IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Family and the Home

by Dave | Aug 2, 2019 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from the real IELTS exam concerned with the topic of family and moving out of the home.

Questions about family are fairly common on IELTS and could come up in listening, reading, writing, or (most likely) speaking.

Read my sample answer below and practice some of the vocabulary related to family!

Here is some review on IELTS Task 2 Writing structures.

These are some other IELTS Task 2 Writing Sample Answers that I wrote!

Consider supporing my efforts to write these essays but signing up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer (Family and the Home)

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.

It has become increasingly prevalent for young adults to leave home before getting married. In my opinion, this is a positive trend taken as a whole because it fosters independence but it can have rare debilitating financial drawbacks.

The main drawback to moving out early is losing a parental safety net that safeguards financial stability. In large cities such as New York, real estate prices are so high that without  a high-paying job you will struggle to contend with rent, food, transportation costs, and allowances for leisure activities. It is even possible that these hardships could prove overwhelming and pride may prevent your from going back to your parents. These individuals might end up taking a job with a low salary or that is not their passion.

The aforementioned drawbacks are the exceptions; the majority of people who move out are successful because they become self-reliant. A standout example of this is the typical American university student. Most students leave their parental home at 18 and never look back. These students take their first baby steps towards looking after themselves by doing their own laundry, managing their finances to an extent, and taking on campus employment. Once they graduate from university they will likely take over their entire financial outlay. This means they must find a good job and spend more responsibly. These qualities, of frugality and responsibility, will serve them well in their lives and increase their odds of future success.

In conclusion, the majority benefit from the added responsibility that leaving home brings. To encourage more people to move out parents should provide a degree of financial support when necessary but focus moreso on fostering their children’s independence.

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis (Family and the Home)

1. It has become increasingly prevalent for young adults to leave home before getting married. 2. In my opinion, this is a positive trend taken as a whole because it fosters independence but it can have rare debilitating financial drawbacks.

1. My first sentence simple  restates the main topic for the whole essay. If you misunderstand the question and write about the wrong topic you will end up with a band 3, 4, or 5 maximum for task achievement! Spend some time carefully reading the question but then write this sentence fast because you are simply paraphrasing.

2. The next sentence is my opinion. Make your opinion 100% clear or you could get a task achievement band 5! (And repeat it again in the conclusion later.)

1. The main drawback to moving out early is losing a parental safety net that safeguards financial stability. 2. In large cities such as New York, real estate prices are so high that without  a high-paying job you will struggle to contend with rent, food, transportation costs, and allowances for leisure activities. 3. It is even possible that these hardships could prove overwhelming and pride may prevent your from going back to your parents. 4. These individuals might end up taking a job with a low salary or that is not their passion.

1. The first sentence is the topic sentence for the paragraph that contains my main idea (financial stability). My whole paragraph will focus on this one idea!

2. My second sentence explains some of the costs that can come up in life.

3. The third sentence describes the possible results of financial hardships.

4. My final sentence describes the results. Don’t make statements that are too strong – for example, don’t say ‘People will then turn to crime’ because this is both factually incorrect and much too strong of a statement for a short essay!

1. The aforementioned drawbacks are the exceptions; the majority of people who move out are successful because they become self-reliant. 2. A standout example of this is the typical American university student. 3. Most students leave their parental home at 18 and never look back. 4. These students take their first baby steps towards looking after themselves by doing their own laundry, managing their finances to an extent, and taking on campus employment. 5. Once they graduate from university they will likely take over their entire financial outlay. 6. This means they must find a good job and spend more responsibly. 7. These qualities, of frugality and responsibility, will serve them well in their lives and increase their odds of future success.

1. The first sentence is another topic sentence with my new main idea: moving out makes young adults more self-reliant.

2. My second sentence starts my example.

3. The third sentence continues to develop this example.

4. My fourth sentence also further develops the example by describing the tasks they must do independently.

5. The fifth sentence also continues this example by introducing finances.

6. My sixth sentence focuses on what they must do to meet their financial obligations.

7. The final sentence concludes how these qualities will help them in a more general sense.

1. In conclusion, the majority benefit from the added responsibility that leaving home brings. 2. To encourage more people to move out parents should provide a degree of financial support when necessary but focus moreso on fostering their children’s independence.

1. My first sentence repeats my overall opinion. Be crystal clear – don’t sit in the middle!

2. The final sentence adds 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 in bold mean? If you’re not sure, don’t use a dictionary – try to figure out the meaning from the whole sentence then check your answers below!

It has become increasingly prevalent for young adults to leave home before getting married. In my opinion, this is a positive trend taken as a whole because it fosters independence but it can have rare debilitating financial drawbacks.

The main drawback to moving out early is losing a parental safety net that safeguards financial stability. In large cities such as New York, real estate prices are so high that without  a high-paying job you will struggle to contend with rent, food, transportation costs, and allowances for leisure activities. It is even possible that these hardships could prove overwhelming and pride may prevent your from going back to your parents. These individuals might end up taking a job with a low salary or that is not their passion.

The aforementioned drawbacks are the exceptions; the majority of people who move out are successful because they become self-reliant. A standout example of this is the typical American university student. Most students leave their parental home at 18 and never look back. These students take their first baby steps towards looking after themselves by doing their own laundry, managing their finances to an extent, and taking on campus employment. Once they graduate from university they will likely take over their entire financial outlay. This means they must find a good job and spend more responsibly. These qualities, of frugality and responsibility, will serve them well in their lives and increase their odds of future success.

In conclusion, the majority benefit from the added responsibility that leaving home brings. To encourage more people to move out parents should provide a degree of financial support when necessary but focus moreso on fostering their children’s independence.

Answers:

increasingly prevalent: more and more common

young adults: young people

taken as a whole: considered overall

fosters independence: encourages them to be self-reliant

rare debilitating financial drawbacks: uncommon very bad consequences for their money

safety net: something to protect you in bad times

safeguards: protects from

financial stability: regular income

high-paying job: making a lot of money in your work

struggle: have difficulty with

contend: deal with

allowances: exceptions/money set aside

hardships: difficult times

prove overwhelming: be too much to get past

pride: feelings of self-worth

end up: finally be

passion: love for something

aforementioned drawback: previously stated negative

self-reliant: don’t need help from others

A standout example of this is the typical: A good example of this is the average

parental home: their parent’s home

never look back: do no return

first baby steps: early, basic stages

to an extent: not fully/somewhat

taking on: assuming responsibility for

take over: be in charge of

financial outlay: the amount of money you have to spend

spend more responsibly: spend your money more wisely

frugality: not spending a lot of money

serve them well: work well for them

increase their odds of: make it more likely that

provide a degree of financial support: help out with money somewhat

focus moreso: instead concentrate on

fostering their children’s independence: encouraging their children to be more responsible

Pronunciation

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈprɛvələnt 

jʌŋ ˈædʌlts 

ˈteɪkən æz ə həʊl 

ˈfɒstəz ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns 

reə dɪˈbɪlɪteɪtɪŋ faɪˈnænʃəl ˈdrɔːbæks 

ˈseɪfti nɛt 

ˈseɪfgɑːdz 

faɪˈnænʃəl stəˈbɪlɪti:  

haɪ–ˈpeɪɪŋ ʤɒb 

ˈstrʌgl 

kənˈtɛnd 

əˈlaʊənsɪz 

ˈhɑːdʃɪps 

pruːv ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ 

praɪd 

ɛnd ʌp 

ˈpæʃən 

əˌfɔːˈmɛnʃənd ˈdrɔːbæk 

sɛlf–rɪˈlaɪənt 

ə ˈstændaʊt ɪgˈzɑːmpl ɒv ðɪs ɪz ðə ˈtɪpɪk(ə)l 

pəˈrɛntl həʊm 

ˈnɛvə lʊk bæk 

fɜːst ˈbeɪbi stɛps 

tuː ən ɪksˈtɛnt 

ˈteɪkɪŋ ɒn 

teɪk ˈəʊvə 

faɪˈnænʃəl ˈaʊtleɪ 

spɛnd mɔː rɪsˈpɒnsəbli 

fru(ː)ˈgælɪti 

sɜːv ðɛm wɛl 

ˈɪnkriːs ðeər ɒdz ɒv 

prəˈvaɪd ə dɪˈgriː ɒv faɪˈnænʃəl səˈpɔːt 

ˈfəʊkəs mɔːsəʊ 

ˈfɒstərɪŋ ðeə ˈʧɪldrənz ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəns

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

It has become _________________ for _________________ to leave home before getting married. In my opinion, this is a positive trend _________________ because it _________________ but it can have _________________.

The main drawback to moving out early is losing a parental _________________ that _________________. In large cities such as New York, real estate prices are so high that without  a _________________ you will _________________ to _________________ with rent, food, transportation costs, and _________________ for leisure activities. It is even possible that these _________________ could _________________ and _________________ may prevent your from going back to your parents. These individuals might _________________ taking a job with a low salary or that is not their _________________.

The _________________ are the exceptions; the majority of people who move out are successful because they become _________________. _________________ American university student. Most students leave their _________________ at 18 and _________________. These students take their _________________ towards looking after themselves by doing their own laundry, managing their finances _________________, and _________________ campus employment. Once they graduate from university they will likely _________________ their entire _________________. This means they must find a good job and _________________. These qualities, of _________________ and responsibility, will _________________ in their lives and _________________ future success.

In conclusion, the majority benefit from the added responsibility that leaving home brings. To encourage more people to move out parents should _________________ when necessary but _________________ on _________________.

Family Links from YouTube and Articles

The Left-Behind Children

Mom vs Dad: What did you Inherit

Mr. Trump, Meet my Family

Comment below  – write your own essay and I will give you some feedback!

If you want more helpful resources check out my private Facebook group, my YouTube channel and my Instagram – keep up to date with your English and your IELTS!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Crime and the Police (Real IELTS Exam)

by Dave | Jul 23, 2019 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from the real IELTS exam about the topic of crime, which comes up frequently on the test.

These questions are really common in the writing test and can come up on IELTS speaking as well.

Read my sample answer below and practice some of the vocabulary related to crime!

Here is some review on IELTS Task 2 Writing structures.

These are some other IELTS Task 2 Writing Sample Answers that I wrote!

Consider supporing my efforts to write these essays but signing up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer (Crime and the Police)

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. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many countries today are grappling with the best ways to curb rising crime rates and some have suggested that increased police presence on the streets is the optimal solution. Although I think this would have a positive effect for obvious reasons, the best solution is more nuanced and requires a deeper understanding of the sources underlying crime.

There is little doubt that employing greater numbers of police officers will have an adverse affect on criminality. One of the best examples of this would be in New York City under Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the late 1980s and early 90s. At that time, New York was a haven for criminals and many areas of the city were deemed too dangerous by residents to safely live in or walk through at night. One of the many measures that Giuliani used to reduce crime was significantly increasing the number of police officers during his time in office. This led to a reciprocal decline in crime and made the tourist-heavy neighbourhoods almost entirely safe and the rougher districts at least passably crime-free.

The above-mentioned measures were only effective because administrators also tackled the root causes of crime. It is generally agreed upon that the principle causes of crime are related to education indirectly and poverty more directly. If you look at countries with extremely low poverty and unemployment rates, such as Japan, you will see correspondingly low rates of crime. In Japan, this begins with one of the world’s most renowned educational systems. Students graduate from high school and university with immediately employable skills and most are employed throughout their lifetimes. Since they have money to afford a good standard of living there is little incentive for criminal behaviour and the crime rate is among the lowest in the world.

In conclusion, the best way to reduce crime in the long-term is to invest more in education and the economy to stimulate job growth and address the catalysts spurring on crime. Any government that is serious about making their country a safer place must first take steps to improve their educational system as that will have the largest impact on creating the stable jobs that discourage criminality in all its forms.

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis (Crime and the Police)

1. Many countries today are grappling with the best ways to curb rising crime rates and some have suggested that increased police presence on the streets is the optimal solution. 2. Although I think this would have a positive effect for obvious reasons, the best solution is more nuanced and requires a deeper understanding of the sources underlying crime.

1. My first sentence quickly restates the topic for the essay – spend a lot of time understanding the question correctly but don’t waste time writing this sentence – it isn’t that important!

2. Next is my opinion. State your opinion 100% clearly or you could get a task achievement band 5!

1. There is little doubt that employing greater numbers of police officers will have an adverse affect on criminality. 2. One of the best examples of this would be in New York City under Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the late 1980s and early 90s. 3. At that time, New York was a haven for criminals and many areas of the city were deemed too dangerous by residents to safely live in or walk through at night. 4. One of the many measures that Giuliani used to reduce crime was significantly increasing the number of police officers during his time in office. 5. This led to a reciprocal decline in crime and made the tourist-heavy neighbourhoods almost entirely safe and the rougher districts at least passably crime-free.

1. The first sentence is my topic sentence with the topic (police on the street) and my main idea (negative effect on crime).

2. My second sentence already begins my example. Don’t waste time – run right to your example as fast as you can!

3. The third sentence further develops the same example – don’t run away from the example – stick with it!

4. My fourth sentence continues to develop the same example.

5. Even my fifth sentence develops this same example! You can also include a conclusion sentence for the paragraph if you have time.

1. The above-mentioned measures were only effective because administrators also tackled the root causes of crime. 2. It is generally agreed upon that the principle causes of crime are related to education indirectly and poverty more directly. 3. If you look at countries with extremely low poverty and unemployment rates, such as Japan, you will see correspondingly low rates of crime. 4. In Japan, this begins with one of the world’s most renowned educational systems. 5. Students graduate from high school and university with immediately employable skills and most are employed throughout their lifetimes. 6. Since they have money to afford a good standard of living there is little incentive for criminal behaviour and the crime rate is among the lowest in the world.

1. The first sentence is again the topic sentence for the paragraph with my main idea – tackling the root causes of crime.

2. My second sentence explains my main idea before I get to my example.

3. The third sentence begins my example by mentioning Japan and why its crime is so low.

4. My fourth sentence continues to develop the answer about Japan.

5. The fifth sentence still continues describing the example of Japan.

6. My sixth sentence concludes the example and paragraph.

1. In conclusion, the best way to reduce crime in the long-term is to invest more in education and the economy to stimulate job growth and address the catalysts spurring on crime. 2. Any government that is serious about making their country a safer place must first take steps to improve their educational system as that will have the largest impact on creating the stable jobs that discourage criminality in all its forms.

1. My first sentence says my opinions for the second time. Be clear! Don’t sit in the middle with your opinion, you must choose a side!

2. The second sentence adds 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 in bold mean? If you’re not sure, don’t use a dictionary – try to figure out the meaning from the whole sentence then check your answers below!

Many countries today are grappling with the best ways to curb rising crime rates and some have suggested that increased police presence on the streets is the optimal solution. Although I think this would have a positive effect for obvious reasons, the best solution is more nuanced and requires a deeper understanding of the sources underlying crime.

There is little doubt that employing greater numbers of police officers will have an adverse effect on criminality. One of the best examples of this would be in New York City under Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the late 1980s and early 90s. At that time, New York was a haven for criminals and many areas of the city were deemed too dangerous by residents to safely live in or walk through at night. One of the many measures that Giuliani used to reduce crime was significantly increasing the number of police officers during his time in office. This led to a reciprocal decline in crime and made the tourist-heavy neighbourhoods almost entirely safe and the rougher districts at least passably crime-free.

The above-mentioned measures were only effective because administrators also tackled the root causes of crime. It is generally agreed upon that the principle causes of crime are related to education indirectly and poverty more directly. If you look at countries with extremely low poverty and unemployment rates, such as Japan, you will see correspondingly low rates of crime. In Japan, this begins with one of the world’s most renowned educational systems. Students graduate from high school and university with immediately employable skills and most are employed throughout their lifetimes. Since they have money to afford a good standard of living there is little incentive for criminal behaviour and the crime rate is among the lowest in the world.

In conclusion, the best way to reduce crime in the long-term is to invest more in education and the economy to stimulate job growth and address the catalysts spurring on crime. Any government that is serious about making their country a safer place must first take steps to improve their educational system as that will have the largest impact on creating the stable jobs that discourage criminality in all its forms.

Answers:

grappling with: strugglling with/fighting

curb: slow down

crime rates: the level of crime

increased police presence: more police on the streets

optimal solution: best way of dealing with

obvious reasons: clear, definite justifications

nuanced: complex

requires a deeper understanding: needs more study/analysis

underlying: root causes/foundation

There is little doubt that: no question that

adverse effect: negative impact

criminality: crime

under: while someone serves in office (under Obama, Trump, Napoleon, etc.)

haven: safe place for

deemed: considered/thought to be

measures: methods

reciprocal decline: related decrease

tourist-heavy neighbourhoods: areas where tourists frequent

rougher districts at least passably crime-free: dangerous areas at least mostly free of crime

above-mentioned: said before

administrators: people working in offices/government

tackled: combatted

root causes: sources

principle causes: main reasons

indirectly: not directly

poverty: being poor

directly: from a clearly identified source

unemployment rates: the number of people without jobs

correspondingly: related

most renowned educational systems: good schools

employable skills: skills that help you to get a job

lifetimes: as long as you live

good standard of living: good quality of life

little incentive: no reason for

long-term: over a long period of time

stimulate job growth: increase the number of jobs for people

catalysts spurring on: causes leading to

take steps: take action towards

stable jobs: good jobs that don’t go away easily

discourage criminality in all its forms: decrease all crimes

Pronunciation

ˈgræplɪŋ wɪð 

kɜːb 

kraɪm reɪts 

ɪnˈkriːst pəˈliːs ˈprɛzns 

ˈɒptɪməl səˈluːʃən 

ˈɒbvɪəs ˈriːznz 

nju(ː)ˈɑːnst 

rɪˈkwaɪəz ə ˈdiːpər ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ 

ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ 

ðeər ɪz ˈlɪtl daʊt ðæt 

ˈædvɜːs ɪˈfɛkt 

ˌkrɪmɪˈnælɪti 

ˈʌndə 

ˈheɪvn 

diːmd 

ˈmɛʒəz 

rɪˈsɪprəkəl dɪˈklaɪn 

ˈtʊərɪst–ˈhɛvi ˈneɪbəhʊdz 

ˈrʌfə ˈdɪstrɪkts æt liːst ˈpɑːsəbli kraɪm–friː 

əˈbʌvˈmɛnʃ(ə)nd 

ədˈmɪnɪstreɪtəz 

ˈtækld 

ruːt ˈkɔːzɪz 

ˈprɪnsəpl ˈkɔːzɪz 

ˌɪndɪˈrɛktli 

ˈpɒvəti 

dɪˈrɛktli 

ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪmənt reɪts 

ˌkɒrɪsˈpɒndɪŋli 

məʊst rɪˈnaʊnd ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl ˈsɪstɪmz 

ɪmˈplɔɪəbl skɪlz 

ˈlaɪftaɪmz 

gʊd ˈstændəd ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ 

ˈlɪtl ɪnˈsɛntɪv 

ˈlɒŋtɜːm 

ˈstɪmjʊleɪt ʤɒb grəʊθ 

ˈkætəlɪsts ˈspɜːrɪŋ ɒn 

teɪk stɛps 

ˈsteɪbl ʤɒbz 

dɪsˈkʌrɪʤ ˌkrɪmɪˈnælɪti ɪn ɔːl ɪts fɔːmz

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many countries today are _____________ the best ways to _____________ rising _____________ and some have suggested that _____________ on the streets is the _____________. Although I think this would have a positive effect for  _____________, the best solution is more _____________ and _____________ of the sources _____________ crime.

_____________ employing greater numbers of police officers will have an _____________ on  _____________. One of the best examples of this would be in New York City  _____________ Mayor Rudy Giuliani during the late 1980s and early 90s. At that time, New York was a _____________ for criminals and many areas of the city were _____________ too dangerous by residents to safely live in or walk through at night. One of the many _____________ that Giuliani used to reduce crime was significantly increasing the number of police officers during his time in office. This led to a _____________ in crime and made the _____________ almost entirely safe and the _____________.

The _____________ measures were only effective because _____________ also _____________ the _____________ of crime. It is generally agreed upon that the _____________ of crime are related to education _____________ and _____________ more  _____________. If you look at countries with extremely low poverty and _____________, such as Japan, you will see _____________ low rates of crime. In Japan, this begins with one of the world’s _____________. Students graduate from high school and university with immediately _____________ and most are employed throughout their  _____________. Since they have money to afford a _____________ there is _____________ for criminal behaviour and the crime rate is among the lowest in the world.

In conclusion, the best way to reduce crime in the _____________ is to invest more in education and the economy to _____________ and address the _____________ crime. Any government that is serious about making their country a safer place must first _____________ to improve their educational system as that will have the largest impact on creating the _____________ that _____________.

Crime Links from YouTube and Articles

Why Japan’s Crime Rate Is So Low

CRIME:The Animated Series – Marcus Mcghee – MOCAtv (Explicit Language)

Why should you read “Crime and Punishment”? – Alex Gendler

Comment below – Have you ever committed a crime?

Lots of times! I remember once I …

Just the once … 

Yeah, a few times…

What?! I’d never…

If you want more helpful resources check out my private Facebook group, my YouTube channel and my Instagram – keep up to date with your English and your IELTS (and up to date with me)!

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Health Problems Individuals/Governments (Real IELTS Exam)

by Dave | Jul 6, 2019 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from the real IELTS exam about the topic of health, governments and individuals.

It is really common to get questions that show the conflict between individuals and the government/society/companies.

Keep reading to see how I deal with it and practice some useful grammar and vocabulary.

Here is some review on IELTS Task 2 Writing structures.

These are some other IELTS Task 2 Writing Sample Answers that I wrote!

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 – you can learn more here!

Get your writing marked here and learn about my new Patreon here.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Health Problems Individuals/Governments (Real IELTS Exam)

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.

There has been much recent policy advocacy related to what the proper role of governments in healthcare should be. Although I believe governments have begun to treat this issue with the seriousness it merits, the responsibility for taking care of one’s health should ultimately rest with individuals as they are more likely to stick with habits that they themselves have cultivated.

Those who favour strong governmental intervention often point out the role of the state in forming healthy eating habits through early intervention at public schools. In the United States, the vast majority of students attend state schools and in recent years the government has been implementing new policies aimed at curbing addiction to unhealthy foods. This means that they have reduced the total intake of saturated fats in school lunches and drastically cut down on sugar not only in prepared lunches but also in the ubiquitous vending machines placed around most schools. In the short term this has led to improved health for students but its true effect will be over the next several decades when these children grow up and are more likely to eschew fast food for the healthier alternatives now opening up to meet the growing demands of an increasingly health-conscious nation.

While there are clear benefits to governmental action, individuals are better at regulating their own behaviour in the long-term. People have always found ways to get around rules in order to satisfy their most basic desires, including those related to food. No matter what steps governments take, people will always crave unhealthy, delicious foods as our brains are hardwired to feel pleasure from saturated fats, carbohydrates, and sugar. For example, even a country like France, which has imposed strict rules over the food that children are served, is still facing an obesity crises. Therefore the only way for people to consistently combat poor health is to develop the discipline on their own. Individuals who make the choice to eat healthier are more likely to stick with this habit having worked out the reasons for themselves, rather than simply following a rule imposed by their schools at the behest of the government.

In conclusion, governments have a large role to play in public health but only individuals can take control of their own lives and make decisions that will truly benefit them in the future. In this case, the best solution is simply no solution. Standing back and allowing people to become more self-reliant will not only have more long-lasting effects but will also empower individuals in various other areas of their life to be more responsible.

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis

1. There has been much recent policy advocacy related to what the proper role of governments in healthcare should be. 2. Although I believe governments have begun to treat this issue with the seriousness it merits, the responsibility for taking care of one’s health should ultimately rest with individuals as they are more likely to stick with habits that they themselves have cultivated.

1. My first sentence quickly states the topic for the essay – spend a lot of time understanding the question correctly but don’t waste time writing this sentence – it isn’t that important!

2. Next is my opinion. State your opinion 100% clearly or you risk getting band 5 for task achievement!

1. Those who favour strong governmental intervention often point out the role of the state in forming healthy eating habits through early intervention at public schools. 2. In the United States, the vast majority of students attend state schools and in recent years the government has been implementing new policies aimed at curbing addiction to unhealthy foods. 3. This means that they have reduced the total intake of saturated fats in school lunches and drastically cut down on sugar not only in prepared lunches but also in the ubiquitous vending machines placed around most schools. 4. In the short term this has led to improved health for students but its true effect will be over the next several decades when these children grow up and are more likely to eschew fast food for the healthier alternatives now opening up to meet the growing demands of an increasingly health-conscious nation.

1. The first sentence is a topic sentence with my main idea for the whole paragraph (governments had a large impact in schools). Write a short, simple topic sentence to make your writing clear to the examiner!

2. My second sentence starts my example. Don’t waste any time – get right to your example and start to develop it for a really high task achievement score.

3. The third sentence continues to develop my example by talking about the specific effects of healthy foods at school.

4. My fourth sentence concludes the examples by further talking about the impact later in life for students who develop healthy eating habits from a young age due to government intervention.

1. While there are clear benefits to governmental action, individuals are better at regulating their own behaviour in the long-term. 2. People have always found ways to get around rules in order to satisfy their most basic desires, including those related to food. 3. No matter what steps governments take, people will always crave unhealthy, delicious foods as our brains are hardwired to feel pleasure from saturated fats, carbohydrates, and sugar. 4. For example, even a country like France, which has imposed strict rules over the food that children are served, is still facing an obesity crises. 5. Therefore the only way for people to consistently combat poor health is to develop the discipline on their own. 6. Individuals who make the choice to eat healthier are more likely to stick with this habit having worked out the reasons for themselves, rather than simply following a rule imposed by their schools at the behest of the government.

1. My first sentence is the topic sentence for this paragraph – again, keep it short, simple and clear as this will help both your cohesion/coherence and task achievement scores!

2. The second sentence begins to develop my main idea by explaining why unhealthy eating is so common.

3. The third sentence develops my idea by giving a counter-example: even with government intervention people still eat unhealthily.

4. My fourth sentence gives a more specific example to support my argument.

5. The fifth sentence suggests that people need to develop their own habits.

6. The sixth sentence argues that people who develop their own habits are more likely to stick to them because they understand the reasoning behind them well.

1. In conclusion, governments have a large role to play in public health but only individuals can take control of their own lives and make decisions that will truly benefit them in the future. 2. In this case, the best solution is simply no solution. 3. Standing back and allowing people to become more self-reliant will not only have more long-lasting effects but will also empower individuals in various other areas of their life to be more responsible.

1. The first sentence repeats my opinion. Be sure to have a clear opinion (choose a side) and say it in both your introduction and conclusion for full task achievement and cohesion/coherence marks.

2. My second sentence adds further support for my opinion.

3. The third sentence adds an extra detail that many examiners require for band 7+ and above for task achievement. You only need 2 sentences in your conclusion – maximum 3! 

Sample Answer Vocabulary

What do the words in bold mean? If you’re not sure, don’t use a dictionary – try to figure out the meaning from the whole sentence then check your answers below!

There has been much recent policy advocacy related to what the proper role of governments in healthcare should be. Although I believe governments have begun to treat this issue with the seriousness it merits, the responsibility for taking care of one’s health should ultimately rest with individuals as they are more likely to stick with habits that they themselves have cultivated.

Those who favour strong governmental intervention often point out the role of the state in forming healthy eating habits through early intervention at public schools. In the United States, the vast majority of students attend state schools and in recent years the government has been implementing new policies aimed at curbing addiction to unhealthy foods. This means that they have reduced the total intake of saturated fats in school lunches and drastically cut down on sugar not only in prepared lunches but also in the ubiquitous vending machines placed around most schools. In the short term this has led to improved health for students but its true effect will be over the next several decades when these children grow up and are more likely to eschew fast food for the healthier alternatives now opening up to meet the growing demands of an increasingly health-conscious nation.

While there are clear benefits to governmental action, individuals are better at regulating their own behaviour in the long-term. People have always found ways to get around rules in order to satisfy their most basic desires, including those related to food. No matter what steps governments take, people will always crave unhealthy, delicious foods as our brains are hardwired to feel pleasure from saturated fats, carbohydrates, and sugar. For example, even a country like France, which has imposed strict rules over the food that children are served, is still facing an obesity crises. Therefore the only way for people to consistently combat poor health is to develop the discipline on their own. Individuals who make the choice to eat healthier are more likely to stick with this habit having worked out the reasons for themselves, rather than simply following a rule imposed by their schools at the behest of the government.

In conclusion, governments have a large role to play in public health but only individuals can take control of their own lives and make decisions that will truly benefit them in the future. In this case, the best solution is simply no solution. Standing back and allowing people to become more self-reliant will not only have more long-lasting effects but will also empower individuals in various other areas of their life to be more responsible.

Answers:

policy advocacy: supporting a policy

proper role: what you should be responsible for

the seriousness it merits: how important it really is

ultimately rest: finally must be responsible for

stick with: continue/maintain/keep up

cultivated: grown/made themselves

strong governmental intervention: the government making strong laws/policies

point out: argue/think

early intervention: taking action at an early stage

public schools: state funded schools

vast majority: most

implementing new policies: introducing new laws/rules

curbing: slowing down

total intake: the amount consumed

drastically cut down: decreased a lot

ubiquitous: common/everywhere

short term: not too far in the future

true effect: actual impact

eschew: avoid

healthier alternatives: more healthy options

meet the growing demands: supply the desires of consumers

increasingly health-conscious nation: a country more and more concerned with health

clear benefits: definite advantages

regulating: controlling

long-term: in the distant future

get around rules: avoid mandates

most basic desires: what people desire as humans

no matter what steps governments take: regardless of what governments try to do

crave: desire

hardwired: biologically fixed

imposed strict rules: enact harsh laws

served: given

facing an obesity crises: lots of fat people

consistently combat poor health: often unhealthy

discipline: punish

worked out: figure out

imposed: force

at the behest of the government: at the government’s request

large role: big part in

take control: be in charge

truly benefit: actual positive impact on

standing back: doing nothing

self-reliant: depending on only yourself

long-lasting effects: impact in the future

empower: give power

Pronunciation

ˈpɒlɪsi ˈædvəkəsi 

ˈprɒpə rəʊl 

ðə ˈsɪərɪəsnɪs ɪt ˈmɛrɪts 

ˈʌltɪmɪtli rɛst 

stɪk wɪð 

ˈkʌltɪveɪtɪd 

strɒŋ ˌgʌvənˈmɛntl ˌɪntə(ː)ˈvɛnʃən 

pɔɪnt aʊt 

ˈɜːli ˌɪntə(ː)ˈvɛnʃən 

ˈpʌblɪk skuːlz 

vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti 

ˈɪmplɪmɛntɪŋ njuː ˈpɒlɪsiz 

ˈkɜːbɪŋ 

ˈtəʊtl ˈɪnteɪk 

ˈdræstɪk(ə)li kʌt daʊn 

ju(ː)ˈbɪkwɪtəs 

ʃɔːt tɜːm 

truː ɪˈfɛkt 

ɪsˈʧuː 

ˈhɛlθɪər ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvz 

miːt ðə ˈgrəʊɪŋ dɪˈmɑːndz 

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli hɛlθ–ˈkɒnʃəs ˈneɪʃən 

klɪə ˈbɛnɪfɪts 

ˈrɛgjʊleɪtɪŋ 

ˈlɒŋtɜːm 

gɛt əˈraʊnd ruːlz 

məʊst ˈbeɪsɪk dɪˈzaɪəz 

nəʊ ˈmætə wɒt stɛps ˈgʌvnmənts teɪk 

kreɪv 

hɑːdˈwaɪəd 

ɪmˈpəʊzd strɪkt ruːlz 

sɜːvd 

ˈfeɪsɪŋ ən əʊˈbiːsɪti ˈkraɪsiːz 

kənˈsɪstəntli ˈkɒmbæt pʊə hɛlθ 

ˈdɪsɪplɪn 

wɜːkt aʊt 

ɪmˈpəʊzd 

æt ðə bɪˈhɛst ɒv ðə ˈgʌvnmənt 

lɑːʤ rəʊl 

teɪk kənˈtrəʊl 

ˈtruːli ˈbɛnɪfɪt 

ˈstændɪŋ bæk 

sɛlf–rɪˈlaɪənt 

lɒŋ–ˈlɑːstɪŋ ɪˈfɛkts 

ɪmˈpaʊə 
 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

There has been much recent ___________________ related to what the ___________________ of governments in healthcare should be. Although I believe governments have begun to treat this issue with ___________________, the responsibility for taking care of one’s health should ___________________ with individuals as they are more likely to ___________________ habits that they themselves have ___________________.

Those who favour ___________________ often ___________________ the role of the state in forming healthy eating habits through ___________________ at ___________________. In the United States, the ___________________ of students attend state schools and in recent years the government has been ___________________ aimed at ___________________ addiction to unhealthy foods. This means that they have reduced the ___________________ of saturated fats in school lunches and ___________________ on sugar not only in prepared lunches but also in the ___________________ vending machines placed around most schools. In the ___________________ this has led to improved health for students but its ___________________ will be over the next several decades when these children grow up and are more likely to ___________________ fast food for the ___________________ now opening up to ___________________ of an ___________________.

While there are ___________________ to governmental action, individuals are better at ___________________ their own behaviour in the ___________________. People have always found ways to ___________________ in order to satisfy their ___________________, including those related to food. ___________________, people will always ___________________ unhealthy, delicious foods as our brains are ___________________ to feel pleasure from saturated fats, carbohydrates, and sugar. For example, even a country like France, which has ___________________ over the food that children are ___________________, is still ___________________. Therefore the only way for people to ___________________ is to develop the discipline on their own. Individuals who make the choice to eat healthier are more likely to stick with this habit having ___________________ the reasons for themselves, rather than simply following a rule ___________________ by their schools ___________________.

In conclusion, governments have a ___________________ to play in public health but only individuals can ___________________ of their own lives and make decisions that will ___________________ them in the future. In this case, the best solution is simply no solution. ___________________ and allowing people to become more ___________________ will not only have more ___________________ but will also ___________________ individuals in various other areas of their life to be more responsible.

Links from YouTube and Articles

Which Diets Actually Work?

How the Food you Eat Affects your Brain

Myths You Learned in Health Class

Comment below – What are your most unhealthy habits?

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