Before reading, take a minute to listen to the audio for my sample answer to improve your listening skills:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Old Buildings (Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams)
Too much money is wasted on repairing old buildings that should be used to knock them down and build new ones.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Tests
Many people today claim that too much money is being allocated to the upkeep of older buildings that would be better utilised on modern infrastructure. In my opinion, though new buildings are more practical, old buildings are indispensable cultural relics.
Progressive supporters of modernity rationally point out the actual utility of a building should be the priority. A good example of this would be in cities that have developed substantially in the last half century such as Kolkata, India. Rapid economic development there has overtaken sentimentality over both pre and post-Colonial architecture. It is commonplace for old buildings that no longer meet today’s safety standards to be bulldozed to build hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and offices. All these new buildings serve vital functions in a 21st century metropolis and are not merely for show, as the buildings relegated for demolition are.
Despite the above justifications, old buildings serve to maintain the irreplaceable cultural identity of a city. While cities like Kolkata and Beijing have ruthlessly swept aside the past in favour of an inevitable future, smaller cities like Chiang Mai in Thailand have managed to protect the majority of their historic buildings. The result is more than just tourist attractions like classic homes, old city walls and ancient pagodas. The residents of Chiang Mai, and other citizens of Thailand, can visit and be reminded of the beauty and resilience of their ancestors. In Beijing, the disdain for history encourages the nation at large to imitate the stubborn pursuit of progress characteristic of the 21st century.
In conclusion, old buildings ought to be preserved as they are important for a nation’s cultural identity. The governments that adopt this long-term, multifaceted view will reap the rewards of a more unified national citizenry.
Word count: 285
Analysis
1. Many people today claim that too much money is being allocated to the upkeep of older buildings that would be better utilised on modern infrastructure. 2. In my opinion, though new buildings are more practical, old buildings are indispensable cultural relics.
Paraphrase the main topic for this essay. This sentence can be long or short – don’t waste much time on it.
Give a clear opinion. I use the word ‘indispensible’ to make my opinion clear enough but I will also repeat it even more clearly in my conclusion.
1. Progressive supporters of modernity rationally point out the actual utility of a building should be the priority. 2. A good example of this would be in cities that have developed substantially in the last half century such as Kolkata, India. 3. Rapid economic development there has overtaken sentimentality over both pre and post-Colonial architecture. 4. It is commonplace for old buildings that no longer meet today’s safety standards to be bulldozed to build hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and offices. 5. All these new buildings serve vital functions in a 21st century metropolis and are not merely for show, as the buildings relegated for demolition are.
Write a topic sentence with a main ideas at the end of the sentence. Just 1 main idea so that you can develop it fully.
Start your example right away if possible – don’t waste any time!
Be specific and continue developing the same example.
Include specific lists and detail to bump up your task achievement, cohesion/coherence, and vocabulary.
Relate the last sentence back to your main idea or finish developing your example.
1. Despite the above justifications, old buildings serve to maintain the irreplaceable cultural identity of a city. 2. While cities like Kolkata and Beijing have ruthlessly swept aside the past in favour of an inevitable future, smaller cities like Chiang Mai in Thailand have managed to protect the majority of their historic buildings. 3. The result is more than just tourist attractions like classic homes, old city walls and ancient pagodas. 4. The residents of Chiang Mai, and other citizens of Thailand, can visit and be reminded of the beauty and resilience of their ancestors. 5. In Beijing, the disdain for history encourages the nation at large to imitate the stubborn pursuit of progress characteristic of the 21st century.
Another topic sentence, with another single main idea that you can fully develop.
Begin another specific example. This time I use a comparative example because it suits this question.
Again, give specific details.
Continue with the same example – don’t switch to a new one.
Finish developing the example. Here I bring it back to Beijing to strengthen my support.
1. In conclusion, old buildings ought to be preserved as they are important for a nation’s cultural identity. 2. The governments that adopt this long-term, multifaceted view will reap the rewards of a more unified national citizenry.
Repeat your opinion and make sure it is totally clear at this point or you risk a band 5 for task achievement.
Add an extra detail/final thought to the end. Read more about your conclusion here.
Vocabulary
Take some notes on what the words in bold below mean:
Many people today claim that too much money is being allocated to the upkeep of older buildings that would be better utilised on modern infrastructure. In my opinion, though new buildings are more practical, old buildings are indispensable cultural relics.
Progressive supporters of modernity rationally point out the actual utility of a building should be the priority. A good example of this would be in cities that have developed substantially in the last half century such as Kolkata, India. Rapid economic development there has overtaken sentimentality over both pre and post-Colonial architecture. It is commonplace for old buildings that no longer meet today’s safety standards to be bulldozed to build hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and offices. All these new buildings serve vital functions in a 21st century metropolis and are not merely for show, as the buildings relegated for demolition are.
Despite the above justifications, old buildings serve to maintain the irreplaceable cultural identity of a city. While cities like Kolkata and Beijing have ruthlessly swept aside the past in favour of an inevitable future, smaller cities like Chiang Mai in Thailand have managed to protect the majority of their historic buildings. The result is more than just tourist attractions like classic homes, old city walls and ancient pagodas. The residents of Chiang Mai, and other citizens of Thailand, can visit and be reminded of the beauty and resilience of their ancestors. In Beijing, the disdain for history encourages the nation at large to imitate the stubborn pursuit of progress characteristic of the 21st century.
In conclusion, old buildings ought to be preserved as they are important for a nation’s cultural identity. The governments that adopt this long-term, multifaceted view will reap the rewards of a more unified national citizenry.
Answers
allocated assigned to
upkeep maintanence
better utilised used for a better purpose
modern infrastructure new buildings
practical useful
indispensable cultural relics cannot be replaced historic artefacts
progressive supporters those in favour of modern thinking
modernity the present moment
rationally logically/makes sense
point out argue
actual utility can be used in the real world
priority more important
developed substantially made a lot of progress
last half century last 50 years
Kolkata a city in India, also known as Calcutta
rapid economic development the economy developing quickly
overtaken sentimentality become more important than feelings
pre and post-Colonial architecture buildings before and after English occupation
commonplace ubiquitous
no longer meet today’s safety standards unsafe
bulldozed destroyed
serve vital functions provide essential services
21st century metropolis modern city
not merely for show actually useful
relegated dismissed, diminished
demolition destruction
despite in spite of, notwithstanding
justifications reasons/excuses
serve to maintain are used to preserve
irreplaceable cultural identity cannot be replaced sense of a culture/society
ruthlessly swept aside unfeelingly dismissed
in favour of preferring
inevitable future cannot be escaped
managed to protect were able to preserve
majority most of
ancient pagodas old temples
reminded make people remember
resilience strength
ancestors previous generations
disdain look down on
encourages reinforces
nation at large all of the country
imitate copy
stubborn pursuit single-minded, thoughless search
progress characteristic of the 21st century the advancing nature of the world
preserved protected
nation’s cultural identity the qualities that make countries unique
long-term over a long period of time
multifaceted view many perspectives
reap the rewards gain benefits from
more unified national citizenry united, patriotic country
Many people today claim that too much money is being _____________ to the _____________ of older buildings that would be _____________ on _____________. In my opinion, though new buildings are more _____________, old buildings are _____________.
_____________ of _______________________________________ the _____________ of a building should be the _____________. A good example of this would be in cities that have _____________ in the _____________ such as _____________ , India. _____________ there has _____________ over both _____________ . It is _____________ for old buildings that _____________ to be _____________ to build hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and offices. All these new buildings _____________ in a _____________ and are _____________, as the buildings _____________ for _____________ are.
_____________ the above _____________, old buildings _____________ the _____________ of a city. While cities like Kolkata and Beijing have _____________ the past _____________ an _____________, smaller cities like Chiang Mai in Thailand have _____________ the _____________ of their historic buildings. The result is more than just tourist attractions like classic homes, old city walls and _____________. The residents of Chiang Mai, and other citizens of Thailand, can visit and be _____________ of the beauty and _____________ of their _____________. In Beijing, the _____________ for history _____________ the _____________ to _____________ the _____________ of _____________.
In conclusion, old buildings ought to be _____________ as they are important for a _____________. The governments that adopt this _____________, _____________ will _____________ of a _____________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Learn about another possible example for this topic, Karachi in Pakistan:
Reading Practice
Read the article below and if you are from India or Kolkata please let me know in the comments if it is accurate or not!
Plagiarism in academics has become a pressing problem in many countries today.
What are the causes of this problem?
What are some possible solutions?
Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams
Plagiarism has become a serious issue in academic circles in recent decades. The main causes of this center around the dissemination of information to countries with varying attitudes to intellectual property rights and the solutions are strict censures of plagiarised works.
In many countries, plagiarism is not considered an offence or treated very lightly. For example, students in Vietnam grow up in an environment where copyright is largely just for show. It is common practice for photocopy shops to print or copy entire books with no legal repercussions. In school, many students are instructed to memorise and reproduce the works of others and prohibited from coming up with their own ideas. The rise of Facebook, which hardly polices IP rights, has led to further lawlessness. Altogether, theft is culturally permitted if not encouraged. Countries around the world all have differing standards based on their history, culture, and legal frameworks.
The best solutions for plagiarism are to implement degrees of punishments. Those who outright copy and paste works and pass them off as their own for commercial purposes should be subject to full criminal and civil prosecution. This will limit the most extreme cases. Sharing and posting materials on the internet is a thornier issue because the perpetrators do not always receive direct financial benefit and can be difficult to track down. In these cases, it is the websites, such as Facebook, that must police members and initiate warnings and bans to repeat offenders.
In conclusion, the pertinent threat of plagiarism means both companies and countries must work in tandem to limit any potential damage. In the future, this issue will only become more difficult to extricate so it is advisable that preventive measures be put in place now.
Analysis
1. Plagiarism has become a serious issue in academic circles in recent decades. 2. The main causes of this center around the dissemination of information to countries with varying attitudes to intellectual property rights and the solutions are strict censures of plagiarised works.
For your first sentence, just paraphrase what the whole topic is about – short and simple because it is not that important.
Now write your opinion – you don’t have to include your main ideas but if you do it will help your cohesion and coherence score.
1. In many countries, plagiarism is not considered an offence or treated very lightly. 2. For example, students in Vietnam grow up in an environment where copyright is largely just for show. 3. It is common practice for photocopy shops to print or copy entire books with no legal repercussions. 4. In school, many students are instructed to memorise and reproduce the works of others and prohibited from coming up with their own ideas. 5. The rise of Facebook, which hardly polices IP rights, has led to further lawlessness. 6. Altogether, theft is culturally permitted if not encouraged. 7. Countries around the world all have differing standards based on their history, culture, and legal frameworks.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea. This question asks for the reasonS, plural, so try to include two related reasons.
Begin your example right away – don’t waste any time.
Continue to develop the same example.
Try to pull out a second reason related to your example if you can.
Keep developing the same example.
The more specific, the better!
I conclude the paragraph by making it more general – this is good to do if you wrote a very specific example like I did. (7 sentences is a bit long – aim for about 5.)
1. The best solutions for plagiarism are to implement degrees of punishments. 2. Those who outright copy and paste works and pass them off as their own for commercial purposes should be subject to full criminal and civil prosecution. 3. This will limit the most extreme cases. 4. Sharing and posting materials on the internet is a thornier issue because the perpetrators do not always receive direct financial benefit and can be difficult to track down. 5. In these cases, it is the websites, such as Facebook, that must police members and initiate warnings and bans to repeat offenders.
Write a new, simple topic sentence with another main idea. This one also asks for more than 1 solution, so try to include a couple of related solutions.
Don’t waste time – write specifically about your first solution.
Develop it with at least one more sentence.
Switch over to another solution.
Develop that example as fully and specifically as possible.
1. In conclusion, the pertinent threat of plagiarism means both companies and countries must work in tandem to limit any potential damage. 2. In the future, this issue will only become more difficult to extricate so it is advisable that preventive measures be put in place now.
Repeat your solutions or the cause. This sentence isn’t that important.
Include an extra detail – this sentence is very important because some examiners will limit your task achievement score to band 7 without it!
Vocabulary
Try to figure out the words in bold below:
Plagiarism has become a serious issue in academic circles in recent decades. The main causes of this center around the dissemination of information to countries with varying attitudes to intellectual property rights and the solutions are strict censures of plagiarised works.
In many countries, plagiarism is not considered an offence or treated very lightly. For example, students in Vietnam grow up in an environment where copyright is largely just for show. It is common practice for photocopy shops to print or copy entire books with no legal repercussions. In school, many students are instructed to memorise and reproduce the works of others and prohibited from coming up with their own ideas. The rise of Facebook, which hardly polices IP rights, has led to further lawlessness. Altogether, theft is culturally permittedif not encouraged. Countries around the world all have differing standards based on their history, culture, and legal frameworks.
The best solutions for plagiarism are to implement degrees of punishments. Those who outright copy and paste works and pass them off as their own for commercial purposes should be subject to full criminal and civil prosecution. This will limit the most extreme cases. Sharing and posting materials on the internet is a thornier issue because the perpetrators do not always receive direct financial benefit and can be difficult to track down. In these cases, it is the websites, such as Facebook, that must police members and initiate warnings and bans to repeat offenders.
In conclusion, the pertinent threat of plagiarism means both companies and countries must work in tandem to limit any potential damage. In the future, this issue will only become more difficult to extricate so it is advisable that preventive measures be put in place now.
Answers
plagiarism stealing others work and pretending it is your own
serious issue important problem
center around relate to
dissemination spread
varying attitudes different opinions about
intellectual property rights copyright
strict censures severe disapproval
plagiarised works stolen writing
offence crime
treated very lightly not punished severely
copyright your ownership rights
largely just for show not actually enforced
common practice happens a lot
no legal repercussions get away with it
reproduce copy
works of others other people’s writing/words
prohibited not allowed
coming up with their own ideas think of their own concepts
hardly polices IP rights does not care about copyright
lawlessness no law
altogether taken as a whole
culturally permitted allowed in this society
if not encouraged actually kind of encouraged
differing standards not the same feelings towards
legal frameworks laws
implement put in place
outright copy and paste works brazenly steal
pass them off as their own pretend they wrote them
commercial purposes to make money for themselves
subject to full criminal and civil prosecution go to trial/court
most extreme cases very bad times
thornier complicated
perpetrators criminals
direct financial benefit actualy money from it
track down find
police verb for police/enforce
initiate warnings send out warning messages
repeat offenders those who do it repeatedly
pertinent threat pressing problem
work in tandem collaborate
potential damage possible hurt
extricate untangle
advisable good idea to
preventive measures methods to stop from happening
_____________ has become a _____________ in academic circles in recent decades. The main causes of this _____________ the _____________ of information to countries with _____________ to _____________ and the solutions are _____________ of _____________.
In many countries, plagiarism is not considered an _____________ or _____________. For example, students in Vietnam grow up in an environment where _____________ is _____________. It is _____________ for photocopy shops to print or copy entire books with _____________. In school, many students are instructed to memorise and _____________ the _____________ and _____________ from _____________. The rise of Facebook, which _____________, has led to further _____________. _____________, theft is __________________________. Countries around the world all have _____________ based on their history, culture, and _____________.
The best solutions for plagiarism are to _____________ degrees of punishments. Those who _____________ and _____________ for _____________ should be _____________. This will limit the _____________. Sharing and posting materials on the internet is a _____________ issue because the _____________ do not always receive _____________ and can be difficult to _____________. In these cases, it is the websites, such as Facebook, that must _____________ members and _____________ and bans to _____________.
In conclusion, the _____________ of plagiarism means both companies and countries must _____________ to limit any _____________. In the future, this issue will only become more difficult to _____________ so it is _____________ that _____________ be _____________ now.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen to the story below to review this topic and improve your listening:
Before you read my sample essay, you can take some time to practice your listening with the audio first – take some notes while you listen too:
Writing Task 2
The roads in major cities today are often difficult to travel on.
What are the causes of this?
What are some possible solutions?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
As world populations transition from rural to urban settings, there has been a resultant degradation of travel conditions within cities. The main causes of this are all related to overpopulation and the solution is for governments to incentivise living outside city limits.
The clearest source of crowded roads and degrading infrastructure is surging urban populations. Research has shown that now more than half the world is densely packed into cities built hundreds of years ago. Take Boston as an example. Boston was built for a population of under 100,000 people, who mainly travelled by walking or riding horses and carriages. Today the population is nearly a million and that means the narrow roads are gridlocked with traffic during rush hour. The relentless pounding of an overpopulated city also means that the roads suffer from greater wear and tear, which necessitates constant maintenance and exacerbates the average citizen’s daily commute.
In order to mitigate these issues, governments could encourage people to move outside cities. One half measure would be to lower taxes in neighboring districts. Many people could still commute to work from nearby suburbs, as is the case in most major cities already. Governments could also give special tax breaks and dispensations to companies that allow workers to work remotely. This would free people up to live outside of cities or, if they opt to remain in the city, they at least would not contribute to rush hour traffic.
In conclusion, worsening travel conditions for urban dwellers can be curbed through government intervention. The nations that take up this cause will be well placed to compete in a rapidly evolving 21st century.
Analysis
1. As world populations transition from rural to urban settings, there has been a resultant degradation of travel conditions within cities. 2. The main causes of this are all related to overpopulation and the solution is for governments to incentivise living outside city limits.
In your first sentence, you should paraphrase the overall topic for the essay.
Then answer the two questions – make sure your answers are 100% clear.
1. The clearest source of crowded roads and degrading infrastructure is surging urban populations. 2. Research has shown that now more than half the world is densely packed into cities built hundreds of years ago. 3. Take Boston as an example. 4. Boston was built for a population of under 100,000 people, who mainly travelled by walking or riding horses and carriages. 5. Today the population is nearly a million and that means the narrow roads are gridlocked with traffic during rush hour. 6. The relentless pounding of an overpopulated city also means that the roads suffer from greater wear and tear, which necessitates constant maintenance and exacerbates the average citizen’s daily commute.
Your first topic sentence should be simple and contain the main idea for the whole paragraph.
Begin to develop it. Here I use some fake research – that is fine to do as long as you don’t make it too specific.
Begin a specific example – a real place, person, city, etc.
Develop that example – be specific as possible.
Keep developing the example – don’t switch to a new one.
Draw your conclusions/the result of your example.
1. In order to mitigate these issues, governments could encourage people to move outside cities. 2. One half measure would be to lower taxes in neighboring districts. 3. Many people could still commute to work from nearby suburbs, as is the case in most major cities already. 4. Governments could also give special tax breaks and dispensations to companies that allow workers to work remotely. 5. This would free people up to live outside of cities or, if they opt to remain in the city, they at least would not contribute to rush hour traffic.
For the second topic sentence, include another main idea.
Give your first solution – be specific and clear.
Develop it as much as you can.
Give a second solution – it is good if they are related so that you can develop both.
Conclude the paragraph by stating the result of your solution.
1. In conclusion, worsening travel conditions for urban dwellers can be curbed through government intervention. 2. The nations that take up this cause will be well placed to compete in a rapidly evolving 21st century.
Repeat your solution or the causes.
Add in an extra detail/final thought for full points for task achievement.
Vocabulary
As world populations transition from rural to urban settings, there has been a resultant degradation of travel conditions within cities. The main causes of this are all related to overpopulation and the solution is for governments to incentivise living outside city limits.
The clearest source of crowded roads and degrading infrastructure is surging urban populations. Research has shown that now more than half the world is densely packed into cities built hundreds of years ago. Take Boston as an example. Boston was built for a population of under 100,000 people, who mainly travelled by walking or riding horses and carriages. Today the population is nearly a million and that means the narrow roads are gridlocked with traffic during rush hour. The relentless pounding of an overpopulated city also means that the roads suffer from greater wear and tear, which necessitates constant maintenance and exacerbates the average citizen’s daily commute.
In order to mitigate these issues, governments could encourage people to move outside cities. One half measure would be to lower taxes in neighboring districts. Many people could still commute to work from nearby suburbs, as is the case in most major cities already. Governments could also give special tax breaks and dispensations to companies that allow workers to work remotely. This would free people up to live outside of cities or, if they opt to remain in the city, they at least would not contribute to rush hour traffic.
In conclusion, worsening travel conditions for urban dwellers can be curbed through government intervention. The nations that take up this cause will be well placed to compete in a rapidly evolving 21st century.
Answers
transition change to
rural countryside
urban settings in cities
resultant degradation concomitant decline
overpopulation too many people
incentivise encourage
city limits the edge of the city
degrading infrastructure streets, buildings getting old
surging urban populations rising number of people in cities
densely packed filled/crowded/traffic jams
carriages old fashioned transport
nearly almost
narrow thin
gridlocked jam-packed
rush hour peak hours
relentless pounding constant wear and tear
suffer from are hurt by
greater wear and tear more degradations
necessitates requires
constant maintenance always must be cleaned, fixed, etc.
exacerbates makes worse
average citizen’s the normal person’s
daily commute getting to work everyday
mitigate lessen
half measure partial solution
neighboring districts nearby areas
commute travel to work
nearby suburbs towns outside the city
as is the case in so it is in
tax breaks reductions in taxes
dispensations special allowances
work remotely work from home
opt choose
contribute give to
worsening becoming worse
urban dwellers city residents
curbed mitigated
government intervention government regulation
take up this cause deal with this problem
well placed in a good position to
rapidly evolving 21st century the world as it is changing
As world populations _____________ from _____________ to _____________ , there has been a _____________ of travel conditions within cities. The main causes of this are all related to _____________ and the solution is for governments to _____________ living outside _____________.
The clearest source of crowded roads and _____________ is _____________. Research has shown that now more than half the world is _____________ into cities built hundreds of years ago. Take Boston as an example. Boston was built for a population of under 100,000 people, who mainly travelled by walking or riding horses and _____________. Today the population is _____________ a million and that means the _____________ roads are _____________ with traffic during _____________. The _____________ of an overpopulated city also means that the roads __________________________, which __________________________ and _____________ the __________________________.
In order to _____________ these issues, governments could encourage people to move outside cities. One _____________ would be to lower taxes in _____________. Many people could still _____________ to work from _____________, _____________ most major cities already. Governments could also give special _____________ and _____________ to companies that allow workers to _____________. This would free people up to live outside of cities or, if they _____________ to remain in the city, they at least would not _____________ to rush hour traffic.
In conclusion, _____________ travel conditions for _____________ can be _____________ through _____________ . The nations that _____________ will be _____________ to compete in a _____________.
Listening Practice
Watch the video below to learn about life in the ancient Indus civilisation:
Reading Practice
Learn more about the example in my essay, Boston, here:
Nowadays, entertainers get paid more than politicians.
What are the reasons for this?
Is this a negative or positive development?
Real Past IELTS Tests/Exams
These days entertainers invariably earn higher wages than politicians. In my opinion, this is the result of technological growth in the entertainment industry and it is a positive development because politics should not be a means to amass a fortune.
Entertainment is one of the most lucrative industries today largely due to developments in media distribution. Vaudeville actors and musicians in the early 20th century were looked down on and earned little. The birth of cinema in the 1920s and the rise of television in the 1950s allowed entertainers to reach a wider audience. From there the rise has continued not only with the diversification of television but also the invention of CDs, portable music players, the internet, and streaming websites like Netflix and YouTube. All this new media reaches the majority of the world’s population who then pay for the content by subscribing or watching paid advertisements.
This is a positive development because politics should not be a profit driven profession. A good example of this would be the early American founding founders, including Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, both of whom sacrificed private wealth for public service. Hamilton was the leading lawyer in New York and when he enthusiastically joined Washington’s cabinet he took a drastic cut in salary. By the end of his term, he was mired in debt but had no regrets as he viewed public political action as far more valuable than private capital. Politicians ought to earn a good salary but this should never subvert their chief motive in serving their country.
In conclusion, entertainers make more money due to the advent of the media age and politicians should not be jealous of their wealth. Unfortunately, many politicians are selfishly compelled by economic gain when they ought to be more self-interested in terms of their role in public life.
Word count: 296
Analysis
1. These days entertainers invariably earn higher wages than politicians. 2. In my opinion, this is the result of technological growth in the entertainment industry and it is a positive development because politics should not be a means to amass a fortune.
Paraphrase the overall topic. I wrote a short sentence here – that is fine!
Give your opinion and be 100% clear – don’t sit in the middle. For this one, you must answer both questions and write a paragraph about each.
1. Entertainment is one of the most lucrative industries today largely due to developments in media distribution. 2. Vaudeville actors and musicians in the early 20th century were looked down on and earned little. 3. The birth of cinema in the 1920s and the rise of television in the 1950s allowed entertainers to reach a wider audience. 4. From there the rise has continued not only with the diversification of television but also the invention of CDs, portable music players, the internet, and streaming websites like Netflix and YouTube. 5. All this new media reaches the majority of the world’s population who then pay for the content by subscribing or watching paid advertisements.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end of the sentence.
Begin to develop the main idea. Here I start with a comparision to the past.
Make your example specfic and detailed.
List specific details, services, etc. if possible.
Relate it back to your main idea to show how this clearly leads to more money for entertainers.
1. This is a positive development because politics should not be a profit driven profession. 2. A good example of this would be the early American founding founders, including Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, both of whom sacrificed private wealth for public service. 3. Hamilton was the leading lawyer in New York and when he enthusiastically joined Washington’s cabinet he took a drastic cut in salary. 4. By the end of his term, he was mired in debt but had no regrets as he viewed public political action as far more valuable than private capital. 5. Politicians ought to earn a good salary but this should never subvert their chief motive in serving their country.
Another topic sentence with a new main idea to answer the second question.
Make your example more general with the last sentence of your paragraph.
1. In conclusion, entertainers make more money due to the advent of the media age and politicians should not be jealous of their wealth. 2. Unfortunately, many politicians are selfishly compelled by economic gain when they ought to be more self-interested in terms of their role in public life.
Repeat your opinion. This sentence isn’t too important – the next one is more important…
Add in an extra detail or final thought to get full marks for task achievement.
Vocabulary
Try to figure out what the words in bold below mean:
These days entertainers invariably earn higher wages than politicians. In my opinion, this is the result of technological growth in the entertainment industry and it is a positive development because politics should not be a means to amass a fortune.
Entertainment is one of the most lucrative industries today largely due to developments in media distribution. Vaudeville actors and musicians in the early 20th century were looked down on and earned little. The birth of cinema in the 1920s and the rise of television in the 1950s allowed entertainers to reach a wider audience. From there the rise has continued not only with the diversification of television but also the invention of CDs, portable music players, the internet, and streaming websites like Netflix and YouTube. All this new media reaches the majority of the world’s population who then pay for the content by subscribing or watching paid advertisements.
This is a positive development because politics should not be a profit drivenprofession. A good example of this would be the early American founding founders, including Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, both of whom sacrificed private wealth for public service. Hamilton was the leading lawyer in New York and when he enthusiastically joined Washington’s cabinet he took a drastic cut in salary. By the end of his term, he was mired in debt but had no regrets as he viewed public political action as far more valuable than private capital. Politicians ought to earn a good salary but this should never subvert their chief motive in serving their country.
In conclusion, entertainers make more money due to the advent of the media age and politicians should not be jealous of their wealth. Unfortunately, many politicians are selfishly compelled by economic gain when they ought to be more self-interested in terms of their role in public life.
Answers
these days nowadays
invariably always
higher wages good salary
technological growth new technologies
entertainment industry movies, TV, music, etc.
means the method
amass a fortune make a lot of money
lucrative wealthy
largely due to mainly because of
media distribution how movies, music, etc. reach people
vaudeville actors actors in plays/shows from a long time ago
early 20th century early 1900s
looked down on didn’t think highly of
reach a wider audience more people can see it
diversification more variety
portable music players iPods, walkman, mp3 players, etc.
streaming websites Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
content programmes
subscribing signing up for and paying monthly/weekly
watching paid advertisements watching ads
profit drivenprofession job just for the money
early American founding founders Hamilton, Washington, Franklin, etc.
Alexander Hamilton the most important founding father
George Washington the first President of the United States
sacrificed private wealth gave up personal money
public service good for all people
leading lawyer best lawyer
enthusiastically happily/with a lot of energy
cabinet advisors
drastic cut lots a lot
term period when you are president/senator
mired in debt owing a lot of money
regrets feeling bad about what you did
public political action efforts to help society/the country
____________ entertainers ____________ earn ____________ than politicians. In my opinion, this is the result of ____________ in the ____________ and it is a positive development because politics should not be a ____________ to ____________.
Entertainment is one of the most ____________ industries today ____________ developments in ____________. ____________ and musicians in the ____________ were ____________ and earned little. The birth of cinema in the 1920s and the rise of television in the 1950s allowed entertainers to ____________. From there the rise has continued not only with the ____________ of television but also the invention of CDs, ____________, the internet, and ____________ like Netflix and YouTube. All this new media reaches the majority of the world’s population who then pay for the ____________ by ____________ or ____________.
This is a positive development because politics should not be a ____________. A good example of this would be the ____________, including ____________ and ____________, both of whom ____________ for ____________. Hamilton was the ____________ in New York and when he ____________ joined Washington’s ____________ he took a ____________ in salary. By the end of his ____________, he was ____________ but had no ____________ as he viewed ____________ as ____________ than ____________ Politicians ought to earn a good salary but this should never ____________ their ____________ in ____________.
In conclusion, entertainers make more money due to the ____________ of the media age and politicians should not be ____________ of their wealth. ____________, many politicians are ____________ by ____________ when they ought to be more ____________ in terms of their ____________.
Before you read my sample answer, you can listen to the audio and make some notes (or don’t look at the graph and try to draw it from my audio):
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer: Working Pie Charts (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
The given pie charts compare employment sectors in towns A and B in 1960 and 2010. Overall, sales positions became less common in both towns, while manufacturing showed the reverse trend and service jobs decreased in town A but not town B. By 2010, manufacturing supplanted sales as the predominant industry in town A, while in town B sales remained top.
Manufacturing underwent the largest growth going from 29% to an overwhelming 64% in town A and more than doubling from 10% to 25% in town B. For both towns this necessitated a decline in sales positions with town A dropping from 41% to 21% and town B falling from 70% to 53%, albeit still accounting for the majority of jobs.
Services had contrasting trends, though by 2010 this sector employed the lowest proportions for both towns. In town A services nearly halved (30% down to 16%) whereas in town B it rose marginally by 2% to 22%.
Analysis
1. The given pie charts compare employment sectors in towns A and B in 1960 and 2010. 2. Overall, sales positions became less common in both towns, while manufacturing showed the reverse trend and service jobs decreased in town A but not town B. 3. By 2010, manufacturing supplanted sales as the predominant industry in town A, while in town B sales remained top.
Simply paraphrase what the graphs show for your first sentence. Don’t waste much time on this sentence.
Begin your overview – maximum two sentences.
For an overview you must full cover the trend (are the areas going up/down/staying the same) and some of the ranking or speed (which one is highest overall, maybe one of them has increased/decreased a lot). Read more about overviews here.
1. Manufacturing underwent the largest growth going from 29% to an overwhelming 64% in town A and more than doubling from 10% to 25% in town B. 2. For both towns this necessitated a decline in sales positions with town A dropping from 41% to 21% and town B falling from 70% to 53%, albeit still accounting for the majority of jobs.
Begin to describe the data. You must describe all the data in the graphs.
Make sure that you always compare. I divided the paragraphs into sectors with the same trend and then sectors with different trends below.
1. Services had contrasting trends, though by 2010 this sector employed the lowest proportions for both towns. 2. In town A services nearly halved (30% down to 16%) whereas in town B it rose marginally by 2% to 22%.
Make sure that you have clear paragraphs and reasons for them. Here I switch to describe the smallest area which also had a differing trend for the two towns.
Double check to make sure that you have mentioned all data.
Vocabulary
The given pie charts compare employment sectors in towns A and B in 1960 and 2010. Overall, sales positions became less common in both towns, while manufacturing showed the reverse trend and service jobs decreased in town A but not town B. By 2010, manufacturing supplanted sales as the predominant industry in town A, while in town B sales remained top.
Manufacturing underwent the largest growth going from 29% to an overwhelming 64% in town A and more than doubling from 10% to 25% in town B. For both towns this necessitated a decline in sales positions with town A dropping from 41% to 21% and town B falling from 70% to 53%, albeit still accounting for the majority of jobs.
Services had contrasting trends, though by 2010 this sector employed the lowest proportions for both towns. In town A services nearly halved (30% down to 16%) whereas in town B it rose marginally by 2% to 22%.
Answers
compare contrast
sectors areas
positions rankings
showed the reverse trend went in the opposite direction
The given pie charts ___________ employment ___________ in towns A and B in 1960 and 2010. Overall, sales ___________ became less common in both towns, while manufacturing ___________ and service jobs decreased in town A but not town B. By 2010, manufacturing ___________ sales as the ___________ in town A, ___________ in town B sales remained top.
Manufacturing ___________ the largest growth going from 29% to an ___________ 64% in town A and ___________ from 10% to 25% in town B. For both towns this ___________ a decline in sales positions with town A ___________ from 41% to 21% and town B ___________ from 70% to 53%, ___________ still ___________ the ___________ of jobs.
Services had ___________, though by 2010 this sector employed the ___________ for both towns. In town A services ___________ (30% down to 16%) ___________ in town B it ___________ by 2% to 22%.
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