Around the world, people are now living longer than ever before in the past. Some say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Others believe there are benefits to society having more elderly people.
To what extent do the advantages of possessing an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?
In recent years, there has been growing interest in the relationship between equality and personal achievement. Some people believe that individuals can achieve more in egalitarian societies. Others believe that high levels of personal achievement are possible only if individuals are free to succeed or fail according to their individual merits.
Some people believe that children of all ages should have extra responsibilities (for example, helping at home or at work). Others believe that, outside of school, children should be free to enjoy their lives.
Some feel that individuals should try to assimilate completely to the country where they live while others feel it is more important to preserve their native culture.
Some think schools should rewards students who have the best academic results, while others think it’s more important to reward students who achieve other types of success (such as sports, music, and good behaviour).
Some people think that the news media has become much more influential in people’s lives today and it is a negative development. Do you agree or disagree?
The line chart details the unemployment rate and number of people leaving Ireland from 1988 to 2008. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the figures followed a roughly complementary pattern except for an extended period in the 1990s. Both data sets declined overall though individuals leaving the country ended with an upwards trend.
In 1988, 17% of individuals were unemployed in Ireland and a slightly lower 15.5% decided to leave the country. Starting in 1990, the rates diverged with between 12% and 13% being unemployed up until 1996 and far fewer proportionally moving abroad (between 14% and 8%).
After 1996, a steep drop in terms of unemployment (down to a low of 5% by 2000) recreated a more symmetrical pattern. Individuals leaving the island nation was broadly stable around 7% before a sharp uptick over the final four years of the period to end at 13%. The rise for unemployment figures was more gradual and was finally registered at 6%.
Analysis
1. The line chart details the unemployment rate and number of people leaving Ireland from 1988 to 2008. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the figures followed a roughly complementary pattern except for an extended period in the 1990s. 3. Both data sets declined overall though individuals leaving the country ended with an upwards trend.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences and the overall trend.
This one is a little complex so it needs a second sentence for the overview.
1. In 1988, 17% of individuals were unemployed in Ireland and a slightly lower 15.5% decided to leave the country. 2. Starting in 1990, the rates diverged with between 12% and 13% being unemployed up until 1996 and far fewer proportionally moving abroad (between 14% and 8%).
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Compare between each sentence.
1. After 1996, a steep drop in terms of unemployment (down to a low of 5% by 2000) recreated a more symmetrical pattern. 2. Individuals leaving the island nation was broadly stable around 7% before a sharp uptick over the final four years of the period to end at 13%. 3. The rise for unemployment figures was more gradual and was finally registered at 6%.
Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
Compare the categories.
Don’t leave out any information but try to group as well.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
The line chart details the unemployment rate and number of people leaving Ireland from 1988 to 2008. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the figures followed a roughly complementary pattern except for an extended period in the 1990s. Both data sets declined overall though individuals leaving the country ended with an upwards trend.
In 1988, 17% of individuals were unemployed in Ireland and a slightly lower 15.5% decided to leave the country. Starting in 1990, the rates diverged with between 12% and 13% being unemployed up until 1996 and far fewer proportionally moving abroad (between 14% and 8%).
After 1996, a steep drop interms of unemployment (down to a low of 5% by 2000) recreated a more symmetrical pattern. Individuals leaving the island nation was broadly stable around 7% before a sharp uptick over the final four years of the period to end at 13%. The rise for unemployment figures was more gradual and was finally registered at 6%.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
details shows
unemployment rate people without jobs
number of people leaving Ireland individuals moving abroad
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
figures followed a roughly complementary pattern except for an extended period in numbers were similar in their shape but for one long time
data sets declined overall numbers went down by the end
ended with an upwards trend increased near the end
slightly lower a little less
decided to leave the country chose to move abroad
Starting in beginning
diverged went in different directions
up until leading up to
far fewer proportionally moving abroad not as many people in terms of the percentage leaving for other countries
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
The line chart d_________s the u__________________e and n_________________________d from 1988 to 2008. L______________________________________________________________________t the f_______________________________________________________________________________n the 1990s. Both d______________________l though individuals leaving the country e_________________d.
In 1988, 17% of individuals were unemployed in Ireland and a s______________r 15.5% d______________________________y. S____________n 1990, the rates d_________d with between 12% and 13% being unemployed u________l 1996 and f____________________________________d (between 14% and 8%).
A_______r 1996, a______________________f unemployment (d_______________f 5% by 2000) r____________d a m________________________n. Individuals leaving the i____________n was b_________________d 7% b__________________________r the final four years of the period to e______t 13%. The r____e for unemployment figures was more g______l and was f____________________________t 6%.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
The best way to reduce poverty in developing countries is by giving up to six years of free education, so that they can at least read, write and use numbers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Poverty remains a pressing issue in most developing countries, and one proposed solution is a provision of up to six years of free education, aiming to equip individuals with essential literacy and numeracy skills. In my opinion, I agree with this approach.
While free education is a crucial step towards poverty reduction, it is not a standalone solution. Equally essential are adequate infrastructure, trained teachers, and quality educational resources. Merely providing free education without ensuring its quality may result in a system that fails to deliver the desired outcomes. Therefore, governments could focus on holistic educational reforms, including teacher training programs, school infrastructure development, and curriculum enhancements, to maximize the impact of free education initiatives. For example, in China, alongside the introduction of free education policies, the government invested in teacher training programs and improved school infrastructure, leading to enhanced learning outcomes and noticeably higher student retention rates.
However, free education itself can significantly increase access to schooling, particularly for marginalized communities and children from low-income backgrounds. Financial barriers often prevent children from attending school, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. By eliminating tuition fees at young ages, developing countries can remove one of the major obstacles to education and ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn. For instance, in India, the implementation of free education policies has led to a rise in school enrollment rates among girls from disadvantaged communities, encouraging them to escape unfair conditions and pursue better futures through improved employability. This inclusivity in education can help bridge social and economic gaps, fostering a more equitable society.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that offering up to six years of free education can be a powerful tool for overcoming poverty in developing countries. By prioritizing education and implementing necessary reforms, developing nations can better empower their citizens and reduce poverty levels in the long-term.
Analysis
1. Poverty remains a pressing issue in most developing countries, and one proposed solution is a provision of up to six years of free education, aiming to equip individuals with essential literacy and numeracy skills. 2. In my opinion, I agree with this approach.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. While free education is a crucial step towards poverty reduction, it is not a standalone solution. 2. Equally essential are adequate infrastructure, trained teachers, and quality educational resources. 3. Merely providing free education without ensuring its quality may result in a system that fails to deliver the desired outcomes. 4. Therefore, governments could focus on holistic educational reforms, including teacher training programs, school infrastructure development, and curriculum enhancements, to maximize the impact of free education initiatives. 5. For example, in China, alongside the introduction of free education policies, the government invested in teacher training programs and improved school infrastructure, leading to enhanced learning outcomes and noticeably higher student retention rates.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Use specific examples.
1. However, free education itself can significantly increase access to schooling, particularly for marginalized communities and children from low-income backgrounds. 2. Financial barriers often prevent children from attending school, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. 3. By eliminating tuition fees at young ages, developing countries can remove one of the major obstacles to education and ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn. 4. For instance, in India, the implementation of free education policies has led to a rise in school enrollment rates among girls from disadvantaged communities, encouraging them to escape unfair conditions and pursue better futures through improved employability. 5. This inclusivity in education can help bridge social and economic gaps, fostering a more equitable society.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Finish the paragraph strong.
1. In conclusion, I strongly agree that offering up to six years of free education can be a powerful tool for overcoming poverty in developing countries. 2. By prioritizing education and implementing necessary reforms, developing nations can better empower their citizens and reduce poverty levels in the long-term.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Poverty remains a pressing issue in most developing countries, and one proposed solution is a provision of up to six years of free education, aiming to equip individuals with essential literacy and numeracy skills. In my opinion, I agree with this approach.
While free education is a crucial step towards poverty reduction, it is not a standalone solution. Equally essential are adequate infrastructure, trained teachers, and quality educational resources. Merely providing free education without ensuring its quality may result in a system that fails to deliver the desired outcomes. Therefore, governments could focus on holistic educational reforms, including teacher training programs, school infrastructure development, and curriculum enhancements, to maximize the impact of free education initiatives. For example, in China, alongside the introduction of free education policies, the government invested in teacher training programs and improved school infrastructure, leading to enhanced learning outcomes and noticeably higher student retention rates.
However, free education itself can significantly increase access to schooling, particularly for marginalized communities and children from low-income backgrounds. Financial barriers often prevent children from attending school, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. By eliminating tuition fees at young ages, developing countries can remove one of the major obstacles to education and ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn. For instance, in India, the implementation of free education policies has led to a rise in school enrollment rates among girls from disadvantaged communities, encouraging them to escape unfair conditions and pursue better futures through improved employability. This inclusivity in education can help bridge social and economic gaps, fostering a more equitable society.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that offering up to six years of free education can be a powerful tool for overcoming poverty in developing countries. By prioritizing education and implementing necessary reforms, developing nations can better empower their citizens and reduce poverty levels in the long-term.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
Poverty remains a pressing issue not having money is a big problem
one proposed solution is one remedy is
provision plan
aiming to equip individuals with essential literacy trying to help people read and write
numeracy skills math
approach way
crucial step towards poverty reduction key way to get rid of poverty
standalone solution remedy all on its own
Equally essential just as important
adequate infrastructure good enough buildings
trained teachers good teachers
quality educational resources good schools, whiteboards, etc.
Merely just
ensuring its quality may result in a system making sure of how good it is can cause a pattern
fails to deliver the desired outcomes doesn’t work out in the end
focus on holistic educational reforms try to do more overall fixes
teacher training programs ways to teach teachers
school infrastructure development making school buildings and facilities better
curriculum enhancements learning about better things
maximize the impact of be more efficient
alongside the introduction of with the advent of
invested in put money into
leading to enhanced learning outcomes causing better progress
noticeably higher student retention rates clearly more students staying in school
significantly increased access to a lot more growth in getting
marginalized communities poorer parts of society
low-income backgrounds poorer people
Financial barriers not enough money
attending going to
perpetuating the cycle of poverty people staying poor long-term
eliminating tuition fees not charging money for school
remove one of the major obstacles to education get rid of a challenge to learning
implementation put in place
school enrollment rates how many people go to school
disadvantaged communities poorer groups
encouraging fostering
escape unfair conditions get out of difficult places
pursue better futures through improved employability have better lives by getting better jobs
inclusivity open-minded
bridge social and economic gaps lessen differences in society
fostering a more equitable society make people more equal
strongly a lot
offering giving
powerful tool for overcoming poverty way to help poor people make money
By prioritizing making important
implementing necessary reforms putting in place important changes
empower encourage
reduce poverty levels in the long-term fewer poor people over time
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
P_______________________________e in most developing countries, and o_______________________s a p__________n of up to six years of free education, a___________________________________________y and n________________s. In my opinion, I agree with this a__________h.
While free education is a c__________________________________n, it is not a s________________________n. E_____________________l are a_________________________e, t______________s, and q______________________________s. M_______y providing free education without e_______________________________________m that f_________________________________s. Therefore, governments could f_____________________________________s, including t________________________s, s_______________________t, and c______________________________s, to m_________________________f free education initiatives. For example, in China, a___________________________f free education policies, the government i_________n teacher training programs and improved school infrastructure, l_______________________________________s and n__________________________________________s.
However, free education itself can s_____________________o schooling, particularly for m________________________s and children from l_________________________s. F_________________s often prevent children from a______________g school, p______________________________y. By e______________________s at young ages, developing countries can r________________________________________n and ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn. For instance, in India, the i_______________n of free education policies has led to a rise in s________________________s among girls from d_________________________s, e________________g them to e________________________s and p_________________________________________________y. This i___________y in education can help b____________________________________s, f_________________________________y.
In conclusion, I s__________y agree that o______g up to six years of free education can be a p_______________________________________y in developing countries. B____________g education and i___________________________s, developing nations can better e___________r their citizens and r_______________________________________________m.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:
Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students should be encouraged to question and offer criticisms on their teachers. Others think this will lead to a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom.
Some people believe that young people should choose the jobs that they want, but other people think they should be more realistic and think more about their future.
The increasing availability of low-cost airlines now lets people travel around the world. Some feel this is a positive development while others think it is negative overall.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of oil drilling operations in remote locations around the world. This has brought economic benefits to some countries, though it has also raised concerns about the environmental impact of these operations.
Fossil fuels are the main source of energy around the world today. In some countries, the use of alternative sources of energy is replacing fossil fuels.
Many governments think that economic progress is their most important goal. Some people, however, think that other types of progress are equally important for a country.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
In an era of globalization, some people think that studying abroad is the best way to attain a well-paid job while others believe other options are better.
Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.
More and more young people from wealthy countries are spending time in communities in poorer countries doing unpaid work such as teaching or building houses.
Why is this?
Who benefits more from this, the communities or these young people?
Some people say that individuals should change jobs during their working life often while others believe that doing the same job has advantages to individuals, companies, and society.
Many jobs require ongoing training and research to stay competitive in a world with rapidly evolving information and technology. Some believe that it is the responsibility of businesses to pay for this training for their staff while others feel it is up to the individual.
Smoking is a major cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest of the public health, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single. Some people say that this information may be relevant and useful. Others disagree.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
There is little difference in the shops now operating in various nations. Some people think this is positive development,while other believe it is negative.
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Some people say young people should be completely free to choose their future job but others think young people must be more realistic in their choice.
Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
The increasing availability of low-cost airlines now lets people travel around the world. Some feel this is a positive development while others think it is negative overall.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
The rise of low-cost airlines has made it possible for the public at large to travel abroad with relative ease. In my opinion, despite the advantages this creates for less affluent citizens, it is a net negative given the repercussions of the tourist industry to local nations.
One positive aspect of this development is the increased accessibility of travel. In the past, air travel was mainly reserved for the wealthy and the middle class, however, with the advent of low-cost airlines, even those on a more limited budget can afford to go on vacation domestically or to foreign countries. For example, a round-trip flight from London to Barcelona can now be purchased for as little as £20, making it possible for even students and young adults to explore new places. This equitable phenomenon is particularly valuable in less developed nations where in past generations only the truly wealthy could afford to travel regularly.
Nonetheless, the expansion of low-cost airlines has also led to issues of overcrowding and overtourism in certain destinations. For example, locales like Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Boracay in the Philippines have struggled to cope with the influx of domestic and international tourists, leading to concerns about the impact on local communities and cultural heritage. Many of these communities now almost exclusively cater to tourism and there is less interest in older means of making a living, such as by producing a local handicraft or traditional garment. This has led to calls for more sustainable tourism practices and greater regulation of the industry to ensure that it benefits and sustains local communities.
In conclusion, although increased accessibility is an equitable development, it has also contributed to issues of overcrowding and overtourism. It is important for the aviation industry and governments to collaborate to address these negative impacts while continuing to make travel available to a wider range of residents.
Analysis
1. The rise of low-cost airlines has made it possible for the public at large to travel abroad with relative ease. 2. In my opinion, despite the advantages this creates for less affluent citizens, it is a net negative given the repercussions of the tourist industry to local nations.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. One positive aspect of this development is the increased accessibility of travel. 2. In the past, air travel was mainly reserved for the wealthy and the middle class, however, with the advent of low-cost airlines, even those on a more limited budget can afford to go on vacation domestically or to foreign countries. 3. For example, a round-trip flight from London to Barcelona can now be purchased for as little as £20, making it possible for even students and young adults to explore new places. 4. This equitable phenomenon is particularly valuable in less developed nations where in past generations only the truly wealthy could afford to travel regularly.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
1. Nonetheless, the expansion of low-cost airlines has also led to issues of overcrowding and overtourism in certain destinations. 2. For example, locales like Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Boracay in the Philippines have struggled to cope with the influx of domestic and international tourists, leading to concerns about the impact on local communities and cultural heritage. 3. Many of these communities now almost exclusively cater to tourism and there is less interest in older means of making a living, such as by producing a local handicraft or traditional garment. 4. This has led to calls for more sustainable tourism practices and greater regulation of the industry to ensure that it benefits and sustains local communities.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
1. In conclusion, although increased accessibility is an equitable development, it has also contributed to issues of overcrowding and overtourism. 2. It is important for the aviation industry and governments to collaborate to address these negative impacts while continuing to make travel available to a wider range of residents.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
The rise of low-cost airlines has made it possible for the public at large to travel abroad with relative ease. In my opinion, despite the advantages this creates for less affluent citizens, it is a net negative given the repercussions of the tourist industry to local nations.
One positive aspect of this development is the increased accessibility of travel. In the past, air travel was mainly reserved for the wealthy and the middle class, however, with the advent of low-cost airlines, even those on a more limited budget can afford to go on vacation domestically or to foreign countries. For example, a round-trip flight from London to Barcelona can now be purchased for as little as £20, making it possible for even students and young adults to explore new places. This equitable phenomenon is particularly valuable in less developed nations where in past generations only the truly wealthy could afford to travel regularly.
Nonetheless, the expansion of low-cost airlines has also led to issues of overcrowding and overtourism in certain destinations. For example, locales like Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Boracay in the Philippines have struggled to cope with the influx of domestic and international tourists, leading to concerns about the impact on local communities and cultural heritage. Many of these communities now almost exclusively cater to tourism and there is less interest in older means of making a living, such as by producing a local handicraft or traditional garment. This has led to calls for more sustainable tourism practices and greater regulation of the industry to ensure that it benefits and sustains local communities.
In conclusion, although increased accessibility is an equitable development, it has also contributed to issues of overcrowding and overtourism. It is important for the aviation industry and governments to collaborate to address these negative impacts while continuing to make travel available to a wider range of residents.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
rise of low-cost airlines increase in the number of cheap flights
made it possible for allow for
public at large people in general
travel abroad with relative ease go to other countries easily
despite regardless of
less affluent citizens poorer people
net negative given the repercussions of bad overall because of the effects on
tourist industry to local nations hotels, restaurants, etc. to other countries
One positive aspect of this development is a good part of this trend is
increased accessibility of travel easier to travel around
In the past before
mainly reserved for the wealthy and the middle class mostly only for rich people
advent beginning
more limited budget can afford not as much money can pay for
vacation domestically or to foreign countries holiday in the country to go abroad
round-trip flight from … to … back and forth flight to … and …
purchased for as little as bought for very little
making it possible for allowing for
explore new places finding new locations
equitable phenomenon is particularly valuable equal situation is especially important
where in past generations in the past
truly wealthy very rich people
regularly usually, often
Nonetheless however
expansion growing
overcrowding too many people there
overtourism in certain destinations too many people visiting some places
locales places
struggled to cope with the influx of domestic and international tourists had a tough time dealing with all the people coming there
leading to concerns about causing issues related to
local communities places nearby
cultural heritage your art, food, clothes, etc.
exclusively cater to only serve
less interest in not as much care for
means of making a living way of earning money
producing a local handicraft or traditional garment making an object or clothes
led to calls for created people asking for
sustainable tourism practices long-term tourist industry
greater regulation of more control over
ensure make sure of
sustains local communities keeps communities alive
although increased accessibility is however more access is
equitable development equal situation
contributed to issues of overcrowding and overtourism added to problems related to too many people and tourists
aviation industry flights
collaborate work with
negative impacts bad effects
make travel available to a wider range of residents allow for more average people to travel
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
The r____________________________s has m____________________r the p___________e to t_____________________________e. In my opinion, d_______e the advantages this creates for l_____________________s, it is a n___________________________________f the t_______________________________s.
O______________________________________________s the i________________________________l. I____________t, air travel was m_____________________________________________________s, however, with the a________t of low-cost airlines, even those on a m___________________________________d to go on v______________________________________s. For example, a r______________________m London t___ Barcelona can now be p_________________________________s £20, m_______________________r even students and young adults to e___________________________s. This e____________________________e in less developed nations w______________________________s only the t_______________y could afford to travel r__________y.
N______________s, the e_____________n of low-cost airlines has also led to issues of o____________g and o____________________________________s. For example, l________s like Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Boracay in the Philippines have s______________________________________________________________s, l__________________________t the impact on l___________________s and c_______________e. Many of these communities now almost e_________________o tourism and there is l______________n older m_______________________g, such as by p__________________________________________________________t. This has l___________________r more s_________________________________s and g___________________f the industry to e_________e that it benefits and s__________________________s.
In conclusion, a___________________________________s an e_________________________t, it has also c____________________________________________m. It is important for the a________________y and governments to c________________e to address these n________________s while continuing to m__________________________________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
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