Here are some more task 1 and task 2 sample answers from other past tests.
Tips for Using IELTS Cambridge 13
I’ve got some important tips for how to use these Cambridge books. Many students don’t know the best ways to practice with the Cambridge books.
A lot of students waste a lot of time doing too many practice tests. They believe that this is a good way to prepare for the test and improve their English.
Practice tests are an awful way to improve your English and only an average way to prepare for the test.
They are not good for improving your English because they are just focused on testing your skills. Of course your English may improve over time but that is not their aim.
Contrast these books with books for learning English that focus on grammar and vocabulary and guide you through with exercises. The process of improving your English is completely different from testing your English – so don’t waste time and money confusing the two!
The biggest mistake that that most students make is they only do these practice tests and don’t find better ways to improve their English.
What are better ways? These ways involve finding something interesting (a movie, music, book, etc.) and keeping your motiviation high with quality content.
You might also decide to take a course in English or hire a tutor. This will improve your English – practice tests will not!
But there are some ways in which these books are good for preparation. First, you can become more familiar with the format of the test and the different questions types.
That makes them decent preparation for the test question types.
Secondly, they are also good tests. Duh.
That means that you can measure your progress with them. If you are planning on taking IELTS in the next month or two you should probably do a weekly test to measure your progress.
If you have several months to a year (or more) then you should do a practice test once a month to measure your progress.
This is the proper way to use practice tests – don’t rely on them to improve your English.
Many students lazily believe that doing test after test will improve their score – they are searching for an overly simple solution when the real solution is staring them right in the face: improve your English and your IELTS score will follow you like your shadow!
Simple Steps for Using IELTS Cambridge 13 to Test your English
1. Start with the listening test. Do the listening test fully but don’t check your answers! Read the tapescript carefully after you finish and underline the distractors and paraphrases. This way you learn about how IELTS listening works.
2. Do the reading test. When you check your answers, figure out the reason why you got each one wrong. Because of a paraphrase? Because of vocabulary? Grammar? This way you can improve your weaknesses.
3. Do the writing tests. Time yourself and be strict. Read my samples answers for task 1 and task 2 writing.
4. Practice doing the speaking test yourself or with a partner. If you have a friend who can help, try to do a mock speaking test that feels like the real test. Read here about what will really happen in your IELTS speaking test.
Simple Steps for Using IELTS Cambridge 13 to Improve your English
1. Start with a listening test but don’t do the full test. Just listen to part 1. Listen to it at least 3 times. Repeat this for every part of the test. Read here about how this will improve your listening. Again, check your answers with the tapescript and try to figure out why you got each answer wrong. Usually it will be because of vocabulary – so learn more vocab!
2. Do the reading test. Don’t worry so much about the timing. Review the basic reading steps here and afterwards check why you got each answer wrong.
3. Do both writing tests but don’t worry about the timing. After you finish you can compare with my sample answers and do the practice activities for task 1 and task 2. The next day, do the same sample answer again but try to improve your ideas, vocabulary, and grammar. Keep doing this until you are happy with your writing.
4. Do the practice speaking test by yourself or with a friend/teacher. Don’t move on to a new test. Keep learning new vocabulary related to the same topics and od the test over and over again. If you get bored, try varying or writing slightly new questions related to the questions. Don’t try to give exactly the same answer each time. Vary it a little bit so that your speaking doesn’t become too robotic.
If you have any questions about the book, you can comment them below and I will reply as soon as possible!
These are the most common IELTS writing topics that I have come across as an examiner and from student reports over the last year.
The most commons topics are: Age & Generations, Art, Business, Cities, Communication, Crime, Education, Environment, Family, Health, Government, Media & Newspapers, Psychology, Society, Sport, Technology & Science, Transport, and Work.
Below are some IELTS writing task 2 samples (all written by me) on the most common topics!
Comment your own essays below and I will give you some feedback!
If you want to get over your IELTS fears and achieve your dreams (of going abroad or getting a better job), I now offer online lessons complete with feedback, videos, workbooks and more!
Some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in.
Some countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. Some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime.
Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.
Some people say that school children should be mainly taught about the literature (e.g fiction and poetry) of their own country because it is more important than that of other countries.
Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age. Some think they should begin at least 7 years old. Discuss both views give opinions.
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. Many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem.
Some people say that supermarkets and manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the amount of packaging on products they sell. Others believe that it is the consumer’s responsibility to avoid buying products which have a lot of packaging.
Many parents encourage young people to leave home when they become older, while others think they should stay at home with the family. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that allowing children to make their own choices on everyday matters (such as food, clothes and entertainment) is likely to result in a society of individuals who only think about their own wishes.
Other people believe that it is important for children to make decisions about matters that affect them.
In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this tendency should be changed.
The best way to prevent people from smoking is to impose high taxes on tobacco products. In this way, people will be less likely to develop a long-term addiction to smoking.
Many people believe that every individual is responsible for his/her own healthy lifestyle. Others believe that governments should take care of it. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
The best way to prevent people from smoking is to impose high taxes on tobacco products. In this way, people will be less likely to develop a long-term addiction to smoking.
Many think that in today’s world it is very difficult for people to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Others, however, feel that it is easy for people to be healthy and fit if they want to be.
Some people say that it is acceptable to test medicine intended for people on animals. Others, however, believe that it is not right to use animals in this research.
Governments in many countries have recently introduced special taxes on foods and beverages with high levels of sugar. Some think these taxes are a good idea while others disagree.
Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Write at least 250 words.
Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn news. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media. Discuss both views and give your opinion
Some people say that advertising is extremely successful at persuading us to buy things. Other people think that advertising is so common that we no longer pay attention to it.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Many people try to balance work and other parts of their life. However, this is very difficult to do. What are the problems associated with this? What is the best way to achieve a better balance?
Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Some people believe that it is good to share as much information as possible in scientific research, business, and the academic world. Others believe that some information is too important or too valuable to be shared freely.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
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.
Some scientists believe that in the future computers will be more intelligence than human beings. While some see this as a positive development others worry about the negative consequences.
Some people think that it is a waste of money for countries to host big sporting events like the world cup, and that the money would be better spent on other things. However, others think that hosting large sporting events has a clear, positive impact on a country.
Many companies sponsor sports as a way of advertising themselves. Some people think this is good for the world of sport, while others think it is a negative.
Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment).
Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from the real IELTS exam about government, a topic that comes up all over the test.
It’s an interesting and important area to focus on because there is a very good chance that you will have to talk or write about government (and housing) at some point on IELTS.
My sample answer below contains extra practice with vocabulary and the topic – read on!
Some believe that because everyone needs a place to live, governments should provide houses for those who are too poor to afford their own.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many reformers are of the opinion that it is the responsibility of governments to provide public housing for members of the public too poor to afford their own homes. In my opinion, although there are some situations when this might be necessary, it is better to allow people the opportunity to pull themselves out of poverty.
Those who support government assistance in housing programs point out the institutional shackles that keep people in poverty. In the United States, there is a long, painful history concerning African Americans that began with slavery, discrimination and still shows its impact in various more muted forms of racism. These people have few chances to escape poverty and own their own homes because they have difficulty getting a good education and then a job. If governments provide them with housing, that frees up their money to go to the education of their children and can break the long chain of poverty that has blighted their path in America.
Although the above-mentioned argument has its merits, in my opinion people who help themselves are more likely to be able to maintain their success. Charity is a notoriously double edged sword because it fosters dependence. Someone who is in poverty who works hard and finds and escape and manages to own a home will develop reserves of willpower and determination that will serve them their entire life. Their self-respect will also help them in their work and encourage them to hold onto their house, regardless of obstacles. If the government simply gifts this person a house, they will be much less inclined to take care of it and will not develop any of the qualities that will spell out their success in life more generally.
In conclusion, people who are more self-reliant are more likely to be successful and hold onto their homes. The role of government ought to be more subtle and include educational reforms aimed at opening up opportunities that individuals can themselves seize.
Word count: 329
IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis (Society)
1. Many reformers are of the opinion that it is the responsibility of governments to provide public housing for members of the public too poor to afford their own homes. 2. In my opinion, although there are some situations when this might be necessary, it is better to allow people the opportunity to pull themselves out of poverty.
1. My first sentence paraphrases (restates) the main topic for the essay. Write this sentence quickly because it is not that important compared to other sentences in your essay. Don’t over-paraphrase or you are likely to make mistakes that will confuse the examiner!
2. The next sentence is my opinion. Don’t sit in the middle – make sure that you have an overall opinion!
1. Those who support government assistance in housing programs point out the institutional shackles that keep people in poverty. 2. In the United States, there is a long, painful history concerning African Americans that began with slavery, discrimination and still shows its impact in various more muted forms of racism. 3. These people have few chances to escape poverty and own their own homes because they have difficulty getting a good education and then a job. 4. If governments provide them with housing, that frees up their money to go to the education of their children and can break the long chain of poverty that has blighted their path in America.
1. The first sentence is my topic sentence which has two parts: the topic (positives of government housing) and the main idea (relationship to poverty). Write short, clear topic sentence with 1 main idea.
2. My second sentence begins my example. Make your examples specific and detailed – I will continue to develop this one example for the rest of the paragraph.
3. The third sentence develops the example by giving specific details about why poverty makes it difficult to own a home.
4. My next sentence concludes the paragraph by suggesting the importance of the government for this one particular example.
(5. I do not include, but you could include, a sentence making this more general or applying it globally.)
1. Although the above-mentioned argument has its merits, in my opinion people who help themselves are more likely to be able to maintain their success. 2. Charity is a notoriously double edged sword because it fosters dependence. 3. Someone who is in poverty who works hard and finds and escape and manages to own a home will develop reserves of willpower and determination that will serve them their entire life. 4. Their self-respect will also help them in their work and encourage them to hold onto their house, regardless of obstacles. 5. If the government simply gifts this person a house, they will be much less inclined to take care of it and will not develop any of the qualities that will spell out their success in life more generally.
1. My first sentence is another topic sentence but I am now focusing on the other side: why the government should not provide housing. Focus on one main idea so that you can fully support it; I focus on why charity does not work in many cases.
2. My next sentence explains my main idea. You do not always need this sentence. I did not do it in the previous paragraph.
3.The third sentence begins a hypthetical example. It is fine to use an imaginary example! Try not to use personal examples if possible though…
4. My fourth sentence includes the specific reasons why buying your own house is a good thing.
5. The fifth sentence uses a counter-example to explain why the government giving houses will prevent people from developing themselves.
1. In conclusion, people who are more self-reliant are more likely to be successful and hold onto their homes. 2. The role of government ought to be more subtle and include educational reforms aimed at opening up opportunities that individuals can themselves seize.
1. My first sentence repeats my opinion and the main reason why. Do not use a new reason!
3. The second sentence adds an extra detail. Many examiners require an extra detail sentence for band 7+. You can read more about that sentence here.
Sample Answer Vocabulary
What do the words below in bold mean? If you’re not sure, try not to use a dictionary – try to figure out the meaning from the whole sentence then check your answers below!
Many reformers are of the opinion that it is the responsibility of governments to provide public housing for members of the public too poor to afford their own homes. In my opinion, although there are some situations when this might be necessary, it is better to allow people the opportunity to pull themselves out of poverty.
Those who support government assistance in housing programs point out the institutional shackles that keep people in poverty. In the United States, there is a long, painful history concerning African Americans that began with slavery, discrimination and still shows its impact in various more muted forms of racism. These people have few chances to escape poverty and own their own homes because they have difficulty getting a good education and then a job. If governments provide them with housing, that frees up their money to go to the education of their children and can break the long chain of poverty that has blighted their path in America.
Although the above-mentioned argument has its merits, in my opinion people who help themselves are more likely to be able to maintain their success. Charity is a notoriouslydouble edged sword because it fosters dependence. Someone who is in poverty who works hard and finds and escape and manages to own a home will develop reserves of willpower and determination that will serve them their entire life. Their self-respect will also help them in their work and encourage them to hold onto their house, regardless of obstacles. If the government simply gifts this person a house, they will be much less inclined to take care of it and will not develop any of the qualities that will spell out their success in life more generally.
In conclusion, people who are more self-reliant are more likely to be successful and hold onto their homes. The role of government ought to be more subtle and include educational reforms aimed at opening up opportunities that individuals can themselves seize.
Answers:
reformers: people who want to make changes
of the opinion: believe
public housing: houses or apartments for people in need
afford: be able to buy
pull themselves out of: escape from
poverty: not having much money
point out: think
institutional shackles: the world holding you back
muted: mild
racism: believing that another race is inferior
escape poverty: get out of being poor/become middle-class
frees up: allows for
break the long chain of poverty: get out of poverty
blighted their path: stood in their way/held them back
above-mentioned argument: the ideas from the previous paragraph
merits: deserves
maintain their success: continue to do well
charity: giving to others
notoriouslydouble edged sword: famously has pros and cons
fosters dependence: makes people reliant on
reserves: extra supplies
willpower: ability to do what you want
determination: continue on despite troubles
serve them their entire life: help them throughout life
self-respect: thinking highly of yourself
regardless of obstacles: no matter the challenges
gifts: the verb of gift/to give for nothing
less inclined: do not want to
spell out: defines
generally: in general, not applying to everyone
self-reliant: depend on yourself
hold onto: keep
subtle: mild, not strong
educational reforms: improving education
opening up opportunities: making new things possible
seize: take
Pronunciation
rɪˈfɔːməz
ɒvðiəˈpɪnjən
ˈpʌblɪkˈhaʊzɪŋ
əˈfɔːd
pʊlðəmˈsɛlvzaʊt
ˈpɒvəti
pɔɪntaʊt
ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən(ə)lˈʃæklz
ˈmjuːtɪd
ˈreɪsɪzm
ɪsˈkeɪpˈpɒvəti
friːzʌp
breɪkðəlɒŋʧeɪnɒvˈpɒvəti
ˈblaɪtɪdðeəpɑːθ
əˈbʌvˈmɛnʃ(ə)ndˈɑːgjʊmənt
ˈmɛrɪts
meɪnˈteɪnðeəsəkˈsɛs
ˈʧærɪti
nəʊˈtɔːrɪəsliˈdʌblɛʤdsɔːd
ˈfɒstəzdɪˈpɛndəns
rɪˈzɜːvz
ˈwɪlˌpaʊə
dɪˌtɜːmɪˈneɪʃən
sɜːvðɛmðeər ɪnˈtaɪəlaɪf
sɛlf–rɪsˈpɛkt
rɪˈgɑːdlɪsɒvˈɒbstəklz
gɪfts
lɛsɪnˈklaɪnd
spɛlaʊt
ˈʤɛnərəli
sɛlf–rɪˈlaɪənt
həʊldˈɒntʊ
ˈsʌtl
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənlˌriːˈfɔːmz
ˈəʊpnɪŋʌpˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz
siːz
Vocabulary Practice
Remember and fill in the blanks:
Many ______________ are ______________ that it is the responsibility of governments to provide ______________ for members of the public too poor to ______________ their own homes. In my opinion, although there are some situations when this might be necessary, it is better to allow people the opportunity to ______________ of ______________.
Those who support government assistance in housing programs ______________ the ______________ that keep people in poverty. In the United States, there is a long, painful history concerning African Americans that began with slavery, discrimination and still shows its impact in various more ______________ forms of ______________. These people have few chances to______________ and own their own homes because they have difficulty getting a good education and then a job. If governments provide them with housing, that______________ their money to go to the education of their children and can ______________ that has ______________ in America.
Although the ______________ has its ______________, in my opinion people who help themselves are more likely to be able to ______________. ______________ is a ______________ because it ______________. Someone who is in poverty who works hard and finds and escape and manages to own a home will develop ______________ of ______________ and ______________ that will ______________. Their ______________will also help them in their work and encourage them to hold onto their house,______________. If the government simply ______________ this person a house, they will be much ______________ to take care of it and will not develop any of the qualities that will ______________ their success in life more ______________.
In conclusion, people who are more ______________ are more likely to be successful and ______________ their homes. The role of government ought to be more _________________ and include ___________________ aimed at __________________ that individuals can themselves ______________.
Government & Housing Article
It’s really important to review the language from the above topic and get some more experience with coming up with ideas related to this.
The more time that you spend reviewing a single topic in a variety of ways (through listening, reading, writing and speaking), the more likely it is that your will improve your ideas and ability to think about complex topics like government and housing.
This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from the real IELTS exam about the topic of smoking.
For this one, I’ve written my own sample answer with analysis and provided some vocabulary activities.
A lot of my sample answers tend to be 300 or more words. I think writing 300 words is a good goal and it is possible to fully support your argument with that many words.
But for this one I tried to write it much closer to 250 words – just 260 in fact!
You can also read a high level writing sample (band 7) and my corrections on it for the 4 band descriptors: task achievement, grammar, vocabulary, cohesion and coherence.
The best way to prevent people from smoking is to impose high taxes on tobacco products. In this way, people will be less likely to develop a long-term addiction to smoking.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some have suggested that the best method of reducing the number of smokers is for governments to raise taxes. Although there are economic disadvantages, I believe that this will have the greatest impact.
The economic disadvantage of increasing taxes on smoking is that it will hurt the large tobacco industries in countries like the United States. In the USA, Phillip Morris, the largest tobacco company in the world, provides thousands of jobs and pays large taxes on its revenue to prop up state and federal budgets. If taxes on tobacco had their desired effect then many people would lose their jobs and budgets would be slashed. This is a sacrifice that many might be willing to accept but that would be nonetheless negative.
Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, raising the cost of smoking is the best way to reduce smoking. A good example of this can be seen in a comparison of countries with little or no tax on tobacco products with those with high taxes. Indonesia famously has a particularly high number of smokers and the main reason for this is that the tobacco lobbies have blocked tax legislation, keeping the price of a pack below a dollar. In many European countries, smoking is on the decline because few can justify paying more than ten dollars for a pack of cigarettes.
In conclusion, although it might have a negative impact on the economy and jobs, raising taxes on tobacco related goods will reduce smoking. If more governments embraced this approach, they would reap future rewards in reduced spending for medicare.
Word count: 260
IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis (Smoking)
1. Some have suggested that the best method of reducing the number of smokers is for governments to raise taxes. 2. Although there are economic disadvantages, I believe that this will have the greatest impact.
1. My first sentence restates what the topic is about. Don’t stress about making this sentence perfect – change some words and get quickly to your next sentence.
2. The next sentence is my opinion. This sentence is opinion though you can write it very quickly. Don’t sit in the middle, have an opinion! You will repeat it again in your conclusion.
1. The economic disadvantage of increasing taxes on smoking is that it will hurt the large tobacco industries in countries like the United States. 2. In the USA, Phillip Morris, the largest tobacco company in the world, provides thousands of jobs and pays large taxes on its revenue to prop up state and federal budgets. 3. If taxes on tobacco had their desired effect then many people would lose their jobs and budgets would be slashed. 4. This is a sacrifice that many might be willing to accept but that would be nonetheless negative.
1. My first sentence is the topic sentence for the paragraph that has two parts: the topic (increasing taxes on smoking) and the main idea (will hurt businesses).
2. The second sentence begins my example right away. Don’t waste time – if you are only writing about 250 words you need to get to your example fast to be able to fully develop it.
3. My third sentence continues the example by describing the specific effect.
4. The next sentence concludes the paragraph by saying that this will have a negative effect (though some might not mind).
1. Despite the aforementioned drawbacks, raising the cost of smoking is the best way to reduce smoking. 2. A good example of this can be seen in a comparison of countries with little or no tax on tobacco products with those with high taxes. 3. Indonesia famously has a particularly high number of smokers and the main reason for this is that the tobacco lobbies have blocked tax legislation, keeping the price of a pack below a dollar. 4. In many European countries, smoking is on the decline because few can justify paying more than ten dollars for a pack of cigarettes.
1. My first sentence is another topic sentence with topic (increasing taxes) with the main idea (best way to reduct smoking). Focus on one main idea per paragraph because you don’t have the space or time to develop another main idea.
2. The second sentence introduces my example of countries where smoking is cheap.
3. My third sentence makes the example even more specific by talking about Indonesia. Be as specific as possible!
4. The fourth sentence concludes the paragraph by detailing how countries with higher taxes also see a decline in smoking.
1. In conclusion, although it might have a negative impact on the economy and jobs, raising taxes on tobacco related goods will reduce smoking. 2. If more governments embraced this approach, they would reap future rewards in reduced spending for medicare.
1. My first sentence restates my overall opinion. Be crystal clear – never sit in the middle or be unclear!
2. The final sentence puts forth an extra detail to the paragraph that many examiners will require for at least band 7 for task achievement.
Sample Answer Vocabulary
What do the words below in bold mean? If you’re not sure, try not to use a dictionary – try to figure out the meaning from the whole sentence then check your answers below!
Some have suggested that the best method of reducing the number of smokers is for governments to raise taxes. Although there are economic disadvantages, I believe that this will have the greatest impact.
The economic disadvantage of increasing taxes on smoking is that it will hurt the large tobacco industries in countries like the United States. In the USA, Phillip Morris, the largest tobacco company in the world, provides thousands of jobs and pays large taxes on its revenue to prop up state and federal budgets. If taxes on tobacco had their desired effect then many people would lose their jobs and budgets would be slashed. This is a sacrifice that many might be willing to accept but that would be nonetheless negative.
Despite the aforementioneddrawbacks, raising the cost of smoking is the best way to reduce smoking. A good example of this can be seen in a comparison of countries with little or no tax on tobacco products with those with high taxes. Indonesia famously has a particularly high number of smokers and the main reason for this is that the tobacco lobbies have blockedtax legislation, keeping the price of a pack below a dollar. In many European countries, smoking is on the decline because few can justify paying more than ten dollars for a pack of cigarettes.
In conclusion, although it might have a negative impact on the economy and jobs, raising taxes on tobacco related goods will reduce smoking. If more governments embraced this approach, they would reap future rewards in reduced spending for medicare.
Answers:
raise: increase
greatest impact: largest effect
industries: businesses
revenue: total money earned
prop up: support
federal budgets: money for the national government to spend
desired effect: intended impact
budgets would be slashed: governments would have to cut spending
sacrifice: reluctantly lose something
nonetheless: despite this
aforementioneddrawbacks: disadvantages written about before
particularly: especially
lobbies: groups representing the interests of businesses
blockedtax legislation: stopped taxes from being enacted
pack: box of cigarettes
on the decline: decreasing
justify: rationalise, do because of
reap rewards: get back something good
reduced spending: less money used on
medicare: medical care
Pronunciation
reɪz
ˈgreɪtɪstˈɪmpækt.
ˈɪndəstriz
ˈrɛvɪnjuːtuːprɒpʌp
ˈfɛdərəlˈbʌʤɪts
dɪˈzaɪədɪˈfɛkt
ˈbʌʤɪtswʊdbiːslæʃt
ˈsækrɪfaɪs
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs
əˌfɔːˈmɛnʃəndˈdrɔːbæks
pəˈtɪkjʊləli
ˈlɒbiz
blɒkttæksˌlɛʤɪsˈleɪʃən
pæk
ɒnðədɪˈklaɪn
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪ
riːp
rɪˈwɔːdz
rɪˈdjuːstˈspɛndɪŋ
ˈmɛdɪkeər
Vocabulary Practice
Remember and fill in the blanks:
Some have suggested that the best method of reducing the number of smokers is for governments to ____________ taxes. Although there are economic disadvantages, I believe that this will have the ____________.
The economic disadvantage of increasing taxes on smoking is that it will hurt the large tobacco ____________ in countries like the United States. In the USA, Phillip Morris, the largest tobacco company in the world, provides thousands of jobs and pays large taxes on its ____________ to ____________ state and ____________. If taxes on tobacco had their____________ then many people would lose their jobs and____________. This is a ____________ that many might be willing to accept but that would be ____________ negative.
Despite the ____________, raising the cost of smoking is the best way to reduce smoking. A good example of this can be seen in a comparison of countries with little or no tax on tobacco products with those with high taxes. Indonesia famously has a ____________ high number of smokers and the main reason for this is that the tobacco ____________ have ____________, keeping the price of a ____________ below a dollar. In many European countries, smoking is____________ because few can ____________ paying more than ten dollars for a pack of cigarettes.
In conclusion, although it might have a negative impact on the economy and jobs, raising taxes on tobacco related goods will reduce smoking. If more governments embraced this approach, they would ____________ future ____________ in ____________ for ____________.
This is an IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer from the real exam about a process or diagram related to generating electricity (taken from MacMillan IELTS Writing).
Processes are always a bit tricky and you should spend some time studying them in case if they come up on your exam.
They are rarer on IELTS than the graphs and charts but there is still a good chance you will end up with a graph!
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The diagram below shows the process of electricity production.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Process/Diagram
The process details the steps in the production of electricity. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that energy production involves the combination of coal and oxygen undergoing various chemical processes including heating that result in gases that then power two different types of turbines to produce electricity.
In the earliest stages, coal is transported by ramp to a furnace where it is heated and combined with oxygen. The waste byproduct of this is slag and the desired gas (raw syngas) is then sent for removal of its harmful contaminants, CO2, mercury, and sulphur, before the purified gas is used to run a gas turbine connected to a generator. This is the first way that elecrtricity is created.
However, the gas turbine using the purified syngas also produces excess hot gases and these are utilised in a heat recovery steam generator (which releases flue gases into the atmosphere). The generator produces steam which turns the turbines of a steam turbine to generate additional electricity.
Word count: 166
IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis
1. The process details the steps in the production of electricity. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that energy production involves the combination of coal and oxygen undergoing various chemical processes including heating that result in gases that then power two different types of turbines to produce electricity.
1. My first sentence paraphrases what the process is about. Write this sentence quickly because it isn’t really all that important compared to the sentences that come later.
2. This is the most important sentence of your writing. You can put it here or write it in a conclusion. For a process, try to divide it up into 2, 3 or 4 main stages and describe those stages in some way. Don’t include too much detail but don’t simply write the number of stages – that is not specific enough!
1. In the earliest stages, coal is transported by ramp to a furnace where it is heated and combined with oxygen. 2. The waste byproduct of this is slag and the desired gas (raw syngas) is then sent for removal of its harmful contaminants, CO2, mercury, and sulphur, before the purified gas is used to run a gas turbine connected to a generator. 3. This is the first way that elecrtricity is created.
1. The first sentence begins with the first stages of the process.
2. My second sentence continues to describe it. Try to have a mix of long and short sentences to show off your range of grammar but also keep your writing clear.
3. The final sentence sums up how electricity is made (one way).
1. However, the gas turbine using the purified syngas also produces excess hot gases and these are utilised in a heat recovery steam generator (which releases flue gases into the atmosphere). 2. The generator produces steam which turns the turbines of a steam turbine to generate additional electricity.
1. The first sentence continues the process by showing the other way electricity is produced.
2. The second sentence finishes the essay. You do not need a conclusion (unless if you didn’t write an overview yet).
Sample Answer Vocabulary
Figure out what the words in bold mean by reading the sentences around them. Write down the meaning and then check your answers below.
The process details the steps in the production of electricity. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that energy production involves the combination of coal and oxygen undergoing various chemical processes including heating that result in gases that then power two different types of turbines to produce electricity.
In the earliest stages, coal is transported by ramp to a furnace where it is heated and combined with oxygen. The waste byproduct of this is slag and the desired gas (raw syngas) is then sent for removal of its harmful contaminants, CO2, mercury, and sulphur, before the purified gas is used to run a gas turbine connected to a generator. This is the first way that elecrtricity is created.
However, the gas turbine using the purified syngas also produces excess hot gases and these are utilised in a heat recovery steam generator (which releases flue gases into the atmosphere). The generator produces steam which turns the turbines of a steam turbine to generate additional electricity.
Answers:
details: describes
overall perspective: overview/generally
readily apparent: very clear
involves: has to do with
combination: mixes
undergoing: goes through
chemical processes: related to the transformation of the substances
result in: leads to
power: makes it work (the verb form of power)
In the earliest stages: at the beginning
ramp: a long plank leading upwards to transport something
furnace: a hot chamber for creating heat
byproduct: secondary or unintended result
slag: the byproduct of some processes/trash basically
syngas: a fuel gas mixture
removal: takes out of
harmful contaminants: pollutants
purified gas: clean gas
run: works on/is powered by
gas turbine: a machine that produces energy from gas
generator: a machine that creates electricity
excess hot gases: extra gas produced in the process
utilised: used for
atmosphere: the air
steam: hot air
Pronunciation:
ˈdiːteɪlz
ˈəʊvərɔːlpəˈspɛktɪv
ˈrɛdɪliəˈpærənt
ɪnˈvɒlvz
ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən
ˌʌndəˈgəʊɪŋ
ˈkɛmɪkəlˈprəʊsɛsɪz
rɪˈzʌltɪn
ˈpaʊə
ɪnðiˈɜːlɪɪstˈsteɪʤɪz
ræmp
ˈfɜːnɪs
ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkt
slæg
syngas
rɪˈmuːvəl
ˈhɑːmfʊlkənˈtæmɪnənts
ˈpjʊərɪfaɪdgæs
rʌn
gæsˈtɜːbɪn
ˈʤɛnəreɪtə
ɪkˈsɛshɒtˈgæsɪz
ˈjuːtɪˌlaɪzd
ˈætməsfɪə
stiːm
Vocabulary Practice
Remember and fill in the blanks:
The process ______________ the steps in the production of electricity. Looking from an ______________, it is ______________ that energy production ______________ the ______________ of coal and oxygen ______________ various ______________ including heating that ______________ gases that then ______________ two different types of turbines to produce electricity.
______________, coal is transported by ______________ to a ______________ where it is heated and combined with oxygen. The waste ______________ of this is ______________ and the desired gas (raw ______________) is then sent for ______________ of its ______________, CO2, mercury, and sulphur, before the ______________ is used to ______________ a ______________ connected to a ______________. This is the first way that elecrtricity is created.
However, the gas turbine using the purified syngas also produces ______________ and these are ______________ in a heat recovery steam generator (which releases flue gases into the ______________). The generator produces ______________ which turns the turbines of a steam turbine to generate additional electricity.
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