IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Scientific Research (IELTS Cambridge 12)

by Dave | Mar 15, 2019 | Cambridge 12

This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from IELTS Cambridge 12 and it is one of the trickier IELTS questions in my opinion.

Be sure to avoid the mistakes that most students make on writing by signing up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Understanding the question is simple enough – it is basically asking whether or not research in various fields should be shared or not.

But there are so many tricky parts to that! Are we talking about government secrets? Should you just focus on scientific research? What if you don’t talk about academic and business research.

To be completely honest, I do not think it is a very good IELTS question even though it is from the real test. I think some students might only write about scientific research and some picky examiners will mark them down.

I would not mark down a candidate who mainly focused on scientific research.

If you have read my other sample answers, then you know that my main tip is to write very clear, specific and detailed examples. This question is begging for a more general, safe argument that touches on different types of research.

You should still find a way to write a specific example though. Read below to see how I dealt with this problem so that you can do a good job if you get a question like this on the real IELTS test.

Here is another sample answer from IELTS Cambridge 12 on the topic of young people and populations.

Dave

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Scientific Research (IELTS Cambridge 12) by Dave

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.

The question of how much information relevant to various areas of scientific and academic research should be shared is becoming more and more important as the pace of technological innovation quickens and the internet allows for instant collaboration. In my opinion, information is a valuable, potentially dangerous asset and should only be shared freely in particular circumstances.

Advocates of freely sharing information rightly argue that collaboration leads to faster results. This applies to scientists, who can help each by offering their individual research results, businesses, which can work together as long as they are not competitors on advertising or product development, as well as academics, who need fresh perspectives to push their work to higher plateaus. Take for example the potential for sharing information in the business world. Google has built their successful advertising business by working together with various companies and sharing information. Google collects a variety of statistics related to users including their location and interests. This information is shared with advertisers who can then better target ads for users. It allows the consumer to see more relevant products and services and the companies advertising to target their audience more efficiently.

While there are decided advantages like the one mentioned above, information is still a valuable asset that individuals and companies should safeguard. In a perfect world, we might expect people to openly share everything they know but the social and economic constructions of our actual world make this a naive proposition. One interesting example of this is from a recent news article about Elon Musk where he explained why his rocket company SpaceX does not apply for patents on any new technology. He reasoned that his main competitors are governments, not private companies. If his company discloses its innovations then domestic and foreign governments can take advantage of the shared technology and potentially disrupt his business. This is just one example of how sharing can prove damaging in a capitalist society.

In conclusion, though sharing might be a valid standpoint in a perfect world, it is not feasible under current global conditions. Instead of looking to increase sharing, governments should do more to support innovative companies and researchers. This will have a larger overall impact.

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis

1. The question of how much information relevant to various areas of scientific and academic research should be shared is becoming more and more important as the pace of technological innovation quickens and the internet allows for instant collaboration. 2. In my opinion, information is a valuable, potentially dangerous asset and should only be shared freely in particular circumstances.

1. The first sentence says the topic of the essay – don’t waste time on this sentence!

2. My second sentence is my opinion. Say your opinion (clearly!) in the introduction for full marks! 

1. Advocates of freely sharing information rightly argue that collaboration leads to better results. 2. This applies to scientists, who can help each by offering their individual research results, businesses, which can work together as long as they are not competitors on advertising or product development, as well as academics, who need fresh perspectives to push their work to higher plateaus. 3. Take for example the potential for sharing information in the business world. 4. Google has built their successful advertising business by working together with various companies and sharing information. 5. Google collects a variety of statistics related to users including their location and interests. 6. This information is shared with advertisers who can then better target ads for users. 7. It allows the consumer to see more relevant products and services and the companies advertising to target their audience more efficiently.

1. The first sentence is a topic sentence and clearly gives the main idea for the paragraph. ONLY focus on this main idea! For me is ‘better results.’

2. My second sentence lists the various areas where there are better results. I include this to make sure that I cover all the areas mentioned in the topic, even though I will focus on business for the example.

3. My third sentence begins my specific, detailed example.

4. The fourth sentence continues with the example of Google ads.

5. The fifth sentence continues the example.

6. The sixth sentence extends the result of this example.

7. The seventh sentence concludes my example with more specific details.

1. While there are decided advantages like the one mentioned above, information is still a valuable asset that individuals and companies should safeguard. 2. In a perfect world, we might expect people to openly share everything they know but the social and economic constructions of our actual world make this a naive proposition. 3. One interesting example of this is from a recent news article about Elon Musk where he explained why his rocket company SpaceX does not apply for patents on any new technology. 4. He reasoned that his main competitors are governments, not private companies. 5. If his company discloses its innovations then domestic and foreign governments can take advantage of the shared technology and potentially disrupt his business. 6. This is just one example of how sharing can prove damaging in a capitalist society.

1. The first sentence is the topic sentence for my second body paragraph that focus on my overall opinion – that information is too valuable to share freely.

2. My second sentence explains further why I think sharing information is unrealistic in a general sense.

3. The third sentence begins my specific example of something that Elon Musk said.

4. My fourth sentence expands on this example by explaining his reasoning – always a good way to continue an example.

5. The fifth also develops the example further by supporting his reasoning.

6. The sixth sentence summarises the paragraph and makes my point more general.

1. In conclusion, though sharing might be a valid standpoint in a perfect world, it is not feasible under current global conditions. 2. Instead of looking to increase sharing, governments should do more to support innovative companies and researchers. 3. This will have a larger overall impact.

1. The first sentence explains my opinion and the justification for it.

2. My second sentence has some extra detail that many examiners require for band 7 and up for task achievement.

3. This final sentence draws a firm conclusion to the essay – it is not totally necessary but helpful if you have time to write it!

Sample Answer Vocabulary

The question of how much information relevant to various areas of scientific and academic research should be shared is becoming more and more important as the pace of technological innovation quickens and the internet allows for instant collaboration. In my opinion, information is a valuable, potentially dangerous asset and should only be shared freely in particular circumstances.

Advocates of freely sharing information rightly argue that collaboration leads to faster results. This applies to scientists, who can help each by offering their individual research results, businesses, which can work together as long as they are not competitors on advertising or product development, as well as academics, who need fresh perspectives to push their work to higher plateaus. Take for example the potential for sharing information in the business world. Google has built their successful advertising business by working together with various companies and sharing information. Google collects a variety of statistics related to users including their location and interests. This information is shared with advertisers who can then better target ads for users. It allows the consumer to see more relevant products and services and the companies advertising to target their audience more efficiently.

While there are decided advantages like the one mentioned above, information is still a valuable asset that individuals and companies should safeguard. In a perfect world, we might expect people to openly share everything they know but the social and economic constructions of our actual world make this a naive proposition. One interesting example of this is from a recent news article about Elon Musk where he explained why his rocket company SpaceX does not apply for patents on any new technology. He reasoned that his main competitors are governments, not private companies. If his company discloses its innovations then domestic and foreign governments can take advantage of the shared technology and potentially disrupt his business. This is just one example of how sharing can prove damaging in a capitalist society.

In conclusion, though sharing might be a valid standpoint in a perfect world, it is not feasible under current global conditions. Instead of looking to increase sharing, governments should do more to support innovative companies and researchers. This will have a larger overall impact.

Answers:

relevant: important and related to what is being discussed

technological innovation quickens: faster inventions and developments in science

instant collaboration: can work together quickly and easily

asset: something useful or valuable

particular circumstances: an individual context, specific situation

advocates: proponents or supporters

rightly argue: correctly believe/think

product development: making your products better

fresh perspectives: new ideas/views

push their work to higher plateaus: get better

target ads: place ads with the right people

more relevant products: products that are important and related to you

decided advantages: clear advantages

safeguard: keep safe

in a perfect world: in an ideal world, the best case/scenario

naive proposition: innocent idea, lacking understanding of the real world

patents: government license saying that you invented something and own it

reasoned: to think about the reasons/justifications for something

discloses: reveals

take advantage: exploit, use for yourself

disrupt: interrupt or cause a problem

prove damaging: have a negative impact

capitalist society: economy based on capital, companies, etc. opposite of socialism/communism

valid standpoint: understandable/defensible view

not feasible: impossible, very unlikely

global conditions: the way the world is now

larger overall impact: bigger effect overall

Vocabulary Practice

The question of how much information ______________ to various areas of scientific and academic research should be shared is becoming more and more important as the__________________________ and the internet allows for

______________________. In my opinion, information is a valuable, potentially dangerous ________________ and should only be shared freely in _______________.

___________________ of freely sharing information ___________________ that collaboration leads to faster results. This applies to scientists, who can help each by offering their individual research results, businesses, which can work together as long as they are not competitors on advertising or ____________________, as well as academics, who need ____________________ to ____________________. Take for example the potential for sharing information in the business world. Google has built their successful advertising business by working together with various companies and sharing information. Google collects a variety of statistics related to users including their location and interests. This information is shared with advertisers who can then better ____________________ for users. It allows the consumer to see ____________________ and services and the companies advertising to target their audience more efficiently.

While there are ____________________ like the one mentioned above, information is still a valuable asset that individuals and companies should ____________________. ____________________, we might expect people to openly share everything they know but the social and economic constructions of our actual world make this a ____________________. One interesting example of this is from a recent news article about Elon Musk where he explained why his rocket company SpaceX does not apply for ____________ on any new technology. He ____________________ that his main competitors are governments, not private companies. If his company ____________________ its innovations then domestic and foreign governments can ____________________ of the shared technology and potentially ____________________ his business. This is just one example of how sharing can ____________________ in a ____________________.

In conclusion, though sharing might be a ____________________ in a perfect world, it is ____________________ under current ____________________. Instead of looking to increase sharing, governments should do more to support innovative companies and researchers. This will have a____________________.

Links from YouTube

Here are some links to videos to get more ideas and review some of the vocabulary used in my sample answer.

If you need ideas about reading the news and improving your English you can read about it here.

How Collaboration Leads to Great Ideas

Collaboration: The Key to Scientific Success

How Open Science Protects Us 

Elon Musk on Sharing Patents

Comment below – Should companies/academics/researchers share information more or less freely?

I’m gonna have to say that…

I’ll only say that…

This may not be exactly true, but in most cases…

In my country, …

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: Transportation

by Dave | Feb 28, 2019 | Cambridge 13

This is an actual question from a past test and I’m a former examiner who wrote this IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer.

Be sure to avoid the mistakes that most students make on writing by signing up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Transportation is such a common topic – you are likely to hear about it in the listening or read about it in the reading test.

It may also come up on the speaking! Make sure you take a close look at the sample answer as well as all the vocabulary exercises below as they may be able to help all parts of your IELTS score!

Click here for my other sample answers.

If you need some help thinking of ideas you can try my tips on brainstorming here.

Dave

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer from Cambridge 13: Transportation (by Dave)

Some people think that governments should invest mainly in making public transportation faster while other think there are more important priorities (cost, the environment). Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

While many are of the opinion that the most important factor in public transport is speed, others value areas such as cost and the environment. In my opinion, although there are a number of key considerations, speed is by far the most important.

Two of the most commonly addressed areas of public transport are cost and the environment. In Vietnam, the quality of the public transport buses is very low and they produce a lot of air pollution. However, they are very cheap and this allows the residents who need them the most, typically students and low-wage earners, to afford them. In an ideal world the government would have cheap buses that produce little exhaust, but cost and environmental concerns will always be in conflict. In developing countries, it makes sense to emphasise the expense of tickets while developed countries have the wealth and responsibility to try to better balance these competing policy influences.

Although these are worthwhile considerations, speed of transport should be the main rationale as it has a trickle down effect on the economy and quality of life of a country. For example, Japan has a famously fast and efficient system of railways both inside cities and connecting provinces within the country. If someone has a family, faster transport allows them to spend more time with their family both before and after work. This can enhance the quality of life of working class people. It also means that they will get to work faster, get more work done during the day and have more time to recuperate for the next day. Over years and decades this has hastened Japan’s development into one of the world’s leading economies.

In my opinion, cost and the environment are crucial for ordinary people and the future of our planet but speed has a greater effect on people in both the short and long-term. Governments that focus on faster public transport will reap the rewards for decades and be able to reinvest that money in areas like the environment, education, and healthcare. 

IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis

1. While many are of the opinion that the most important factor in public transport is speed, others value areas such as cost and the environment. 2. In my opinion, although there are a number of key considerations, speed is by far the most important.

1. My first sentence restates what the IELTS essay topic is – keep it simple and fast!

2. The second sentence gives a clear opinion – don’t sit in the middle – be 100% clear in your opinion from the very beginning.

1. Two of the most commonly addressed areas of public transport are cost and the environment. 2. In Vietnam, the quality of the public transport buses is very low and they produce a lot of air pollution. 3. However, they are very cheap and this allows the residents who need them the most, typically students and low-wage earners, to afford them. 4. In an ideal world the government would have cheap buses that produce little exhaust, but cost and environmental concerns will always be in conflict. 5. In developing countries, it makes sense to emphasise the expense of tickets while developed countries have the wealth and responsibility to try to better balance these competing policy influences.

1. My first sentence is my topic sentence with the main idea for the paragraph: the relative importance of the environment and cost.

2. My second sentence begins a specific detailed example about the cost of transport in Vietnam.

3. The third sentence further develops this example by explaining the effect on students.

4. The fourth sentence explains why the environment and cost will always be in conflict.

5. My fifth sentence concludes the paragraph by distinguishing between rich and poor countries.

1. Although these are worthwhile considerations, speed of transport should be the main rationale as it has a trickle down effect on the economy and quality of life of a country. 2. For example, Japan has a famously fast and efficient system of railways both inside cities and connecting provinces within the country. 3. If someone has a family, faster transport allows them to spend more time with their family both before and after work. 4. This can enhance the quality of life of working class people. 5. It also means that they will get to work faster, get more work done during the day and have more time to recuperate for the next day. 6. Over years and decades this has hastened Japan’s development into one of the world’s leading economies.

1. My first sentence is another topic sentence that has the main idea for this paragraph: the speed of transport is important.

2. The second sentence immediately begins the example for this – start your examples as quickly as possible. Don’t waste any time!

3. The third sentence continues the example by detailing the impact of this.

4. My fourth sentence further explores the impact of faster transportation.

5. The fifth also continues to explore the impact. Be as specific as possible!

6. My sixth sentence concludes the paragraph by mentioning the impact on the whole country of Japan.

1. In my opinion, cost and the environment are crucial for ordinary people and the future of our planet but speed has a greater effect on people in both the short and long-term. 2. Governments that focus on faster public transport will reap the rewards for decades and be able to reinvest that money in areas like the environment, education, and healthcare.

1. My first sentence restates the opinion that I already said in the introduction and the main reason why.

2. The second sentence gives an extra detail that a lot of examiners will require for band 7+ for task achievement.

Sample Answer Vocabulary

While many are of the opinion that the most important factor in public transport is speed, others value areas such as cost and the environment. In my opinion, although there are a number of key considerations, speed is by far the most important.

Two of the most commonly addressed areas of public transport are cost and the environment. In Vietnam, the quality of the public transport buses is very low and they produce a lot of air pollution. However, they are very cheap and this allows the residents who need them the most, typically students and low-wage earners, to afford them. In an ideal world the government would have cheap buses that produce little exhaust, but cost and environmental concerns will always be in conflict. In developing countries, it makes sense to emphasise the expense of tickets while developed countries have the wealth and responsibility to try to better balance these competing policy influences.

Although these are worthwhile considerations, speed of transport should be the main rationale as it has a trickle down effect on the economy and quality of life of a country. For example, Japan has a famously fast and efficient system of railways both inside cities and connecting provinces within the country. If someone has a family, faster transport allows them to spend more time with their family both before and after work. This can enhance the quality of life of working class people. It also means that they will get to work faster, get more work done during the day and have more time to recuperate for the next day. Over years and decades this has hastened Japan’s development into one of the world’s leading economies.

In my opinion, cost and the environment are crucial for ordinary people and the future of our planet but speed has a greater effect on people in both the short and long-term. Governments that focus on faster public transport will reap the rewards for decades and be able to reinvest that money in areas like the environment, education, and healthcare.

Answers:

important factor: a key element

key considerations: important to think about

by far: clearly, far and away

commonly addressed: often considered or dealt with

residents who need them the most: people who require something

low-wage earners: people who do not make much money

in an ideal world: in a perfect world, ideally

exhaust: fumes coming out of cars

environmental concerns: possible problems related to the environment

better balance: make something more equal

policy influences: to control or alter laws

worthwhile considerations: good reasons to think about

rationale: reason for doing something

trickle down effect: impact will reach many people

enhance the quality of life: make life better

recuperate: get better

hastened: make faster

crucial: important, key

greater effect: bigger impact

reap the rewards: get rewards, receive what you deserve )if it’s good)

reinvest: put money back into something

Vocabulary Practice

While many are of the opinion that the most ____________________ in public transport is speed, others value areas such as cost and the environment. In my opinion, although there are a number of ____________________, speed is ____________________ the most important.

Two of the most ____________________ areas of public transport are cost and the environment. In Vietnam, the quality of the public transport buses is very low and they produce a lot of air pollution. However, they are very cheap and this allows the ____________________, typically students and ____________________, to afford them. ____________________ the government would have cheap buses that produce little ____________________, but cost and ____________________ will always be in conflict. In developing countries, it makes sense to emphasise the expense of tickets while developed countries have the wealth and responsibility to try to ____________________ these competing ____________________.

Although these are ____________________, speed of transport should be the main ____________________ as it has a ____________________ on the economy and quality of life of a country. For example, Japan has a famously fast and efficient system of railways both inside cities and connecting provinces within the country. If someone has a family, faster transport allows them to spend more time with their family both before and after work. This can ____________________ of working class people. It also means that they will get to work faster, get more work done during the day and have more time to ____________________ for the next day. Over years and decades this has ____________________ Japan’s development into one of the world’s leading economies.

In my opinion, cost and the environment are ____________________ for ordinary people and the future of our planet but speed has a ____________________ on people in both the short and long-term. Governments that focus on faster public transport will ____________________ for decades and be able to ____________________ that money in areas like the environment, education, and healthcare.

Links from YouTube

Check out some links to videos that can help you to review the vocabulary above and learn new words and ideas that can help you on the test:

How the World’s First Metro was Built

An Animated History of Transportation

The Future of Transportation

 You can also check out my YouTube channel for IELTS related videos.

Comment below – What do you think is the most important factor for public transport? Cost, environment, speed or something else?

I’d venture to say that…

I’m not alone in thinking that…

Some people might disagree with me, but I’d still say…

All wheeled transport should be banned – what’s wrong with walking around?

If you want more helpful resources check out my private Facebook group, my YouTube channel and my Instagram – make your whole life about me!