IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Crime & Technology (Real Past Tests)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Crime & Technology (Real Past Tests)

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer essay on the topic of crime and technology.

This is really efficient, important practice for you because it combines crime and technology – two really common topics on IELTS!

Read on for my sample answer essay, vocabulary, practice, and more!

Dave

If you are able, please consider supporting my efforts (and receiving exclusive IELTS Ebooks!) by signing up for my Patreon here.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Crime & Technology (Real Past Tests)

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.

  1. For your first sentence, paraphrase what the overall topic is.
  2. 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.

  1. Each paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that says your main idea.
  2. Give specific support. The more specific, the clearer your writing will be and the stronger your vocabulary.
  3. Continue to develop the same main idea.
  4. Give as much specific evidence/detail as you can to support the same main idea.
  5. 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.

  1. Write another clear topic sentence.
  2. Start your example right away.
  3. Develop the same example.
  4. 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.

  1. Restate your opinion – make sure it is the same as what you said in the introduction.
  2. 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

rely heavily depend on a lot

DNA testing strong physical evidence

100% conclusive unquestionable

two-fold effect double impact

prosecutors the lawyer who tries to convict

reopen open again

cold cases unsolved criminal cases

deter discourage

underpins serves as the basis for

eradicate poverty get rid of poor households

far and away by far/clearly

elevating lifting

below the poverty line poor

trickled down has an effect on

employment opportunities chances to get a job

plummeted decreased greatly

negligible little impact/meaningless

deepest roots source of

forward-looking countries progressive nations

prioritise emphasise

reap benefits get advantages from

well beyond not limited to

Pronunciation

prɪˈsɪpɪtəs 
dɪˈklaɪnz 
ədˈmɪtɪdli 
ˈɪntɪgrəl rəʊl 
hɪts mɔː dɪˈrɛktli
ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv
ˈædvənt 
fəˈrɛnsɪk ˈsaɪəns
ˌʌnrɪˈlaɪəbl sɒft ˈsaɪəns
nəʊˈtɔːrɪəsli mɪsˈteɪk prəʊn ˈpræktɪsɪz
ˈdɛntl aɪˌdɛntɪfɪˈkeɪʃən 
blʌd ˈsplætər əˈnæləsɪs
rɪˈlaɪ ˈhɛvɪli 
diː-ɛn-eɪ ˈtɛstɪŋ
100% kənˈkluːsɪv 
tuː-fəʊld ɪˈfɛkt
ˈprɒsɪkjuːtəz 
ˌriːˈəʊpən 
kəʊld ˈkeɪsɪz 
dɪˈtɜː 
ˌʌndəˈpɪnz 
ɪˈrædɪkeɪt ˈpɒvəti
fɑːr ænd əˈweɪ 
ˈɛlɪveɪtɪŋ
bɪˈləʊ ðə ˈpɒvəti laɪn
ˈtrɪkld daʊn 
ɪmˈplɔɪmənt ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz 
ˈplʌmɪtɪd 
ˈnɛglɪʤəbl 
ˈdiːpɪst ruːts 
ˈfɔːwədˈlʊkɪŋ ˈkʌntriz 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz 
riːp ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
wɛl bɪˈjɒnd

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the vocabulary blanks:

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!

https://www.wired.com/story/dna-transfer-framed-murder/

Comment any questions that you have below!

The Most Difficult IELTS Writing Topic: January 2020 (Environment, Government, & Individuals)

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!

You only get it by signing up to my Patreon.

Get it here: patreon.com/howtodoielts

Improve your score on IELTS today and sign up!

If you have any questions or comments or anything is unclear feel free to send me message my email ([email protected]) or on Facebook (facebook.com/davelanghowtodoielts).

Happy reading (and practicing)!

-Dave

Comment any questions that you have below!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Museum Visitors & Entrance Fees (Real IELTS Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Museum Visitors & Entrance Fees (Real IELTS Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to the topic of museum entrance fees from the real IELTS test.

There are many similiar questions related to how much certain services should cost in society.

Studying this sample answer can help you to prepare for any related questions that may come up on IELTS listening, reading, writing, or speaking.

Take a look and let me know if you have any questions below!

If you are able, please consider supporting my efforts (and receiving exclusive IELTS Ebooks!) by signing up for my Patreon here.

Find the most recent speaking questions here and the writing ones here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Museum Entrance Fees (Real IELTS Test)

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.

  1. Paraphrase the main topic for your first sentence.
  2. 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Begin developing a specific example.
  3. Keep developing that same example – don’t switch to another example or main idea.
  4. 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.

  1. Another topic sentence – keep these simple and put the main idea at the end of the sentence to make your writing clear.
  2. Begin another specific example.
  3. Develop it.
  4. Keep developing the example. Be as specific and detailed as possible.
  5. 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.

  1. Repeat your opinion.
  2. 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 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.

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

blocks streets

uplifted increase/make happier

regardless of nonetheless

socioeconomic status amount of money they have

deep appreciation of the arts love art

poorer backgrounds people with less money

en masse altogether

lower income families poor families

bigger issue most pressing matter

budget amount of money they have to spend

relatively inexpensive fairly cheap

Pronunciation

friː tuː ðə ˈpʌblɪk 
ɪˈnɔːməs pəʊˈtɛnʃəl 
ɪnˈʃʊə ðə ˈkwɒlɪti 
ðeərˈɪn 
kənˈsiːd 
ˈlætə 
saɪd wɪð 
ˈædvəkɪt 
səsˈteɪnz 
ˈmeɪntənəns 
ˌɛksɪˈbɪʃənz 
ˈməmʌ
ˈʤɛnərəli rɪˈgɑːdɪd 
ˈfaɪnɪst mju(ː)ˈzɪəmz 
wɛl-meɪnˈteɪnd fəˈsɑːd 
ˈɛvə-rəʊˈteɪtɪŋ ˈɑːtˌwɜːks ɒn dɪsˈpleɪ 
ˈnɒmɪnl ˈɛntrəns fiː 
ɪn ðə ˈneɪbəhʊd ɒv 
ɪnˈvɛst 
ˈwaɪzli 
ˈmɛmərəbl ɪksˈpɪərɪəns 
mju(ː)ˈzɪəm-ˈgəʊəz 
ˈpraɪvɪt mju(ː)ˈzɪəm 
əˈpriːʃɪeɪt ɑːt 
kənˈtrɑːstɪŋ ɪgˈzɑːmpl 
blɒks 
ʌpˈlɪftɪd 
rɪˈgɑːdlɪs ɒv 
ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌɛkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsteɪtəs 
diːp əˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n ɒv ði ɑːts 
ˈpʊərə ˈbækgraʊndz 
ɛn mæs
ˈləʊər ˈɪnkʌm ˈfæmɪliz 
ˈbɪgər ˈɪʃuː 
ˈbʌʤɪt 
ˈrɛlətɪvli ˌɪnɪksˈpɛnsɪv 

Vocabulary Practice

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!

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-metropolitan-museum-of-art

Student Sample Corrections

Many believe that the entrance to museums and art exhibits should be free as they house various exhibits that reflects a country’s culture and background. In my opinion, I completely agree with this because it will give and opportunity for every person to visit these places and it is a place of education.[G1] 

Having no entrance fee would be mean everyone, irrespective of their financial status will have an equal opportunity to frequent this place. The exhibits in the museum such as the painting and the artifacts belong to the country and the people., Ttherefore charging a fee limiting the number of people who can go would be unfair. For example, a person living on the streets should be able to see these exhibits and learn about his country even if he is unable to pay for it. Being reachable to everyone would also mean that everyone would be able to learn about theirt country and develop a sense of identity and belonging.[G2] 

The museums and art galleries also serves the purpose of being an educational tool and therefore it should be free. Students especially frequent this places regularly to do research and to gain knowledge. For example, a student wishing to do a project on the origin of his country’s music, may need to visit the museum to get a better insight on the subject. However, charging an entrance fee may discourage the student from visiting and would limit his knowledge on the project.[G3] 

In conclusion, the museum and art gallery should be free so that everyone will get an opportunity to visit these places to learn about their country. The government should continue to fund museums so that it continues to play its role in educating people about various aspects of a country.[G4] 


 [G1]Very good introduction with the topic clearly restated and a clear opinion from the very beginning.

 [G2]Clear main idea and support and you stick to your one main idea for the whole paragraph!

 [G3]Good hypothetical example!

 [G4]Very good that you included an extra detail!

Comment any questions that you have below!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Personal Energy Consumption (Real IELTS Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Personal Energy Consumption (Real IELTS Test)

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on the topic of personal energy consumption from the real IELTS exam.

The environment comes up on the test all the time so it is very good for you to get some practice with environmental questions.

You can also check out some of my other resources here:

Patreon Exclusive Essays

Writing Task 1 Sample Answers

Writing Task 2 Sample Answers

General Training Sample Answers

Enjoy!

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Personal Energy Consumption (Real IELTS Test)

Scientists have been warning for many years about environmental protection and how important it is to limit our personal energy consumption.

What are the causes of the over-consumption of electricity?

How can people be encouraged to use less energy?

For decades, warnings of incoming climate catastrophe have grown louder and many today are making concerted efforts to limit their carbon footprint. In my opinion, the main cause of over-consumption of electricity is the development of technology and people can be taught to limit their energy usage through strict governmental regulations.

People today use more electricity because technology has pervaded every aspect of life. Several decades ago, electricity was mainly used to power a limited number of household items including lights, televisions and washing machines. It still powers those devices but now there are phones to charge and computers that use electricity throughout the day. People tend to spend more time at home, online with their devices thus using more power. Even the large servers and generators required to power the internet add to the collective electric toll of modern technology.

The best way to cultivate good energy habits is to impose regulations. Government regulations have been a proven remedy in curbing human excess in terms of using plastic bags (bans) and smoking (taxes). This would also work when it comes to energy. One simple solution would be to tax energy use, though this step would have socioeconomic bias built into it. A better approach might be to regulate the energy efficiency of household items. This would target a high percentage of people across all classes and have an easily quantifiable, manageable outcome.

In conclusion, outsized energy consumption is down to technology and governments can regulate to minimise it moving forward. The more effort put into reducing energy use, the more dividends future generations will reap from today’s reforms.

IELTS Sample Answer Analysis

1. For decades, warnings of incoming climate catastrophe have grown louder and many today are making concerted efforts to limit their carbon footprint. 2. In my opinion, the main cause of over-consumption of electricity is the development of technology and people can be taught to limit their energy usage through strict governmental regulations.

  1. Paraphrase the topic of the essay for your first sentence.
  2. Give your opinion – clearly.

1. People today use more electricity because technology has pervaded every aspect of life. 2. Several decades ago, electricity was mainly used to power a limited number of household items including lights, televisions and washing machines. 3. It still powers those devices but now there are phones to charge and computers that use electricity throughout the day. 4. People tend to spend more time at home, online with their devices thus using more power. 5. Even the large servers and generators required to power the internet add to the collective electric toll of modern technology.

  1. Your topic sentence should clearly state your main idea for the whole paragraph.
  2. Develop your main idea with specific detail.
  3. Continue to develop. Don’t switch main ideas.
  4. The more specific, the better!
  5. Conclude your paragraph with more development or a result.

1. The best way to cultivate good energy habits is to impose regulations. 2. Government regulations have been a proven remedy in curbing human excess in terms of using plastic bags (bans) and smoking (taxes). 3. This would also work when it comes to energy. 4. One simple solution would be to tax energy use, though this step would have socioeconomic bias built into it. 5. A better approach might be to regulate the energy efficiency of household items. 6. This would target a high percentage of people across all classes and have an easily quantifiable, manageable outcome.

  1. A new main idea for the second question.
  2. Again, be as specific as possible developing the main idea.
  3. Here I compare regulations in other industries to electricity.
  4. I give my first solution here.
  5. I conclude that there is an even better, related solution.
  6. Conclude the paragraph again detailing why it is a good solution.

1. In conclusion, outsized energy consumption is down to technology and governments can regulate to minimise it moving forward. 2. The more effort put into reducing energy use, the more dividends future generations will reap from today’s reforms.

  1. Repeat your opinion.
  2. Add a final thought/extra detail at the end.

IELTS Vocabulary

For decades, warnings of incoming climate catastrophe have grown louder and many today are making concerted efforts to limit their carbon footprint. In my opinion, the main cause of over-consumption of electricity is the development of technology and people can be taught to limit their energy usage through strict governmental regulations.

People today use more electricity because technology has pervaded every aspect of life. Several decades ago, electricity was mainly used to power a limited number of household items including lights, televisions and washing machines. It still powers those devices but now there are phones to charge and computers that use electricity throughout the day. People tend to spend more time at home, online with their devices thus using more power. Even the large servers and generators required to power the internet add to the collective electric toll of modern technology.

The best way to cultivate good energy habits is to impose regulations. Government regulations have been a proven remedy in curbing human excess in terms of plastic bags (bans) and smoking (taxes). This would also work when it comes to energy. One simple solution would be to tax energy use, though this step would have socioeconomic bias built into it. A better approach might be to regulate the energy efficiency of household items. This would target a high percentage of people across all classes and have an easily quantifiable, manageable outcome.

In conclusion, outsized energy consumption is down to technology and governments can regulate to minimise it moving forward. The more effort put into reducing energy use, the more dividends future generations will reap from today’s reforms.

Answers

warnings predictions

incoming climate catastrophe weather problems in the future

grown louder become more pressing

concerted efforts focused attempts

limit control

carbon footprint the amount of pollution your produce

over-consumption too much use

strict governmental regulations governments making laws to limit

pervaded throughout

aspect of life part of like

limited number not a lot

devices appliances

thus consequently

large servers computers that support the internet

generators produces electricity

collective electric toll altogether how much electricity it takes up

cultivate good energy habits make people more energy conscious

impose regulations make laws

proven remedy clear solution

curbing human excess limiting use

bans not allow/get rid of

socioeconomic bias favours rich people

built into it part of it

energy efficiency uses little electricity

target focus on

across all classes rich and poor

easily quantifiable can be counted

manageable outcome possible to control

outsized energy consumption using too much energy

minimise make less

effort put into endeavored to

dividends surplus

reap get

reforms changes

Pronunciation

ˈwɔːnɪŋz 
ˈɪnˌkʌmɪŋ ˈklaɪmɪt kəˈtæstrəfi 
grəʊn ˈlaʊdə 
kənˈsɜːtɪd ˈɛfəts 
ˈlɪmɪt 
ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt
ˈəʊvə-kənˈsʌm(p)ʃən 
strɪkt ˌgʌvənˈmɛntl ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃənz
pɜːˈveɪdɪd 
ˈæspɛkt ɒv laɪf
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈnʌmbə 
dɪˈvaɪsɪz 
ðʌs 
lɑːʤ ˈsɜːvəz 
ˈʤɛnəreɪtəz 
kɒˈlɛktɪv ɪˈlɛktrɪk təʊl 
ˈkʌltɪveɪt gʊd ˈɛnəʤi ˈhæbɪts 
ɪmˈpəʊz ˌrɛgjʊˈleɪʃənz
ˈpruːvən ˈrɛmɪdi 
ˈkɜːbɪŋ ˈhjuːmən ɪkˈsɛs 
bænz
ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌɛkəˈnɒmɪk ˈbaɪəs 
bɪlt ˈɪntuː ɪt
ˈɛnəʤi ɪˈfɪʃənsi 
ˈtɑːgɪt 
əˈkrɒs ɔːl ˈklɑːsɪz
ˈiːzɪli ˈkwɒntɪfaɪəbl
ˈmænɪʤəbl ˈaʊtkʌm
ˈaʊtsaɪzd ˈɛnəʤi kənˈsʌm(p)ʃən
ˈmɪnɪmaɪz 
ˈɛfət pʊt ˈɪntuː 
ˈdɪvɪdɛndz 
riːp 
ˌriːˈfɔːmz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the gaps:

For decades, _______________ of _______________ have _______________ and many today are making _______________ to _______________ their _______________. In my opinion, the main cause of _______________ of electricity is the development of technology and people can be taught to limit their energy usage through _______________.

People today use more electricity because technology has _______________ every _______________. Several decades ago, electricity was mainly used to power a _______________ of household items including lights, televisions and washing machines. It still powers those _______________ but now there are phones to charge and computers that use electricity throughout the day. People tend to spend more time at home, online with their devices _______________ using more power. Even the _______________ and _______________ required to power the internet add to the _______________ of modern technology.

The best way to _______________ is to _______________. Government regulations have been a _______________ in _______________ in terms of plastic bags (_______________) and smoking (taxes). This would also work when it comes to energy. One simple solution would be to tax energy use, though this step would have _______________ _______________. A better approach might be to regulate the _______________ of household items. This would _______________ a high percentage of people _______________ and have an _______________, _______________.

In conclusion, _______________ is down to technology and governments can regulate to _______________ it moving forward. The more _______________ reducing energy use, the more _______________ future generations will _______________ from today’s _______________.

Listening Practice

Watch the video to review the sample answer above:

Student Sample Corrections

Environmentalists have been voicing their concern for some time now[G1] . They have pointed outpointing out that individuals should curb their use of energy, which has been rising at an alarming rate. While the main causes of this problem lie [G2] in our over-reliance on technology, offering energy-efficient goods at a more affordable price can beis a simple [G3] solution. 

The technology has invaded [G4] not just our workplaces, but also our homes. [G5] Nearly all the office jobs have relied heavily relied on computers for decades, but now people use technology at home too for various purposes ranging from domestic chores to entertainment. A typical household in a developing economy, for example, owns at least half a dozen of appliances that run on electricity, not to mention our personal computers, tablets and smartphones. [G6] The figures are even more staggering in Europe and North America. As a result, energy consumption per head on a global scale has risen substantially, placing a serious strain on the environment. Moreover, electricity has become far more affordable, mainly due to improvements in living standards, thus making people less energy-consciousence. [G7] 

Encouraging people to limit their use of technology is highly likely to prove futile. This leaves us with just a few viable solutions, one of which is making energy-efficient goods more affordable. At present, our markets are filled with goods that are cheap but use more substantial amounts of energy. Obviously, the average person is typically more concerned about price than the environmental benefits of any product he they wants to buy. If we could offer environmentally-friendly alternatives at a cheaper price, people would instantly switch, thus effectively reducing their daily energy consumption. For instance, more than half of the homes in my country have yet to switch to energy-saving light bulbs just for economic reasons. Another simpler, yet more attainable, solution is to show how much energy one person can save by making small changes such as not leaving their phones on charginge all night long or turning the lights off when nobody is in the room. [G8] 

In conclusion, it is easy to blame technology for environmental problems. Although it has indeed resulted in energy being used at unprecedented levels, we can make positive changes by lowering the prices for energy-efficient products and informing the public about how they can save energy by making small adjustments to their daily habits. [G9] 


 [G1]About what? This sentence is technically not a fragment but in reality we always say what they have been voicing it about.

 [G2]Good vocab!

 [G3]Could be more specific with your vocabulary

 [G4]Too strong

 [G5]Good topic sentence

 [G6]Could be much more specific about the appliances!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Responsibility, Society, and Taxes (Real Past IELTS Tests)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Responsibility, Society, and Taxes (Real Past IELTS Tests)

This IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay deals with taxes and whether or not individuals have any additional responsibilities towards society.

I think it is a (very rare!) interesting IELTS question!

Read below for my answer, analysis, vocabulary, practice and more!

Dave

If you are able, please consider supporting my efforts (and receiving exclusive IELTS Ebooks!) by signing up for my Patreon here.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Responsibility, Society, and Taxes (Real Past IELTS Tests)

Some people think that paying taxes is their only responsibility towards society while others feel that everyone should do more.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Tests

Many are of the opinion that taxpayers are fulfilling their obligations to society at large while other feel that responsibilty extends beyond a financial contribution to the government. In my opinion, paying taxes greatly helps fund social programs but individuals have little choice but to do more if they also want to think highly of themselves.

The main reason that many see taxes as enough are the far reaching impact of tax dollars. Take some well-run European socialist countries such as France for example. In France, there are social welfare programs underpinning their progressive society such maternity leave for new mothers, world renowned unemployment benefits, top notch schools, not to mention more basic services like police, fire, and infrastructure maintanence. These are the direct result of taxes and though their net effect varies by implementation in various countries, they are clearly the foundation of stable societies globally.

Despite the discernible impact of taxes, individuals are responsible for their daily decisions related to society. Every job will touch on, with varying degrees of strength, society. A doctor who takes his job seriously, rather than simply trying to push new drugs or unnecessary tests to drive up premiums, helps families in their most dire situations. Even a cashier has a role to play. They can do their job responsibly with a positive attitude and send out other people into society with a good impression or contribute to the rising tide of cynisism in today’s culture. These actions are unavoidable and anyone who feels the need to think of themselves as a good person has no choice but to take up a larger role in making society a better place to live.

In conclusion, thought taxes are part of what a person owes to society, they will necessarily also have a positive or negative day to day impact. People should rightly see their contributions as essentially self-interested excuses to feel good about themselves.

Analysis

1. Many are of the opinion that taxpayers are fulfilling their obligations to society at large while other feel that responsibilty extends beyond a financial contribution to the government. 2. In my opinion, paying taxes greatly helps fund social programs but individuals have little choice but to do more if they also want to think highly of themselves.

  1. Write a simple paraphrase of the topic. Don’t waste time on this sentence.
  2. Give your opinion – be clear!

1. The main reason that many see taxes as enough are the far reaching impact of tax dollars. 2. Take some well-run European socialist countries such as France for example. 3. In France, there are social welfare programs underpinning their progressive society such maternity leave for new mothers, world renowned unemployment benefits, top notch schools, not to mention more basic services like police, fire, and infrastructure maintanence. 4. These are the direct result of taxes and though their net effect varies by implementation in various countries, they are clearly the foundation of stable societies globally.

  1. Your topic sentence should have the topic (taxes) and your main idea (for me it is the impact of tax dollars).
  2. Start your example right away!
  3. Develop that same example. Be speficic and detailed for the rest of your paragraph.
  4. Draw a conclusion/result to your example to conclude the paragraph.

1. Despite the discernible impact of taxes, individuals are responsible for their daily decisions related to society. 2. Every job will touch on, with varying degrees of strength, society. 3. A doctor who takes his job seriously, rather than simply trying to push new drugs or unnecessary tests to drive up premiums, helps families in their most dire situations. 4. Even a cashier has a role to play. 5. They can do their job responsibly with a positive attitude and send out other people into society with a good impression or contribute to the rising tide of cynisism in today’s culture. 6. These actions are unavoidable and anyone who feels the need to think of themselves as a good person has no choice but to take up a larger role in making society a better place to live.

  1. Write another topic sentence – this time my main idea is that people make daily decisions that related to society beyond taxes.
  2. Explain your main idea if necessary.
  3. Here I use a hypothetical example – always have an example.
  4. I switch to a related hypothetical example.
  5. Then I develop those two examples.
  6. Conclude your paragraph.

1. In conclusion, thought taxes are part of what a person owes to society, they will necessarily also have a positive or negative day to day impact. 2. People should rightly see their contributions as essentially self-interested excuses to feel good about themselves.

  1. Restate your opinion.
  2. Add in an extra detail or a final thought for full points for your task achievement score.

Vocabulary

Figure out what the words in bold below mean:

Many are of the opinion that taxpayers are fulfilling their obligations to society at large while other feel that responsibilty extends beyond a financial contribution to the government. In my opinion, paying taxes greatly helps fund social programs but individuals have little choice but to do more if they also want to think highly of themselves.

The main reason that many see taxes as enough are the far reaching impact of tax dollars. Take some well-run European socialist countries such as France for example. In France, there are social welfare programs underpinning their progressive society such maternity leave for new mothers, world renowned unemployment benefits, top notch schools, not to mention more basic services like police, fire, and infrastructure maintanence. These are the direct result of taxes and though their net effect varies by implementation in various countries, they are clearly the foundation of stable societies globally.

Despite the discernible impact of taxes, individuals are responsible for their daily decisions related to society. Every job will touch on, with varying degrees of strength, society. A doctor who takes his job seriously, rather than simply trying to push new drugs or unnecessary tests to drive up premiums, helps families in their most dire situations. Even a cashier has a role to play. They can do their job responsibly with a positive attitude and send out other people into society with a good impression or contribute to the rising tide of cynisism in today’s culture. These actions are unavoidable and anyone who feels the need to think of themselves as a good person has no choice but to take up a larger role in making society a better place to live.

In conclusion, thought taxes are part of what a person owes to society, they will necessarily also have a positive or negative day to day impact. People should rightly see their contributions as essentially self-interested excuses to feel good about themselves.

Answers

fulfilling satisfying

obligations duties

society at large all of the world

extends beyond means more than

financial contribution money given

greatly a lot

fund social programs invest in social welfare

little choice but to must

think highly love

far reaching impact large impact

well-run efficient, good

socialist large government

social welfare programs support for the poor

underpinning serving as the foundation for

progressive society liberal

maternity leave time off for mothers

world renowned unemployment benefits money when you’re not working

top notch schools great schools

not to mention also

direct result clear impact from

net effect varies by implementation different situations

stable societies globally well-rounded countries around the world

discernible impact clear effect

touch on relates to

varying degrees of strength stronger and weaker

takes his job seriously professional

push new drugs recommend pharmaceuticals

unnecessary tests uneeded testing

drive up premiums cost more for insurance

most dire situations worst contexts

responsibly dutifully

positive attitude good outlook

a good impression likeable

rising tide becoming more common

cynisism negative attitude

unavoidable can’t get around/away from

take up a larger role become more important

owes must pay back

day to day every day

rightly correctly

self-interested excuses justifications

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many are of the opinion that taxpayers are ______________ their ______________ to ______________ while other feel that responsibilty ______________ a ______________ to the government. In my opinion, paying taxes ______________ helps ______________ but individuals have ______________ do more if they also want to ______________ of themselves.

The main reason that many see taxes as enough are the ______________ of tax dollars. Take some ______________ European ______________ countries such as France for example. In France, there are ______________ their ______________ such ______________ for new mothers, ______________, ______________, ______________ more basic services like police, fire, and infrastructure maintanence. These are the ______________ of taxes and though their ______________ in various countries, they are clearly the foundation of ______________.

Despite the ______________ of taxes, individuals are responsible for their daily decisions related to society. Every job will ______________, with ______________, society. A doctor who ______________, rather than simply trying to ______________ or ______________ to ______________, helps families in their ______________. Even a cashier has a role to play. They can do their job ______________ with a ______________ and send out other people into society with ______________ or contribute to the ______________ of ______________ in today’s culture. These actions are ______________ and anyone who feels the need to think of themselves as a good person has no choice but to ______________ in making society a better place to live.

In conclusion, thought taxes are part of what a person ______________ to society, they will necessarily also have a positive or negative ______________ impact. People should ______________ see their contributions as essentially ______________ to feel good about themselves.

Pronunciation

fʊlˈfɪlɪŋ 
ˌɒblɪˈgeɪʃənz 
səˈsaɪəti æt lɑːʤ 
ɪksˈtɛndz bɪˈjɒnd 
faɪˈnænʃəl ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃən 
ˈgreɪtli 
fʌnd ˈsəʊʃəl ˈprəʊgræmz 
ˈlɪtl ʧɔɪs bʌt tuː 
θɪŋk ˈhaɪli 
fɑː ˈriːʧɪŋ ˈɪmpækt 
wɛl-rʌn 
ˈsəʊʃəlɪst 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˈwɛlfeə ˈprəʊgræmz ˌʌndəˈpɪnɪŋ 
prəʊˈgrɛsɪv səˈsaɪəti 
məˈtɜːnɪti liːv 
wɜːld rɪˈnaʊnd ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt ˈbɛnɪfɪts
tɒp nɒʧ skuːlz
nɒt tuː ˈmɛnʃən 
dɪˈrɛkt rɪˈzʌlt 
nɛt ɪˈfɛkt ˈveəriz baɪ ˌɪmplɪmɛnˈteɪʃən 
ˈsteɪbl səˈsaɪətiz ˈgləʊbəli
dɪˈsɜːnəbl ˈɪmpækt 
tʌʧ ɒn
ˈveəriɪŋ dɪˈgriːz ɒv strɛŋθ
teɪks hɪz ʤɒb ˈsɪərɪəsli
pʊʃ njuː drʌgz 
ʌnˈnɛsɪsəri tɛsts 
draɪv ʌp ˈpriːmiəmz
məʊst ˈdaɪə ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃənz
rɪsˈpɒnsəbli 
ˈpɒzətɪv ˈætɪtjuːd 
ə gʊd ɪmˈprɛʃən 
ˈraɪzɪŋ taɪd 
cynisism 
ˌʌnəˈvɔɪdəbl 
teɪk ʌp ə ˈlɑːʤə rəʊl
əʊz 
deɪ tuː deɪ 
ˈraɪtli 
sɛlf-ˈɪntrɪstɪd ɪksˈkjuːsɪz 

Listening Practice

Watch the video below to review the vocabulary and topic:

Reading Practice

https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/12/rich-people-are-getting-away-not-paying-their-taxes/577798/