Online shopping is becoming more common these days.
What effect could this have on the environment and the types of jobs required?
Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams
The ubiquity of online shopping has brought with it concerns about the environment and an evolving job market. In my opinion, online shopping increases fossil fuel emissions and requires a massive, unskilled workforce for both delivery and production.
Online shopping uses fossil fuels in the making and transportation of goods. In order to manufacture a given product, such as a television, book, or bag of muesli, there is an environmental cost from sourcing and transporting all the elements, powering the factory that assembles it, and creating the plastic packaging, which is also a petroleum byproduct. In the case of a large company like Amazon, the product must be driven or flown to various centres around the country in order to be available for next day delivery. From the storage warehouse, it is then driven or flown to the consumer who ordered it, further burning fossil fuels. The net impact on the environment is self-evidently massive and hastens climate change.
Moreover, online shopping is such a sprawling business that it manipulates the labour market. First of all, there are the workers directly involved. Deliverymen must pack, unpack and ship products while the whole operation also requires a variety of managers, foremen, and office workers. These workers are notoriously underpaid and exploited when working for the largest online retailers, who also streamline the means of production in order to offer the lowest prices. Instead of sourcing from local businesses, which would be slightly more expensive, they opt for large factories largely based in China that can cheaply and quickly produce standardised products. This requires an army of factory workers, working at low wages in unsafe conditions.
In conclusion, online shopping contributes greatly to climate change and has created deep fissures in the job market. Governments should regulate these companies before their rampant profit-driven efficiency has unforeseen social and political implications.
Word Count: 304
Analysis
1. The ubiquity of online shopping has brought with it concerns about the environment and an evolving job market. 2. In my opinion, online shopping increases fossil fuel emissions and requires a massive, unskilled workforce for both delivery and production.
My first sentence simply paraphrases what the overall topic is about.
The second sentence is my opinion – make sure that it is 100% clear!
1. Online shopping uses fossil fuels in the making and transportation of goods. 2. In order to manufacture a given product, such as a television, book, or bag of muesli, there is an environmental cost from sourcing and transporting all the elements, powering the factory that assembles it, and creating the plastic packaging, which is also a petroleum byproduct. 3. In the case of a large company like Amazon, the product must be driven or flown to various centres around the country in order to be available for next day delivery. 4. From the storage warehouse, it is then driven or flown to the consumer who ordered it, further burning fossil fuels. 5. The net impact on the environment is self-evidently massive and hastens climate change.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end of the sentence.
Begin to develop your main idea with specific support. Notice how the specific support pulls out lots of great vocabulary related to the topic.
Continue and try to use real companies like Amazon to support your main idea.
Your paragraph and ideas should have a natural flow of ideas.
In my last sentence I generalise a bit and relate it back to the overall question of the essay.
1. Moreover, online shopping is such a sprawling business that it manipulates the labour market. 2. First of all, there are the workers directly involved. 3. Deliverymen must pack, unpack and ship products while the whole operation also requires a variety of managers, foremen, and office workers. 4. These workers are notoriously underpaid and exploited when working for the largest online retailers, who also streamline the means of production in order to offer the lowest prices. 5. Instead of sourcing from local businesses, which would be slightly more expensive, they opt for large factories largely based in China that can cheaply and quickly produce standardised products. 6. This requires an army of factory workers, working at low wages in unsafe conditions.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea.
Begin to develop this one as well. Notice that I sometimes use long, sometimes short, sentences.
Describe what happens with great detail and list as many jobs as you can.
Describe the impact of these jobs – they are generally not regarded as quality jobs.
Continue developing your main idea and writing about how the jobs are different.
Draw conclusions/generalise with your last sentence.
1. In conclusion, online shopping contributes greatly to climate change and has created deep fissures in the job market. 2. Governments should regulate these companies before their rampant profit-driven efficiency has unforeseen social and political implications.
Repeat your opinion and main ideas – don’t make this sentence too long.
Add in a final thought/detail for full marks from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The ubiquity of online shopping has brought with it concerns about the environment and an evolving job market. In my opinion, online shopping increases fossil fuel emissions and requires a massive, unskilled workforce for both delivery and production.
Online shopping uses fossil fuels in the making and transportation of goods. In order to manufacture a given product, such as a television, book, or bag of muesli, there is an environmental cost from sourcing and transporting all the elements, powering the factory that assembles it, and creating the plastic packaging, which is also a petroleum byproduct. In the case of a large company like Amazon, the product must be driven or flown to various centres around the country in order to be available for next day delivery. From the storage warehouse, it is then driven or flown to the consumer who ordered it, further burning fossil fuels. The net impact on the environment is self-evidently massive and hastens climate change.
Moreover, online shopping is such a sprawling business that it manipulates the labour market. First of all, there are the workers directly involved. Deliverymen must pack, unpack and ship products while the whole operation also requires a variety of managers, foremen, and office workers. These workers are notoriously underpaid and exploited when working for the largest online retailers, who also streamline the means of production in order to offer the lowest prices. Instead of sourcing from local businesses, which would be slightly more expensive, they opt for large factories largely based in China that can cheaply and quickly produce standardised products. This requires an army of factory workers, working at low wages in unsafe conditions.
In conclusion, online shopping contributes greatly to climate change and has created deep fissures in the job market. Governments should regulate these companies before their rampant profit-driven efficiency has unforeseen social and political implications.
Answers
ubiquity common
brought with it concerns also adds worries
evolving job market changing employment practices
fossil fuel emissions buring oil
unskilled workforce labourers
delivery mailing/sending
production making
manufacture producing
given product whatever it is they make
muesli cereal with oats, dried fruits, etc.
sourcing getting it from
elements parts
powering making operate
assembles puts together
packaging how it is wrapped
petroleum byproduct also comes from oil
centres buildings
next day delivery getting your package within 24hrs
storage warehouse where they stockpile products
burning fossil fuels contributing to climate change
net impact overall effect
self-evidently massive clearly huge
hastens speeds up
sprawling business very large operation
manipulates has control over
directly involved contribute to clearly
deliverymen people who carry packages
whole operation entire business
notoriously underpaid famously poorly paid
exploited taken advantage of
online retailers companies that sell products online
streamline make more efficient
means of production how something is made
offer have
opt for choose
based in located in
standardised all the same, consistent
army of factory workers lots of workers
low wages little salary
unsafe conditions dangerous working situation
greatly a lot
deep fissures fractured/huge gaps
rampant profit-driven efficiency uncontrolled pursuit of money
The u_____________ of online shopping has b_____________ about the environment and an e_____________. In my opinion, online shopping increases f_____________ and requires a massive, u_____________ for both d_____________ and p_____________.
Online shopping uses fossil fuels in the making and transportation of goods. In order to m_____________ a g_____________, such as a television, book, or bag of m_____________, there is an environmental cost from s_____________ and transporting all the e_____________, p_____________ the factory that a_____________ it, and creating the plastic p_____________, which is also a p_____________. In the case of a large company like Amazon, the product must be driven or flown to various c_____________ around the country in order to be available for n_____________ . From the s_____________, it is then driven or flown to the consumer who ordered it, further b_____________. The n_____________ on the environment is s_____________ and h_____________ climate change.
Moreover, online shopping is such a s_____________ that it manipulates the labour market. First of all, there are the workers d_____________. D_____________ must pack, unpack and ship products while the w_____________ also requires a variety of managers, foremen, and office workers. These workers are n_____________ and e_____________ when working for the largest o_____________, who also s_____________ the m_____________ in order to o_____________ the lowest prices. Instead of sourcing from local businesses, which would be slightly more expensive, they o_____________ large factories largely b_____________ China that can cheaply and quickly produce s_____________ products. This requires an a_____________, working at low w_____________ in u_____________.
In conclusion, online shopping contributes g_____________ to climate change and has created d_____________ in the job market. Governments should regulate these companies before their r_____________ has u_____________ social and political i_____________ .
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch the video below to get ideas for your own examples:
Reading Practice
Read this article for more ideas in case if a similar topic comes up on your test:
Some think that governments should support retired people financially while others believe they should take care of themselves.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams
Many today have come to the conclusion that retired seniors should be supported by the government and not left to their own meagre resources. While I agree there are certain cases where governments are liable, citizens ought to be incentivised to handle their own finances.
The main reason many support a government backed retirement plan is the dire condition of many seniors. There are a number of possible causes deserving due attention. Some seniors are without family, others may be war veterans and have trouble finding work due to physical or psychological impairments, and still others may be victims of economic downturns. Without support they must fall on the mercy of society and will wind up at soup kitchens and seeking out chronic charity or even begging. Simply put, governments are their last refuge and in the best position to lend a helping hand.
Despite the rare instances mentioned above, nations ought to encourage ownership of one’s own future. If all citizens knew the government would provide a decent retirement fund for them, they would have little incentive to work hard, save money and make wise investments. Governments deal with large sample sizes and, granted this would not happen with many responsible adults, it still poses a sizeable national risk. An analogous example of this is the way parents raise their children. They provide for them early on, much like how governments offer free schooling, but then children are expected to grow up and take responsibility for their own lives. Parents that coddle their children for too long end up spoiling them in the same way that a national retirement fund would deprive individuals of the opportunity to become self-reliant.
In conclusion, the advantages of a more self-assured, mature citizenry outweigh the odd unavoidable case of desperation. There should be a degree of balance to allow for these exceptions while still nurturing more life-affirming values.
Word Count: 315
Analysis
1. Many today have come to the conclusion that retired seniors should be supported by the government and not left to their own meagre resources. 2. While I agree there are certain cases where governments are liable, citizens ought to be incentivised to handle their own finances.
The first sentence simply restates the overall topic for the essay.
In my next sentence, I give an overall opinion. You don’t have to include your main ideas but it can help your cohesion and coherence score if you do.
1. The main reason many support a government backed retirement plan is the dire condition of many seniors. 2. There are a number of possible causes deserving due attention. 3. Some seniors are without family, others may be war veterans and have trouble finding work due to physical or psychological impairments, and still others may be victims of economic downturns. 4. Without support they must fall on the mercy of society and will wind up at soup kitchens and seeking out chronic charity or even begging. 5. Simply put, governments are their last refuge and in the best position to lend a helping hand.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to develop your main idea. Notice how I mix long and short sentences.
Include specifics! Don’t be general!
State the result to further develop your arguments.
Summarise your argument by relating it back to the main topic.
1. Despite the rare instances mentioned above, nations ought to encourage ownership of one’s own future. 2. If all citizens knew the government would provide a decent retirement fund for them, they would have little incentive to work hard, save money and make wise investments. 3. Governments deal with large sample sizes and, granted this would not happen with many responsible adults, it still poses a sizeable national risk. 4. An analogous example of this is the way parents raise their children. 5. They provide for them early on, much like how governments offer free schooling, but then children are expected to grow up and take responsibility for their own lives. 6. Parents that coddle their children for too long end up spoiling them in the same way that a national retirement fund would deprive individuals of the opportunity to become self-reliant.
Here I lay out exactly why this is important for governments – because of the large population they must deal with.
I argue here by analogy, which is a kind of example.
This sentence continues my analogy.
I conclude the paragraph by finishing the analogy.
1. In conclusion, the advantages of a more self-assured, mature citizenry outweigh the odd unavoidable case of desperation. 2. There should be a degree of balance to allow for these exceptions while still nurturing more life-affirming values.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in an extra detail or final thought for full marks for task achievement from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
Many today have come to the conclusion that retired seniors should be supported by the government and not left to their own meagre resources. While I agree there are certain cases where governments are liable, citizens ought to be incentivised to handle their own finances.
The main reason many support a government backed retirement plan is the dire condition of many seniors. There are a number of possible causes deserving due attention. Some seniors are without family, others may be war veterans and have trouble finding work due to physical or psychological impairments, and still others may be victims of economic downturns. Without support they must fall on the mercy of society and will wind up at soup kitchens and seeking out chronic charity or even begging. Simply put, governments are their last refuge and in the best position to lend a helping hand.
Despite the rare instances mentioned above, nations ought to encourage ownership of one’s own future. If all citizens knew the government would provide a decent retirement fund for them, they would have little incentive to work hard, save money and make wise investments. Governments deal with large sample sizes and, granted this would not happen with many responsible adults, it still poses a sizeable national risk. An analogous example of this is the way parents raise their children. They provide for them early on, much like how governments offer free schooling, but then children are expected to grow up and take responsibility for their own lives. Parents that coddle their children for too long end up spoiling them in the same way that a national retirement fund would deprive individuals of the opportunity to become self-reliant.
In conclusion, the advantages of a more self-assured, mature citizenry outweigh the odd unavoidable case of desperation. There should be a degree of balance to allow for these exceptions while still nurturing more life-affirming values.
Answers
come to the conclusion now believe
retired seniors old people no longer working
left to their own meagre resources have to survive with little
liable responsible/at fault
incentivised encouraged
handle their own finances be in charge of their own money
government backed retirement plan pension/national retirement funds
dire condition difficult situation
deserving due attention worth thinking about
war veterans people who fought in wars/battles
physical or psychological impairments injured in their body or mind
Many today have c______________ that r______________ should be supported by the government and not l______________. While I agree there are certain cases where governments are l______________, citizens ought to be i______________ to h______________.
The main reason many support a g______________ is the d______________ of many seniors. There are a number of possible causes d______________. Some seniors are without family, others may be w______________ and have trouble finding work due to p______________, and still others may be v______________ of e______________. Without support they must f______________ and will w______________ at s______________ and s______________ or even b______________. Simply put, governments are their l______________ and in the b______________ to l______________.
Despite the rare instances mentioned above, nations ought to encourage o______________. If all citizens knew the government would provide a d______________ for them, they would have l______________ to work hard, save money and m______________. Governments deal with l______________ and, g______________ this would not happen with many responsible adults, it still p______________ a s______________. An a______________ of this is the way parents raise their children. They p______________, much like how governments offer free schooling, but then children are expected to grow up and t______________. Parents that c______________ their children for too long end up s______________ in the same way that a national retirement f______________ would d______________ individuals of the opportunity to become s______________.
In conclusion, the advantages of a more s______________, m______________ citizenry outweigh the o______________. There should be a______________ to a______________ these e______________ while still n______________ more l______________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen to the Ted Talk below and use these ideas to practice:
Reading Practice
Here is a relevant article on the same topic as the essay above:
Studying the vocabulary and ideas below could be really helpful if a similar question comes up on your exam!
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Dave
Before reading, listen to my answer and take notes on the ideas and vocabulary. Then read and check.
IELTS Writing Task 2 General Training: Internet & Phone Dependence (Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams)
More and more people today are becoming overly dependent on the internet and phones.
Is this a positive or negative development?
Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams
The advent of smartphones has led to widespread internet addiction. Although this shift has its conveniences, it signals a decline in healthy activity.
Those who contend that the overall value of phones and the internet is a net positive can easily point to its versatility. The vast majority of people today would either reluctantly or enthusiastically admit they cannot live without their phones. If you are on a road trip or meeting a friend at a new cafe, you will need Google maps to find your way. The best method of booking a restaurant or researching online and offline businesses is through Facebook. All that only touches the surface of what the internet allows for ranging from sending emails, trading stocks online, posting on social media, to binge watching videos on streaming sites.
Despite the pile of advantages listed above, phones and the internet take up more time than they merit. The reason for this is that people get stuck in feedback loops, exchanging their time for momentary bursts of dopamine, no different from any other drug addict. Before the internet an individual might waste time watching television but still engage in a greater proportion of healthy habits like hanging out with friends, reading books, making art, exercising or taking up another worthwhile hobby. The healthy rush from those activities is chemically identical to scrolling through an algorithm mindlessly. The only distinction is that some distractions have more value in terms of physical and mental health than others.
In conclusion, the ubiquity of an internet living in your pocket has led to a decrease in engagement with healthy activities. In order to remedy this, people must take it on themselves to break their dependence as no government will ever regulate this drug properly.
Analysis
1. The advent of smartphones has led to widespread internet addiction. 2. Although this shift has its conveniences, it signals a decline in healthy activity.
Paraphrase the overall topic of the whole essay.
Give your opinion – choose a side and make it clear!
1. Those who contend that the overall value of phones and the internet is a net positive can easily point to its versatility. 2. The vast majority of people today would either reluctantly or enthusiastically admit they cannot live without their phones. 3. If you are on a road trip or meeting a friend at a new cafe, you will need Google maps to find your way. 4. The best method of booking a restaurant or researching online and offline businesses is through Facebook. 5. All that only touches the surface of what the internet allows for ranging from sending emails, trading stocks online, posting on social media, to binge watching videos on streaming sites.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end of the sentence.
Explain your main idea.
Begin to develop it with specific examples.
Keep developing it and be as specific as possible – real companies, real situations.
Add in more support. For the internet, there are so many areas to touch on so I listed a lot of them at the end.
1. Despite the pile of advantages listed above, phones and the internet take up more time than they merit. 2. The reason for this is that people get stuck in feedback loops, exchanging their time for momentary bursts of dopamine, no different from any other drug addict. 3. Before the internet an individual might waste time watching television but still engage in a greater proportion of healthy habits like hanging out with friends, reading books, making art, exercising or taking up another worthwhile hobby. 4. The healthy rush from those activities is chemically identical to scrolling through an algorithm mindlessly. 5. The only distinction is that some distractions have more value in terms of physical and mental health than others.
Another topic sentence with a clear main idea.
Explain your main idea.
Again – be as specific as you can with your supporting ideas and examples.
Continue developing the same main idea and don’t swtich to a new main idea.
Conclude your paragraph by drawing conclusions/results from your main idea.
1. In conclusion, the ubiquity of an internet living in your pocket has led to a decrease in engagement with healthy activities. 2. In order to remedy this, people must take it on themselves to break their dependence as no government will ever regulate this drug properly.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in an extra detail/final thought to finish the essay.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The advent of smartphones has led to widespread internet addiction. Although this shift has its conveniences, it signals a decline in healthy activity.
Those who contend that the overall value of phones and the internet is a net positive can easily point to its versatility. The vast majority of people today would either reluctantly or enthusiastically admit they cannot live without their phones. If you are on a road trip or meeting a friend at a new cafe, you will need Google maps to find your way. The best method of booking a restaurant or researching online and offline businesses is through Facebook. All that only touches the surface of what the internet allows for ranging from sending emails, trading stocks online, posting on social media, to binge watching videos on streaming sites.
Despite the pile of advantages listed above, phones and the internet take up more time than they merit. The reason for this is that people get stuck in feedback loops, exchanging their time for momentary bursts of dopamine, no different from any other drug addict. Before the internet an individual might waste time watching television but still engage in a greater proportion of healthy habits like hanging out with friends, reading books, making art, exercising or taking up another worthwhile hobby. The healthy rush from those activities is chemically identical to scrolling through an algorithm mindlessly. The only distinction is that some distractions have more value in terms of physical and mental health than others.
In conclusion, the ubiquity of an internet living in your pocket has led to a decrease in engagement with healthy activities. In order to remedy this, people must take it on themselves to break their dependence as no government will ever regulate this drug properly.
Answers
advent start of
widespread ubiquitous
addiction can’t stop using/dependent on
shift change to
conveniences useful
signals is indicative of
contend argue
net positive overall good
easily point to not hard to argue that
versatility flexible
vast majority most of
reluctantly don’t want to
enthusiastically admit happy to say
cannot live without need
road trip holiday
Google maps app for finding where you’re going
find your way follow directions
booking a restaurant reserve a seat
offline businesses real world shop
touches the surface superficial
ranging from including
trading stocks online selling shares in companies
posting on social media sharing
binge watching watching multiple episodes in a row
streaming sites YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
pile list/stack up
take up occupy
merit deserve
stuck can’t escape
feedback loops addiction cycle
exchanging trading
momentary bursts small surges
dopamine neurochemical that makes you feel happy
drug addict user
waste time fritter away your life
engage in do/use
greater proportion large percentage of
taking up occupying
worthwhile hobby good use of time
healthy rush sense of accomplishment
chemically identical the same in terms of what you feel from it
scrolling looking through
algorithm mindlessly thoughtlessly scrolling through feeds
The a_____________ of smartphones has led to w_____________ internet a_____________. Although this s_____________ has its c_____________, it s_____________ a decline in healthy activity.
Those who c_____________ that the overall value of phones and the internet is a n_____________ can e_____________ its v_____________. The v_____________ of people today would either r_____________ or e_____________ they c_____________ their phones. If you are on a r_____________ or meeting a friend at a new cafe, you will need G_____________ to f_____________. The best method of b_____________ or researching online and o_____________ is through Facebook. All that only t_____________ of what the internet allows for r_____________ sending emails, t_____________, p_____________, to b_____________ videos on s_____________.
Despite the p_____________ of advantages listed above, phones and the internet t_____________ more time than they m_____________. The reason for this is that people get s_____________ in f_____________, e_____________ their time for m_____________ of d_____________, no different from any other d_____________. Before the internet an individual might w_____________ watching television but still e_____________ a g_____________ of healthy habits like hanging out with friends, reading books, making art, exercising or t_____________ another w_____________. The h_____________ from those activities is c_____________ to s_____________ through an a_____________. The only d_____________ is that some distractions have more v_____________ in terms of physical and mental health than others.
In conclusion, the u_____________ of an internet living in your pocket has led to a decrease in engagement with healthy activities. In order to r_____________ this, people must t_____________ to break their d_____________ as no government will ever r_____________ this drug p_____________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch the video below to improve your listening. Some tips for how to listen are here:
Reading Practice
Read the article below and use these tips to improve your reading:
Before reading, listen to my audio of the answer and try to draw the bar chart as accurately as you can to improve your listening skills. Listen to it more than once if you have to:
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer: Organisations Bar Chart (Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams)
The chart below gives information about billions of euros invested in four areas by various organisations.
The bar chart details funding to four sectors by organisation A-E in a given time period. What stands out most is that overall expenditure is highest for organisation B, in particular staff training and research are outliers compared to the other organisations, while organisations D and E were much lower in overall funding and A and C were in the middle. There were varying trends for all organisations though building tended to be near the top for most of them.
Looking first of all at the funding for organisations A and B, machinery received €1 billion and just under a billion euros respectively, while building was the most funded for organisation A (€1.5 billion) and €.1 billion lower for B, trailing staff training (€1.9 billion) and research (€1.6 billion). Organisation A invested less in both areas with €1.2 for training and €1.1 for research.
The numbers for organisation C, D, and E were much lower with machinery at €1.1 billion for C, €.9 billion for D and €.8 billion for E. All three organisations invested equally in building (an even €1 billion), while staff training was between €.7 and €.9 billion for all groups. Research showed more divergent numbers with organisations C contributing €1.3 billion, organisation D €.6 billion and organisation E €.7billion.
Analysis
1. The bar chart details funding to four sectors by organisation A-E in a given time period. 2. What stands out most is that overall expenditure is highest for organisation B, in particular staff training and research are outliers compared to the other organisations, while organisations D and E were much lower in overall funding and A and C were in the middle. 3. There were varying trends for all organisations though building tended to be near the top for most of them.
Paraphrase very simply what the graph shows – don’t waste time on this sentence.
Write a general overview. It must touch on all areas but not include specific data.
Usually you will need 2 sentences for your overview. 3 is too many.
1. Looking first of all at the funding for organisations A and B, machinery received €1 billion and just under a billion euros respectively, while building was the most funded for organisation A (€1.5 billion) and €.1 billion lower for B, trailing staff training (€1.9 billion) and research (€1.6 billion). 2. Organisation A invested less in both areas with €1.2 for training and €1.1 for research.
Begin to talk about some of the organisations and include all the data. There is a lot of data here so I use parenthesis (…) to include some of it.
Finish and make sure you wrote about all the data and it is accurate.
1. The numbers for organisation C, D, and E were much lower with machinery at €1.1 billion for C, €.9 billion for D and €.8 billion for E. 2. All three organisations invested equally in building (an even €1 billion), while staff training was between €.7 and €.9 billion for all groups. 3. Research showed more divergent numbers with organisations C contributing €1.3 billion, organisation D €.6 billion and organisation E €.7billion.
Talk about the other areas – again with all the data.
Compare the data as much as possible.
Double check to make sure that you included all the data and your overview also includes all the organisations.
Vocabulary
Can you think of any synonyms for the words in bold below?
The bar chart details funding to four sectors by organisation A-E in a given time period. What stands out most is that overall expenditure is highest for organisation B, in particular staff training and research are outliers compared to the other organisations, while organisations D and E were much lower in overall funding and A and C were in the middle. There were varying trends for all organisations though building tended to be near the top for most of them.
Looking first of all at the funding for organisations A and B, machinery received €1 billion and just under a billion euros respectively, while building was the most funded for organisation A (€1.5 billion) and €.1 billion lower for B, trailing staff training (€1.9 billion) and research (€1.6 billion). Organisation A invested less in both areas with €1.2 for training and €1.1 for research.
The numbers for organisation C, D, and E were much lower with machinery at €1.1 billion for C, €.9 billion for D and €.8 billion for E. All three organisations invested equally in building (an even €1 billion), while staff training was between €.7 and €.9 billion for all groups. Research showed more divergent numbers with organisation C contributing €1.3 billion, organisation D €.6 billion and organisation E €.7billion.
Answers
details funding shows the money spend on
sectors areas
in a given time period over the period surveyed
what stands out most is the most striking feature is
The bar chart d___________ to four s___________ by organisation A-E i___________. W___________ that o___________ is highest for organisation B, i___________ staff training and research are o___________ compared to the other organisations, while organisations D and E were much lower in overall funding and A and C were in the middle. There were v___________ for all organisations though building t___________ to be n___________ for most of them.
Looking first of all at the funding for organisations A and B, machinery r___________ €1 billion and j___________ a billion euros r___________, while building was the most funded for organisation A (€1.5 billion) and €.1 billion lower for B, t___________ staff training (€1.9 billion) and research (€1.6 billion). Organisation A i___________ less in both areas with €1.2 for training and €1.1 for research.
The numbers for organisation C, D, and E were m___________ with machinery at €1.1 billion for C, €.9 billion for D and €.8 billion for E. All three organisations i___________ in building (an e___________ €1 billion), while staff training was between €.7 and €.9 billion for all groups. Research showed more d___________ with organisations C c___________ €1.3 billion, organisation D €.6 billion and organisation E €.7billion.
Some believe that people are naturally born as leaders while others feel that leadership skills can develop.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Many are of the view that leadership is innate, rather than cultivated through time and experience. In my opinion, leadership is largely developed rather than gifted.
Those who believe that there are naturally born leaders point out the character of a person as a fixed quantity. There are certain individuals who display a natural charisma and inimitable capacity for command. A recent example of this would be Barack Obama. He is a naturally eloquent, stately, physically imposing presence and perfectly walks a fine line between warmth and firmness. Researchers have long identitified common natural characteristics of leadership such as height, a deep voice, a strong chin and natural grace of movement. These cannot be developed to a significant degree and therefore support the claim that leadership is intrinsic.
However, great leadership is more deliberate than spontaneous. There are countless examples of individuals possessing all the physical characteristics of leaders who fall well short of inspiring people. An instructive example of this is Steve Jobs. Early in his career he inspired people with his exceptional talent but that had its limits as he pushed and demeaned employees ultimately leading to his ouster from Apple. This humbling experience led him to soften the sharper edges of his personality in the ensuing decade by considering other viewpoints and giving up more control to competent employees. These learned traits served him well when he become CEO of Apple again and reached what many regard as the pinnacle of leadership.
In conclusion, though the endpoint may obscure the origins, all leaders must cultivate their hubris to become great leaders. The long-standing assumptions about leadership must be challenged in order to put in place better institutional practices to mold future pioneers of industry and politics.
Word Count: 289
Analysis
1. Many are of the view that leadership is innate, rather than cultivated through time and experience. 2. In my opinion, leadership is largely developed rather than gifted.
Paraphrase the overall topic in your first sentence.
Give your opinion – make it clear!
1. Those who believe that there are naturally born leaders point out the character of a person as a fixed quantity. 2. There are certain individuals who display a natural charisma and inimitable capacity for command. 3. A recent example of this would be Barack Obama. 4. He is a naturally eloquent, stately, physically imposing presence and perfectly walks a fine line between warmth and firmness. 5. Researchers have long identitified common natural characteristics of leadership such as height, a deep voice, a strong chin and natural grace of movement. 6. These cannot be developed to a significant degree and therefore support the claim that leadership is intrinsic.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to develop/explain your main idea.
Give a specific example.
Develop the example with specific details.
Here I quote (fake) research to further support my main idea.
Tie it back to your main idea for the paragraph/the overall essay question.
1. However, great leadership is more deliberate than spontaneous. 2. There are countless examples of individuals possessing all the physical characteristics of leaders who fall well short of inspiring people. 3. An instructive example of this is Steve Jobs. 4. Early in his career he inspired people with his exceptional talent but that had its limits as he pushed and demeaned employees ultimately leading to his ouster from Apple. 5. This humbling experience led him to soften the sharper edges of his personality in the ensuing decade by considering other viewpoints and giving up more control to competent employees. 6. These learned traits served him well when he become CEO of Apple again and reached what many regard as the pinnacle of leadership.
Write a new main idea.
Begin to develop that main idea by explaining it first.
Start another specific example of a person that you know a lot about.
Go into great detail in your example.
Continue developing the example.
Finish developing your example to fully support your main idea.
1. In conclusion, though the endpoint may obscure the origins, all leaders must cultivate their hubris to become great leaders. 2. The long-standing assumptions about leadership must be challenged in order to put in place better institutional practices to mold future pioneers of industry and politics.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final thought/extra detail for full points from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in below in bold mean?
Many are of the view that leadership is innate, rather than cultivated through time and experience. In my opinion, leadership is largely developed rather thangifted.
Those who believe that there are naturally born leaders point out the character of a person as a fixed quantity. There are certain individuals who display a natural charisma and inimitable capacity for command. A recent example of this would be Barack Obama. He is a naturally eloquent, stately, physically imposing presence and perfectly walks a fine line between warmth and firmness. Researchers have long identitified common natural characteristics of leadership such as height, a deep voice, a strong chin and natural grace of movement. These cannot be developed to a significant degree and therefore support the claim that leadership is intrinsic.
However, great leadership is more deliberate than spontaneous. There are countless examples of individuals possessing all the physical characteristics of leaders who fall well short of inspiring people. An instructive example of this is Steve Jobs. Early in his career he inspired people with his exceptional talent but that had its limits as he pushed and demeaned employees ultimately leadingto his ouster from Apple. This humbling experience led him to soften the sharper edges of his personality in the ensuing decade by considering other viewpoints and giving up more control to competent employees. These learned traits served him well when he become CEO of Apple again and reached what many regard as the pinnacle of leadership.
In conclusion, though the endpoint may obscure the origins, all leaders must cultivate their hubris to become great leaders. The long-standing assumptions about leadership must be challenged in order to put in place better institutional practices to mold future pioneers of industry and politics.
Answers
innate intrinsic
cultivated developed
largely mostly
rather thangifted instead of given
naturally born leaders innate leaders
point out argue
character temperament
fixed quantity unchangeable
display show
natural charisma personality
inimitable capacity for command can’t be repeated ability to lead
naturally eloquent speaks well
stately presidential
physically imposing presence looks like a leader
perfectly walks a fine line balances well
between warmth and firmness being friendly and strong
natural characteristics your character
deep voice manly voice
natural grace of movement refined manners
to a significant degree much
support the claim give evidence for
intrinsic innate
deliberate intentional
spontaneous without intent
countless examples many instances
fall well short nowhere near
inspiring people leading
instructive example instance that shows well
inspired visionary
exceptional talent standout ability
limits boundaries
pushed forced
demeaned condescended to
ultimately leadingto in the end resulting in
ouster kicked out
humbling experience brough him down to Earth
soften the sharper edges of his personality mature
ensuing decade over the next 10 years
considering other viewpoints listening to others
giving up more control empowering others
competent employees able staff
learned traits served him well experiences benefited him later
what many regard as lots of people think
pinnacle of leadership height of leadership
endpoint final destination
obscure hide
origins where it started
cultivate develop
hubris ego/pride
long-standing assumptions unquestioned
challenged rethink
put in place implement
institutional practices schools, companies, etc. how they operate
Many are of the view that leadership is i____________, rather than c____________ through time and experience. In my opinion, leadership is l____________ developed r____________.
Those who believe that there are n____________p____________ the c____________ of a person as a f____________. There are certain individuals who d____________ a n____________ and i____________. A recent example of this would be Barack Obama. He is a n____________ , s____________, p____________ and w____________ b____________. Researchers have long i____________ common n____________ of leadership such as height, a d____________, a strong chin and n____________. These cannot be developed t____________ and therefore s____________ that leadership is i____________.
However, great leadership is more d____________ than s____________. There are c____________ of individuals possessing all the physical characteristics of leaders who f____________ of i____________. An i____________ of this is Steve Jobs. Early in his career he i____________ people with his e____________ but that had its l____________ as he p____________ and d____________ employees u____________ his o____________ from Apple. This h____________ led him to s____________ in the e____________ by c____________ and g____________ to c____________. These l____________ when he become CEO of Apple again and reached ____________ the p____________.
In conclusion, though the e____________ may o____________ the o____________, all leaders must c____________ their h____________ to become great leaders. The l____________ about leadership must be c____________ in order to p____________ better i____________ to m____________ future p____________ of industry and politics.
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Listening Practice
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Reading Practice
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