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.
Rewrite the overall topic for the whole essay.
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.
Continue developing it – notice how specific my support is.
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.
Write another topic sentence with a new clear main idea.
Start your example right away – don’t waste time!
Develop it as specifically as you can.
The more support, the higher your task achievement score!
Use specific countries and relate them to your main idea.
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.
Repeat your opinion.
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 enoughas 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 enoughas 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
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!
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.
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.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
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.
Write a clear topic sentence with a single main idea.
Develop it with an example.
Keep developing the example.
State the results of your example.
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.
Another topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea if it needs explanation.
Develop your main idea with specific, clear support.
Add in as much detail as possible.
Continue with more detail.
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.
Repeat your opinion.
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
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:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer from the general training exam on the topic of fame and the internet.
It seems to be pretty simple but it is still a real challenge to think of relevant main ideas and support them with specific examples.
Read on to see how I handled it!
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Fame (Real Past IELTS Test/Exam)
Due to television and the internet it is easier today for a large number of people to become famous.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Real Past IELTS Exams/Tests
It is easier than ever today for people to become famous because of increased channels for distribution such as television and the internet. This is clearly a positive trend as it opens up the entertainment industry to greater diversity.
Those that decry this trend typically point to talentless celebrities. In the past, a comedian or musician might work for years honing their craft in order to get a slot on one of the few talkshows and then become famous overnight. Nowadays, many celebrities start on reality TV or a YouTube channel and do not have any discernible talents. The socialite Paris Hilton was one of the first to take advantage of her wealth and personality to build a brand without any real product. Kim Kardashian is a more recent example of an individual who through dating celebrities and canny use of social media and television was able to become a celebrity in her own right.
Despite the aforementioned cases, this is on a whole a positive trend because of the more diverse range of famous people today. Fame used to be the prerogative of white men and women, with the occasional exception from an ethnic group. One of the reasons for this is that whites typically come from more privileged backgrounds and have greater opportunity, thereby making up a disproportionate share of success stories. The internet in particular has levelled the playing field to an extent. Anyone with a smartphone today has the ability to broadcast their talents and cultivate a loyal fanbase, regardless of gender or ethnicity and without the barriers that existed in the past such as ingrained reluctance from authority figures to give certain ethnicities an honest chance.
In conclusion, there are clear cultural drawbacks to the ease with which many achieve fame but today it is nonetheless more inclusive. A greater concern should be the age at which people become famous as it can have developmental side effects.
Analysis
1. It is easier than ever today for people to become famous because of increased channels for distribution such as television and the internet. 2. This is clearly a positive trend as it opens up the entertainment industry to greater diversity.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
State your opinion clearly – don’t sit in the middle. You must choose a side.
1. Those that decry this trend typically point to talentless celebrities. 2. In the past, a comedian or musician might work for years honing their craft in order to get a slot on one of the few talkshows and then become famous overnight. 3. Nowadays, many celebrities start on reality TV or a YouTube channel and do not have any discernible talents. 4. The socialite Paris Hilton was one of the first to take advantage of her wealth and personality to build a brand without any real product. 5. Kim Kardashian is a more recent example of an individual who through dating celebrities and canny use of social media and television was able to become a celebrity in her own right.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to develop your main idea. A good way to start is by comparing with the past.
Contrast the past with the present and explain a specific difference.
Give a clear example.
You can develop the same example or add another like I did here.
1. Despite the aforementioned cases, this is on a whole a positive trend because of the more diverse range of famous people today. 2. Fame used to be the prerogative of white men and women, with the occasional exception from an ethnic group. 3. One of the reasons for this is that whites typically come from more privileged backgrounds and have greater opportunity, thereby making up a disproportionate share of success stories. 4. The internet in particular has levelled the playing field to an extent. 5. Anyone with a smartphone today has the ability to broadcast their talents and cultivate a loyal fanbase, regardless of gender or ethnicity and without the barriers that existed in the past such as ingrained reluctance from authority figures to give certain ethnicities an honest chance.
Include another topic sentence with a new main idea.
Begin to develop your new main idea.
You can support your main idea with a logical arguments. Make sure that your ideas connect and flow naturally.
Vary your use of long and short sentences.
Draw out the conclusions/results of your argument to make your paragraph really strong.
1. In conclusion, there are clear cultural drawbacks to the ease with which many achieve fame but today it is nonetheless more inclusive. 2. A greater concern should be the age at which people become famous as it can have developmental side effects.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in an extra detail or final thought for full points from the examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
It is easier than ever today for people to become famous because of increased channels for distribution such as television and the internet. This is clearly a positive trend as it opens up the entertainment industry to greater diversity.
Those that decry this trend typically point to talentless celebrities. In the past, a comedian or musician might work for years honing their craft in order to get a slot on one of the few talkshows and then become famous overnight. Nowadays, many celebrities start on reality TV or a YouTube channel and do not have any discernible talents. The socialite Paris Hilton was one of the first to take advantage of her wealth and personality to build a brand without any real product. Kim Kardashian is a more recent example of an individual who through dating celebrities and canny use of social media and television was able to become a celebrity in her own right.
Despite the aforementioned cases, this is on a whole a positive trend because of the more diverse range of famous people today. Fame used to be the prerogative of white men and women, with the occasional exception from an ethnic group. One of the reasons for this is that whites typically come from more privileged backgrounds and have greater opportunity, thereby making up a disproportionate share of success stories. The internet in particular has levelled the playing field to an extent. Anyone with a smartphone today has the ability to broadcast their talents and cultivate a loyal fanbase, regardless of gender or ethnicity and without the barriers that existed in the past such as ingrained reluctance from authority figures to give certain ethnicities an honest chance.
In conclusion, there are clear cultural drawbacks to the ease with which many achieve fame but today it is nonetheless more inclusive. A greater concern should be the age at which people become famous as it can have developmental side effects.
Answers
easier than ever today become more possible
channels for distribution ways of getting your content out
opens up allows for
entertainment industry movies, TV, music, etc.
greater diversity more different types of
decry rail against
talentless not good at anything
honing their craft getting better at their job
get a slot have a time
talkshows late night shows
overnight suddenly
discernible talents obvious abilities
socialite dilletant
take advantage exploit
wealth money
build a brand become well known
canny use intelligent use
in her own right on her own
aforementioned cases what was said before
on a whole overall
diverse range lots of possibilities
prerogative right
occasional exception odd situation
ethnic group minority
privileged backgrounds rich
making up consisting of
disproportionate share take up too much
levelled the playing field makes everything equal/even
broadcast send out
cultivate develop
loyal fanbase passionate supporters
barriers roadblocks
ingrained reluctance inherent disinclination
authority figures those in power
ethnicities people from various cultures
honest chance actually possible
clear cultural drawbacks obvious disadvantages for the culture
It is e______________ for people to become famous because of increased c______________ such as television and the internet. This is clearly a positive trend as it o______________ the e______________ to g______________.
Those that d______________ this trend typically point to t______________ celebrities. In the past, a comedian or musician might work for years h______________ in order to g______________ on one of the few t______________ and then become famous o______________. Nowadays, many celebrities start on reality TV or a YouTube channel and do not have any d______________. The s______________ Paris Hilton was one of the first to t______________ of her w______________ and personality to b______________ without any real product. Kim Kardashian is a more recent example of an individual who through dating celebrities and c______________ of social media and television was able to become a celebrity i______________.
Despite the a______________, this is o______________ a positive trend because of the more d______________ of famous people today. Fame used to be the p______________ of white men and women, with the o______________ from an e______________. One of the reasons for this is that whites typically come from more p______________ and have greater opportunity, thereby m______________ a d______________ of success stories. The internet in particular has l______________ to an extent. Anyone with a smartphone today has the ability to b______________ their talents and c______________, regardless of gender or ethnicity and without the b______________ that existed in the past such as i______________ from a______________ to give certain e______________ an h______________.
In conclusion, there are c______________ to the ease with which many achieve fame but today it is nonetheless more i______________. A greater concern should be the age at which people become famous as it can have d______________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
This video might help you to think of a different main idea from my own:
Reading Practice
Read an interesting (and difficult!) article below about the daughter of a famous psychologist:
The rise of the one percent and accumulated capital has led many people today to question the basic value of raw ambition. In my opinion, though ambition has historical importance, it is a largely negative trait for most of society today.
Ambition’s value lies in pushing forward human progress. Some of the best evidence of this comes from advances in science. Galileo was a determined astronomer, willing to doubt ingrained dogma in order to propagate his heretical view and we owe the basis of our understanding of the planetary system to him. A more recent example would be discoveries like penicilin and vaccines in the 20th century that were all the result of highly ambitious, driven individuals whose legacies endure to this day. Without their aspirations, human civilisation would have stagnated.
However, ambition for its own sake hurts society. When ambition is severed from passion and ethics, it becomes the raw engine of political and economic greed. A good example of this would be the rampant speculation fueling Wall Street. Most employees at large brokerage firms are ambitious in terms of moving up the ladder and making more money for their clients but have little concern for the consequences of their actions. Reckless investment spurred on by greed was one of the underlying causes of the sub-prime mortgage scandal that led to a global financial crisis in 2008 during which millions of homeowners and investors lost their retirement savings. Unchecked, ambition will always tend towards excess and society will always be left to reckon with the aftermath.
In conclusion, ambition is a crucial drive behind human civilisation but it is not a positive force on its own. It is important for parents and educators to serve as good role models to inspire children to check ambition with conscience.
Analysis
1. The rise of the one percent and accumulated capital has led many people today to question the basic value of raw ambition. 2. In my opinion, though ambition has historical importance, it is a largely negative trait for most of society today.
Paraphrase the overall topic of the essay.
Give your opinion – make it clear and answer both questions.
1. Ambition’s value lies in pushing forward human progress. 2. Some of the best evidence of this comes from advances in science. 3. Galileo was a determined astronomer, willing to doubt ingrained dogma in order to propagate his heretical view and we owe the basis of our understanding of the planetary system to him. 4. A more recent example would be discoveries like penicilin and vaccines in the 20th century that were all the result of highly ambitious, driven individuals whose legacies endure to this day. 5. Without their aspirations, human civilisation would have stagnated.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end of it.
Begin to develop your main idea.
Use specific people for this question as examples.
You can continue with the same example if you know it well or give another, more recent example.
Conclude by related it back to the topic question.
1. However, ambition for its own sake hurts society. 2. When ambition is severed from passion and ethics, it becomes the raw engine of political and economic greed. 3. A good example of this would be the rampant speculation fueling Wall Street. 4. Most employees at large brokerage firms are ambitious in terms of moving up the ladder and making more money for their clients but have little concern for the consequences of their actions. 5. Reckless investment spurred on by greed was one of the underlying causes of the sub-prime mortgage scandal that led to a global financial crisis in 2008 during which millions of homeowners and investors lost their retirement savings. 6. Unchecked, ambition will always tend towards excess and society will always be left to reckon with the aftermath.
Write another topic sentence with another clear main idea at the end. These sentences can be short and simply.
Begin to develop your main idea.
Give another example.
Develop your example with specific details and strong vocabulary.
Continue with the same example if possible.
Draw conclusions at the end of your paragraph and relate it back to the overall topic.
1. In conclusion, ambition is a crucial drive behind human civilisation but it is not a positive force on its own. 2. It is important for parents and educators to serve as good role models to inspire children to check ambition with conscience.
Repeat your opinion for the two questions.
Add in an extra detail/final thought to get full marks from the examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The rise of the one percent and accumulated capital has led many people today to question the basic value of raw ambition. In my opinion, though ambition has historical importance, it is a largely negative trait for most of society today.
Ambition’s value lies in pushing forwardhuman progress. Some of the best evidence of this comes from advances in science. Galileo was a determined astronomer, willing to doubt ingrained dogma in order to propagate his heretical view and we owe the basis of our understanding of the planetary system to him. A more recent example would be discoveries like penicilin and vaccines in the 20th century that were all the result of highly ambitious, driven individuals whose legacies endure to this day. Without their aspirations, human civilisation would have stagnated.
However, ambition for its own sake hurts society. When ambition is severed from passion and ethics, it becomes the raw engine of political and economic greed. A good example of this would be the rampant speculation fueling Wall Street. Most employees at large brokerage firms are ambitious in terms of moving up the ladder and making more money for their clients but have little concern for the consequences of their actions. Reckless investment spurred on by greed was one of the underlying causes of the sub-prime mortgage scandal that led to a global financial crisis in 2008 during which millions of homeowners and investors lost their retirement savings. Unchecked, ambition will always tend towards excess and society will always be left to reckon with the aftermath.
In conclusion, ambition is a crucial drive behind human civilisation but it is not a positive force on its own. It is important for parents and educators to serve as good role models to inspire children to check ambition with conscience.
Answers
the one percent the richest people on Earth
accumulated capital lots of money, assets
question doubt
basic value importance
raw ambition base desire to get ahead
historical importance significance/weight
lies is contained in
pushing forward driving on/encouraging
human progress civilisation
determined astronomer ambitious astronomer
doubt ingrained dogma question the way things are done
propagate spread
heretical view opinion outside what is accepted
planetary system the galaxy
penicilin antibiotics
vaccines shots to immunise
driven encouraged/forced on
legacies endure remembered forever
aspirations dreams
stagnated stalled/stopped
for its own sake on its own
severed cut off from
passion caring deeply about
ethics morals
raw engine basic drive/desire
greed always wanting more
rampant speculation fueling widespread, hasty investment contributing to
Wall Street the New York financial centre
brokerage firms trading companies
moving up the ladder getting promotions/progression
little concern don’t care about
consequences of their actions results of what they did
reckless investment spurred on speculation created by
underlying causes foundations
sub-prime mortgage scandal trading bad mortgages
global financial crisis economic downturn
homeowners people who own houses
retirement savings nest egg
unchecked without regulation
tend likely to
excess over-the-top
left to reckon with the aftermath have to deal with the results
crucial drive important desire
on its own by itself
serve as good role models someone to look up to
inspire encourage
check ambition with conscience control your worst desires
The rise of t_____________ and a_____________ has led many people today to q_____________ the b_____________ of r_____________. In my opinion, though ambition has h_____________, it is a largely negative trait for most of society today.
Ambition’s value l_____________ in p_____________h_____________. Some of the best evidence of this comes from advances in science. Galileo was a d_____________, willing to d_____________ in order to p_____________ his h_____________ and we owe the basis of our understanding of the p_____________ to him. A more recent example would be discoveries like p_____________ and v_____________ in the 20th century that were all the result of highly ambitious, d_____________ individuals whose l_____________ to this day. Without their a_____________, human civilisation would have s_____________.
However, ambition f_____________ hurts society. When ambition is s_____________ from p_____________ and e_____________, it becomes the r_____________ of political and economic g_____________. A good example of this would be the r_____________W_____________. Most employees at large b_____________ are ambitious in terms of m_____________ and making more money for their clients but have l_____________ for the c_____________. R_____________ by greed was one of the u_____________ of the s_____________ that led to a g_____________ in 2008 during which millions of h_____________ and investors lost their r_____________. U_____________, ambition will always t_____________ towards e_____________ and society will always be l_____________.
In conclusion, ambition is a c_____________ behind human civilisation but it is not a positive force o_____________. It is important for parents and educators to s_____________ to i_____________ children to c_____________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen about a similar topic here, motivation:
Reading Practice
Read about whether or not ambition is good or bad below:
Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"
