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.
The first sentence of your essay should paragraphs the topic. Just change some words and write this sentence quickly.
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.
Write clear, simple topic sentences that have your main idea at the end of the sentence.
Begin your examples as quickly as possible and develop them for the entire paragraph.
Keep developing your examples with specific details.
Continue to develop the same main idea – don’t switch to a new main idea!
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.
Write another simple topic sentence for your next paragraph.
As in the last paragraph, develop the same main idea.
Add more and more specific detail to really bump up your task achievement score and use high level vocabulary.
Keep developing the same main idea.
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.
Summarise your opinion.
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
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 __________________ .
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
My second sentence begins to compare and describe the data. Always compare, always include the data.
The next sentence continues to the compare the data.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: News Media Influence
Some people think that the news media has become much more influential in people’s lives today and it is a negative development. Do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Test
It is commonly held that the news has become an invasive force in people’s everyday lives. In my opinion, I completely disagree with this viewpoint because the news contributes greatly to the decision making process of discerning citizens.
Modern news media properly consumed improves its readership’s ability to make quality decisions regarding their own interests. One standout example of this is the way that people follow political issues. In democratic countries, it is difficult to argue that there is anything more important than staying informed of political developments. When Americans learned about the harmful effects of global warming on our environment they began to advocate, through the ballot box and general public sentiment, for reforms. This has led to the election and overhaul of policies related to environmental conservation and is the direct result of information gleaned from experts on the news.
Some rightly argue that the news is not always trustworthy. Individuals and organisations are always attempting to twist the news to their advantage. A good example of this would be the recent rise of online news. Online news goes up immediately and is therefore much more likely to contain mistakes than news verified and published in newspapers. Retractions in newspapers are rarely read and they are almost unheard of for online news, despite their increasing frequency. This is a decided consequence of the way people consume news today but readers can avoid this by only trusting reputable sources like The New York Times or the BBC and not naively believing every article they happen across.
In conclusion, I believe that the merits of staying informed far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. People should take the time to find reliable news sources and vet the articles most pertinent to them.
Word count: 291
Analysis
1. It is commonly held that the news has become an invasive force in people’s everyday lives. 2. In my opinion, I completely disagree with this viewpoint because the news contributes greatly to the decision making process of discerning citizens.
The first sentence is simply a restating of the topic – write it quickl to get on to the next sentence…
Which is your opinion! Be 100% clear which side you are on to get at least band 6 for task achievement.
1. Modern news media properly consumed improves its readership’s ability to make quality decisions regarding their own interests. 2. One standout example of this is the way that people follow political issues. 3. In democratic countries, it is difficult to argue that there is anything more important than staying informed of political developments. 4. When Americans learned about the harmful effects of global warming on our environment they began to advocate, through the ballot box and general public sentiment, for reforms. 5. This has led to the election and overhaul of policies related to environmental conservation and is the direct result of information gleaned from experts on the news.
My first sentence is a topic sentence with the single main idea for the whole paragraph – people can make better decisions by reading the news.
The second sentence begins an example that I will focus on for the whole paragraph. One main idea, one long example!
My third sentence further develops and makes the example a bit more specific.
The fourth sentence makes it much more specific by focusing on climate change.
My fifth sentence further develops that – be as specific as you possibly can be!
1. Some rightly argue that the news is not always trustworthy. 2. Individuals and organisations are always attempting to twist the news to their advantage. 3. A good example of this would be the recent rise of online news. 4. Online news goes up immediately and is therefore much more likely to contain mistakes than news verified and published in newspapers. 5. Retractions in newspapers are rarely read and they are almost unheard of for online news, despite their increasing frequency. 6. This is a decided consequence of the way people consume news today but readers can avoid this by only trusting reputable sources like The New York Times or the BBC and not naively believing every article they happen across.
My first sentence is another topic sentence with another main idea – news can be untrustworthy.
The second sentence explains my main idea. You might not always need this sentence.
My third sentence starts an example – race to your examples as fast as you can!
The fourth sentence develops the same example by focusing more on online news.
My fifth sentence makes it more specific by focusing on retractions.
The last sentence turns to argue against the main idea of the paragraph. I only do this because my overall opinion is that the news is good.
1. In conclusion, I believe that the merits of staying informed far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. 2. People should take the time to find reliable news sources and vet the articles most pertinent to them.
The first sentence of my conclusion summarises my opinion, just to be safe.
My final sentence gives an extra detail that you must include for band 7+ for task achievement.
Vocabulary
Try to think of a synonym or definition for the vocabulary below in bold. If you’re not sure, use the context of the sentence to guess what the words might mean.
It is commonly held that the news has become an invasive force in people’s everyday lives. In my opinion, I completely disagree with this viewpoint because the news contributes greatly to the decision making process of discerning citizens.
Modern news media properly consumed improves its readership’s ability to make quality decisionsregarding their own interests. One standout example of this is the way that people follow political issues. In democratic countries, it is difficult to argue that there is anything more important than staying informed of political developments. When Americans learned about the harmful effects of global warming on our environment they began to advocate, through the ballot box and general public sentiment, for reforms. This has led to the election and overhaul of policies related to environmental conservation and is the direct result of information gleaned from experts on the news.
Some rightly argue that the news is not always trustworthy. Individuals and organisations are always attempting to twist the news to their advantage. A good example of this would be the recent rise of online news. Online news goes up immediately and is therefore much more likely to contain mistakes than news verified and published in newspapers. Retractions in newspapers are rarely read and they are almost unheard of for online news, despite their increasing frequency. This is a decided consequence of the way people consume news today but readers can avoid this by only trusting reputable sources like The New York Times or the BBC and not naively believing every article they happen across.
In conclusion, I believe that the merits of staying informed far outweigh any perceived drawbacks. People should take the time to find reliable news sources and vet the articles most pertinent to them.
Answers
It is commonly held that main believe
invasive force negative power
viewpoint opinion
contributes greatly adds to
decision making process how choices are made
discerning citizens intelligent, skeptical people
properly consumed read in the right way
quality decisionsregarding good choices pertaining to
own interests what is important for them
democratic countries that elect their government representatives
staying informed being knowledgeable about
political developments events in politics
harmful effects negative impact
advocate push for/support
ballot box where people vote/elections
general public sentiment what the public feels
reforms changes
overhaul of policies reforming laws
environmental conservation protecting the environment
direct result clear consequence of
gleaned learned from
rightly argue correctly believe
trustworthy can be trusted, reliable
twist lie about
recent rise recent increase
verified checked to be accurate
retractions taking back what was written
unheard of not common
frequency how common they are
decided consequence clear result
reputable trustworthy
naively innocently
happen across find randomly
merits positive parts
perceived drawbacks what people think are the negatives
_______________________ the news has become an _______________________ in people’s everyday lives. In my opinion, I completely disagree with this _______________________ because the news _______________________ to the _______________________ of _______________________.
Modern news media _______________________ improves its readership’s ability to make _______________________ their _______________________. One standout example of this is the way that people follow political issues. In _______________________ countries, it is difficult to argue that there is anything more important than _______________________ of _______________________. When Americans learned about the _______________________ of global warming on our environment they began to _______________________, through the _______________________ and _______________________, for _______________________ . This has led to the election and _______________________ related to _______________________ and is the _______________________ of information _______________________ from experts on the news.
Some _______________________ that the news is not always _______________________. Individuals and organisations are always attempting to _______________________ the news to their advantage. A good example of this would be the _______________________ of online news. Online news goes up immediately and is therefore much more likely to contain mistakes than news _______________________ and published in newspapers. _______________________ in newspapers are rarely read and they are almost _______________________ for online news, despite their increasing _______________________. This is a _______________________ of the way people consume news today but readers can avoid this by only trusting _______________________ sources like The New York Times or the BBC and not _______________________ believing every article they _______________________.
In conclusion, I believe that the _______________________ of staying informed far outweigh any _______________________. People should take the time to find _______________________ news sources and vet the articles most _______________________ to them.
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IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Stress
Many pschologists recommend that the best way to relieve stress is to do nothing at all for a period of time during the day.
Do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Tests
One of the most pressing issues for first world countries is how to reduce their stress levels and this has led some psychologists to propose a daily period of rest. Although I think that daily rest would be helpful, it is more important to take an active role in stress relief.
Proponents of a rest period suggest that taking a break has proven health benefits related to stress reduction. It is very common in Latin American countries and some Southeast Asian countries to take an afternoon ‘siesta’ or short nap before resuming work. Research has supported the myriad health benefits related to this stress-free period. It lowers blood pressure, increases serotonin in the brain, and aids memory function. Besides the statistics from studies that breaks reduce stress, there is also anecdotal evidence that taking a break energises people in both the short and long term. Plowing on without breaks, on the contrary, can lead to an increase in stress and has been linked to related health problems.
Instead of taking a rest, I believe that joining a team sport will do more to relieve stress. Doctors and scientists agree that exercise is the best way to cut down on stress overall. In most parts of the world, football is the most common sport both to watch and participate in. Playing football reduces your stress by releasing endorphins in the brain that make people happier, strengthening the heart to better withstand stressful situations, and helping people to relax by working in a team towards a shared goal. The teamwork aspect cannot be underestimated, and is integral to most sports, as it does more to reduce stress and reset your body for a new day than any other activity.
To conclude, although taking a rest certainly helps reduce stress, the best way to unwind is to play a sport. People should set aside time at least once a week to partake in team sporting activities.
Analysis
1. One of the most pressing issues for first world countries is how to reduce their stress levels and this has led some psychologists to propose a daily period of rest. 2. Although I think that daily rest would be helpful, it is more important to take an active role in stress relief.
The first sentence restates/paraphrases the main topic for the essay. Don’t spend a lot of time on this – write it quikly and get going!
The second sentence gives my opinion – be clear and choose a side!
1. Proponents of a rest period suggest that taking a break has proven health benefits related to stress reduction. 2. It is very common in Latin American countries and some Southeast Asian countries to take an afternoon ‘siesta’ or short nap before resuming work. 3. Research has supported the myriad health benefits related to this stress-free period. 4. It lowers blood pressure, increases serotonin in the brain, and aids memory function. 5. Besides the statistics from studies that breaks reduce stress, there is also anecdotal evidence that taking a break energises people in both the short and long term. 6. Plowing on without breaks, on the contrary, can lead to an increase in stress and has been linked to related health problems.
The first sentence is a topic sentence giving the main idea for the whole paragraph – health benefits related to stress.
My second sentence begins a specific example. Try to be as specific as possible.
The third sentence continues to support the same main idea with research.
The fourth sentence gives specific examples of the parts of the brain impacted by taking a break.
My fifth sentence further supports the same main idea.
The last sentence concludes the paragraph by using a counter-point to again support my main idea. Focus on 1 main idea, fully developed!
1. Instead of taking a rest, I believe that joining a team sport will do more to relieve stress. 2. Doctors and scientists agree that exercise is the best way to cut down on stress overall. 3. In most parts of the world, football is the most common sport both to watch and participate in. 4. Playing football reduces your stress by releasing endorphins in the brain that make people happier, strengthening the heart to better withstand stressful situations, and helping people to relax by working in a team towards a shared goal. 5. The teamwork aspect cannot be underestimated, and is integral to most sports, as it does more to reduce stress and reset your body for a new day than any other activity.
The first sentence of the second paragraph is also a topic sentence with my main idea – doing a sport does more to reduce stress overall. Notice that I keep my opinion weak – it has a greater overall impact.
My second sentence begins my support for this main idea.
The third sentence focuses on the very specific example of football.
My next sentence details the specific ways that football reduces stress – be as specific as possible.
The final sentence adds more support for the same main idea – sports do more to help reduce stress.
1. To conclude, although taking a rest certainly helps reduce stress, the best way to unwind is to play a sport. 2. People should set aside time at least once a week to partake in team sporting activities.
The first sentence of my conclusion restates my opinion – make sure that you have a clear, overall opinion!
My final sentence gives an extended detail that most examiners require for band 7+ for task achievement. Read more about it here.
Vocabulary
Try to figure out what the words in bold mean below or think of a synonym for each one, then check your answers in the answer key:
One of the most pressing issues for first world countries is how to reduce their stress levels and this has led some psychologists to propose a daily period of rest. Although I think that daily rest would be helpful, it is more important to take an active role in stress relief.
Proponents of a rest period suggest that taking a break has proven health benefits related to stress reduction. It is very common in Latin American countries and some Southeast Asian countries to take an afternoon ‘siesta‘ or short nap before resuming work. Research has supported the myriad health benefits related to this stress-free period. It lowers blood pressure, increases serotonin in the brain, and aids memory function. Besides the statistics from studies that breaks reduce stress, there is also anecdotal evidence that taking a break energises people in both the short and long term. Plowing on without breaks, on the contrary, can lead to an increase in stress and has been linked to related health problems.
Instead of taking a rest, I believe that joining a team sport will do more to relieve stress. Doctors and scientists agree that exercise is the best way to cut down on stress overall. In most parts of the world, football is the most common sport both to watch and participate in. Playing football reduces your stress by releasing endorphins in the brain that make people happier, strengthening the heart to better withstand stressful situations, and helping people to relax by working in a team towards a shared goal. The teamwork aspect cannot be underestimated, and is integral to most sports, as it does more to reduce stress and reset your body for a new day than any other activity.
To conclude, although taking a rest certainly helps reduce stress, the best way to unwind is to play a sport. People should set aside time at least once a week to partake in team sporting activities.
Answers:
pressing issues important problems
first world countries rich, developed countries
reduce their stress lessen anxiety
propose suggest
active role more proactive about
stress relief reducing stress
proponents supporters
siesta break
resuming work getting back to work
myriad health benefits many ways it is good for health
lowers blood pressure good for your heart
serotonin a chemical in the brain
aids memory function helps you remember better
statistics figures/facts
anecdotal hearsay
energises gives energy to
plowing on without breaks continuing to work without stopping
One of the most ____________________ for ____________________ is how to ____________________ and this has led some psychologists to ____________________ a daily period of rest. Although I think that daily rest would be helpful, it is more important to take an ____________________ in ____________________.
____________________ of a rest period suggest that taking a break has proven health benefits related to stress reduction. It is very common in Latin American countries and some Southeast Asian countries to take an afternoon ‘ ____________________‘ or short nap before ____________________. Research has supported the ____________________ related to this stress-free period. It ____________________, increases ____________________ in the brain, and ____________________. Besides the ____________________ from studies that breaks reduce stress, there is also ____________________ evidence that taking a break ____________________ people in both the short and long term. ____________________, on the contrary, can lead to an increase in stress and has been linked to related health problems.
Instead of taking a rest, I believe that joining a team sport will do more to relieve stress. Doctors and scientists agree that exercise is the best way to ____________________ stress overall. In most parts of the world, football is the most common sport both to watch and ____________________. Playing football reduces your stress by ____________________ in the brain that make people happier, ____________________ the heart to better ____________________ stressful situations, and helping people to relax by working in a team towards a ____________________. The teamwork aspect cannot be ____________________, and is ____________________ to most sports, as it does more to reduce stress and ____________________ for a new day than any other activity.
To conclude, although taking a rest certainly helps reduce stress, the best way to ____________________ is to play a sport. People should ____________________ at least once a week to ____________________ in team sporting activities.
This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from the real IELTS exam focused on the topic of the internet and travel.
This is an agree/disagree questions so you have a few options.
Agree and support your opinion in both paragraphs.
Disagree and support that opinion in both paragraphs.
Agree in one paragraph and disagree in the other.
But…
If you choose the last option – make 100% sure that you give a clear opinion.
To learn more about how you should handle these questions and do practice until you feel confident on the test you can sign up here for my online lessons:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: The Internet & Travel (Real IELTS)
People today often use the internet to learn about the culture of other countries. This means that it is not that important to travel to those countries.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Real Past IELTS Tests
The fact that many people today use the internet to experience other countries means that it is no longer as important to actually travel to those nations. In my opinion, though travel has its benefits, this is largely true.
Proponents of travel often claim that real life experience trumps virtual experience. Compare, for instance, the recent Google Museum project which catalogues collections from famous museums in high resolution photos available to anyone with internet access. This is no doubt a positive development but it pales in comparison to the experience of walking through the Louvre and seeing the brushstrokes up close, going on a guided tour, and talking with other museum-goers. This holds true for a variety of experiences that are enhanced by being physically present in the moment.
Although there are good reasons to continue to travel on
occasion, the internet allows people to access the majority of the experience
remotely. The most salient example of this is the ubiquity of YouTube for
internet users around the world. A child from an impoverished background, who
still has internet access, probably cannot travel to other countries but they
can watch travel documentaries, vlogs, and archived television shows that show
cultures around the world. The makers of these videos not only bring their
experience but also aggregate the most noteworthy events and individuals that
even the most adventurous traveller would have difficulty finding the time to
locate.
To conclude, travelling still plays a role in life but the
internet has largely replaced its primary importance in life. There will come a
time when the virtual world too fully overcomes the physical but for the moment
it is still beneficial.
Word Count: 280
Analysis
1. The fact that many people today use the internet to experience other countries means that it is no longer as important to actually travel to those nations. 2. In my opinion, though travel has its benefits, this is largely true.
My first sentence simply states the topic for the essy – don’t waste time trying to make it perfect because other sentences are more important!
The second sentence gives my opinion. Be clear – don’t choose both sides!
1. Proponents of travel often claim that real life experience trumps virtual experience. 2. Compare, for instance, the recent Google Museum project which catalogues collections from famous museums in high resolution photos available to anyone with internet access. 3. This is no doubt a positive development but it pales in comparison to the experience of walking through the Louvre and seeing the brushstrokes up close, going on a guided tour, and talking with other museum-goers. 4. This holds true for a variety of experiences that are enhanced by being physically present in the moment.
My first sentence is a topic sentence with the main idea for the showl paragraph – real life experience is better.
The second sentence begins my example using a specific website – be as specific as possible!
My next sentence continues to develop my museum example and mentions another specific museum.
The last sentence generalises this to other experiences besides museums.
1. Although there are good reasons to continue to travel on occasion, the internet allows people to access the majority of the experience remotely. 2. The most salient example of this is the ubiquity of YouTube for internet users around the world. 3. A child from an impoverished background, who still has internet access, probably cannot travel to other countries but they can watch travel documentaries, vlogs, and archived television shows that show cultures around the world. 4. The makers of these videos not only bring their experience but also aggregate the most noteworthy events and individuals that even the most adventurous traveller would have difficulty finding the time to locate.
The first sentence gives my main idea for this paragraph – accessing an experience remotely is almost as good.
I start my example right away in the second sentence – don’t waste any time before you get to your examples!
My third sentnence continues to develop my main idea with a hypothetical example.
I conclude the paragraph by adding further detail to the reasons why expereincing travel online is as good as in real life.
1. To conclude, travelling still plays a role in life but the internet has largely replaced its primary importance in life. 2. There will come a time when the virtual world too fully overcomes the physical but for the moment it is still beneficial.
The first sentence of the conclusion repeats my opinion clearly.
My last sentence adds an extra detail that many examiners require for band 7+.
Vocabulary
Try to write a definition or synonym for the vocabulary in bold below:
The fact that many people today use the internet to experience other countries means that it is no longer as important to actually travel to those nations. In my opinion, though travel has its benefits, this is largely true.
Proponents of travel often claim that real life experience trumps virtual experience. Compare, for instance, the recent Google Museum project which catalogues collections from famous museums in high resolution photos available to anyone with internet access. This is no doubt a positive development but it pales in comparison to the experience of walking through the Louvre and seeing the brushstrokes up close, going on a guided tour, and talking with other museum-goers. This holds true for a variety of experiences that are enhanced by being physically present in the moment.
Although there are good reasons to continue to travel on occasion, the internet allows people to access the majority of the experience remotely. The most salient example of this is the ubiquity of YouTube for internet users around the world. A child from an impoverished background, who still has internet access, probably cannot travel to other countries but they can watch travel documentaries, vlogs, and archived television shows that show cultures around the world. The makers of these videos not only bring their experience but also aggregate the most noteworthy events and individuals that even the most adventurous traveller would have difficulty finding the time to locate.
To conclude, travelling still plays a role in life but the internet has largely replaced its primary importance in life. There will come a time when the virtual world too fully overcomes the physical but for the moment it is still beneficial.
Answers
no longer as important less relevant
actually in fact
largely mostly
proponents supporters
trumps invalidates
catalogues records
high resolution photos good photos
internet access ability to use the internet
no doubt definitely
pales in comparison to is not as good as
brushstrokes the physical marks from the artist’s paintbrush
The fact that many people today use the internet to experience other countries means that it is ___________________ to ___________________ travel to those nations. In my opinion, though travel has its benefits, this is ___________________ true.
___________________ of travel often claim that real life experience ___________________ virtual experience. Compare, for instance, the recent Google Museum project which ___________________ collections from famous museums in ___________________ available to anyone with ___________________. This is ___________________ a positive development but it ___________________ the experience of walking through the Louvre and seeing the ___________________ up close, going on a ___________________, and talking with other ___________________. This ___________________ for a variety of experiences that are ___________________ by being physically present in the moment.
Although there are good reasons to continue to travel ___________________, the internet allows people to access the majority of the experience ___________________. The ___________________ of this is the ___________________ of YouTube for internet users around the world. A child from an ___________________ background, who still has internet access, probably cannot travel to other countries but they can watch travel documentaries, ___________________, and ___________________ that show cultures around the world. The ___________________ of these videos not only bring their experience but also ___________________ the most ___________________ events and individuals that even the most ___________________ would have difficulty ___________________ to locate.
To conclude, travelling still ___________________ in life but the internet has largely replaced its primary importance in life. There will come a time when the virtual world too fully ___________________ the physical but for the moment it is still ___________________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch the first 3 minutes of the clip below and answer the questions:
What is his main reason for travelling to Thailand?
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