This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to children starting school from the real past IELTS test.
Here is the question:
Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. Some think they should begin at least 7 years old. Discuss both views give opinions.
Real Past IELTS Tests
Read below for my sample answer, analysis, practice, links and more to help you get ready for your IELTS exam!
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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Children Starting School (Real Past Tests)
Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. Some think they should begin at least 7 years old. Discuss both views give opinions.
Real Past IELTS Tests
There has been growing momentum in recent years towards movements for children to start schooling after the age of 7. In my opinion, although going to school from a young age will help with social development, children should be allowed to grow outside school until the age of 7.
Proponents of early schooling often point out the clinical research on the impact of school on social skills. At home, children are exposed to a variety of different circumstances. They may or may not have siblings, their parents might take them out for playdates often or neglect them at home, hampering their social skills. Once children start school, they are all in more or less an equal environment where they must communicate with older and younger children, compromise when playing, learn to listen to their teachers, and start forming stable bonds based on empathy and shared interests with others.
Despite the social advantages, children can develop more uniquely if they are allowed to delay their entrance to formal schooling. A good example of this is in Finland, where students do not begin school until after the age of 7. Finland is renowned for its top-performing students but this can be traced to a number of factors besides simply school age. However, the impact on individual development is apparent. According to research into child psychology, children form the basis of their personality between the ages of 4 and 7. Therefore it is paramount to delay the age when they begin school in order to give them room to breath and ultimately produce a greater variety of voices in society at large as has been the case in Finland.
In my opinion, the social benefits of school do not outweigh the individual positives of delayed schooling to both the individual and society. Schools should continue to research this area so that they can better advise policymakers.
Analysis
1. There has been growing momentum in recent years towards movements for children to start schooling after the age of 7. 2. In my opinion, although going to school from a young age will help with social development, children should be allowed to grow outside school until the age of 7.
Rewrite the main topic of the essay – keep it short and simple.
Give your opinion. Don’t sit in the middle – choose a clear side.
1. Proponents of early schooling often point out the clinical research on the impact of school on social skills. 2. At home, children are exposed to a variety of different circumstances. 3. They may or may not have siblings, their parents might take them out for playdates often or neglect them at home, hampering their social skills. 4. Once children start school, they are all in more or less an equal environment where they must communicate with older and younger children, compromise when playing, learn to listen to their teachers, and start forming stable bonds based on empathy and shared interests with others.
Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end of the sentence.
Begin to develop your main idea. Be as specific as possible.
Continue to develop with a specific details. Here I use a hypothetical example.
I finish developing my main idea here. Make sure that you have at least 4 sentences.
1. Despite the social advantages, children can develop more uniquely if they are allowed to delay their entrance to formal schooling. 2. A good example of this is in Finland, where students do not begin school until after the age of 7. 3. Finland is renowned for its top-performing students but this can be traced to a number of factors besides simply school age. 4. However, the impact on individual development is apparent. 5. According to research into child psychology, children form the basis of their personality between the ages of 4 and 7. 6. Therefore it is paramount to delay the age when they begin school in order to give them room to breath and ultimately produce a greater variety of voices in society at large as has been the case in Finland.
Write a clear topic sentence for this paragraph as well with a new main idea.
Begin your example and develop it for the rest of the paragraph.
Stick to the same example and develop it fully.
Notice that I vary the length and complexity of my sentences.
If possible, quote some research (even if you have to make it up like i did here).
Conclude your paragraph and tie it back to the main idea.
1. In my opinion, the social benefits of school do not outweigh the individual positives of delayed schooling to both the individual and society. 2. Schools should continue to research this area so that they can better advise policymakers.
Repeat your opinion.
Add an extra detail or final thought to get full marks for task achievement.
Vocabulary
There has been growing momentum in recent years towards movements for children to start schooling after the age of 7. In my opinion, although going to school from a young age will help with social development, children should be allowed to grow outside school until the age of 7.
Proponents of early schooling often point out the clinical research on the impact of school on social skills. At home, children are exposed to a variety of different circumstances. They may or may not have siblings, their parents might take them out for playdates often or neglect them at home, hampering their social skills. Once children start school, they are all in more or less an equal environment where they must communicate with older and younger children, compromise when playing, learn to listen to their teachers, and start forming stable bonds based on empathy and shared interests with others.
Despite the social advantages, children can develop more uniquely if they are allowed to delay their entrance to formal schooling. A good example of this is in Finland, where students do not begin school until after the age of 7. Finland is renowned for its top-performing students but this can be traced to a number of factors besides simply school age. However, the impact on individual development is apparent. According to research into child psychology, children form the basis of their personality between the ages of 4 and 7. Therefore it is paramount to delay the age when they begin school in order to give them room to breath and ultimately produce a greater variety of voices in society at largeas has been the case in Finland.
In my opinion, the social benefits of school do not outweigh the individual positives of delayed schooling to both the individual and society. Schools should continue to research this area so that they can better advise policymakers.
Answers
growing momentum more and more pressure
movements shifts/developments
schooling going to school
social development interpersonal skills
proponents advocates
clinical research evidence
social skills talking and getting along with others
There has been ______________ in recent years towards ______________ for children to start ______________ after the age of 7. In my opinion, although going to school from a young age will help with ______________, children should be allowed to grow outside school until the age of 7.
______________ of early schooling often point out the ______________ on the impact of school on ______________. At home, children are ______________ to a variety of ______________. They may or may not have ______________, their parents might take them out for ______________ often or ______________ them at home, ______________ their social skills. Once children start school, they are all in ______________ an ______________ where they must communicate with older and younger children, ______________ when playing, learn to listen to their teachers, and start ______________ based on ______________ and ______________ with others.
Despite the social advantages, children can develop more ______________ if they are allowed to ______________ their entrance to ______________. A good example of this is in Finland, where students do not begin school until after the age of 7. Finland is ______________ for its ______________ but this can be ______________ to ______________ besides simply school age. However, the impact on individual development is ______________ . According to research into ______________, children ______________of their ______________ between the ages of 4 and 7. Therefore it is ______________ to delay the age when they begin school in order to give them ______________ and ______________ produce a greater variety of ______________ in ____________________________ in Finland.
In my opinion, the social benefits of school do not ______________ the individual positives of delayed schooling to both the individual and society. Schools should continue to research this area so that they can better advise ______________.
IELTS Listening Practice
Watch the video below and practice your listening. You can use some of the activity ideas here to help you practice without a teacher.
IELTS Reading Practice
Finland is a great example for a lot of different questions that come up on IELTS so read more here:
Many think that in today’s world it is very difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Others, however, feel that it is easy for people to be healthy and fit if they want to be. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
You should write at least 250 words.
Living a healthy lifestyle has become an increasingly important topic as what researchers know about nutrition has evolved. In my opinion, despite some obvious hurdles it is easier than ever for people to be healthy and fit today.
The main hurdles related to fitness today revolve around technology. A few decades ago people led much more active lives that involved more exercising and comparatively less time in front of screens. The advent of computer technology generally and the smartphone in particular has precipitated more passive lifestyles globally. Smartphones are the chief culprit. People become easily addicted to the small dopamine rushes that phones provide and their availability means they are tailor-made to be everyone’s worst habit. This prevents many people from developing healthy exercise patterns and, in cases where people binge watch shows on Netflix or YouTube, can also cause over-eating.
Despite the above mentioned challenges, it is easy to be healthy today because of the amount of information on nutrition available. Doctors a hundred years ago recommended smoking cigarettes and the many sources of heart disease were only documented decades ago. Today everywhere you look there are articles and people on television laying out hard evidence related to nutrition as well as the importance of eating vegetables and limiting meats and fatty foods. There is healthy debate and the consensus on specific foods might fluctuate but the general trend is greater awareness of which foods are healthy and which ones will shorten your life and undermine your fitness goals.
In conclusion, although there are good excuses today to be unfit, people can learn enough about nutrition to lead a healthy life with a degree of ease. Schools should make greater efforts in the future to teach students about nutrition and set them up with the knowledge they need to combat passivity.
Analysis
1. Living a healthy lifestyle has become an increasingly important topic as what researchers know about nutrition has evolved. 2. In my opinion, despite some obvious hurdles it is easier than ever for people to be healthy and fit today.
Rewrite the essay’s overall topic for your first sentence.
Give your opinion – make is 100% clear.
1. The main hurdles related to fitness today revolve around technology. 2. A few decades ago people led much more active lives that involved more exercising and comparatively less time in front of screens. 3. The advent of computer technology generally and the smartphone in particular has precipitated more passive lifestyles globally. 4. Smartphones are the chief culprit. 5. People become easily addicted to the small dopamine rushes that phones provide and their availability means they are tailor-made to be everyone’s worst habit. 6. This prevents many people from developing healthy exercise patterns and, in cases where people binge watch shows on Netflix or YouTube, can also cause over-eating.
Your first sentence should be a topic sentence with your main idea for that paragraph. Keep it short and simple.
I start here with a comparision to the past to explain my main idea.
Be as specific as possible developing your main idea.
Vary your grammar with short, accurate sentences and longer, more complex ones.
The more detail, the better your vocabulary will be.
Don’t switch to a new main idea – just finish developing the main idea from your topic sentence.
1. Despite the above mentioned challenges, it is easy to be healthy today because of the amount of information on nutrition available. 2. Doctors a hundred years ago recommended smoking cigarettes and the many sources of heart disease were only documented decades ago. 3. Today everywhere you look there are articles and people on television laying out hard evidence related to nutrition as well as the importance of eating vegetables and limiting meats and fatty foods. 4. There is healthy debate and the consensus on specific foods might fluctuate but the general trend is greater awareness of which foods are healthy and which ones will shorten your life and undermine your fitness goals.
Write another clear topic sentence with a single main idea.
Develop your main idea with a specific example.
Here I compare this to the amount of information available on nutrition today.
Draw a conclusion/further develop with your last sentence.
1. In conclusion, although there are good excuses today to be unfit, people can learn enough about nutrition to lead a healthy life with a degree of ease. 2. Schools should make greater efforts in the future to teach students about nutrition and set them up with the knowledge they need to combat passivity.
Repeat your opinion.
Include a final detail/extra detail to conclude the essay.
Vocabulary
Living a healthy lifestyle has become an increasingly important topic as what researchers know about nutrition has evolved. In my opinion, despite some obvious hurdles it is easier than ever for people to be healthy and fit today.
The main hurdles related to fitness today revolve around technology. A few decades ago people led much more active lives that involved more exercising and comparatively less time in front of screens. The advent of computer technology generally and the smartphone in particular has precipitated more passive lifestyles globally. Smartphones are the chief culprit. People become easily addicted to the small dopamine rushes that phones provide and their availability means they are tailor-made to be everyone’s worst habit. This prevents many people from developing healthy exercise patterns and, in cases where people binge watch shows on Netflix or YouTube, can also cause over-eating.
Despite the above mentioned challenges, it is easy to be healthy today because of the amount of information on nutrition available. Doctors a hundred years ago recommended smoking cigarettes and the many sources of heart disease were only documented decades ago. Today everywhere you look there are articles and people on television laying out hard evidence related to nutrition as well as the importance of eating vegetables and limiting meats and fatty foods. There is healthy debate and the consensus on specific foods might fluctuate but the general trend is greater awareness of which foods are healthy and which ones will shorten your life and undermine your fitness goals.
In conclusion, although there are good excuses today to be unfit, people can learn enough about nutrition to lead a healthy life with a degree of ease. Schools should make greater efforts in the future to teach students about nutrition and set them up with the knowledge they need to combat passivity.
Answers
healthy lifestyle staying in shap
evolved changed/become more modern
obvious hurdles clear challenges
easier than ever easiest now
main hurdles clearest challenges
revolve around are related to
comparatively less time not as much time for
screens devices
advent beginning of
generally overal
in particular especially
precipitated led to
passive lifestyles globally people being less active today
chief culprit main source of blame
easily addicted can’t stop using
small dopamine rushes a little bit of pleasure
tailor-made made specifically for
prevents stops
healthy exercise patterns good habits for going to the gym
binge watch shows watch multiple episodes in a row
Living a _____________ has become an increasingly important topic as what researchers know about nutrition has _____________. In my opinion, despite some _____________ it is _____________ for people to be healthy and fit today.
The _____________ related to fitness today _____________ technology. A few decades ago people led much more active lives that involved more exercising and _____________ in front of _____________. The _____________ of computer technology _____________ and the smartphone _____________ has _____________ more _____________. Smartphones are the _____________. People become _____________ to the _____________ that phones provide and their availability means they are _____________ to be everyone’s worst habit. This _____________ many people from developing _____________ and, in cases where people _____________ on Netflix or YouTube, can also cause _____________.
Despite the _____________, it is easy to be healthy today because of the amount of information on nutrition available. Doctors a hundred years ago recommended smoking cigarettes and the many sources of _____________ were only _____________ decades ago. Today everywhere you look there are articles and people on television __________________________ related to nutrition as well as the importance of eating vegetables and _____________ meats and fatty foods. There is _____________ and the _____________ on specific foods might fluctuate but the _____________ is _____________ of which foods are healthy and which ones will _____________ your life and _____________ your fitness goals.
In conclusion, although there are _____________ today to be unfit, people can learn enough about nutrition to lead a healthy life with _____________. Schools should make greater efforts in the future to teach students about nutrition and _____________ with the knowledge they need to _____________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen to the video below to review the topic:
Sample Student Corrections
Compare your own writing with my corrections of a student IELTS essay below:
On the one hand, some people claim that it is
struggling [A4] to lead a
healthy lifestyle in
today [A5] world. One
significant factor contributing to this fact is penetration [A6] of technology
into humans’
daily lives[A7] . There is
no doubt that people gradually grow addicted to state-of-the-art gadgets such
as smartphones, laptops, smart televisions, etc., [A8] which grasp their
rapt attention [A9] and hamper [A10] them from doing physical exercise or outdoor
activities. Furthermore, proponents of this viewpoint also state that their
hectic schedule is a
[A11] main reason preventing them from living healthily.
Undoubtedly, the more developed a society becomes, the heavier load of work [A12] people have to handle. Obviously, pressure and work strain [A13] are unavoidable. When spare time is limited, fast food
or processed food turns
out to be a brilliant solution [A14] for sedentary employees, which eventually results in
obesity and other diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes.
As expressed above[A24] , though modern life is an undeniable obstruction to
people’s healthy lifestyle, I suppose that a wholesome way of life is still
achievable [A25] thanks to advanced technology and peoples’ growing
awareness of health issues.
Task Achievement: Band 7
This is the closest one to an 8 because
you talk about both sides in a lot of detail with lots of support. If your
other scores go up, then you can expect an 8. Only a couple things hold you
back. 1. Make your opinion clearer in the conclusion. 2. Include an extra
detail (check my sample answers to see what I mean). 3. The second paragraph is
a little general and could use more specific support.
Grammar: Band 7
There are some slips – which aren’t so
important but also some ingrained errors including with possessives and
articles that bring you down to 8. To get up to 8, continue trying new complex
structures so that you are more flexible with them and fix the few mistakes
with grammar that keep coming up. This will take some time to fix.
Vocabulary: Band 7
Lots of great attempts and great
vocabulary. Some of it is band 8. But there are also lots of inocrrect
collocations and phrases that could be much better. This area will take the
longest to improve to band 8.
Cohesion & Coherence: Band 7
Very clear and good in terms of structure
and paragraphing. This one is also close to 8. Don’t us a linking work at the
beginning of every sentence. Sometimes the wordiness and the complex grammar
with mistakes make it more difficult to follow. Improve the grammar and vocabulary
and this will easily be an 8 because you understand the structure and ideas
very well!
Overall: 7
[A1]Don’t use this word in the passive – awkward.
Better to say ‘Many people reckon’ or better ‘It is often claimed’ The sentence
doesn’t make sense though because leading a wholesome life is the same as
wellness – very confusing to start
[A23]Ok, but more specific vocab to get up to band
8. For example ‘has increased the chances that people can take advantage of the
latest research into nutrition and exerise and turn these into long-term,
healthy habits.’
[A24]Don’t use this phrase. Just say ‘In conclusion’
[A25]Careful! Doesn’t directly answer the question
and a strict examiner could give you band 5 for task achievement!
The crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advances in technology.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Tests
It is often argued that precipitous global declines in crime are principally down to developments in technology. While advanced technology admittedly plays an integral role in crime reduction, I would argue education hits more directly at the cause of crime.
The biggest argument in favour of technology’s impact is the advent of forensic science. In the past, forensics was an unreliable soft science that included notoriously mistake prone practices such as a dental identification and blood splatter analysis. Over the last couple of decades it has grown into a much more accurate tool. Courts now rely heavily on DNA testing, which is nearly 100% conclusive in most cases. This has had a two-fold effect, allowing prosecutors to reopen and investigate cold cases as well as better prosecute and deter current criminals.
However, education still more powerfully underpins decreases in crime because it does more to eradicate poverty. Poverty is far and away the chief cause of crime. Take for example a country such as China, which has developed rapidly in the last 30 years, elevating millions formerly below the poverty line. Their economic rise has been followed by better educational standards which has trickled down into better employment opportunities for graduates. The crime rate in China has plummeted simply because far fewer people have the basic motivation, poverty, to commit crimes.
In conclusion, the impact of technology is negligible next to educational reform, which undermines the deepest roots of crime. Forward-looking countries that prioritise education will also reap benefits that extend well beyond the crime rate.
Analysis
1. It is often argued that precipitous global declines in crime are principally down to developments in technology. 2. While advanced technology admittedly plays an integral role in crime reduction, I would argue education hits more directly at the cause of crime.
For your first sentence, paraphrase what the overall topic is.
In the second sentence, clearly state your opinion.
1. The biggest argument in favour of technology’s impact is the advent of forensic science. 2. In the past, forensics was an unreliable soft science that included notoriously mistake prone practices such as a dental identification and blood splatter analysis. 3. Over the last couple of decades it has grown into a much more accurate tool. 4. Courts now rely heavily on DNA testing, which is nearly 100% conclusive in most cases. 5. This has had a two-fold effect, allowing prosecutors to reopen and investigate cold cases as well as better prosecute and deter current criminals.
Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that says your main idea.
Give specific support. The more specific, the clearer your writing will be and the stronger your vocabulary.
Continue to develop the same main idea.
Give as much specific evidence/detail as you can to support the same main idea.
Draw a conclusion or result to finish the paragraph.
1. However, education still more powerfully underpins decreases in crime because it does more to eradicate poverty. Poverty is far and away the chief cause of crime. 2. Take for example a country such as China, which has developed rapidly in the last 30 years, elevating millions formerly below the poverty line. 3. Their economic rise has been followed by better educational standards which has trickled down into better employment opportunities for graduates. 4. The crime rate in China has plummeted simply because far fewer people have the basic motivation, poverty, to commit crimes.
Write another clear topic sentence.
Start your example right away.
Develop the same example.
The more you develop the same example, the higher your task achievement score.
1. In conclusion, the impact of technology is negligible next to educational reform, which undermines the deepest roots of crime. 2. Forward-looking countries that prioritise education will also reap benefits that extend well beyond the crime rate.
Restate your opinion – make sure it is the same as what you said in the introduction.
Add in an extra detail or final thought to get full marks for task achievement.
Vocabulary
Figure out what the words in bold below mean based on the whole sentence:
It is often argued that precipitous global declines in crime are principally down to developments in technology. While advanced technology admittedly plays an integral role in crime reduction, I would argue education hits more directly at the cause of crime.
The biggest argument in favour of technology’s impact is the advent of forensic science. In the past, forensics was an unreliable soft science that included notoriously mistake prone practices such as a dental identification and blood splatter analysis. Over the last couple of decades it has grown into a much more accurate tool. Courts now rely heavily on DNA testing, which is nearly 100% conclusive in most cases. This has had a two-fold effect, allowing prosecutors to reopen and investigate cold cases as well as better prosecute and deter current criminals.
However, education still more powerfully underpins decreases in crime because it does more to eradicate poverty. Poverty is far and away the chief cause of crime. Take for example a country such as China, which has developed rapidly in the last 30 years, elevating millions formerly below the poverty line. Their economic rise has been followed by better educational standards which has trickled down into better employment opportunities for graduates. The crime rate in China has plummeted simply because far fewer people have the basic motivation, poverty, to commit crimes.
In conclusion, the impact of technology is negligible next to educational reform, which undermines the deepest roots of crime. Forward-looking countries that prioritise education will also reap benefits that extend well beyond the crime rate.
Answers
precipitous steep/fast
declines decreases
admittedly can’t debate
integral role important part
hits more directly is at the source of
in favour of over
advent beginning
forensic science crime scene investigation
unreliable soft science hard to trust methods
notoriously mistake prone practices famously makes bad mistakes/is unreliable
dental identification identifying people by their teeth/bites
blood splatter analysis using how blood lands as evidence
It is often argued that _______________ global _______________ in crime are principally down to developments in technology. While advanced technology _______________ plays an _______________ in crime reduction, I would argue education _______________ at the cause of crime.
The biggest argument _______________ technology’s impact is the _______________ of _______________. In the past, forensics was an _______________ that included _______________ such as a _______________ and _______________. Over the last couple of decades it has grown into a much more accurate tool. Courts now _______________ on _______________, which is nearly _______________ in most cases. This has had a _______________, allowing _______________ to _______________ and investigate _______________ as well as better prosecute and _______________ current criminals.
However, education still more powerfully _______________ decreases in crime because it does more to _______________. Poverty is _______________ the chief cause of crime. Take for example a country such as China, which has developed rapidly in the last 30 years, _______________ millions formerly _______________. Their economic rise has been followed by better educational standards which has _______________ into better _______________ for graduates. The crime rate in China has _______________ simply because far fewer people have the basic motivation, poverty, to commit crimes.
In conclusion, the impact of technology is _______________ next to educational reform, which undermines the _______________ of crime. _______________ that _______________ education will also _______________ that extend _______________ the crime rate.
Listening Practice
Watch the video below to review some of the ideas from my essay and learn about how forensic science isn’t always accurate:
Reading Practice
Read the article below for an interesting, related story!
Every month I release a new answer for a difficult question on IELTS and this is the most difficult IELTS writing topic in January 2020.
Here is the question:
Many believe that individuals can do little to improve the environment. Only governments and large companies can make a real difference.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS tests January 2020
This question may come up again on the test because on the computer based test, some of the questions get recycled over time.
Even if it doesn’t, it is still worth studying because the topic of the environment is really common on IELTS listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
In fact, almost the exact same question came up on the test in 2018 and now it has been repeated in 202!
It is also really common to see questions on the test about individual vs government/society/corporations.
Studying this answer will give you a leg up on those questions wherever they appear on IELTS!
Many museums charge for admission while others are free.
Do you think the advantages of charging people for admission to museums outweigh the disadvantages?
Real Past IELTS Tests
Many are of the belief that museums should be free to the public because of their enormous potential to educate while others feel charging money helps ensure the quality of the art therein. I concede the benefits of the latter argument but would still side with those who advocate free admissions.
The main reason that many are in support of charging money is that it sustains both the maintenance and quality of exhibitions. A good example of this would be the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. MoMA is generally regarded as one of the finest museums in the world and is famous not only for its well-maintained facade but also the ever-rotating artworks on display. They charge a nominal entrance fee in the neighbourhood of $20 a ticket and invest that money wisely to ensure a memorable experience for all museum-goers.
Despite the advantages for a private museum such as MoMA, I think making all museums free would encourage more people to appreciate art. A contrasting example with MoMA would be a museum just a few blocks away: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The MET has educated and uplifted millions of citizens regardless of their socioeconomic status. The wealthy who can afford museum admission are likely to already have a deep appreciation of the arts as well as the leisure time to enjoy their practice. People, and children especially, from poorer backgrounds have fewer opportunities and free museums is the best way to support appreciation of the arts en masse.
In conclusion, the benefits of free museum admissions, particularly for lower income families, outweigh the benefits of charging. The bigger issue is how governments and other organisations can budget free or relatively inexpensive museums.
Analysis
1. Many are of the belief that museums should be free to the public because of their enormous potential to educate while others feel charging money helps ensure the quality of the art therein. 2. I concede the benefits of the latter argument but would still side with those who advocate free admissions.
Paraphrase the main topic for your first sentence.
State your opinion clearly in the second sentence.
1. The main reason that many are in support of charging money is that it sustains both the maintenance and quality of exhibitions. 2. A good example of this would be the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. 3. MoMA is generally regarded as one of the finest museums in the world and is famous not only for its well-maintained facade but also the ever-rotating artworks on display. 4. They charge a nominal entrance fee in the neighbourhood of $20 a ticket and invest that money wisely to ensure a memorable experience for all museum-goers.
The first sentence of each paragraph should be a topic sentence with your main idea. My main idea here is that charing money is good for maintanence and the quality of exhibitions.
Begin developing a specific example.
Keep developing that same example – don’t switch to another example or main idea.
Finish developing the example and conclude your main idea.
1. Despite the advantages for a private museum such as MoMA, I think making all museums free would encourage more people to appreciate art. 2. A contrasting example with MoMA would be a museum just a few blocks away: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 3. The MET has educated and uplifted millions of citizens regardless of their socioeconomic status. 4. The wealthy who can afford museum admission are likely to already have a deep appreciation of the arts as well as the leisure time to enjoy their practice. 5. People, and children especially, from poorer backgrounds have fewer opportunities and free museums is the best way to support appreciation of the arts en masse.
Another topic sentence – keep these simple and put the main idea at the end of the sentence to make your writing clear.
Begin another specific example.
Develop it.
Keep developing the example. Be as specific and detailed as possible.
Conclude the example and paragraph.
1. In conclusion, the benefits of free museum admissions, particularly for lower income families, outweigh the benefits of charging. 2. The bigger issue is how governments and other organisations can budget free or relatively inexpensive museums.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in an extra detail or final thought for full points for task achievement.
Vocabulary
Try to figure out what the words in bold mean:
Many are of the belief that museums should be free to the public because of their enormous potential to educate while others feel charging money helps ensure the quality of the art therein. I concede the benefits of the latter argument but would still side with those who advocate free admissions.
The main reason that many are in support of charging money is that it sustains both the maintenance and quality of exhibitions. A good example of this would be the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City. MoMA is generally regarded as one of the finest museums in the world and is famous not only for its well-maintained facade but also the ever-rotating artworks on display. They charge a nominal entrance feein the neighbourhood of $20 a ticket and invest that money wisely to ensure a memorable experience for all museum-goers.
Despite the advantages for a private museum such as MoMA, I think making all museums free would encourage more people to appreciate art. A contrasting example with MoMA would be a museum just a few blocks away: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The MET has educated and uplifted millions of citizens regardless of their socioeconomic status. The wealthy who can afford museum admission are likely to already have a deep appreciation of the arts as well as the leisure time to enjoy their practice. People, and children especially, from poorer backgrounds have fewer opportunities and free museums is the best way to support appreciation of the arts en masse.
In conclusion, the benefits of free museum admissions, particularly for lower income families, outweigh the benefits of charging. The bigger issue is how governments and other organisations can budget free or relatively inexpensive museums.
Answers
free to the public costs nothing
enormous potential lots of possibility
ensure the quality make sure it is good
therein in there
concede admit
latter last idea mentioned
side with agree with
advocate am behind
sustains supports
maintenance up keep
exhibitions art displays
MoMA Museum of Modern Art in New York City
generally regarded mostly thought of
finest museums best museums
well-maintained facade nice exterior
ever-rotating artworks on display new works of art all the time
nominal entrance fee small cost to get in
in the neighbourhood of around
invest put money into
wisely smartly
memorable experience unforgettable
museum-goers visitors to museums
private museum museum not owned by the government
appreciate art think highly of and understand art
contrasting example instance that shows the opposite
Many are of the belief that museums should be ______________ because of their ______________ to educate while others feel charging money helps ______________ of the art ______________. I ______________ the benefits of the ______________ argument but would still ______________ those who ______________ free admissions.
The main reason that many are in support of charging money is that it ______________ both the ______________ and quality of ______________. A good example of this would be the Museum of Modern Art (______________ ) in New York City. MoMA is ______________ as one of the ______________ in the world and is famous not only for its ______________ but also the______________. They charge a ____________________________ $20 a ticket and ______________ that money ______________ to ensure a ______________ for all ______________.
Despite the advantages for a ______________ such as MoMA, I think making all museums free would encourage more people to ______________. A ______________ with MoMA would be a museum just a few ______________ away: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The MET has educated and ______________ millions of citizens ______________ their ______________. The wealthy who can afford museum admission are likely to already have a ______________ as well as the leisure time to enjoy their practice. People, and children especially, from ______________ have fewer opportunities and free museums is the best way to support appreciation of the arts ______________ .
In conclusion, the benefits of free museum admissions, particularly for ______________, outweigh the benefits of charging. The ______________ is how governments and other organisations can ______________ free or ______________ museums.
Listening Practice
Interested in going to MoMA someday?
Reading Practice
You won’t regret clicking on this link about the MET below!
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