Some people think that the government should provide free public libraries in every town, while others think that this is a waste of money because people can access information on the internet.
Discuss both viewpoints and give your own opinion.
Some people argue that governments should build free public libraries in every town, while others claim that this is unnecessary since the internet already provides easy access to information. Although online sources are undeniably convenient, I believe that libraries still serve an essential social and educational role that the internet cannot fully replace.
On one hand, the internet allows people to access a vast amount of information at little or no cost. For example, students can now locate millions of research papers, lectures, and e-books from websites like Google Scholar or Coursera without leaving their homes. This has made learning more flexible and inclusive, especially for people living in remote areas. Furthermore, maintaining physical libraries can be expensive, requiring staff salaries, electricity, and constant book replacement, whereas digital resources are comparatively cheap to update and distribute. From this perspective, building libraries may appear outdated and financially inefficient.
On the other hand, public libraries provide benefits beyond mere access to information. They offer quiet, structured environments that promote deep reading and concentration, something that online browsing often discourages. For instance, in Finland, libraries act as community centers where children attend storytelling sessions, the elderly join reading clubs, and unemployed residents receive job-search training. These social interactions strengthen community bonds and create equal learning opportunities regardless of income level. As not everyone has reliable internet access, especially in developing countries, libraries remain an essential bridge to intellectual and social progress.
In conclusion, while the internet has revolutionized how people obtain information, libraries continue to play a vital educational and social role. Governments should not view them as a financial burden but as long-term investments in literacy, equality, and community well-being.
Analysis
1. Some people argue that governments should build free public libraries in every town, while others claim that this is unnecessary since the internet already provides easy access to information. 2. Although online sources are undeniably convenient, I believe that libraries still serve an essential social and educational role that the internet cannot fully replace.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. On one hand, the internet allows people to access a vast amount of information at little or no cost. 2. For example, students can now locate millions of research papers, lectures, and e-books from websites like Google Scholar or Coursera without leaving their homes. 3. This has made learning more flexible and inclusive, especially for people living in remote areas. 4. Furthermore, maintaining physical libraries can be expensive, requiring staff salaries, electricity, and constant book replacement, whereas digital resources are comparatively cheap to update and distribute. 5. From this perspective, building libraries may appear outdated and financially inefficient.
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.
Better to have more detail.
1. On the other hand, public libraries provide benefits beyond mere access to information. 2. They offer quiet, structured environments that promote deep reading and concentration, something that online browsing often discourages. 3. For instance, in Finland, libraries act as community centers where children attend storytelling sessions, the elderly join reading clubs, and unemployed residents receive job-search training. 4. These social interactions strengthen community bonds and create equal learning opportunities regardless of income level. 5. As not everyone has reliable internet access, especially in developing countries, libraries remain an essential bridge to intellectual and social progress.
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.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
1. In conclusion, while the internet has revolutionized how people obtain information, libraries continue to play a vital educational and social role. 2. Governments should not view them as a financial burden but as long-term investments in literacy, equality, and community well-being.
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.
Some people argue that governments should build free public libraries in every town, while others claim that this is unnecessary since the internet already provides easy access to information. Although online sources are undeniably convenient, I believe that libraries still serve an essential social and educational role that the internet cannot fully replace.
On one hand, the internet allows people to access a vast amount of information at little or no cost. For example, students can now locate millions of research papers, lectures, and e-books from websites like Google Scholar or Coursera without leaving their homes. This has made learning more flexible and inclusive, especially for people living in remote areas. Furthermore, maintaining physical libraries can be expensive, requiring staff salaries, electricity, and constant book replacement, whereas digital resources are comparatively cheap to update and distribute. From this perspective, building libraries may appear outdated and financially inefficient.
On the other hand, public libraries provide benefits beyond mere access to information. They offer quiet, structured environments that promote deep reading and concentration, something that online browsing often discourages. For instance, in Finland, libraries act as community centers where children attend storytelling sessions, the elderly join reading clubs, and unemployed residents receive job-search training. These social interactions strengthen community bonds and create equal learning opportunities regardless of income level. As not everyone has reliable internet access, especially in developing countries, libraries remain an essential bridge to intellectual and social progress.
In conclusion, while the internet has revolutionized how people obtain information, libraries continue to play a vital educational and social role. Governments should not view them as a financial burden but as long-term investments in literacy, equality, and community well-being.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
build free public libraries → establish publicly funded libraries
claim → argue / assert
unnecessary → not essential
provides easy access to information → offers convenient availability of information
undeniably convenient → unquestionably practical
still serve an essential social and educational role → continue to fulfill a crucial social and academic function
cannot fully replace → are unable to completely substitute
On one hand → From one perspective
access a vast amount of information at little or no cost → obtain extensive information with minimal or zero expense
locate millions of research papers → find countless academic studies
lectures → instructional talks
flexible → adaptable
inclusive → accessible to all
in remote areas → in isolated regions
staff salaries → employee wages
constant book replacement → ongoing renewal of collections
digital resources → online materials
comparatively cheap to update and distribute → relatively inexpensive to revise and share
From this perspective → Viewed this way
outdated → obsolete
financially inefficient → not cost-effective
On the other hand → Conversely
provide benefits beyond mere access to information → offer advantages that go beyond simple information availability
structured environments → organized settings
promote deep reading → encourage sustained reading
concentration → focused attention
online browsing → casual internet surfing
discourages → undermines
libraries act as community centers → libraries function as communal hubs
attend storytelling sessions → participate in story-reading events
reading clubs → book discussion groups
unemployed residents receive job-search training → jobless individuals are given employment guidance
social interactions strengthen community bonds → interpersonal contact reinforces social ties
create equal learning opportunities regardless of income level → ensure fair educational access independent of financial status
reliable internet access → stable online connectivity
especially in developing countries → particularly in less-developed nations
remain an essential bridge to intellectual and social progress → continue to be a vital link to educational and societal advancement
revolutionized → fundamentally transformed
obtain information → acquire knowledge
play a vital educational and social role → serve a crucial academic and communal function
financial burden → economic strain
long-term investments in literacy → sustained commitments to reading and education
rɪˈmeɪn ən ɪˈsɛnʃᵊl brɪʤ tuː ˌɪntᵊlˈɛkʧuəl ænd ˈsəʊʃᵊl ˈprəʊɡrɛs
ˌrɛvəˈluːʃᵊnaɪzd
əbˈteɪn ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃᵊn
pleɪ ə ˈvaɪtᵊl ˌɛʤʊˈkeɪʃᵊnᵊl ænd ˈsəʊʃᵊl rəʊl
faɪˈnænʃᵊl ˈbɜːdᵊn
ˈlɒŋtɜːm ɪnˈvɛstmənts ɪn ˈlɪtᵊrəsi
kəˈmjuːnəti ˌwɛlˈbiːɪŋ
Vocabulary Practice
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:
Some people argue that governments should build ______________ libraries in every town, while others c____m that this is u______________y since the internet already provides ______________ information. Although online sources are undeniably ______________t, I believe that libraries still _________________________ role that the internet cannot ________ replace.
On ____ hand, the internet allows people to access ____________________________________ no cost. For example, students can now locate ______________________ papers, l__________s, and e-books from websites like Google Scholar or Coursera without leaving their homes. This has made learning more f______e and i______e, especially for people living in ________ areas. Furthermore, maintaining physical libraries can be expensive, requiring staff _________s, electricity, and constant _________ replacement, whereas digital _________s are comparatively _________________________ distribute. From ______ perspective, building libraries may appear o_______d and financially ________t.
On ____________ hand, public libraries provide _________________________________ information. They offer quiet, structured ________________s that promote _____ reading and c______________n, something that online _______g often d_______s. For instance, in Finland, libraries ____________ centers where children attend _________ sessions, the elderly join reading ___s, and unemployed _______________________________ training. These social interactions ______________________ bonds and create _________________________________________________ income level. As not everyone has reliable __________ access, especially in _________ countries, libraries remain ______________________________________ social progress.
In conclusion, while the internet has r___________d how people obtain _________n, libraries continue to play a __________________________ role. Governments should not view them as a financial ______n but as long-term ___________ literacy, equality, and community _________g.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Most of the urgent problems can only be solved with international cooperation.
Do you agree or disagree?
It is often argued that the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to disease control, can only be resolved through cooperation among nations. While some believe individual countries can manage these issues independently, I strongly agree that lasting solutions demand global collaboration.
Environmental problems are fundamentally international in nature. Air pollution, ocean acidification, and climate instability do not respect national borders. For example, even if Greenland decided to halt all emissions tomorrow, its glaciers would still melt if other countries continue to burn coal. A striking illustration of the power of cooperation can be imagined in a recent hypothetical treaty in which every country agrees to launch reflective “sky sails” into the upper atmosphere to deflect solar radiation. No single nation could finance, launch, and monitor millions of such sails; however, through shared technology and pooled budgets, this collective effort could theoretically reduce global temperatures by 0.5°C within a decade.
Similarly, public health crises require synchronized global responses. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that an outbreak in one small town can spread worldwide in weeks. A purely national strategy would be as ineffective as locking one door while leaving all the windows open. Imagine a future scenario in which scientists from twenty nations collaborate via a quantum computer grid to instantly simulate virus mutations and design counter-vaccines within hours. This would be impossible without seamless cooperation in data sharing, logistics, and ethics.
In conclusion, the interconnectedness of today’s world ensures that isolated solutions are no longer sufficient. Whether cooling the planet or containing disease, only a united human effort that transcends political borders can address the most urgent problems threatening our collective future.
Analysis
1. It is often argued that the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to disease control, can only be resolved through cooperation among nations. 2. While some believe individual countries can manage these issues independently, I strongly agree that lasting solutions demand global collaboration.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Environmental problems are fundamentally international in nature. 2. Air pollution, ocean acidification, and climate instability do not respect national borders. 3. For example, even if Greenland decided to halt all emissions tomorrow, its glaciers would still melt if other countries continue to burn coal. 4. A striking illustration of the power of cooperation can be imagined in a recent hypothetical treaty in which every country agrees to launch reflective “sky sails” into the upper atmosphere to deflect solar radiation. 5. No single nation could finance, launch, and monitor millions of such sails; however, through shared technology and pooled budgets, this collective effort could theoretically reduce global temperatures by 0.5°C within a decade.
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.
Better to have more detail.
1. Similarly, public health crises require synchronized global responses. 2. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that an outbreak in one small town can spread worldwide in weeks. 3. A purely national strategy would be as ineffective as locking one door while leaving all the windows open. 4. Imagine a future scenario in which scientists from twenty nations collaborate via a quantum computer grid to instantly simulate virus mutations and design counter-vaccines within hours. 5. This would be impossible without seamless cooperation in data sharing, logistics, and ethics.
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.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
1. In conclusion, the interconnectedness of today’s world ensures that isolated solutions are no longer sufficient. 2. Whether cooling the planet or containing disease, only a united human effort that transcends political borders can address the most urgent problems threatening our collective future.
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.
It is often argued thatthe world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to disease control, can only be resolved through cooperation among nations. While some believe individual countries can manage these issues independently, I strongly agree that lasting solutions demand global collaboration.
Environmental problems are fundamentally international in nature. Air pollution, ocean acidification, and climate instabilitydo not respect national borders. For example, even if Greenland decided to halt all emissions tomorrow, its glaciers would still melt if other countries continue to burn coal. A striking illustration of the power of cooperation can be imagined in a recent hypothetical treaty in which every country agrees to launch reflective “sky sails” into the upper atmosphere to deflect solar radiation. No single nation could finance, launch, and monitor millions of such sails; however, through shared technology and pooled budgets, this collective effort could theoretically reduce global temperatures by 0.5°C within a decade.
Similarly, public health crises require synchronized global responses. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that an outbreak in one small town can spread worldwide in weeks. A purely national strategy would be as ineffective as locking one door while leaving all the windows open. Imagine a future scenario in which scientists from twenty nations collaborate via a quantum computer grid to instantly simulate virus mutations and design counter-vaccines within hours. This would be impossible without seamless cooperation in data sharing, logistics, and ethics.
In conclusion, the interconnectedness of today’s world ensures that isolated solutions are no longer sufficient. Whether cooling the planet or containing disease, only a united human effort that transcends political borders can address the most urgent problems threatening our collective future.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
It is often argued that → It is frequently contended that
world’s most pressing challenges → the most urgent global issues
climate change → shifts in global climate patterns
disease control → management of infectious outbreaks
resolved → effectively addressed
cooperation among nations → collaboration between countries
While some believe → Although certain people maintain that
independently → on their own / in isolation
I strongly agree that lasting solutions demand global collaboration → I firmly assert that enduring solutions require worldwide cooperation
fundamentally international in nature → inherently global phenomena
Air pollution → atmospheric contamination
ocean acidification → increasing acidity in marine ecosystems
climate instability do not respect national borders → climatic disruptions transcend national boundaries
decided to halt all emissions tomorrow → were to completely cease emissions overnight
glaciers → ice sheets and mountain glaciers
melt if other → would continue melting if other nations
continue to burn coal → persist in consuming fossil fuels
A striking illustration of the power of cooperation can be imagined in a → A vivid example of collective power can be envisioned through a
hypothetical treaty → proposed international agreement
launch reflective → deploy reflective particles
upper atmosphere → stratospheric layer of the atmosphere
deflect solar radiation → divert incoming sunlight
launch, → implement,
monitor → oversee
shared technology and pooled budgets → jointly developed technology and combined financial resources
collective effort could theoretically reduce global temperatures → unified action could, in theory, lower planetary temperatures
within a decade → in less than ten years
Similarly → In the same vein
require synchronized global responses → necessitate coordinated international action
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed that an outbreak → The coronavirus crisis demonstrated that a contagious disease
spread worldwide in weeks → can encircle the globe within mere weeks
A purely national strategy would be → An exclusively domestic approach would prove
ineffective → futile / inadequate
locking one door while leaving all the windows open → akin to securing one entry while leaving others unguarded
Imagine a future scenario in which → Envision a future context where
collaborate via a quantum computer grid → work together through a quantum computing network
instantly simulate virus mutations → instantly model viral mutations
design counter-vaccines within hours → develop tailored vaccines in a matter of hours
seamless cooperation in data sharing, logistics, and ethics. → flawless coordination in information exchange, distribution systems, and ethical oversight.
interconnectedness → global interdependence
ensures → guarantees
isolated solutions are no longer sufficient → fragmented efforts can no longer suffice
cooling the planet → mitigating global warming
containing disease → curbing the spread of illnesses
a united human effort that transcends political borders → a collective human endeavor that surpasses geopolitical divisions
address the most urgent problems threatening our collective future → confront the gravest challenges endangering humanity’s shared future
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:
It _______________________________________________ challenges, from climate __________e to disease ________l, can only be r_______d through cooperation _________ nations. While ________ believe individual countries can manage these issues i_____________y, I strongly ______________________________________________ collaboration.
Environmental problems are fundamentally ___________________ nature. Air ___________n, ocean _________n, and climate _____________________________________ borders. For example, even if Greenland decided ______________________ tomorrow, its g_______s would still melt if other countries continue _________ coal. A striking ________________________________________ imagined in a recent hypothetical ______y in which every country agrees to launch _______e “sky sails” into the upper _________e to deflect __________ radiation. No single nation could finance, l______h, and m_____r millions of such sails; however, through shared _______________________________ budgets, this collective _____________________________ temperatures by 0.5°C within ___ decade.
S_________y, public health crises require _____________________ responses. The _____________________________________ outbreak in one small town can spread _______________ in weeks. A ___________________________ be as i_________e as locking _______________________________________________ open. Imagine ___________________ which scientists from twenty nations collaborate ______________________ grid to instantly ___________________ mutations and design ____________________ hours. This would be impossible without seamless __________________ sharing, __________, and ethics.
In conclusion, the i__________________s of today’s world e_______s that isolated _______________________ sufficient. Whether cooling ____ planet or containing _________e, only a ________________________________________________ borders can address ________________________________________ collective future.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Question 1: In what ways can air pollution be reduced effectively?
Question 2: What kinds of pollution are serious in your country?
Question 3: What can individuals do to protect our environment?
Question 4: Do you think individuals should be responsible for pollution?
Question 5: Why is there a need to involve the government in environmental protection?
Writing Practice
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:
Some people think that the main benefit of international cooperation is in the protection of the environment, while others believe that businesses mainly benefit.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Many people consider shopping malls as great places to spend their leisure time and meet others. People in the past, however, visited shopping malls only when necessary.
To what extent do you think this is a negative trend?
In the modern world, shopping malls have evolved from being purely commercial centers to becoming social and recreational hubs. While some see this as a positive development, I believe this is a largely negative trend due to its implications for consumerism and the environment.
One major downside of this shift is that it encourages a culture of materialism and overconsumption. In the past, people would go to shopping centers only when they needed something specific, which kept consumer behavior relatively restrained. Now, however, malls are designed to keep visitors inside as long as possible through entertainment options such as cinemas, food courts, indoor playgrounds, and even aquariums. For instance, the Dubai Mall, one of the largest in the world, houses an indoor ice rink and a massive aquarium, encouraging people to spend their entire day inside. This not only leads to unnecessary purchases but also fuels a cycle of spending as a form of leisure, replacing more meaningful or healthy activities like spending time in nature, reading, and exercising.
Additionally, this trend is also damaging from an environmental standpoint. Shopping malls are energy-intensive structures, often kept artificially cool or warm depending on the climate, and require vast amounts of electricity to power escalators, lighting, and digital advertisements. When people spend their free time in these spaces, it reinforces car-centric lifestyles, as malls are often located on the outskirts of cities and are designed for vehicle access rather than pedestrian traffic. In the United States, for example, the average shopping mall parking lot covers dozens of acres and contributes to urban sprawl and heat island effects. In contrast, if people chose to spend their leisure time in public parks or urban centers designed for walking and cycling, the environmental footprint would be significantly smaller.
In conclusion, while shopping malls may provide convenient and comfortable venues for leisure, this trend has negative consequences in terms of promoting consumerism and harming the environment. Therefore, I believe society should encourage alternative forms of social and recreational engagement that are more sustainable and enriching.
Analysis
1. In the modern world, shopping malls have evolved from being purely commercial centers to becoming social and recreational hubs. 2. While some see this as a positive development, I believe this is a largely negative trend due to its implications for consumerism and the environment.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. One major downside of this shift is that it encourages a culture of materialism and overconsumption. 2. In the past, people would go to shopping centers only when they needed something specific, which kept consumer behavior relatively restrained. 3. Now, however, malls are designed to keep visitors inside as long as possible through entertainment options such as cinemas, food courts, indoor playgrounds, and even aquariums. 4. For instance, the Dubai Mall, one of the largest in the world, houses an indoor ice rink and a massive aquarium, encouraging people to spend their entire day inside. 5. This not only leads to unnecessary purchases but also fuels a cycle of spending as a form of leisure, replacing more meaningful or healthy activities like spending time in nature, reading, and exercising.
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.
Better to have more detail.
1. Additionally, this trend is also damaging from an environmental standpoint. 2. Shopping malls are energy-intensive structures, often kept artificially cool or warm depending on the climate, and require vast amounts of electricity to power escalators, lighting, and digital advertisements. 3. When people spend their free time in these spaces, it reinforces car-centric lifestyles, as malls are often located on the outskirts of cities and are designed for vehicle access rather than pedestrian traffic. 4. In the United States, for example, the average shopping mall parking lot covers dozens of acres and contributes to urban sprawl and heat island effects. 5. In contrast, if people chose to spend their leisure time in public parks or urban centers designed for walking and cycling, the environmental footprint would be significantly smaller.
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.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
1. In conclusion, while shopping malls may provide convenient and comfortable venues for leisure, this trend has negative consequences in terms of promoting consumerism and harming the environment. 2. Therefore, I believe society should encourage alternative forms of social and recreational engagement that are more sustainable and enriching.
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.
In the modern world, shopping malls have evolved from being purely commercial centers to becoming social and recreational hubs. While some see this as a positive development, I believe this is a largely negative trend due to its implications for consumerism and the environment.
One major downside of this shift is that it encourages a culture of materialism and overconsumption. In the past, people would go to shopping centers only when they needed something specific, which kept consumer behavior relatively restrained. Now, however, malls are designed to keep visitors inside as long as possible through entertainment options such as cinemas, food courts, indoor playgrounds, and even aquariums. For instance, the Dubai Mall, one of the largest in the world, houses an indoor ice rink and a massive aquarium, encouraging people to spend their entire day inside. This not only leads to unnecessary purchases but also fuels a cycle of spending as a form of leisure, replacing more meaningful or healthy activities like spending time in nature, reading, and exercising.
Additionally, this trend is also damaging from an environmental standpoint. Shopping malls are energy-intensive structures, often kept artificially cool or warm depending on the climate, and require vast amounts of electricity to power escalators, lighting, and digital advertisements. When people spend their free time in these spaces, it reinforces car-centric lifestyles, as malls are often located on the outskirts of cities and are designed for vehicle access rather than pedestrian traffic. In the United States, for example, the average shopping mall parking lot covers dozens of acres and contributes to urban sprawl and heat island effects. In contrast, if people chose to spend their leisure time in public parks or urban centers designed for walking and cycling, the environmental footprint would be significantly smaller.
In conclusion, while shopping malls may provide convenient and comfortable venues for leisure, this trend has negative consequences in terms of promoting consumerism and harming the environment. Therefore, I believe society should encourage alternative forms of social and recreational engagement that are more sustainable and enriching.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
In the modern world → In today’s society
evolved from being purely commercial centers → transitioned from serving solely as places of trade
social and recreational hubs → gathering places for socializing and leisure
a positive development → a beneficial change
a largely negative trend due to → an overall harmful shift caused by
implications → consequences
consumerism → consumption
the environment → the natural world
One major downside of this shift is → A significant drawback of this change is
culture of materialism and overconsumption → mindset focused on possessions and excessive buying
specific → particular
kept consumer behavior relatively restrained → maintained spending habits under control
as long as possible through entertainment options → for extended periods via leisure attractions
aquariums → marine life exhibits
houses an indoor ice rink and a massive aquarium → features an enclosed skating rink and an enormous marine display
unnecessary purchases → nonessential buys
fuels a cycle of spending as a form of leisure → drives repetitive shopping as entertainment
replacing more meaningful or healthy activities → displacing more valuable or beneficial pastimes
damaging from an environmental standpoint → harmful to ecological well-being
energy-intensive structures → buildings that consume large amounts of power
kept artificially cool or warm → temperature-controlled by mechanical means
the climate → the global weather system
require vast amounts of electricity to power escalators, lighting, and digital advertisements → demand huge energy inputs for lifts, illumination, and electronic billboards
reinforces car-centric lifestyles → encourages dependence on automobiles
located on the outskirts of cities → situated in suburban fringes
designed for vehicle access rather than pedestrian traffic → built with cars in mind instead of foot traffic
parking lot covers dozens of acres → parking area spans many hectares
urban sprawl → city expansion into surrounding land
heat island effects → localized heat buildup in developed areas
public parks → community green spaces
urban centers → city cores
the environmental footprint would be significantly smaller → the ecological impact would be much reduced
convenient → easily accessible
comfortable venues for leisure → pleasant places for relaxation
negative consequences → adverse effects
in terms of → with respect to
promoting consumerism and harming the environment → encouraging excessive consumption and damaging nature
encourage alternative forms → foster different types
social and recreational engagement → participation in social and leisure activities
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:
In ____________ world, shopping malls have evolved _______________________________ centers to becoming social _________________ hubs. While some see this as a ___________ development, I believe this is a _______________________ to its i__________s for c____________m and the e_____________t.
One _______________________________ is that it encourages a culture _____________________ overconsumption. In the past, people would go to shopping centers only when they needed something s________c, which kept ______________________ restrained. Now, however, malls are designed to keep visitors inside as _____________________________________ options such as cinemas, food courts, indoor playgrounds, and even a___________s. For instance, the Dubai Mall, one of the largest in the world, houses ____________________________________________ aquarium, encouraging people to spend their entire day inside. This not only leads to unnecessary _________s but also fuels ________________________ leisure, replacing _____________________________ activities like spending time in nature, reading, and exercising.
Additionally, this trend is also damaging ______________ standpoint. Shopping malls are energy-_________ structures, often kept ____________________ warm depending on the ________e, and require ____________________________________________________________ advertisements. When people spend their free time in these spaces, it reinforces ____________ lifestyles, as malls are often located ___________________ cities and are designed __________________________________ traffic. In the United States, for example, the average shopping mall parking ____________________ acres and contributes to urban _______l and heat __________ effects. In contrast, if people chose to spend their leisure time in public ________s or urban _s des________igned for walking and cycling, the __________________________________________________ smaller.
In conclusion, while shopping malls may provide c_________t and comfortable _____________ leisure, this trend has negative ___________________________________________________________________________ environment. Therefore, I believe society should encourage ____________ forms of social _________________ engagement that are more s___________e and e________g.
Lower Level Simplified Version
In today’s world, shopping malls are no longer just places to buy things. They have become places where people also go for fun and to meet friends. Some people think this change is good, but I think it is mostly bad because it makes people buy more than they need and it is harmful to the environment.
One problem is that malls make people want to buy more things. In the past, people only went to shops when they needed something. Now, malls have many attractions to keep people there for hours, such as cinemas, food courts, children’s play areas, and aquariums. For example, the Dubai Mall has an ice rink and a very large aquarium, so visitors can spend the whole day inside. This often leads to buying things they do not really need, and people start to shop for fun instead of doing healthier or more meaningful activities like walking in nature, reading, or exercising.
Another problem is the damage to the environment. Malls use a lot of electricity for air conditioning, lights, escalators, and advertisements. They are often far from city centers, so most people drive to them. In the United States, many malls have huge parking areas that take up a lot of land and make cities spread out more. If people spent more time in parks or in walking-friendly city areas, it would be much better for the environment.
In conclusion, even though shopping malls can be comfortable and convenient, they encourage too much shopping and harm the environment. It would be better for people to spend their free time in ways that are more sustainable and healthy.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Nowadays, it is easier for young people to have a credit card compared to the past.
Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?
In recent years, it has become increasingly simple for young people to obtain credit cards, often without extensive credit history or financial education. While this trend offers certain conveniences and opportunities, the drawbacks, especially the risks of debt and financial mismanagement, make it a largely negative development.
Proponents argue that early access to credit cards helps young people develop financial independence and responsibility. For instance, in the United States, many university students are offered starter credit cards to build credit scores, which are crucial for renting apartments or taking out loans later in life. Additionally, credit cards offer protection for online purchases, emergency expenses, and travel. In countries like Canada, student credit cards with low limits and cashback features have helped young consumers gain financial literacy and budgeting skills under controlled conditions.
However, the downsides are more significant. Without adequate financial education, many young people misuse credit cards, accumulating debt they cannot repay. A study in the UK recently found that individuals aged 18–24 are the fastest-growing group entering long-term credit card debt, often due to impulse spending and lack of budgeting skills. Relatedly, easy access to credit can encourage a culture of consumption over saving. In South Korea, for example, aggressive marketing of credit cards to young adults in the early 2000s led to a spike in youth bankruptcies, prompting stricter regulations.
In conclusion, although credit cards offer financial flexibility and opportunities to build credit, these benefits are often outweighed by the potential for poor financial decisions and debt accumulation. Unless financial education is significantly improved, making credit cards more accessible to youth is a dangerous trend with long-term consequences.
Analysis
1. In recent years, it has become increasingly simple for young people to obtain credit cards, often without extensive credit history or financial education. 2. While this trend offers certain conveniences and opportunities, the drawbacks, especially the risks of debt and financial mismanagement, make it a largely negative development.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Proponents argue that early access to credit cards helps young people develop financial independence and responsibility. 2. For instance, in the United States, many university students are offered starter credit cards to build credit scores, which are crucial for renting apartments or taking out loans later in life. 3. Additionally, credit cards offer protection for online purchases, emergency expenses, and travel. 4. In countries like Canada, student credit cards with low limits and cashback features have helped young consumers gain financial literacy and budgeting skills under controlled conditions.
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. However, the downsides are more significant. 2. Without adequate financial education, many young people misuse credit cards, accumulating debt they cannot repay. 3. A study in the UK recently found that individuals aged 18–24 are the fastest-growing group entering long-term credit card debt, often due to impulse spending and lack of budgeting skills. 4. Relatedly, easy access to credit can encourage a culture of consumption over saving. 5. In South Korea, for example, aggressive marketing of credit cards to young adults in the early 2000s led to a spike in youth bankruptcies, prompting stricter regulations.
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.
This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.
1. In conclusion, although credit cards offer financial flexibility and opportunities to build credit, these benefits are often outweighed by the potential for poor financial decisions and debt accumulation. 2. Unless financial education is significantly improved, making credit cards more accessible to youth is a dangerous trend with long-term consequences.
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.
In recent years, it has become increasingly simple for young people to obtain credit cards, often without extensive credit history or financial education. While this trend offers certain conveniences and opportunities, the drawbacks, especially the risks of debt and financial mismanagement, make it a largely negative development.
Proponents argue that early access to credit cards helps young people develop financial independence and responsibility. For instance, in the United States, many university students are offered starter credit cards to build credit scores, which are crucial for renting apartments or taking out loans later in life. Additionally, credit cards offer protection for online purchases, emergency expenses, and travel. In countries like Canada, student credit cards with low limits and cashback features have helped young consumers gain financial literacy and budgeting skills under controlled conditions.
However, the downsides are more significant. Without adequate financial education, many young people misuse credit cards, accumulating debt they cannot repay. A study in the UK recently found that individuals aged 18–24 are the fastest-growing group entering long-term credit card debt, often due to impulse spending and lack of budgeting skills. Relatedly, easy access to credit can encourage a culture of consumption over saving. In South Korea, for example, aggressive marketing of credit cards to young adults in the early 2000s led to a spike in youth bankruptcies, prompting stricter regulations.
In conclusion, although credit cards offer financial flexibility and opportunities to build credit, these benefits are often outweighed by the potential for poor financial decisions and debt accumulation. Unless financial education is significantly improved, making credit cards more accessible to youth is a dangerous trend with long-term consequences.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
In recent years → Over the past few years
increasingly → more and more frequently
obtain credit cards → gain access to credit cards
without extensive credit history → lacking a long-established credit background
financial education → knowledge of personal finance
While this trend offers certain conveniences and opportunities → Although this shift provides some ease and benefits
drawbacks → downsides
debt → outstanding financial obligations
financial mismanagement → poor handling of finances
largely negative development → mostly an unfavorable trend
Proponents argue → Supporters claim
develop financial independence and responsibility → cultivate money management skills and self-reliance
crucial → essential
taking out loans later in life → borrowing money in adulthood
offer protection for online purchases → provide security for digital transactions
emergency expenses → unexpected financial needs
low limits and cashback features → modest credit caps and reward programs
gain financial literacy → acquire money management knowledge
budgeting skills under controlled conditions → practice planning expenses in a guided environment
downsides → disadvantages
Without adequate financial education → In the absence of proper money-management training
misuse → inappropriate use
accumulating debt they cannot repay → building up unmanageable financial liabilities
A study in the UK recently found that → Recent research from the UK revealed that
fastest-growing group entering long-term credit card debt → most rapidly increasing demographic falling into prolonged card debt
impulse spending and lack of budgeting skills → spontaneous purchases and poor financial planning
Relatedly → In connection with this
encourage a culture of consumption over saving → promote spending rather than frugality
aggressive marketing of credit cards to young adults → intense promotion of credit cards targeting youth
a spike in youth bankruptcies → a surge in financial collapse among young people
prompting stricter regulations → leading to tighter financial controls
financial flexibility → freedom in managing money
opportunities to build credit → chances to establish a credit profile
outweighed → surpassed
potential for poor financial decisions and debt accumulation → risk of bad monetary choices and rising obligations
Unless financial education → If financial literacy is not provided
accessible → widely available
dangerous trend with long-term consequences → risky development with lasting effects
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:
In recent years, it has become increasingly simple for young people to obtain credit cards, often without extensive credit history or financial education. While this trend offers certain conveniences and opportunities, the drawbacks, especially the risks of debt and financial mismanagement, make it a largely negative development.
Proponents argue that early access to credit cards helps young people develop financial independence and responsibility. For instance, in the United States, many university students are offered starter credit cards to build credit scores, which are crucial for renting apartments or taking out loans later in life. Additionally, credit cards offer protection for online purchases, emergency expenses, and travel. In countries like Canada, student credit cards with low limits and cashback features have helped young consumers gain financial literacy and budgeting skills under controlled conditions.
However, the downsides are more significant. Without adequate financial education, many young people misuse credit cards, accumulating debt they cannot repay. A study in the UK recently found that individuals aged 18–24 are the fastest-growing group entering long-term credit card debt, often due to impulse spending and lack of budgeting skills. Relatedly, easy access to credit can encourage a culture of consumption over saving. In South Korea, for example, aggressive marketing of credit cards to young adults in the early 2000s led to a spike in youth bankruptcies, prompting stricter regulations.
In conclusion, although credit cards offer financial flexibility and opportunities to build credit, these benefits are often outweighed by the potential for poor financial decisions and debt accumulation. Unless financial education is significantly improved, making credit cards more accessible to youth is a dangerous trend with long-term consequences.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Taking test after test is just that: testing. It’s like weighing yourself every day and expecting to lose weight – the scale might go up or down, but nothing changes unless you actually do the work.
That’s what most students get wrong. They think doing more tests = more progress.
But practice tests only show you where you are – they don’t help you improve.
If you finish all four tests in the book without reflecting, analyzing, or practicing productively, then you’re not studying IELTS – you’re just taking it again and again.
How to Use Cambridge IELTS 20 Properly (So It Actually Helps You)
Here are 6 smart strategies to make the most of the book:
1. ✅ Be Active – Not Passive
When you do the Listening and Reading sections, don’t just check your score and move on.
Ask yourself questions like:
Why was that the right answer?
Why did I get that wrong?
Did I misunderstand a word or get tricked by a distractor?
Write notes next to each question or keep a mistake journal.
This is how you learn from the tests – not just take them.
2. 🎧 Use the Tapescripts (They’re Gold)
At the back of the book, you’ll find full Listening tapescripts.
Most students ignore them. Big mistake.
The tapescripts are your best friend.
Use them to:
Check what exactly was said and how it connects to the answer.
Highlight unknown words or phrases.
Notice how synonyms and paraphrasing are used.
Pro tip: Try shadowing the audio (repeating what you hear out loud) to improve pronunciation and fluency too.
3. ✍️ Practice Writing & Speaking Multiple Times
You don’t have to do a test under timed conditions every time.
Instead, take the Writing Task 1 or 2 prompts and…
Write multiple versions of your answer.
Compare different ways to organize your ideas.
Try improving vocabulary and grammar each time.
Same with Speaking:
Record yourself answering the Speaking questions.
Try it again with better fluency or more natural language.
Compare yourself with band 8/9 samples.
4. 🕒 Track Your Productive vs. Receptive Practice
Most students spend 90% of their time on passive skills like Listening and Reading.
But IELTS has four skills – and productive skills (Writing and Speaking) are harder, so they get neglected.
Be honest – how many hours have you spent writing essays this week?
Start logging your hours:
Listening: 2 hrs
Reading: 1.5 hrs
Writing: 30 mins
Speaking: 10 mins
If your productive practice is way behind, adjust your schedule. You won’t magically get better at Writing and Speaking if you avoid them.
5. 📺 Supplement With Real English
Cambridge IELTS 20 is great – but it’s still test material.
To truly improve your vocabulary, grammar, and fluency, you need real English input from real life.
Mix in:
YouTube videos (TED-Ed, BBC Learning English, Kurzgesagt, etc.)
Netflix shows (with or without subtitles)
News articles, podcasts, blogs
This makes English feel more natural – and less like a test.
6. 📝 Review with My Sample Answers
Want to see how a band 8+ candidate would write or speak?
Check out my sample answers for every Writing Task 1 and Task 2 in Cambridge 20. Use them to:
Compare structure and vocabulary.
Notice how ideas are developed clearly.
See real examples of coherence, cohesion, and paraphrasing.
If you’re serious about IELTS, don’t treat Cambridge 20 like just another testing machine.
Use it as a learning tool, not just a measuring stick.
Be reflective. Be strategic. And most of all, be productive.
Now go open the book – but do it the smart way. 💪
Simple Steps for Using IELTS Cambridge 13 to Test your English
1. Start with the listening test. Do the listening test fully but don’t check your answers! Read the tapescript carefully after you finish and underline the distractors and paraphrases. This way you learn about how IELTS listening works.
2. Do the reading test. When you check your answers, figure out the reason why you got each one wrong. Because of a paraphrase? Because of vocabulary? Grammar? This way you can improve your weaknesses.
3. Do the writing tests. Time yourself and be strict. Read my samples answers for task 1 and task 2 writing.
4. Practice doing the speaking test yourself or with a partner. If you have a friend who can help, try to do a mock speaking test that feels like the real test. Read here about what will really happen in your IELTS speaking test.
Simple Steps for Using IELTS Cambridge 13 to Improve your English
1. Start with a listening test but don’t do the full test. Just listen to part 1. Listen to it at least 3 times. Repeat this for every part of the test. Read here about how this will improve your listening. Again, check your answers with the tapescript and try to figure out why you got each answer wrong. Usually it will be because of vocabulary – so learn more vocab!
2. Do the reading test. Don’t worry so much about the timing. Review the basic reading steps here and afterwards check why you got each answer wrong.
3. Do both writing tests but don’t worry about the timing. After you finish you can compare with my sample answers and do the practice activities for task 1 and task 2. The next day, do the same sample answer again but try to improve your ideas, vocabulary, and grammar. Keep doing this until you are happy with your writing.
4. Do the practice speaking test by yourself or with a friend/teacher. Don’t move on to a new test. Keep learning new vocabulary related to the same topics and od the test over and over again. If you get bored, try varying or writing slightly new questions related to the questions. Don’t try to give exactly the same answer each time. Vary it a little bit so that your speaking doesn’t become too robotic.
If you have any questions about the book, you can comment them below and I will reply as soon as possible!
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