in this way relative to the global interactions that actually impact world peace. A good example of this would be the complex civil war taking place in Syria. Very few citizens in a war-torn nation care about sporting events, if they have any representatives, and the leaders may not even make the trip. They will be more concerned about which sides Russia and the United States are supporting and the outstanding problems that led to conflict in the first place. World peace is further imperiled by other Middle Eastern countries with a religious affiliation who are unlikely to be pacified through a football match. Competitions like the Olympics and World Cup cannot in any way alter these underlying sources of conflict.

In conclusion, sports tournaments have very little role to play in a more peaceful world. Countries should take part in them to stir up national pride and achieve glory, not as a means to an unachievable political end.

Analysis

1. Some today feel that international sporting events are an opportunity to encourage world peace between traditionally opposed nations. 2. In my opinion, the shared comradery is marginal enough as to be largely meaningless.

  1. Rewrite the overall topic for the whole essay.
  2. Include your opinion and make it very clear – never sit in the middle!

1. Proponents would argue that these events strengthen national bonds, particularly for the host country. 2. Take the recent Olympics in Brasil as an example. 3. Brasilian citizens and the government may have harboured animosity and prejudices towards various other countries where they have political, geographic, or economic ties. 4. These predispositions might soften in citizens as they replace their generalised impressions with the real people now staying in their hotels, eating in their restaurants and passing them on the street. 5. Governments will also have the opportunity to meet with foreign leaders in a spirit of friendly competition and without the tension of trade or military talks.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
  2. Begin an example.
  3. Develop the example with specific details.
  4. Continue developing it – notice how specific my support is.
  5. Finish developing your main idea and conclude the paragraph.

1. Nonetheless, only a very small percentage of people will be influenced in this way relative to the global interactions that actually impact world peace. 2. A good example of this would be the complex civil war taking place in Syria. 3. Very few citizens in a war-torn nation care about sporting events, if they have any representatives, and the leaders may not even make the trip. 4. They will be more concerned about which sides Russia and the United States are supporting and the outstanding problems that led to conflict in the first place. 5. World peace is further imperiled by other Middle Eastern countries with a religious affiliation who are unlikely to be pacified through a football match. 6. Competitions like the Olympics and World Cup cannot in any way alter these underlying sources of conflict.

  1. Write another topic sentence with a new clear main idea.
  2. Start your example right away – don’t waste time!
  3. Develop it as specifically as you can.
  4. The more support, the higher your task achievement score!
  5. Use specific countries and relate them to your main idea.
  6. You last sentence can be more general and answer the overall question for the essay directly.

1. In conclusion, sports tournaments have very little role to play in a more peaceful world. 2. Countries should take part in them to stir up national pride and achieve glory, not as a means to an unachievable political end.

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

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Some today feel that international sporting events are an opportunity to encourage world peace between traditionally opposed nations. In my opinion, the shared comradery is marginal enough as to be largely meaningless.

Proponents would argue that these events strengthen national bonds, particularly for the host country. Take the recent Olympics in Brasil as an example. Brasilian citizens and the government may have harboured animosity and prejudices towards various other countries where they have political, geographic, or economic ties. These predispositions might soften in citizens as they replace their generalised impressions with the real people now staying in their hotels, eating in their restaurants and passing them on the street. Governments will also have the opportunity to meet with foreign leaders in a spirit of friendly competition and without the tension of trade or military talks.

Nonetheless, only a very small percentage of people will be influenced in this way relative to the global interactions that actually impact world peace. A good example of this would be the complex civil war taking place in Syria. Very few citizens in a war-torn nation care about sporting events, if they have any representatives, and the leaders may not even make the trip. They will be more concerned about which sides Russia and the United States are supporting and the outstanding problems that led to conflict in the first place. World peace is further imperiled by other Middle Eastern countries with a religious affiliation who are unlikely to be pacified through a football match. Competitions like the Olympics and World Cup cannot in any way alter these underlying sources of conflict.

In conclusion, sports tournaments have very little role to play in a more peaceful world. Countries should take part in them to stir up national pride and achieve glory, not as a means to an unachievable political end.

Answers

international sporting events the Olympics, World Cup, World Games, etc.

world peace no more wars

traditionally opposed nations countries usually fighting/in conflict

shared comradery the feeling of being together in an enterprise/sport

marginal enough as to be largely meaningless so little impact that it doesn’t matter

proponents supporter

strengthen national bonds bring countries closer together

host country nation where the games are held

harboured animosity resentments/grudges

prejudices judgments about others before meeting them/bigotry

political, geographic related to politics and geography

economic ties financial links

predispositions inclination towards

soften mature, take the edges off

generalised impressions first reactions, abstracted image of

passing walking by

in a spirit of friendly competition being a good sport

tension of trade or military talks anxiousness around important governmental discussions

relative to as it regards

global interactions times when countries come into contact

civil war fighting within a country

war-torn nation nation with a war devastating it

representatives elected officials

make the trip travel to

supporting in favour of

outstanding problems issues that still exist/are current

in the first place to begin with

imperiled put in danger

religious affiliation association with a religion

pacified make peace

alter make changes to

underlying sources of conflict problems that lead to fighting

very little role to play in no part in

take part in participate in

stir up national pride encourage nationalism

achieve glory win gold medals

means to an unachievable political end only to try and accomplish a national goal that can’t be accomplished anyway

Pronunciation

ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl ˈspɔːtɪŋ ɪˈvɛnts 
wɜːld piːs 
trəˈdɪʃnəli əˈpəʊzd ˈneɪʃənz 
ʃeəd ˈkɒmrɪdri
ˈmɑːʤɪnəl ɪˈnʌf æz tuː biː ˈlɑːʤli ˈmiːnɪŋlɪs 
prəˈpəʊnənts 
ˈstrɛŋθən ˈnæʃənl bɒndz 
həʊst ˈkʌntri 
ˈhɑːbəd ˌænɪˈmɒsɪti 
ˈprɛʤʊdɪsɪz 
pəˈlɪtɪkəlʤɪəˈgræfɪk 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk taɪz 
ˌpriːdɪspəˈzɪʃənz 
ˈsɒfn 
ˈʤɛnərəlaɪzd ɪmˈprɛʃənz 
ˈpɑːsɪŋ 
ɪn ə ˈspɪrɪt ɒv ˈfrɛndli ˌkɒmpɪˈtɪʃən 
ˈtɛnʃən ɒv treɪd ɔː ˈmɪlɪtəri tɔːks 
ˈrɛlətɪv tuː 
ˈgləʊbəl ˌɪntərˈækʃənz 
ˈsɪvl wɔː 
wɔː-tɔːn ˈneɪʃən 
ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪvz 
meɪk ðə trɪp 
səˈpɔːtɪŋ 
aʊtˈstændɪŋ ˈprɒbləmz 
ɪn ðə fɜːst pleɪs 
ɪmˈpɛrɪld 
rɪˈlɪʤəs əˌfɪlɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n 
ˈpæsɪfaɪd 
ˈɔːltə 
ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ ˈsɔːsɪz ɒv ˈkɒnflɪkt 
ˈvɛri ˈlɪtl rəʊl tuː pleɪ ɪn 
teɪk pɑːt ɪn 
stɜːr ʌp ˈnæʃənl praɪd 
əˈʧiːv ˈglɔːri 
miːnz tuː ən ˌʌnəˈʧiːvəbl pəˈlɪtɪkəl ɛnd 

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Some today feel that i_______________ are an opportunity to encourage w_______________ between t_______________. In my opinion, the s _______________ is m_______________.

P_______________ would argue that these events s_______________, particularly for the h_______________. Take the recent Olympics in Brasil as an example. Brasilian citizens and the government may have h_______________ and p_______________ towards various other countries where they have p_______________, g_______________, or e_______________. These p_______________ might s_______________ in citizens as they replace their g_______________ with the real people now staying in their hotels, eating in their restaurants and p_______________ them on the street. Governments will also have the opportunity to meet with foreign leaders i_______________ and without the t_______________.

Nonetheless, only a very small percentage of people will be influenced in this way r_______________ the g_______________ that actually impact world peace. A good example of this would be the complex c_______________ taking place in Syria. Very few citizens in a w_______________ care about sporting events, if they have any r_______________, and the leaders may not even m_______________. They will be more concerned about which sides Russia and the United States are s_______________ and the o_______________ that led to conflict i_______________. World peace is further i_______________ by other Middle Eastern countries with a r_______________ who are unlikely to be p_______________ through a football match. Competitions like the Olympics and World Cup cannot in any way a_______________ these u_______________.

In conclusion, sports tournaments have v_______________ a more peaceful world. Countries should t_______________ them to s_______________ and a _______________, not as a m_______________.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

This video would make a great example for your essay!

Reading Practice

Here’s an interesting article on this topic:

https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2010/03/war-and-peace-at-the-olympic-games/36868/

Speaking Practice

Answer the following part 3 speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Cycling

  1. Do you own a bicycle?
  2. When was the last time you went cycling?
  3. Is cycling dangerous in your country?
  4. Would you ever take a long cycling trip?

Writing Practice

Answer the related question below and then read my sample answer on it:

Some people think that it is a waste of money for countries to host big sporting events like the world cup, and that the money would be better spent on other things.

However, others think that hosting large sporting events has a clear, positive impact on a country.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Dying Languages (Real Past IELTS Test/Exam)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Dying Languages (Real Past IELTS Test/Exam)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer on the topic of languages dying out from the real IELTS exam.

I found the 3rd paragraph really difficult – check it out 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

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Dying Languages (Real Past IELTS Test/Exam)

Many local languages today are dying out due to the rise of languages like English.

Is this a positive or negative development?

The ubiquity of English as a lingua franca is leading to lesser known languages fading away. Although this is a great cultural loss for the world as a whole, it is a positive development for the ethnic groups in question.

Those who regret these loses point out the irreplaceable role of unique languages among ethnic peoples. A good example of this would be in India which is home to 22 national languages and hundreds of unofficial languages in various states of decay. Once a region begins to assimilate and learn English and Hindi, their native tongue becomes antiquated. Since language does more to shape how we see the world than our vision, this also means an interpretation of the world falls away. Over time, younger people will tend to follow global or national trends rather than local ones and the culture itself will be at risk.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, assimilation means progress. Western tourists might feel their right to see authentic ethnic minorities is being stripped away, but those groups typically want better lives for themselves and their children. Speaking a language known only to a small group of people greatly limits your opportunities. You can remain in your village and live below the poverty line your entire life or learn a widely-spoken language and be able to travel, work and stay abreast of developments abroad. Even if they do not leave the country, they can move to bigger cities and pursue their passion. Those that remain in their villages, will have better chances of finding online work as well.

In conclusion, the disappearance of smaller languages is inevitable and positive from a purely utilitarian point of view. It would be great to find a means of supporting indigenous tribes that choose to preserve their ancestors way of life.

Word Count: 300

Analysis

1. The ubiquity of English as a lingua franca is leading to lesser known languages fading away. 2. Although this is a great cultural loss for the world as a whole, it is a positive development for the ethnic groups in question.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Give your opinion.

1. Those who regret these loses point out the irreplaceable role of unique languages among ethnic peoples. 2. A good example of this would be in India which is home to 22 national languages and hundreds of unofficial languages in various states of decay. 3. Once a region begins to assimilate and learn English and Hindi, their native tongue becomes antiquated. 4. Since language does more to shape how we see the world than our vision, this also means an interpretation of the world falls away. 5. Over time, younger people will tend to follow global or national trends rather than local ones and the culture itself will be at risk.

  1. Write a clear topic sentence with a single main idea.
  2. Develop it with an example.
  3. Keep developing the example.
  4. State the results of your example.
  5. Further state the results.

1. Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, assimilation means progress. 2. Western tourists might feel their right to see authentic ethnic minorities is being stripped away, but those groups typically want better lives for themselves and their children. 3. Speaking a language known only to a small group of people greatly limits your opportunities. 4. You can remain in your village and live below the poverty line your entire life or learn a widely-spoken language and be able to travel, work and stay abreast of developments abroad. 5. Even if they do not leave the country, they can move to bigger cities and pursue their passion. 6. Those that remain in their villages, will have better chances of finding online work as well.

  1. Another topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea if it needs explanation.
  3. Develop your main idea with specific, clear support.
  4. Add in as much detail as possible.
  5. Continue with more detail.
  6. The more secific and detailed the better!

1. In conclusion, the disappearance of smaller languages is inevitable and positive from a purely utilitarian point of view. 2. It would be great to find a means of supporting indigenous tribes that choose to preserve their ancestors way of life.

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

Vocabulary

The ubiquity of English as a lingua franca is leading to lesser known languages fading away. Although this is a great cultural loss for the world as a whole, it is a positive development for the ethnic groups in question.

Those who regret these loses point out the irreplaceable role of unique languages among ethnic peoples. A good example of this would be in India which is home to 22 national languages and hundreds of unofficial languages in various states of decay. Once a region begins to assimilate and learn English and Hindi, their native tongue becomes antiquated. Since language does more to shape how we see the world than our vision, this also means an interpretation of the world falls away. Over time, younger people will tend to follow global or national trends rather than local ones and the culture itself will be at risk.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, assimilation means progress. Western tourists might feel their right to see authentic ethnic minorities is being stripped away, but those groups typically want better lives for themselves and their children. Speaking a language known only to a small group of people greatly limits your opportunities. You can remain in your village and live below the poverty line your entire life or learn a widely-spoken language and be able to travel, work and stay abreast of developments abroad. Even if they do not leave the country, they can move to bigger cities and pursue their passion. Those that remain in their villages, will have better chances of finding online work as well.

In conclusion, the disappearance of smaller languages is inevitable and positive from a purely utilitarian point of view. It would be great to find a means of supporting indigenous tribes that choose to preserve their ancestors way of life.

Answers

ubiquity common

lingua franca common language

lesser known not as common

fading away disappearing

great cultural loss loss of heritage

world as a whole globally

ethnic groups in question the relevant minorities

regret feel bad about

irreplaceable role crucial

unique special

national languages common language recognised by the government

unofficial languages smaller languages in a country

various states of decay starting to disappear

assimilate become part of the culture

native tongue native language

antiquated old/outdated

shape mold/influence

vision seeing

interpretation opinion

falls away disappears

tend likely to

follow global or national trends globalisation

at risk in danger

assimilation noun of assimilate

progress modernity

authentic ethnic minorities real groups

stripped away taken away

greatly limits your opportunities not as many options

remain stay

below the poverty line very poor

widely-spoken language common language

abreast up to date about

pursue their passion study/work in the field they want

finding online work getting a job you can work from a computer

inevitable will happen

purely utilitarian point of view completely concerned with the use or practical aspect

supporting indigenous tribes helping ethnic groups

preserve their ancestors way of life keep alive their cultural history

Pronunciation

ju(ː)ˈbɪkwɪti 
ˈlɪŋgwə ˈfræŋkə 
ˈlɛsə nəʊn 
ˈfeɪdɪŋ əˈweɪ
greɪt ˈkʌlʧərəl lɒs 
wɜːld æz ə həʊl
ˈɛθnɪk gruːps ɪn ˈkwɛsʧən
rɪˈgrɛt 
ˌɪrɪˈpleɪsəbl rəʊl 
juːˈniːk 
ˈnæʃənl ˈlæŋgwɪʤɪz 
ˌʌnəˈfɪʃəl ˈlæŋgwɪʤɪz 
ˈveərɪəs steɪts ɒv dɪˈkeɪ
əˈsɪmɪleɪt 
ˈneɪtɪv tʌŋ 
ˈæntɪkweɪtɪd
ʃeɪp 
ˈvɪʒən
ɪnˌtɜːprɪˈteɪʃən 
fɔːlz əˈweɪ
tɛnd 
ˈfɒləʊ ˈgləʊbəl ɔː ˈnæʃənl trɛndz 
æt rɪsk
əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃ(ə)n 
ˈprəʊgrəs
ɔːˈθɛntɪk ˈɛθnɪk maɪˈnɒrɪtiz 
strɪpt əˈweɪ
ˈgreɪtli ˈlɪmɪts jɔːr ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz
rɪˈmeɪn 
bɪˈləʊ ðə ˈpɒvəti laɪn 
ˈwaɪdli-ˈspəʊkən ˈlæŋgwɪʤ 
əˈbrɛst 
pəˈsjuː ðeə ˈpæʃən
ˈfaɪndɪŋ ˈɒnˌlaɪn wɜːk 
ɪnˈɛvɪtəbl 
ˈpjʊəli ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteərɪən pɔɪnt ɒv vjuː
səˈpɔːtɪŋ ɪnˈdɪʤɪnəs traɪbz 
prɪˈzɜːv ðeər ˈænsɪstəz weɪ ɒv laɪf

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

The u___________ of English as a l___________ is leading to l___________ languages f___________. Although this is a g___________ for the w___________, it is a positive development for the e___________.

Those who r___________ these loses point out the i___________ of u___________ languages among ethnic peoples. A good example of this would be in India which is home to 22 n___________ and hundreds of u___________ in v___________. Once a region begins to a___________ and learn English and Hindi, their n___________ becomes a___________. Since language does more to s___________ how we see the world than our v___________, this also means an i___________ of the world f___________. Over time, younger people will t___________ to f___________ or n___________ rather than local ones and the culture itself will be a___________.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned above, a___________ means p___________. Western tourists might feel their right to see a___________ is being s___________, but those groups typically want better lives for themselves and their children. Speaking a language known only to a small group of people g___________. You can r___________ in your village and live b___________ your entire life or learn a w___________ and be able to travel, work and stay a___________ of developments abroad. Even if they do not leave the country, they can move to bigger cities and p___________. Those that remain in their villages, will have better chances of f___________ as well.

In conclusion, the disappearance of smaller languages is i___________ and positive from a p___________. It would be great to find a means of s___________ that choose to p ___________.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch the video below for some more ideas and examples in case if a similar question comes up on your exam:

Reading Practice

Read more here about this interesting topic from National Geographic:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/04/saving-dying-disappearing-languages-wikitongues-culture/

Speaking Practice

Answer the questions below from the real speaking exam:

Conversation

  1. Do you enjoy talking with your friends?
  2. What do you usually talk about?
  3. Have the kind of conversations you have changed much?
  4. Do you like listening to your friends tell stories?

Writing Practice

Practice with a similar question related to language below:

Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams
The Most Difficult IELTS Writing February 2020: Living on Other Planets (Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams)

The Most Difficult IELTS Writing February 2020: Living on Other Planets (Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams)

*Send me an email at [email protected] today only and I’ll send you the PDF for free!

Hi, I’m Dave! Every month I release a new answer for a difficult question on IELTS.

Here is the toughest question from February:

In the future it will become more difficult to live on Earth so more money should be spent researching how to live on other planets such as Mars.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

This question is very interesting but also difficult for a couple of reasons.

First of all, that is because you probably don’t think about living on another planet much.

There aren’t many stories in the news about it so it is hard to write about a topic that may not be important for hundreds, or thousands, of years.

Secondly, it’s tricky to decide whether or not to focus on one side or talk about both.

Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Dave