IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Shopping Malls (Real IELTS Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Shopping Malls (Real IELTS Test)

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from the general training test on the topic of whether or not towns should be building shopping malls or public parks/sports facilities.

The only tricky area is whether or not you need to write about both parks and sports facilities.

I think that they are similar enough that you can group them together.

If you need to learn more about IELTS structures, you can read about them here.

My other sample answers are here.

You can also get my exclusive IELTS Ebooks by signing up for my Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Shopping Malls (Real IELTS Test)

Some people think that it is better to build more public parks and sports facilities in new towns rather than shopping malls.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Tests

It is often suggested that it would be better to erect parks and exercise facilities in new urban developments rather than shopping malls. I agree that this would be an ideal solution as it would spur on increased health awareness.

The main reason detractors are in favour of shopping malls is their benefit to the economy. Malls employ hundreds of workers from cashiers to store clerks to managers as well as the various members of janitorial staff charged with maintaining the mall itself. The benefits are clear when you couple these factors with the increased revenue that businesses bring in the form of taxation and propping up the local consumer product market.

Notwithstanding the economic returns malls bring, parks and sports facilities would do more to encourage better health. In most developed nations, buying more products, especially with online services such as Amazon readily available, is no longer a pressing issue. However, health has become the dominant concern of the decade as obesity soars and heart disease has reached pandemic levels. Well maintained, beautifully landscaped parks and outdoor exercise facilities would instill in residents an obligation to work out. If they are numerous, then older people and children, who may not be able to travel far, will also be able to access them.

In conclusion, the job market is less important than the health of ordinary residents. The bigger issue is the feasibility of such an approach given the lack of financial incentive for those towns to prioritise the foundations for their residents’ well-being over business interests.

Analysis

1. It is often suggested that it would be better to erect parks and exercise facilities in new urban developments rather than shopping malls. 2. I agree that this would be an ideal solution as it would spur on increased health awareness.

  1. Your first sentence should restate the topic for the essay. Simple and clear.
  2. The next sentence must include your opinion. Choose a side and be 100% clear about your opinion.

1. The main reason detractors are in favour of shopping malls is their benefit to the economy. 2. Malls employ hundreds of workers from cashiers to store clerks to managers as well as the various members of janitorial staff charged with maintaining the mall itself. 3. The benefits are clear when you couple these factors with the increased revenue that businesses bring in the form of taxation and propping up the local consumer product market.

  1. You should write a topic sentence for both paragraphs. This one contains my single main idea: benefit for the economy.
  2. Your second sentence should begin to develop that main idea with specific examples/ideas. Be as specific as you can!
  3. The third sentence in this paragraph also develops the same main idea. This paragraph is a little bit short – aim for 4 – 5 sentences.

1. Notwithstanding the economic returns malls bring, parks and sports facilities would do more to encourage better health. 2. In most developed nations, buying more products, especially with online services such as Amazon readily available, is no longer a pressing issue. 3. However, health has become the dominant concern of the decade as obesity soars and heart disease has reached pandemic levels. 4. Well maintained, beautifully landscaped parks and outdoor exercise facilities would instill in residents an obligation to work out. 5. If they are numerous, then older people and children, who may not be able to travel far, will also be able to access them.

  1. You should always start the paragraph with a topic sentence. Make it very clear and only include one main idea per paragraph.
  2. After your topic sentence, begin to develop your main idea and be as specific as possible!
  3. Your third sentence should also develop the same main idea.
  4. The fourth sentence continues to develop the main idea. The more specific, the better your vocabulary and cohesion/coherence score will be!
  5. Your last sentence can either summarise or continue to develop. It is better to continue to develop because it will help your task achievement score.

1. In conclusion, the job market is less important than the health of ordinary residents. 2. The bigger issue is the feasibility of such an approach given the lack of financial incentive for those towns to prioritise the foundations for their residents’ well-being over business interests.

  1. The first sentence of your conclusion should repeat your opinion. Don’t worry about summarising.
  2. Your final sentence should add an extra detail. Read more about that here.

Vocabulary

It is often suggested that it would be better to erect parks and exercise facilities in new urban developments rather than shopping malls. I agree that this would be an ideal solution as it would spur on increased health awareness.

The main reason detractors are in favour of shopping malls is their benefit to the economy. Malls employ hundreds of workers from cashiers to store clerks to managers as well as the various members of janitorial staff charged with maintaining the mall itself. The benefits are clear when you couple these factors with the increased revenue that businesses bring in the form of taxation and propping up the local consumer product market.

Notwithstanding the economic returns malls bring, parks and sports facilities would do more to encourage better health. In most developed nations, buying more products, especially with online services such as Amazon readily available, is no longer a pressing issue. However, health has become the dominant concern of the decade as obesity soars and heart disease has reached pandemic levels. Well maintained, beautifully landscaped parks and outdoor exercise facilities would instill in residents an obligation to work out. If they are numerous, then older people and children, who may not be able to travel far, will also be able to access them.

In conclusion, the job market is less important than the health of ordinary residents. The bigger issue is the feasibility of such an approach given the lack of financial incentive for those towns to prioritise the foundations for their residents’ well-being over business interests.

Answers

often suggested many advise

erect build

new urban developments new towns/cities

ideal solution best way forward

spur on encourage

health awareness caring about your health

detractors opponents

in favour of rathering

cashiers people who ring up your purchases

store clerks people working in shops

janitorial staff charged cleaners

couple combine

increased revenue more money

taxation taxes

local consumer product market items being sold there

notwithstanding regardless of

economic returns money generated

bring create

readily availablecan be found anywhere

no longer not anymore

pressing issue important problem

dominant concern most pressing worry

obesity soars people getting fatter

reached pandemic levels has become a crisis

well maintained kept in good shape

landscaped the ground well-shaped

instill cause to be in

obligation responsibility/feel obligated to

numerous lots of

access get into

job market employment

ordinary normal

feasibility possibility

lack of financial incentive no money in it

prioritise focus on

well-being health

business interests financial factors

Pronunciation

ˈɒf(ə)n səˈʤɛstɪd
ɪˈrɛkt 
njuː ˈɜːbən dɪˈvɛləpmənts 
aɪˈdɪəl səˈluːʃən 
spɜːr ɒn 
hɛlθ əˈweənəs
dɪˈtræktəz 
ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv 
kæˈʃɪəz 
stɔː klɑːks 
ˈʤænɪtə rɪəl  stɑːf ʧɑːʤd 
ˈkʌpl 
ɪnˈkriːst ˈrɛvɪnjuː 
tækˈseɪʃən 
ˈləʊkəl kənˈsjuːmə ˈprɒdʌkt ˈmɑːkɪt
ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk rɪˈtɜːnz 
brɪŋ
ˈrɛdɪli əˈveɪləbl
nəʊ ˈlɒŋgər ˈprɛsɪŋ ˈɪʃuː
ˈdɒmɪnənt kənˈsɜːn 
əʊˈbiːsɪti sɔːz 
riːʧt pænˈdɛmɪk ˈlɛvlz
wɛl meɪnˈteɪnd
ˈlænskeɪpt 
ɪnˈstɪl 
ˌɒblɪˈgeɪʃən 
ˈnjuːmərəs
ˈæksɛs
ʤɒb ˈmɑːkɪt 
ˈɔːdnri 
ˌfiːzəˈbɪlɪti 
læk ɒv faɪˈnænʃəl ɪnˈsɛntɪv 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz
wɛl-ˈbiːɪŋ 
ˈbɪznɪs ˈɪntrɪsts

ˈprɛsɪŋ ˈɪʃuː
ˈdɒmɪnənt kənˈsɜːn 
əʊˈbiːsɪti sɔːz 
riːʧt pænˈdɛmɪk ˈlɛvlz
wɛl meɪnˈteɪnd
ˈlænskeɪpt 
ɪnˈstɪl 
ˌɒblɪˈgeɪʃən 
ˈnjuːmərəs
ˈæksɛs
ʤɒb ˈmɑːkɪt 
ˈɔːdnri 
ˌfiːzəˈbɪlɪti 
læk ɒv faɪˈnænʃəl ɪnˈsɛntɪv 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz
wɛl-ˈbiːɪŋ 
ˈbɪznɪs ˈɪntrɪsts

IELTS Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

It is __________________ that it would be better to __________________ parks and exercise facilities in __________________ rather than shopping malls. I agree that this would be an __________________ as it would __________________ increased __________________.

The main reason __________________ are __________________ shopping malls is their benefit to the economy. Malls employ hundreds of workers from __________________ to __________________ to managers as well as the various members of __________________ with maintaining the mall itself. The benefits are clear when you __________________ these factors with the __________________ that businesses bring in the form of __________________ and propping up the __________________.

__________________ the __________________ malls __________________, parks and sports facilities would do more to encourage better health. In most developed nations, buying more products, especially with online services such as Amazon __________________, is __________________ a __________________. However, health has become the __________________ of the decade as __________________ and heart disease has __________________. __________________, beautifully __________________ parks and outdoor exercise facilities would __________________ in residents an __________________ to work out. If they are __________________, then older people and children, who may not be able to travel far, will also be able to __________________ them.

In conclusion, the __________________ is less important than the health of __________________ residents. The bigger issue is the __________________ of such an approach given the __________________ for those towns to __________________ the foundations for their residents’ __________________ over __________________.

IELTS Listening Practice

Listen and use some of these ideas to practice:

IELTS Reading Practice

Read the article below and improve your IELTS reading using these ideas:

https://www.wired.com/story/photo-gallery-retail-apocalypse/

IELTS Student Sample Corrections

It is often suggested that municipal government should provide more public parks and sports facilities in new towns instead of shopping centres. I will discuss both views but personally, I agree that the rewards of building new sports facilities and parks, which include encourage a healthy lifestyle, outweigh the benefits of establishing new shopping malls. [G1] 

Generally speaking, one of the benefits of building new shopping malls is that local residents can more easily shopping near their residence. The majority of households go shopping regularly regular shopping for food, clothes or other household goods. If there is a shopping mall in their towntheir town lacks a shopping mall, people could shoppingcan find all the items they need in one shopping mall instead of going to scattered shops or driving an hour to access other shopping centres from closer to their home. This results in a regional shopping centre offering a convenient lifestyle for your typical the residents who go shopping on a regular basis. [G2] 

Despite of the advantage of building shopping centres in a town, providing sports facilities and public parks has a greater number ofmore positive impacts on local residents. Sports centres and parks play an important role in improving a healthy lifestyle for people. If there are those facilities next to their house, people are can easily to access and can spend time together with their family and friends. For example, children can play football with their pupils after school, and parents can go to swimming after finishing work. If these facilities were located in their town, people readily can acres and use them, it would help maintaining their healthy life style. [G3] 

In conclusion, I feel that there are clear advantages building new sports centre and parks in a new town, include a health life style benefit, rather than adding a new shopping centre. Improving public health is more important than creating a convenient shopping experience.[G4] 

Word count: 297


 [G1]Really great intro – nice to include your overall opinion as well as the main idea for it – great sentence!

 [G2]Good clear paragraph, the vocabulary is good but nothing special

 [G3]Also good, it could be a bit more specific and detailed to fully support your reasons. If people life far from parks, especially in poorer neighborhoods where children need the exercise the most, they are unlikely to have the time or ability to get there. Or focus as well on older people who need exercise but are unlikely to have the desire or ability to travel far.

 [G4]Great last sentence!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Recycling (Real IELTS Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Recycling (Real IELTS Test)

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer on the topic of recycling taken from the real exam.

The essay features a common topic (the environment) as well as a common question structure (who should be responsible?).

Reading and practicing below can really help to boost your IELTS score if this topic or question type come up when you take the test!

My other sample answers can be found here.

You can also get my exclusive IELTS Ebooks by signing up for my Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Recycling (Real IELTS Test)

Most agree that we should be training children to recycle waste to preserve the Earth’s natural resources. However, some believe that it is parents who should teach their children to recycle waste while others feels schools are more responsible.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Real IELTS Past Tests

The general sentiment in most quarters is that recycling is an integral part of combatting climate change and most debate now circles around whether parents or teachers should be most responsible. In my opinion, schools reach the largest number of children overall.

Many believe that instilling values is a parental right. Parents have the basic right to influence their children according to their own beliefs. For example, a Muslim living in a Christian country will likely still follow many Islamic traditions. Even if the child learns implicitly or explicitly about Judeo-Christian tenets in school, the parents have a right to raise their child in the manner they think is most culturally fitting. This also applies to recycling, though it is hardly a matter of subjective belief to most informed citizens today.

Despite the rare potential parents who may be against recycling, schools should be where recycling is taught because government mandates will reach all children. There is simply no way to legislate every single family to make their children recycle but this can be easily enacted in schools. A good example of this would be in Japan where school children take an active role in cleaning and separating their own rubbish for recycling. Not only does this make a huge difference in it of itself but it is also a nationally comprehensive approach to fostering life-long environmentally conscious habits across an entire generation.

In conclusion, schools are more likely to have a larger impact on recycling habits and therefore this is their responsibility. Governments ought to make recycling one of their top educational priorities in the future as part of a cohesive plan to better the environment.

Analysis

1. The general sentiment in most quarters is that recycling is an integral part of combatting climate change and most debate now circles around whether parents or teachers should be most responsible. 2. In my opinion, schools reach the largest number of children overall.

  1. The first sentence simply paraphrases the main topic. Don’t waste too much time making this sentence perfect.
  2. You should write a clear opinion for a second sentence. My opinion here isn’t 100% clear but that is ok because I will make it clearer in my conclusion.

1. Many believe that instilling values is a parental right. 2. Parents have the basic right to influence their children according to their own beliefs. 3. For example, a Muslim living in a Christian country will likely still follow many Islamic traditions. 4. Even if the child learns implicitly or explicitly about Judeo-Christian tenets in school, the parents have a right to raise their child in the manner they think is most culturally fitting. 5. This also applies to recycling, though it is hardly a matter of subjective belief to most informed citizens today.

  1. For you first sentence, write a simple clear topic sentence with your main idea for the whole paragraph.
  2. My second sentence explains my main idea. You might not always need this sentence if your main idea is obvious.
  3. The next sentence should begin an example focused on that main idea. Focus on just 1 main idea, just 1 example, fully developed.
  4. My fourth sentence develops the example.
  5. The last sentence extends the example to the topic of the essay to make a clear connection.

1. Despite the rare potential parents who may be against recycling, schools should be where recycling is taught because government mandates will reach all children. 2. There is simply no way to legislate every single family to make their children recycle but this can be easily enacted in schools. 3. A good example of this would be in Japan where school children take an active role in cleaning and separating their own rubbish for recycling. 4. Not only does this make a huge difference in it of itself but it is also a nationally comprehensive approach to fostering life-long environmentally conscious habits across an entire generation.

  1. My first sentence is another topic sentence. A bit longer this time but still with a single main idea.
  2. The second sentence develops the main idea.
  3. My third sentence begins a specific example. These are the centerpieces of your writing.
  4. The last sentence conludes the paragraph and my example.

1. In conclusion, schools are more likely to have a larger impact on recycling habits and therefore this is their responsibility. 2. Governments ought to make recycling one of their top educational priorities in the future as part of a cohesive plan to better the environment.

  1. In my conclusion, I make my opinion crystal clear.
  2. Add in an extra detail or final thought at the end of your essay – it is important – don’t forget it!

Vocabulary

Try to figure out what the words in bold mean. If you’re not sure, use the context of the sentence and paragraph to work it out!

The general sentiment in most quarters is that recycling is an integral part of combatting climate change and most debate now circles around whether parents or teachers should be most responsible. In my opinion, schools reach the largest number of children overall.

Many believe that instilling values is a parental right. Parents have the basic right to influence their children according to their own beliefs. For example, a Muslim living in a Christian country will likely still follow many Islamic traditions. Even if the child learns implicitly or explicitly about Judeo-Christian tenets in school, the parents have a right to raise their child in the manner they think is most culturally fitting. This also applies to recycling, though it is hardly a matter of subjective belief to most informed citizens today.

Despite the rare potential parents who may be against recycling, schools should be where recycling is taught because government mandates will reach all children. There is simply no way to legislate every single family to make their children recycle but this can be easily enacted in schools. A good example of this would be in Japan where school children take an active role in cleaning and separating their own rubbish for recycling. Not only does this make a huge difference in it of itself but it is also a nationally comprehensive approach to fostering life-long environmentally conscious habits across an entire generation.

In conclusion, schools are more likely to have a larger impact on recycling habits and therefore this is their responsibility. Governments ought to make recycling one of their top educational priorities in the future as part of a cohesive plan to better the environment.

Answers

general sentiment opinion of most people

most quarters the majority of people

integral part important element

circles around surrounds

reach decide on

instilling values enforcing beliefs

parental right parents should be able to

Islamic traditions values from Muslims

implicitly not overtly

explicitly overtly

Judeo-Christian tenets values from the Bible

manner way

culturally fitting that accords with their culture

hardly barely

subjective belief personal feeling

informed citizens educated voters

against recycling oppose recycling

government mandates proclamations/rules from the government

legislate make laws about

easily enacted simple to create and enforce

take an active role be a big part of

in it of itself just by itself

nationally comprehensive approach way of reaching the whole country

fostering life-long environmentally conscious habits encouraging good habits for their whole life

top educational priorities important educational goals

cohesive plan good idea of how to proceed

better improve

Pronunciation

ˈʤɛnərəl ˈsɛntɪmənt 
məʊst ˈkwɔːtəz 
ˈɪntɪgrəl pɑːt 
ˈsɜːklz əˈraʊnd 
riːʧ 
ɪnˈstɪlɪŋ ˈvæljuːz 
pəˈrɛntl raɪt
ɪzˈlæmɪk trəˈdɪʃənz
ɪmˈplɪsɪtli 
ɪksˈplɪsɪtli 
ʤuːdeɪəʊ-ˈkrɪsʧən ˈtiːnɛts 
ˈmænə 
ˈkʌlʧərəli ˈfɪtɪŋ
ˈhɑːdli 
səbˈʤɛktɪv bɪˈliːf 
ɪnˈfɔːmd ˈsɪtɪznz 
əˈgɛnst ˌriːˈsaɪklɪŋ
ˈgʌvnmənt ˈmændeɪts 
ˈlɛʤɪsleɪt 
ˈiːzɪli ɪˈnæktɪd 
teɪk ən ˈæktɪv rəʊl 
ɪn ɪt ɒv ɪtˈsɛlf 
ˈnæʃnəli ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv əˈprəʊʧ 
ˈfɒstərɪŋ laɪf-lɒŋ ɪnˌvaɪərənˈmɛntli ˈkɒnʃəs ˈhæbɪts 
tɒp ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl praɪˈɒrɪtiz 
kəʊˈhiːsɪv plæn 
ˈbɛtə 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

The __________________ in ___________________ is that recycling is an ___________________ of combatting climate change and most debate now ___________________ whether parents or teachers should be most responsible. In my opinion, schools ___________________ the largest number of children overall.

Many believe that ___________________ is a ___________________. Parents have the basic right to influence their children according to their own beliefs. For example, a Muslim living in a Christian country will likely still follow many ___________________. Even if the child learns ___________________ or ___________________ about ___________________ in school, the parents have a right to raise their child in the ___________________ they think is most ___________________. This also applies to recycling, though it is ___________________ a matter of ___________________ to most ___________________ today.

Despite the rare potential parents who may be ___________________, schools should be where recycling is taught because ___________________ will reach all children. There is simply no way to ___________________ every single family to make their children recycle but this can be ___________________ in schools. A good example of this would be in Japan where school children ___________________ in cleaning and separating their own rubbish for recycling. Not only does this make a huge difference ___________________ but it is also a ___________________ to ___________________ across an entire generation.

In conclusion, schools are more likely to have a larger impact on recycling habits and therefore this is their responsibility. Governments ought to make recycling one of their ___________________ in the future as part of a ___________________ to ___________________ the environment.

Listening Practice

Watch this video to see the example that I wrote about in the third paragraph:

Reading Practice

Read below and use these ideas to practice:

https://fee.org/articles/the-worlds-recycling-system-is-falling-apart-whats-going-on/

Student Sample Corrections

Waste recycling is among the major concerns of the public nowadays. Some people claim that children should be taught  waste recycling by their parents, others argue that it will be more effective for children when they was learned it at school. This essay discusses both sides of the argument and then I will give my own perspective.[A1] 

On the one hand, there are some understandable reasons why it is necessary to educate children to reuse waste by their parents. [A2] Firstly, children spend most of their formative years with their parents. Therefore, they will likely take cues from how their parents doing and mirror those actions. If parents demonstrate the way of using different bins for recyclable and non-recyclable products, children are more likely to follow their example. Another reason is that the majority of recycling takes place in the home and parents could more easily control the recycling habits of their children. [A3] [A4] [A5] 

On the others hand, it is believed[A6]  that school would be more effective in terms of teaching students to recycle waste. The main reason is that school is the place that children are taught about life’s knowledge [A7] and could also heighten children awareness of environmental problems. For example, teachers could educate their students about the limit of all natural resources and how the world are being faced with this issue. As a result, it could make an contribution to raise children awareness about recycling of waste.[A8] 

In conclusion , I firmly believe that both sides of the argument have their positive points. However, I am inclined to believe that recycling of waste should be educated to children by their parents, cause parents spend more hours with their children and serve as a role model for the development of youngsters. [A9] 

290 words[A10] 

This would also be band 6.5. Lots of good accurate vocabulary and grammar but nothing too remarkable. The arguments are good and well supported and it is clear. To get to band 7 you need better more detailed examples and more natural vocabulary.

Dave


 [A1]In this essay, I will examiner both sides of the argument and then present my own opinion.

 [A2]Awkward phrasing better to say ‘there are reasons why it is better for parents to …’

 [A3]Very well supported!

 [A4]Very well supported!

 [A5]

 [A6]Often argued

 [A7]Too vague

 [A8]Good but could be more specific

 [A9]Very clear!

 [A10]Good!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Academic/Practical Knowledge

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Academic/Practical Knowledge

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer related to the conflict in schools between learning academic and practical knowledge.

That is, for example, the difference between learning about math and learning how to cook.

It is a question from the real exam.

You can also get my exclusive IELTS Ebooks by signing up for my Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Academic/Practical Knowledge

Students should be primarily taught academic subjects so that they can pass exams, and practical skills such as cooking should not be taught.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Real Past IELTS Tests

Many educators today feel pressure to teach to the test and emphasise academic subjects over more practical ones. In my opinion, this approach is overtly short-sighted and practical skills play an important role in a well-rounded education.

Those who support a singular focus on academics can point to its tangible outcome in higher test scores. A good example of this would be accelerating academic progress at inner city schools. There have been numerous reforms in the last several decades to help the poorest performing districts catch up. The results have been uneven at times but overall more students from impoverished or troubled backgrounds can now go to college, often being the first person in their family to do so. Passing exams has the very real benefit of giving them opportunities outside of menial work and, in the most extreme cases, crime.

Though there might be a case for overemphasis on academics in select districts, learning practical skills is an important part of becoming an all around person. Those who possess certain skills, such as a sharp memory and logical thinking, will perform better in academics like math and physics. This means that these skills are rewarded and may become over-developed at the expense of skills related to practical work such as spatial thinking and multi-tasking. Graduates who know how to please their teachers and get good grades in academic subjects will find themselves lacking in real world skills. Adding in practical skills goes a long way towards making this a reality.

In conclusion, the argument for academics only applies to niche segments of society and learning practical skills has tremendous benefits. Schools should find ways to balance both despite external pressure from the government and parents for the reductive measure of higher marks.

Word count: 293

Analysis

1. Many educators today feel pressure to teach to the test and emphasise academic subjects over more practical ones. 2. In my opinion, this approach is overtly short-sighted and practical skills play an important role in a well-rounded education.

  1. The first sentence restates the overall topic of the entire essay.
  2. My second sentence gives my opinion. Always state your opinion clearly, never sit in the middle!

1. Those who support a singular focus on academics can point to its tangible outcome in higher test scores. 2. A good example of this would be accelerating academic progress at inner city schools. 3. There have been numerous reforms in the last several decades to help the poorest performing districts catch up. 4. The results have been uneven at times but overall more students from impoverished or troubled backgrounds can now go to college, often being the first person in their family to do so. 5. Passing exams has the very real benefit of giving them opportunities outside of menial work and, in the most extreme cases, crime.

  1. This is a topic sentence that has my main idea for the whole paragraph.
  2. My second sentence begins my example – don’t waste any time – get right to your example as fast as possible!
  3. The third sentence develops the example. The whole paragraph will be developing this single example.
  4. My fourth sentence also develops the example with more specific detail.
  5. The fiffth sentence summarises my point and further develops the same example.

1. Though there might be a case for overemphasis on academics in select districts, learning practical skills is an important part of becoming an all around person. 2. Those who possess certain skills, such as a sharp memory and logical thinking, will perform better in academics like math and physics. 3. This means that these skills are rewarded and may become over-developed at the expense of skills related to practical work such as spatial thinking and multi-tasking. 4. Graduates who know how to please their teachers and get good grades in academic subjects will find themselves lacking in real world skills. 5. Adding in practical skills goes a long way towards making this a reality.

  1. The next paragraph also begins with a topic sentence with a new main idea: practical skills help people become more well rounded.
  2. My second sentence begins a specific, detailed example.
  3. The third sentence continues to develop this example – be as specific as you can!
  4. My fourth sentence adds more specific detail.
  5. The last sentence ties this back to the importance of practical skills.

1. In conclusion, the argument for academics only applies to niche segments of society and learning practical skills has tremendous benefits. 2. Schools should find ways to balance both despite external pressure from the government and parents for the reductive measure of higher marks.

  1. The first sentence of my conclusion repeats my opinion – be simple and clear!
  2. My final sentence adds an extra detail that many examiners will require for band 7+ for task achievement.

Vocabulary

Try to figure out what the words in bold mean. If you’re not sure, use the context of the sentence and paragraph to work it out!

Many educators today feel pressure to teach to the test and emphasise academic subjects over more practical ones. In my opinion, this approach is overtly short-sighted and practical skills play an important role in a well-rounded education.

Those who support a singular focus on academics can point to its tangible outcome in higher test scores. A good example of this would be accelerating academic progress at inner city schools. There have been numerous reforms in the last several decades to help the poorest performing districts catch up. The results have been uneven at times but overall more students from impoverished or troubled backgrounds can now go to college, often being the first person in their family to do so. Passing exams has the very real benefit of giving them opportunities outside of menial work and, in the most extreme cases, crime.

Though there might be a case for overemphasis on academics in select districts, learning practical skills is an important part of becoming an all around person. Those who possess certain skills, such as a sharp memory and logical thinking, will perform better in academics like math and physics. This means that these skills are rewarded and may become over-developed at the expense of skills related to practical work such as spatial thinking and multi-tasking. Graduates who know how to please their teachers and get good grades in academic subjects will find themselves lacking in real world skills. Adding in practical skills goes a long way towards making this a reality.

In conclusion, the argument for academics only applies to niche segments of society and learning practical skills has tremendous benefits. Schools should find ways to balance both despite external pressure from the government and parents for the reductive measure of higher marks.

Answers

educators teachers

teach to the test focus on exams

overtly short-sighted not a long-term vision

play an important role an important part in

well-rounded education wide range of knowledge

singular focus driven, with blinders on

point reference

tangible outcome clear result

accelerating getting faster

inner city schools poor, urban schools

reforms changes

poorest performing districts schools doing badly

catch up get up to date

uneven at times inconsistent

troubled backgrounds difficult history/home life

very real benefit clear positive

menial work physical work

most extreme cases outliers

overemphasis too much focus on

select districts some neighborhoods

all around everywhere

sharp memory never forgets

logical thinking rational thinking

perform better get better marks

rewarded receive something good

over-developed too much skill at

at the expense of negelecting

spatial thinking thinking about objects and physical space

multi-tasking doing multiple things at once

please make happy

lacking not having

adding in also having

goes a long way towards begins to remedy

making this a reality makes it true

niche segments outside the main

balance keep equal

external pressure pressure from outside

reductive measure overly simplifying action

Pronunciation

ˈɛdju(ː)keɪtəz 
tiːʧ tuː ðə tɛst 
ˈəʊvɜːtli ʃɔːt-ˈsaɪtɪd 
pleɪ ən ɪmˈpɔːtənt rəʊl 
wɛl-ˈraʊndɪd ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən
ˈsɪŋgjʊlə ˈfəʊkəs 
pɔɪnt 
ˈtænʤəbl ˈaʊtkʌm
əkˈsɛləreɪtɪŋ 
ˈɪnə ˈsɪti skuːlz
ˌriːˈfɔːmz 
ˈpʊərɪst pəˈfɔːmɪŋ ˈdɪstrɪkts 
kæʧ ʌp
ʌnˈiːvən æt taɪmz 
ˈtrʌbld ˈbækgraʊndz 
ˈvɛri rɪəl ˈbɛnɪfɪt 
ˈmiːniəl wɜːk 
məʊst ɪksˈtriːm ˈkeɪsɪz
ˌəʊvərˈɛmfəsɪs 
sɪˈlɛkt ˈdɪstrɪkts
ɔːl əˈraʊnd 
ʃɑːp ˈmɛməri 
ˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ
pəˈfɔːm ˈbɛtə 
rɪˈwɔːdɪd 
ˈəʊvə-dɪˈvɛləpt 
æt ði ɪksˈpɛns ɒv 
ˈspeɪʃəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ 
ˈmʌltɪ-ˈtɑːskɪŋ
pliːz 
ˈlækɪŋ 
ˈædɪŋ ɪn 
gəʊz ə lɒŋ weɪ təˈwɔːdz 
ˈmeɪkɪŋ ðɪs ə ri(ː)ˈælɪti
niːʃˈsɛgmənts 
ˈbæləns
ɛksˈtɜːnl ˈprɛʃə 
rɪˈdʌktɪv ˈmɛʒə 

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many ________________ today feel pressure to ________________ and emphasise academic subjects over more practical ones. In my opinion, this approach is ________________ and practical skills ________________ in a ________________.

Those who support a ________________ on academics can ________________ to its ________________ in higher test scores. A good example of this would be ________________ academic progress at ________________. There have been numerous ________________ in the last several decades to help the ________________. The results have been ________________ but overall more students from impoverished or ________________ can now go to college, often being the first person in their family to do so. Passing exams has the ________________ of giving them opportunities outside of ________________ and, in the ________________, crime.

Though there might be a case for ________________ on academics in ________________, learning practical skills is an important part of becoming an ________________ person. Those who possess certain skills, such as a ________________ and ________________, will ________________ in academics like math and physics. This means that these skills are ________________ and may become ________________ skills related to practical work such as ________________ and ________________. Graduates who know how to ________________ their teachers and get good grades in academic subjects will find themselves ________________ in real world skills. ________________ practical skills ________________ ________________.

In conclusion, the argument for academics only applies to ________________ of society and learning practical skills has tremendous benefits. Schools should find ways to ________________ both despite ________________ from the government and parents for the ________________ of higher marks.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Use the video below to practice your listening skills. Here are some ideas for how to practice.

Reading Practice

Here are some ideas for how to read the news and improve your IELTS reading score:

https://theirworld.org/news/secondary-schools-must-teach-relevant-job-skills-says-unicef-chief

Student Sample Answer (with Corrections)

Some argue that schoolchildren should study academic subjects at school to pass examinations and fundamental life skills should not be taught. From my perspective, I think that both academic subjects and life skills are equally essential.[G1] 

One the one hand, there are various reasons why academic subjects play a more crucial role. First, they equip students with the basic knowledge which is used in tertiary education. When students enter many colleges, they must pass mandatory subjects like macroeconomics, microeconomics and advanced math. If undergraduates learn math in high school, they will find it easier to study these subjects later and , be more likely to avoid failing final tests and wasting money to retake exams[G2] . Second, studying academic subjects well will enable high school students to get into any universities they desire. [G3] One specific example is that Vietnamese students will sit university entrance exams at 18. Those who have good grades in academic subjects such as literature, math, English, chemistry and physics will have a higher chance of being admitted to higher educational institutions. [G4] Therefore, mastering academic knowledge will continue to be vitally important to high school students.

Nevertheless, I disagree with the idea that practical skills should not be incorporated into the school curriculum for multiple reasons. [G5] The main benefit of teaching skills at school is that they can live independently when they live far away from their families. For instance, those who study in universities in other regions will have to prepare their own meals on a regular basis. Life skills such as cooking will be helpful for students to prepare healthy and affordable meals on their own in lieu of eating out at prohibitively expensive eateries[G6] .  Another advantage is that people can better secure a job after leaving high school. This is particularly true for some high school students, who do not have the ability to pass university exams [G7] or who do not have the financial means for higher education. They can land a job right away to support themselves and their families based on the skills that they are already taught in fields such as cosmetics and car maintenance. Moreover, attending skill-building classes at school is an effective way to unwind after many hours of studying academic subjects. Through a wide range of exhilarating activities, students are able to decompress and as a result perform better in exams.[G8] 

In conclusion, although studying academic subjects are critical to students’ success in exams, I believe that learning skills such as cooking, make-up and car maintenance is extremely useful to students[G9] .[G10] [G11] 

MARKING CRITERIAS FOR THE ABOVE ESSAY

Task achievement                               : 6[G12] 

Coherence and cohesion                     :  7[G13] 

Lexical resource                                  :  7[G14] 

Grammatical range and accuracy        :   7[G15] 

OVERAL SCORE              6.5               


 [G1]Yes, technically it is ok to sit in the middle in this way – but why do it? It is very risky and there are some examiners you will get a band 5 for this possibly! Just choose a side!

 [G2]Keep your claims weak!

 [G3]That’s clearly not true… Be careful making outrageous generalisations

 [G4]This is perfect – keep your claims weak and reasonable!

 [G5]Why still writing the multiple main ideas paragraphs? You are hurting your Task Achievement score for no reason at all…

 [G6]Very good sentence

 [G7]In the last paragraph you said these same students could get into any university they want…

 [G8]No need to keep tacking on main ideas…

 [G9]Extra sentence require for band 7+ for task achievement

 [G10]There is no opinion here – this is why it is a mistake to sit in the middle as you did in the introduction. The introduction was fine, technically. The conclusion is not and most examiners will lean band 5 or 6 for TA – definitely not band 7 despite all your support for your ideas.

 [G11]Word count is 422 words – way too long and unrealistic so it is very difficult to mark…

 [G12]1 main idea per paragraph + clear opinion!

 [G13]Better, clearer sentences, lots of good referencing and some ellipsis

 [G14]Great vocabulary throughout. Very very close to band 8 just needs a bit more nuance in meaning.

 [G15]Fewer mistakes and much better complex sentences. Very solid 7

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Hunger (Real IELTS Test)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Hunger (Real IELTS Test)

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer related to hunger from the real test.

The topic of hunger is very common and could come up on IELTS reading, writing, listening, or speaking.

Read my answer for analysis, practice, and more!

You can also get my exclusive IELTS Ebooks by signing up for my Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Hunger (Real IELTS Test)

Some people believe that education is the key to tackling hunger worldwide while others feel that the answer is in food aid.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Tests

Many feel that education is the best way to tackle hunger while others feel that immediate food aid is a better solution. As far as I’m concerned, education is clearly the better long-term remedy.

Many charities are active in food aid efforts because of its clear impact in emergency situations. A good example of this would be famines in a sub-Saharan African nations. These are caused by unpredictable weather conditions and coupled with governmental instability can result in mass malnutrition and even death. It is impossible to deal with the sources of these famines over time but food aid addresses its symptoms and keeps actual people alive now. The tangible results of this kind of aid are the strongest arguments in its favour.

Although the above mentioned methods are appropriate in emergencies, they do little to disrupt the underlying causes of hunger. If people are better educated then they can get better jobs and hunger disappears as a problem. There may be other relevant economic realities, such as the unemployment rate, that need addressing but education will still go a long way to eradicating hunger. Education can also help in regions that are prone to hunger as farmers will be able to develop better agricultural methods. Simply put, if citizens have good jobs, there is little real threat of hunger even under exceptional circumstances.

In conclusion, although food aid has its use, I feel education is a clearly better option. Governments ought to divert more resources into education to see world hunger ended over the course of the next century.

Analysis

1. Many feel that education is the best way to tackle hunger while others feel that immediate food aid is a better solution. 2. As far as I’m concerned, education is clearly the better long-term remedy.

  1. The first sentence of your essay should paragraphs the topic. Just change some words and write this sentence quickly.
  2. Give your opinion – always!

1. Many charities are active in food aid efforts because of its clear impact in emergency situations. 2. A good example of this would be famines in a sub-Saharan African nations. 3. These are caused by unpredictable weather conditions and coupled with governmental instability can result in mass malnutrition and even death. 4. It is impossible to deal with the sources of these famines over time but food aid addresses its symptoms and keeps actual people alive now. 5. The tangible results of this kind of aid are the strongest arguments in its favour.

  1. Write clear, simple topic sentences that have your main idea at the end of the sentence.
  2. Begin your examples as quickly as possible and develop them for the entire paragraph.
  3. Keep developing your examples with specific details.
  4. Continue to develop the same main idea – don’t switch to a new main idea!
  5. Conclude your paragraph (this is optional).

1. Although the above mentioned methods are appropriate in emergencies, they do little to disrupt the underlying causes of hunger. 2. If people are better educated then they can get better jobs and hunger disappears as a problem. 3. There may be other relevant economic realities, such as the unemployment rate, that need addressing but education will still go a long way to eradicating hunger. 4. Education can also help in regions that are prone to hunger as farmers will be able to develop better agricultural methods. 5. Simply put, if citizens have good jobs, there is little real threat of hunger even under exceptional circumstances.

  1. Write another simple topic sentence for your next paragraph.
  2. As in the last paragraph, develop the same main idea.
  3. Add more and more specific detail to really bump up your task achievement score and use high level vocabulary.
  4. Keep developing the same main idea.
  5. Conclude your paragraph.

1. In conclusion, although food aid has its use, I feel education is a clearly better option. 2. Governments ought to divert more resources into education to see world hunger ended over the course of the next century.

  1. Summarise your opinion.
  2. Add in an extra detail.

Vocabulary

Many feel that education is the best way to tackle hunger while others feel that immediate food aid is a better solution. As far as I’m concerned, education is clearly the better long-term remedy.

Many charities are active in food aid efforts because of its clear impact in emergency situations. A good example of this would be famines in a sub-Saharan African nations. These are caused by unpredictable weather conditions and coupled with governmental instability can result in mass malnutrition and even death. It is impossible to deal with the sources of these famines over time but food aid addresses its symptoms and keeps actual people alive now. The tangible results of this kind of aid are the strongest arguments in its favour.

Although the above mentioned methods are appropriate in emergencies, they do little to disrupt the underlying causes of hunger. If people are better educated then they can get better jobs and hunger disappears as a problem. There may be other relevant economic realities, such as the unemployment rate, that need addressing but education will still go a long way to eradicating hunger. Education can also help in regions that are prone to hunger as farmers will be able to develop better agricultural methods. Simply put, if citizens have good jobs, there is little real threat of hunger even under exceptional circumstances.

In conclusion, although food aid has its use, I feel education is a clearly better option. Governments ought to divert more resources into education to see world hunger ended over the course of the next century.

Answers

tackle hunger fight hunger

immediate food aid food for an emergency

as far as I’m concerned in my opinion

long-term remedy solution that will last

active not passive

food aid efforts working to fight hunger

emergency situations something that need tackling right away

famines massive hunger

sub-Saharan African nations countries in Africa below the Sahara

unpredictable weather conditions hard to predict weather

coupled combined with

governmental instability changing governments

mass malnutrition lots of hunger

addresses its symptoms solves the problem

tangible results clear outcome

strongest arguments in its favour best reasons to support

appropriate well suited

disrupt undermine

underlying causes real sources

relevant economic realities economic facts

unemployment rate number of people without jobs

addressing resolving

go a long way help to

eradicating hunger getting rid of hunger

prone to hunger likely to go hungry

simply put said simply

little real threat not much of chance of it happening

under exceptional circumstances difficult time

divert take away from

over the course of the next century in the next 100 years

Pronunciation

ˈtækl ˈhʌŋgə 
ɪˈmiːdiət fuːd eɪd
æz fɑːr æz aɪm kənˈsɜːnd
ˈlɒŋtɜːm ˈrɛmɪdi
ˈæktɪv 
fuːd eɪd ˈɛfəts 
ɪˈmɜːʤənsi ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃənz
ˈfæmɪnz 
sʌb-səˈhɑːrən ˈæfrɪkən ˈneɪʃənz
ˌʌnprɪˈdɪktəbl ˈwɛðə kənˈdɪʃənz 
ˈkʌpld 
ˌgʌvənˈmɛntl ˌɪnstəˈbɪlɪti 
mæs ˌmælnju(ː)ˈtrɪʃən 
əˈdrɛsɪz ɪts ˈsɪmptəmz 
ˈtænʤəbl rɪˈzʌlts 
ˈstrɒŋgɪst ˈɑːgjʊmənts ɪn ɪts ˈfeɪvə
əˈprəʊprɪɪt 
dɪsˈrʌpt 
ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ ˈkɔːzɪz 
ˈrɛlɪvənt ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ri(ː)ˈælɪtiz
ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt reɪt
əˈdrɛsɪŋ 
gəʊ ə lɒŋ weɪ 
ɪˈrædɪkeɪtɪŋ ˈhʌŋgə
prəʊn tuː ˈhʌŋgə 
ˈsɪmpli pʊt
ˈlɪtl rɪəl θrɛt 
ˈʌndər ɪkˈsɛpʃənl ˈsɜːkəmstənsɪz
daɪˈvɜːt 
ˈəʊvə ðə kɔːs ɒv ðə nɛkst ˈsɛnʧʊri

Vocabulary Practice

Many feel that education is the best way to __________________ while others feel that __________________ is a better solution. __________________ , education is clearly the better __________________ .

Many charities are __________________ in __________________ because of its clear impact in __________________ . A good example of this would be __________________ in a __________________ . These are caused by __________________ and __________________ with __________________ can result in __________________ and even death. It is impossible to deal with the sources of these famines over time but food aid __________________ and keeps actual people alive now. The __________________ of this kind of aid are the __________________ .

Although the above mentioned methods are __________________ in emergencies, they do little to __________________ the __________________ of hunger. If people are better educated then they can get better jobs and hunger disappears as a problem. There may be other __________________ , such as the __________________ , that need __________________ but education will still __________________ to __________________ . Education can also help in regions that are __________________ as farmers will be able to develop better agricultural methods. __________________ , if citizens have good jobs, there is __________________ of hunger even __________________ .

In conclusion, although food aid has its use, I feel education is a clearly better option. Governments ought to __________________ more resources into education to see world hunger ended __________________ .

Listening Practice

Reading Practice

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2009/10/still-searching-for-solutions-to-world-hunger/347737/

Student Sample Corrections

There are two main solutions to solve hunger worldwide: boosting the education and suppor with ting by food aid. In my opinion, both ways are necessary but we should concentrate more on education than food aid for better long-term results.

Food aid is an immediate solution for hunger to help people avoid starvation, such asespecially after a natural disaster. For example, every year in the middle provinces (regions) of Vietnam, floods are the root cause which makes people losing their home, their crops, their animals, etc…and so on. Governments need to organize many assistancet programmes to provide food, water, clothes, daily stuffsgoods, and medicines for people to be alive; andas well as later to rebuild their lives.

In another perspectiveOn the other hand, education may help to improve people’s’ mindsets. Hunger often mainly comes fromaffects poor people, who do not work effectivelymay have trouble finding good work. To be more specific, ethnic minorities in the highlands of Vietnam often struggle in having enough food for the whole family. Mostly, thereThere is usually only one member of the family who usually is manual labor worker. They do not earn a lot of money because they have low literacy so , it is not easy for them to learn new techniquesskills, which cannot help them to become securea steady long-term employment. The other members of the family may do some agriculture work but they are far behind modern science, so they cannot harvest products which are good in quality and quantity.

Although I concede that food aid has its benefits, I strongly believe that education is of greater importance in this matter. Governments must haveshould develop specific policiesy to encourage education from primary school  to college or university, which provides people a solid foundation for building happy lives by their owns.

Comment any questions that you have below!

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer: Water Usage

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer: Water Usage

This is an IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer of a pie graph/chart related to water usage in various regions.

It features 3 pie charts and is straightforward.

If you need to learn more about pie charts, you can read about them here.

You can also get my exclusive IELTS Ebooks by signing up for my Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer: Water Usage

The pie charts below compare water usage in San Diego, California and the rest of the world.

The pie charts compare water usage in San Diego County and California as a whole to worldwide figures. Looking from an overall perspective it is readily apparent that while in San Diego and California the majority of water was used for homes (followed by industry and agriculture), worldwide use focused overwhelmingly on agriculture over industry and finally residential use.

Water usage in San Diego County and California displayed broadly similar patterns. In San Diego, 60% of water was used by households, compared to 39% for all of California. The sector with the second most usage for San Diego and California was industrial with 23% and 33%, respectively. In the final position was agricultural usage at 17% (San Diego) and 28% (California). 

In contrast, worldwide usage was dominated by agriculture at 69%, followed by industry and residential at 23% and 8% in turn.

Words: 143

Analysis

1. The pie charts compare water usage in San Diego County and California as a whole to worldwide figures. 2. Looking from an overall perspective it is readily apparent that while in San Diego and California the majority of water was used for homes (followed by industry and agriculture), worldwide use focused overwhelmingly on agriculture over industry and finally residential use.

  1. The first sentence simply paraphrases the sentence above the graph. Don’t waste time making this sentence perfect, it isn’t that important compared to other sentences in your writing.
  2. My next sentence is the general overview and it is the most important sentence in all of your task 1 writing. It must include the trend, speed and ranking for all charts to get above band 6 for task achievement (learn more about overviews here).

1. Water usage in San Diego County and California displayed broadly similar patterns. 2. In San Diego, 60% of water was used by households, compared to 39% for all of California. 3. The sector with the second most usage for San Diego and California was industrial with 23% and 33%, respectively. 4. In the final position was agricultural usage at 17% (San Diego) and 28% (California). 

  1. The first sentence is a topic sentence comparing San Diego and California in general. You don’t always need topic sentences for task 1 writing but they do help your cohesion and coherence score.
  2. My second sentence begins to compare and describe the data. Always compare, always include the data.
  3. The next sentence continues to the compare the data.
  4. The final sentence finishes the comparison and data. Include all the data.

1. In contrast, worldwide usage was dominated by agriculture at 69%, followed by industry and residential at 23% and 8% in turn.

  1. This last sentence includes all the data for the final pie chart. It is ok to have a one sentence paragraph if you can include all the data in a single sentence.

Words: 143

(You should write between 150 and 200 but technically anything over 141 is fine).

Vocabulary

Try to write a synonym or think of a definition for the words in bold below:

The pie charts compare water usage in San Diego County and California as a whole to worldwide figures. Looking from an overall perspective it is readily apparent that while in San Diego and California the majority of water was used for homes (followed by industry and agriculture), worldwide use focused overwhelmingly on agriculture over industry and finally residential use.

Water usage in San Diego County and California displayed broadly similar patterns. In San Diego, 60% of water was used by households, compared to 39% for all of California. The sector with the second most usage for San Diego and California was industrial with 23% and 33%, respectively. In the final position was agricultural usage at 17% (San Diego) and 28% (California). 

In contrast, worldwide usage was dominated by agriculture at 69%, followed by industry and residential at 23% and 8% in turn.

Answers

as a whole taken all together

figures numbers

looking from an overall perspective it is readily apparent that in general

majority most of

overwhelmingly strongly

displayed broadly similar patterns almost the same trend

sector area

in contrast to compare

dominated was much larger

in turn respectively

Pronunciation

æz ə həʊl 
ˈfɪgəz
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋli
dɪsˈpleɪd ˈbrɔːdli ˈsɪmɪlə ˈpætənz
ˈsɛktə 
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst
ˈdɒmɪneɪtɪd 
ɪn tɜːn

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

The pie charts compare water usage in San Diego County and California __________________ to worldwide __________________. __________________ while in San Diego and California the __________________ of water was used for homes (followed by industry and agriculture), worldwide use focused __________________ on agriculture over industry and finally residential use.

Water usage in San Diego County and California __________________. In San Diego, 60% of water was used by households, compared to 39% for all of California. The __________________ with the second most usage for San Diego and California was industrial with 23% and 33%, respectively. In the final position was agricultural usage at 17% (San Diego) and 28% (California). 

__________________, worldwide usage was __________________ by agriculture at 69%, followed by industry and residential at 23% and 8% __________________.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch the video below to review about the topic in general. It may come up on other parts of IELTS so it makes sense to put in some extra practice now.

You can use some of the ideas here to practice.

Reading Practice

Read the article to further review about water in case it comes up on the test somewhere. You can use this post for some ideas about reading the news and improving your IELTS score.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/03/world-water-day-water-crisis-explained/

Student Corrections

Read the corrections on a student sample below to get some idea of your own score.

The pie charts demonstrate how much water is consumed in for the purposes of residential, industrialy and agricultural purposese in San Diego County, California, and throughout the world.

What stands out from the three pie charts is that the percentage of water is used in homes is higher than that of industry and agriculture in the two regions of the US. Another striking feature is that agriculture accounts for the highest proportion of water, compared to residential and industry globally.[G1] 

It can be clearly seen that while residential water consumption of residential in San Diego and California was the highest, at 60% and 39 % respectively, water used in homes which is used across the globe is the least, atonly stood at 8%. In contrast, the opposite trend can be witnessed in the domain of aAgriculture, which makes up the highest percentage at 69% of water worldwide is used for this purpose, but it accounts for only 17% and 28 % of water usage in San Diego and California.

Regarding industrial usey, there are no massive changes in the usage of water[G2] the disparity between the charts is smaller. The same proportions are seen in the water consumption of industry in San Diego and around the world, with the figure being twenty three percent(23%), but it occupies the higher percentage at 33% in California.while the number for California is slightly higher at 33%.


 [G1]The overview must touch on all areas if possible. There is no mention at all of industry and agriculture in san diego and California so it is a maximum band 5 for task achievement.

 [G2]This graph does not show change at all – just disparity