IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Self-Employment (IELTS Cambridge 14)

by Dave | May 29, 2019 | Cambridge 14

This is an IELTS Cambridge 14 Sample Answer for task 2 writing from a real past past on the topic of work and self-employment.

If you want to get my best materials and support me, please sign up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Regardless of the country where you are currently living, this is probably a really pertinent question. It seems that everyone wants their own business – me included!

Read on to see how I dealt with it as well as for some vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar activities and more!

If you need some review on structures your can read about IELTS Task 2 Writing structure here.

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

Keep up the good work!

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Self-Employment (IELTS Cambridge 14)

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation. Why might this be the case? What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

An increasing number of people today are opting to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young entrepreneurs. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are lack of expertise and its overall effect on businesses.

The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its origin in widespread angel investment across a variety of industries. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a panel of investors and executives hear product pitches and compete to purchase stakes in budding entrepreneurs’ businesses. This show has launched a number of successful products by securing initial funding, which has led to a trickle down effect from this show: not only has it turned specific dreams into realities but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the main catalysts for the frenzy of self-run businesses popping up in recent years.

Though there are undoubtedly positives to all these start-up companies, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many poorly run businesses. For example, in recent years a number of ride-sharing apps including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. The established companies provide a functioning app with high-quality service to meet the growing demands of this industry. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves in over their heads with apps that barely function and driver shortages that specialise in inconveniencing customers. It would be better for the people starting these derivative businesses to either work in companies, gain valuable experience, look for gaps in the market, and then develop develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a cult of overconfidence. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing unrealisable ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products across the board as well as increased national economic prosperity.

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis

1. An increasing number of people today are opting to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young entrepreneurs. 2. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are lack of expertise and its overall effect on businesses.

1. The first sentence paraphrases the essay topic. This sentence is relatively unimportant so write it as fast your pen/pencil can fly!

2. My second sentence states my opinion – always have a CLEAR opinion or you risk getting band 5 for task achievement…

1. The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its origin in widespread angel investment across a variety of industries. 2. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a panel of investors and executives hear product pitches and compete to purchase stakes in budding entrepreneurs’ businesses. 3. This show has launched a number of successful products by securing initial funding, which has led to a trickle down effect from this show: not only has it turned specific dreams into realities but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the main catalysts for the frenzy of self-run businesses popping up in recent years.

1. My first sentence is a topic sentence that gives the main idea for the paragraph: investment has led to more entrepreneurs. 

2. My second sentence begins my example. Don’t waste any time getting to your example as it is all that really matters for your task achievement score!

3. The third sentence further develops and connects the example to my main idea. Usually I write longer paragraphs (and shorter sentences) but there are always exceptions! Aim for about 4 – 5 sentences per paragraph for your writing.

1. Though there are undoubtedly positives to all these start-up companies, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many poorly run businesses. 2. For example, in recent years a number of ride-sharing apps including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. 3. The established companies provide a functioning app with high-quality service to meet the growing demands of this industry. 4. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves in over their heads with apps that barely function and driver shortages that specialise in inconveniencing customers. 5. It would be better for the people starting these derivative businesses to either work in companies, gain valuable experience, look for gaps in the market, and then develop develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

1. The first sentence is another topic sentence with the idea for the paragraph: this development is bad because it results in bad businesses.

2. My second sentence again begins my example right away.

3. The third sentence continues to develop the example. Don’t run away from your examples – take some time to date them!

4. My fourth sentence also continues the same example. Notice all the great vocabulary that comes out of a specific, detailed example!

5. My fifth sentence focuses on the effect of the example and relates it back to my main idea.

1. In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a cult of overconfidence. 2. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing unrealisable ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products across the board as well as increased national economic prosperity.

1. My first sentence states my opinion for the second time and my main reason why: overconfidence.

2. I finish the essay with a suggestion for how to encourage this in the future. Be sure to have some extra detail/suggestion at the end of your writing beyond just a summary of your opinion!

Sample Answer Vocabulary

Try to figure out what the words in bold below mean. Don’t use a dictionary at first! See if you can write your own definition based on the sentence and then check in a dictionary. Guess if you have to but don’t cheat even if you want to!

An increasing number of people today are opting to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young entrepreneurs. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are lack of expertise and its overall effect on businesses.

The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its origin in widespread angel investment across a variety of industries. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a panel of investors and executives hear product pitches and compete to purchase stakes in budding entrepreneurs’ businesses. This show has launched a number of successful products by securing initial funding, which has led to a trickle down effect from this show: not only has it turned specific dreams into realities but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the main catalysts for the frenzy of self-run businesses popping up in recent years.

Though there are undoubtedly positives to all these start-up companies, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many poorly run businesses. For example, in recent years a number of ride-sharing apps including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. The established companies provide a functioning app with high-quality service to meet the growing demands of this industry. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves in over their heads with apps that barely function and driver shortages that specialise in inconveniencing customers. It would be better for the people starting these derivative businesses to either work in companies, gain valuable experience, look for gaps in the market, and then develop develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a cult of overconfidence. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing unrealisable ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products across the board as well as increased national economic prosperity.

Answers:

opting: choosing

entrepreneurs: people who start their own business

lack of expertise: not experts/skilled in an area

overall effect: the main impact of something

origin: cause/where it comes from

widespread: common

angel investment: early investment in a start-up company

panel of investors: group of people giving money to a product or service

product pitches: making a case/proposing a service or product

purchase stakes: buy a piece of a company

budding businesses: early/beginning/just forming businesses

launched products: started/premiered

securing initial funding: getting early money for something

trickle down effect: domino effect/effects other areas indirectly

dreams into realities: makes hopes/dreams comes true

main catalysts: primary causes

frenzy: lots of activity

popping up: appearing

Though there are undoubtedly positives: despite the fact there are advantages

start-up companies: companies that are just beginning

poorly run: not well managed

ride-sharing apps: applications on your phone to call a ride like Uber

established companies: well-known companies with good reputations

meet the growing demands: be able to provide a service for people who want it

in over their heads: beyond what they are capable of

barely function: hardly works at all

driver shortages: not enough drivers

specialise: focus on/become an expert in one area of

derivative: unoriginal

gain valuable experience: learn a lot

gaps in the market: areas where no company is meeting current demand/need

cult of overconfidence: lots of people being arrogant

unrealisable: impossible to make into a reality

across the board: everywhere/in all areas or industries

prosperity: wealth

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

An increasing number of people today are _______________ to start their own companies instead of working for a company mainly because of the increased support for young _______________. In my opinion, the main disadvantages of not having an employer are _______________ and its _______________ on businesses.

The number of self-employed is related to young entrepreneurs and has its _______________ in _______________ across a variety of industries. One well-known example of this can be seen on the popular show ‘Shark Tank,’ where a _______________ and executives hear _______________ and compete to _______________ in _______________ entrepreneurs’ _______________. This show has _______________  a number of successful _______________ by _______________, which has led to a _______________ from this show: not only has it turned specific _______________ but it also encourages viewers in general to be more ambitious and has therefore been one of the _______________ for the _______________of self-run businesses _______________ in recent years.

_______________ to all these _______________, I think that the overall impact is negative because it results in many _______________ businesses. For example, in recent years a number of _______________ including Uber, Grab, Lyft, Be, Go-Viet and countless others have sprung up. The _______________ provide a functioning app with high-quality service to _______________ of this industry. However, the majority of small start-ups find themselves _______________ with apps that _______________ and _______________ that _______________in inconveniencing customers. It would be better for the people starting these _______________businesses to either work in companies, _______________, look for _______________, and then develop develop worthy competitors or simply be content to have a good job in a good company that they do not own.

In conclusion, I feel that the rising number of new companies has led to a _______________. If more people were satisfied working for others rather than pursuing _______________ ambitions, this would likely lead to better consumer products _______________ as well as increased national economic _______________.

Links from YouTube and Articles

Worst Shark Tank Pitches

Brightwheel Pitch

Best Pitch Ever!

50 Entrepreneurs Share Priceless Advice 

Comment below – Do you want to open your own business someday?

I’m not into that sort of thing…

I’d make a great…

I’d give it a shot if …

No chance because …

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Railway Lines (Cambridge 12)

by Dave | May 27, 2019 | Cambridge 12

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer related to railway lines from the IELTS Cambridge 12 book of past practice tests.

The question itself isn’t very tricky – should cities invest more in new railway lines or update existing public transport?

But it’s probably not a topic that you have thought a lot about or have very strong opinions on.

No problem, you can still write about it! The key, as always, is to focus on one main idea per paragraph and fully developed support for that one main idea.

If you have more than one main idea, then it will be harder to fully support your answer!

Here are some more sample answers that I wrote.

If you want to get my best materials and support me, please sign up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Enjoy!

Dave

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer from Cambridge 12: Railyway Lines (by Dave)

In a number of countries, some people think it is necessary to spend large sums of money on constructing new railway lines for very fast trains between cities. Others believe the money should be spent on improving existing public transport.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Cambridge IELTS 12

Governments must always balance demands for newer modes of transport, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with maintaining current transportation infrastructure. In my opinion, the maintanence of current transport has a greater overall impact although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for commuters in the short-term.

The rationale for investing in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘bullet trains’ that allow residents to traverse the country in a matter of hours. This provides an economic boon by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient transnational travel, thereby making the country more tourist-friendly and helping to expand the industry.

Although I concede the above advantages, the majority of people are served by already existing forms of public transportation. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the exception compared with those travelling inside cities. These travellers rely on buses, subways and city streets to get around. Simple improvements or additions to a subway line impacts millions of people. A new bus route can help workers get to and from work more easily. Even the lowering of fares is a reform that would benefit less affluent travellers.

In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than publicity grabbing headlines, should focus on the most-used forms of public transport. In the future high speed rails may even become redundant as people commute less and transition to jobs based primarily online.

Analysis

1. Governments must always balance demands for newer modes of transport, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with maintaining current transportation infrastructure. 2. In my opinion, the maintenance of current transport has a greater overall impact although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for commuters in the short-term.

1. My first sentence repeats the overall topic. Change some words and write this sentence quickly.

2. The second sentence is my opinion – make sure that you opinion is 100% clear!

1. The rationale for investing in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. 2. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘bullet trains’ that allow residents to traverse the country in a matter of hours. 3. This provides an economic boon by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. 4. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient transnational travel, thereby making the country more tourist-friendly and helping to expand the industry.

1. My first sentence is a topic sentence that gives my main idea for this paragraph – it is easier to travel.

2. The second sentence begins my example. Start your example as soon as possible!

3. My third sentence develops the example.

4. The fourth sentence adds how this can help tourists as well as businessmen.

1. Although I concede the above advantages, the majority of people are served by already existing forms of public transportation. 2. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the exception compared with those travelling inside cities. 3. These travellers rely on buses, subways and city streets to get around. 4. Simple improvements or additions to a subway line impacts millions of people. 5. A new bus route can help workers get to and from work more easily. 6. Even the lowering of fares is a reform that would benefit less affluent travellers.

1. My first sentence is a topic sentence explaining that current transport is more important.

2. The second sentence compares this to the main idea from the paragraph below to show contrast.

3. My third sentence supports my main idea by detailing the transport that people in cities use. Be as specific as you can!

4. My fourth sentence explains how improving subways can help.

5. The fifth sentence describes how bus routes can also be helpful – specific!

6. My last sentence adds an additional reform to existing infrastructure that would have a large impact.

1. In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than publicity grabbing headlines, should focus on the most-used forms of public transport. 2. In the future high speed rails may even become redundant as people commute less and transition to jobs based primarily online.

1. My first sentence restates my overall opinion – be sure that you are very clear and don’t sit in the middle!

2. The second sentence gives an extra detail that many IELTS examiners require for band 7 and up.

Sample Answer Vocabulary

What do the phrases highlighted below mean in your own words? Is there a translation in your language?

Governments must always balance demands for newer modes of transport, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with maintaining current transportation infrastructure. In my opinion, the maintenance of current transport has a greater overall impact although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for commuters in the short-term.

The rationale for investing in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘bullet trains‘ that allow residents to traverse the country in a matter of hours. This provides an economic boon by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient transnational travel, thereby making the country more tourist-friendly and helping to expand the industry.

Although I concede the above advantages, the majority of people are served by already existing forms of public transportation. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the exception compared with those travelling inside cities. These travellers rely on buses, subways and city streets to get around. Simple improvements or additions to a subway line impacts millions of people. A new bus route can help workers get to and from work more easily. Even the lowering of fares is a reform that would benefit less affluent travellers.

In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than publicity grabbing headlines, should focus on the most-used forms of public transport. In the future high speed rails may even become redundant as people commute less and transition to jobs based primarily online.

Answers:

balance demands make concessions to make everyone happy

newer modes of transport more recent developments in transportation

maintaining keeping up with

infrastructure roads, buildings, etc.

greater overall impact more effect on

commuters people who travel in to work

short-term in the next few years

rationale reason for

investing putting money into

bullet trains super fast trains

traverse go across

a matter of hours just a short time

economic boon help the economy

transnational across the country

thereby causing

tourist-friendly easy for tourists

concede admit

existing currently available

exception not including

rely depend on

get around travel

subway line the route for the subway

get to and from go to

fares money for travelling on the bus/subway

reform change

less affluent poor

publicity grabbing headlines solely for the good press

most-used high usage

redundant superfluous

transition change to

jobs based primarily jobs located mainly

Pronunciation

ˈbæləns dɪˈmɑːndz 
ˈnjuːə məʊdz ɒv ˈtrænspɔːt
meɪnˈteɪnɪŋ 
ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌkʧə
ˈgreɪtər ˈəʊvərɔːl ˈɪmpækt 
kəˈmjuːtəz 
ʃɔːt-tɜːm
ˌræʃəˈnɑːl 
ɪnˈvɛstɪŋ 
ˈbʊlɪt treɪnz
ˈtrævə(ː)s 
ə ˈmætər ɒv ˈaʊəz
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk buːn 
trænzˈnæʃənəl 
ˈðeəˈbaɪ 
ˈtʊərɪst-ˈfrɛndli 
kənˈsiːd 
ɪgˈzɪstɪŋ 
ɪkˈsɛpʃən 
rɪˈlaɪ 
gɛt əˈraʊnd
ˈsʌbweɪ laɪn 
gɛt tuː ænd frɒm 
feəz 
ˌriːˈfɔːm 
lɛs ˈæflʊənt 
pʌbˈlɪsɪti ˈgræbɪŋ ˈhɛdlaɪnz
məʊst-juːzd 
rɪˈdʌndənt 
trænˈsɪʒən 
ʤɒbz beɪst ˈpraɪmərɪli 

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Governments must always _______________ for _______________, including newer railway lines to connect cities, with _______________ current transportation ______________. In my opinion, the maintenance of current transport has a _______________ although the importance of fast trains will make life more convenient for _______________ in the ______________.

The _______________ for _______________ in newer, faster railway lines is that they will make it easier for people to travel between cities. Recent examples of this can be seen in Japan, which is famous for its ‘______________‘ that allow residents to _______________ the country in ______________. This provides an _______________ by allowing businessmen to travel easily from city to city. Moreover, tourists can also use these trains for convenient _______________ travel, _______________ making the country more _______________ and helping to expand the industry.

Although I _______________ the above advantages, the majority of people are _______________ by already _______________ forms of public transportation. Tourists and businessmen travelling between cities are the _______________ compared with those travelling inside cities. These travellers _______________ on buses, subways and city streets to ______________. Simple improvements or additions to a _______________ impacts millions of people. A new bus route can help workers _______________ work more easily. Even the lowering of _______________ is a _______________ that would benefit _______________ travellers.

In conclusion, cities that are more concerned with actual improvements, rather than _______________ , should focus on the _______________ forms of public transport. In the future high speed rails may even become _______________ as people commute less and _______________ to _______________ online.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch the video below and review the vocabulary and notes from my sample answer. Here are some activities you can use to improve your listening while watching the videos: Improve your Listening.

Reading Practice

Read the article below to review more about Japanese bullet trains:

https://www.japanstation.com/shinkansen-high-speed-train-network-in-japan/

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Environmental Problems Plants and Animals (IELTS Cambridge 14)

by Dave | May 25, 2019 | Cambridge 14

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from IELTS Cambridge 14 about environmental problems effecting plants and animals and it is an interesting question. You can read about another question from Cambridge 14 on the topic of changing your life here.

Here is the question:

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.

I think this question is really tricky. The topic itself is simple: environmental problems.

Some IELTS questions have tough topics – like space tourism – but this one is easy enough for most people to write about.

The tricky part is related to the question itself. It is not asking you to just write about environmental problems.

You must have a clear reason why losing animals and plants is the most important problem.

And then a different reason, not related to plants or animals, that a different problem is more important!

It’s tough! So read below on how I handled this tentacled question…

Once you’re done with that, check out the other IELTS Task 2 Writing Sample Answers that I wrote!

Also, I have compiled all the most recent questions from the test (updated daily) for writing task 2 here and writing task 1 here.

If you want to get my best materials and support me, please sign up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Check out a related video here too: https://youtube.com/shorts/R-7vLPqjfis?si=li058QWVhLHUJEfG

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Environmental Problems Plants and Animals (IELTS Cambridge 14)

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.

Many are of the opinion that the risks for endangered plants and wildlife are the most severe consequences of our worsening environment while others would argue that other problems are more pressing. While I consider the impact of recurring natural disasters to be important, in my opinion the loss of wildlife is the most serious threat to the environment.

The rise in recent catastrophic natural disasters has been strongly linked to climate change. Many scientists have made the case that incremental rises in temperature, specifically involving the oceans, has increased the frequency and potency of hurricanes, tsunamis, and blizzards. There are countless instances of these from the last two decades but the tsunami affecting mainly Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in 2004 is a particularly striking example. This was the largest natural disaster this century and resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries and billions of dollars in damages, the effects of which set these developing nations back economically for years. People lost their lives, homes, and livelihood in many cases.

The main reason that many people including myself are so focused on plant and animal life is because of the rising number of endangered animals in recent decades. One of the most well-known examples of this is the often cited case of polar bears. Polar bears live mainly in the Arctic and recent melting of the polar ice caps has resulted in reduced ice for polar bears to hunt on. Polar bears have become an endangered species and it is often forecast that by 2100 they will be entirely extinct in the wild. Their extinction will likely have a domino effect on the fragile ecosystems of the arctic and other endangered animals like seals and narwhales. This is just one example of the impact of global warming on animals and plants of our planet. Extinction is irreversible and there is no more lasting impression we can leave than to deplete the world entirely of a species.

In my opinion, the loss of ecological diversity trumps any other environmental concerns. In order to remedy this problem governments and individuals need to take serious steps to not only invest more in conservation efforts for endangered animals but also work towards long term reforms related to fossil fuels, carbon emissions and the other apparent catalysts for climate change.

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis

1. Many are of the opinion that the risks for endangered plants and wildlife are the most severe consequences of our worsening environment while others would argue that other problems are more pressing. 2. While I consider the impact of recurring natural disasters to be important, in my opinion the loss of wildlife is the most serious threat to the environment.

1. The first sentence states the topic – write this sentence very quickly because it’s not that important.

2. Next is my opinion, be sure that this is clear and include it in both your introduction and conclusion.

1. The rise in recent catastrophic natural disasters has been strongly linked to climate change. 2. Many scientists have made the case that incremental rises in temperature, specifically involving the oceans, has increased the frequency and potency of hurricanes, tsunamis, and blizzards. 3. There are countless instances of these from the last two decades but the tsunami affecting mainly Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in 2004 is a particularly striking example. 4. This was the largest natural disaster this century and resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries and billions of dollars in damages, the effects of which set these developing nations back economically for years. 5. People lost their lives, homes, and livelihood in many cases.

1. The first sentence is a topic sentence with the main idea for the whole paragraph – natural disasters are important and linked to climate change.

2. My second sentence provides specific evidence of this and support from researchers. Try not to use research that it is too specific (like a 1992 study by the University of Michigan showed…) because it is obviously made up. That technically shouldn’t hurt your score but some examiners may take exception.

3. The third sentence focuses on a specific example of a tsunami in Southeast Asia.

4. The fourth sentence develops the example by talking about the implications of the tsunami. This question is all about how important the environmental problem is so be sure to focus on the effects to show the importance!

5. The fifth sentence continues with the effects of the disasters.

1. The main reason that many people including myself are so focused on plant and animal life is because of the rising number of endangered animals in recent decades. 2. One of the most well-known examples of this is the often cited case of polar bears. 3. Polar bears live mainly in the Arctic and recent melting of the polar ice caps has resulted in reduced ice for polar bears to hunt on. 4. Polar bears have become an endangered species and it is often forecast that by 2100 they will be entirely extinct in the wild. 5. Their extinction will likely have a domino effect on the fragile ecosystems of the arctic and other endangered animals like seals and narwhales. 6. This is just one example of the impact of global warming on animals and plants of our planet. 7. Extinction is irreversible and there is no more lasting impression we can leave than to deplete the world entirely of a species.

1. The first sentence is another topic sentence stating why I think the less of plants and animals is more important – because animals may go extinct.

2. My second sentence starts my example. Try to get to your examples as fast as possible – they are like life-preservers tossed to the struggling IELTS student in the water!

3. The third sentence focuses more closely on the example.

4. My fourth sentence focuses more closely on the example

5. The fifth sentence continues the example by describing the effect on the entire arctic ecosystem.

6. The sixth sentence makes the example more general by extending it to other animal species around the world.

7. The final sentence gives more support for my opinion that animal extinction is the most important problem.

1. In my opinion, the loss of ecological diversity trumps any other environmental concerns. 2. In order to remedy this problem governments and individuals need to take serious steps to not only invest more in conservation efforts for endangered animals but also work towards long term reforms related to fossil fuels, carbon emissions and the other apparent catalysts for climate change.

1. My first sentence restates my overall opinion and the main reason for it.

2. The last sentence gives some suggestions about what people can do to combat this problem. Be sure to have an extra detail in your final sentence because many examiners require it for band 7+ for task achievement.

Sample Answer Vocabulary

Try to figure out what the vocabulary in bold means from the context of the whole sentence. Don’t worry if you are not 100% sure – over time you will become more sure of the meaning (don’t use a dictionary in your native language because you will most likely learn the wrong word).

Many are of the opinion that the risks for endangered plants and wildlife are the most severe consequences of our worsening environment while others would argue that other problems are more pressing. While I consider the impact of recurring natural disasters to be important, in my opinion the loss of wildlife is the most serious threat to the environment.

The rise in recent catastrophic natural disasters has been strongly linked to climate change. Many scientists have made the case that incremental rises in temperature, specifically involving the oceans, has increased the frequency and potency of hurricanes, tsunamis, and blizzards. There are countless instances of these from the last two decades but the tsunami affecting mainly Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in 2004 is a particularly striking example. This was the largest natural disaster this century and resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries and billions of dollars in damages, the effects of which set these developing nations back economically for years. People lost their lives, homes, and livelihood in many cases.

The main reason that many people including myself are so focused on plant and animal life is because of the rising number of endangered animals in recent decades. One of the most well-known examples of this is the often cited case of polar bears. Polar bears live mainly in the Arctic and recent melting of the polar ice caps has resulted in reduced ice for polar bears to hunt on. Polar bears have become an endangered species and it is often forecast that by 2100 they will be entirely extinct in the wild. Their extinction will likely have a domino effect on the fragile ecosystems of the arctic and other endangered animals like seals and narwhales. This is just one example of the impact of global warming on animals and plants of our planet. Extinction is irreversible and there is no more lasting impression we can leave than to deplete the world entirely of a species.

In my opinion, the loss of ecological diversity trumps any other environmental concerns. In order to remedy this problem governments and individuals need to take serious steps to not only invest more in conservation efforts for endangered animals but also work towards long term reforms related to fossil fuels, carbon emissions and the other apparent catalysts for climate change.

Answers:

of the opinion: in my opinion/I think

endangered: not many left, close to extinction

severe consequences: very bad results

worsening environment: environment getting worse

pressing: important

recurring natural disasters: natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. happening again and again

serious threat: could really hurt something/someone

strongly linked: strong evidence to suggest a relationship

climate change: global warming

incremental rises: small increases

potency: strength of

hurricanes: lots of wind and rain in a powerful storm

tsunamis: big waves after an earthquake

blizzards: snowy storms

countless instances: many examples of

particularly striking example: very strong/good example

set back: hinder/hold back/hurt

livelihood: jobs/making money

well-known examples: famous examples

often cited case: frequently mentioned

polar ice caps: icebergs at the top of the Earth

forecast: predicted

in the wild: not in captivity, living naturally outside

domino effect: cause more related problems

fragile ecosystems: easily hurt food chains/relationships in nature

lasting impression: long-term impact

deplete: decrease/lesson/make less of

ecological diversity: lots of different plants/animals

trumps: is more important than/outweighs

remedy: fix/heal

conservation efforts: attempts to save

long term reforms: lasting changes

fossil fuels: oil, gas, etc. taken from the Earth

carbon emissions: the amount of gas/pollusion put into the air

catalysts: causes

Pronunciation

ɒv ði əˈpɪnjən 
ɪnˈdeɪnʤəd 
sɪˈvɪə ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz 
ˈwɜːsnɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt 
ˈprɛsɪŋ 
rɪˈkɜːrɪŋ ˈnæʧrəl dɪˈzɑːstəz 
ˈsɪərɪəs θrɛt 
ˈstrɒŋli lɪŋkt 
ˈklaɪmɪt ʧeɪnʤ 
ˌɪnkrɪˈmɛnt(ə)l ˈraɪzɪz 
ˈpəʊtənsi 
ˈhʌrɪkənz 
tsuːˈnɑːmiz 
ˈblɪzədz 
ˈkaʊntlɪs ˈɪnstənsɪz 
pəˈtɪkjʊləli ˈstraɪkɪŋ ɪgˈzɑːmpl 
sɛt 
bæk 
ˈlaɪvlɪhʊd 
wɛl–nəʊn ɪgˈzɑːmplz 
ˈɒf(ə)n ˈsaɪtɪd keɪs 
ˈpəʊlər aɪs ˈkæps 
ˈfɔːkɑːst 
ɪn ðə waɪld 
ˈdɒmɪnəʊ ɪˈfɛkt 
ˈfræʤaɪl ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəmz 
ˈlɑːstɪŋ ɪmˈprɛʃən 
dɪˈpliːt 
ˌɛkəˈlɒʤɪkəl daɪˈvɜːsɪti trʌmps 
ˈrɛmɪdi 
ˌkɒnsə(ː)ˈveɪʃən ˈɛfəts 
lɒŋ tɜːm ˌriːˈfɔːmz 
ˈfɒsl fjʊəlz 
ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz 
ˈkætəlɪsts 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many are ______________ that the risks for ______________ plants and wildlife are the most ______________ of our ______________ while others would argue that other problems are more ______________. While I consider the impact of ______________ to be important, in my opinion the loss of wildlife is the most ______________ to the environment.

The rise in recent catastrophic natural disasters has been ______________ to ______________. Many scientists have made the case that ______________ in temperature, specifically involving the oceans, has increased the frequency and ______________ of ______________, ______________, and______________. There are ______________ of these from the last two decades but the tsunami affecting mainly Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in 2004 is a ______________. This was the largest natural disaster this century and resulted in thousands of deaths, injuries and billions of dollars in damages, the effects of which ______________ these developing nations ______________ economically for years. People lost their lives, homes, and ______________ in many cases.

The main reason that many people including myself are so focused on plant and animal life is because of the rising number of endangered animals in recent decades. One of the most ______________ of this is the ______________ of polar bears. Polar bears live mainly in the Arctic and recent melting of the ______________ has resulted in reduced ice for polar bears to hunt on. Polar bears have become an endangered species and it is often ______________ that by 2100 they will be entirely extinct______________. Their extinction will likely have a ______________ on the ______________ of the arctic and other endangered animals like seals and narwhales. This is just one example of the impact of global warming on animals and plants of our planet. Extinction is irreversible and there is no more ______________ we can leave than to ______________ the world entirely of a species.

In my opinion, the loss of ______________ any other environmental concerns. In order to ______________ this problem governments and individuals need to take serious steps to not only invest more in ______________ for endangered animals but also work towards ______________ related to ______________, ______________ and the other apparent ______________ for climate change.

Links Narrated by David Attenborough

Tasmania

The Deep Ocean

Empire of the Ants

Iguanas vs Snakes 

Comment below – Which animals will you miss the most if they go extinct?

I’d have to say…

I guess I’d be the most gutted about…

I’d hate to see…

I wouldn’t be all that bothered about…

Check out some corrections from a student sample here: