IELTS Essay: Extinction as a Natural Process

IELTS Essay: Extinction as a Natural Process

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of extinction being a natural process.

If you sign up for my Patreon below, you will get access to many years’ worth of past EBook and PDFs – that are only available on Patreon here:

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Dave

IELTS Essay: Extinction as a Natural Process

It is a natural process that animal species such as dinosaurs become extinct. There is no reason for people to prevent this from happening.

Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that animal extinction is a natural process and that humans should not attempt to prevent it. Others argue that people have a responsibility to protect endangered species. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I disagree with the contention that extinction should simply be accepted.

On the one hand, extinction has occurred throughout Earth’s history without human involvement. Dinosaurs, for example, disappeared due to natural catastrophes such as asteroids and extreme climate change. Similarly, many ancient species failed to survive ice ages or volcanic eruptions because they could not adapt quickly enough. From this perspective, extinction can be seen as a normal part of evolution, allowing stronger or more adaptable species to replace weaker ones.

On the other hand, most animal extinctions today are closely linked to human activities rather than natural forces. Species such as elephants and rhinos are endangered mainly because of poaching, while animals like orangutans are losing their habitats due to deforestation for agriculture and housing. For instance, large areas of rainforest are cleared each year to produce palm oil, directly destroying ecosystems that took thousands of years to develop.

In my opinion, because humans are the primary cause of modern extinctions, they also have a moral and practical responsibility to protect biodiversity. Allowing human-driven species loss to continue unchecked would be both irresponsible and dangerous.

Analysis

1. Some people believe that animal extinction is a natural process and that humans should not attempt to prevent it. Others argue that people have a responsibility to protect endangered species. 2. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I disagree with the contention that extinction should simply be accepted.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. On the one hand, extinction has occurred throughout Earth’s history without human involvement. 2. Dinosaurs, for example, disappeared due to natural catastrophes such as asteroids and extreme climate change. 3. Similarly, many ancient species failed to survive ice ages or volcanic eruptions because they could not adapt quickly enough. 4. From this perspective, extinction can be seen as a normal part of evolution, allowing stronger or more adaptable species to replace weaker ones.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.

1. On the other hand, most animal extinctions today are closely linked to human activities rather than natural forces. 2. Species such as elephants and rhinos are endangered mainly because of poaching, while animals like orangutans are losing their habitats due to deforestation for agriculture and housing. 3. For instance, large areas of rainforest are cleared each year to produce palm oil, directly destroying ecosystems that took thousands of years to develop.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.

1. In my opinion, because humans are the primary cause of modern extinctions, they also have a moral and practical responsibility to protect biodiversity. 2. Allowing human-driven species loss to continue unchecked would be both irresponsible and dangerous.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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 believe that animal extinction is a natural process and that humans should not attempt to prevent it. Others argue that people have a responsibility to protect endangered species. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I disagree with the contention that extinction should simply be accepted.

On the one hand, extinction has occurred throughout Earth’s history without human involvement. Dinosaurs, for example, disappeared due to natural catastrophes such as asteroids and extreme climate change. Similarly, many ancient species failed to survive ice ages or volcanic eruptions because they could not adapt quickly enough. From this perspective, extinction can be seen as a normal part of evolution, allowing stronger or more adaptable species to replace weaker ones.

On the other hand, most animal extinctions today are closely linked to human activities rather than natural forces. Species such as elephants and rhinos are endangered mainly because of poaching, while animals like orangutans are losing their habitats due to deforestation for agriculture and housing. For instance, large areas of rainforest are cleared each year to produce palm oil, directly destroying ecosystems that took thousands of years to develop.

In my opinion, because humans are the primary cause of modern extinctions, they also have a moral and practical responsibility to protect biodiversity. Allowing human-driven species loss to continue unchecked would be both irresponsible and dangerous.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

animal extinction – the disappearance of animal species

a natural process – an inherent phenomenon

should not attempt to prevent it – ought not to try to stop it

have a responsibility to protect endangered species – bear an obligation to safeguard threatened wildlife

This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I disagree with the contention – This essay will examine both perspectives before outlining why I oppose this argument

accepted – widely acknowledged

occurred throughout Earth’s history without human involvement – taken place across Earth’s past independent of human influence

disappeared due to natural catastrophes – became extinct as a result of natural disasters

asteroids – meteorites

extreme climate change – severe climatic shifts

Similarly – In the same way

ancient species failed to survive ice ages or volcanic eruptions – prehistoric organisms were unable to endure glacial periods or volcanic activity

could not adapt quickly enough – were unable to adjust rapidly

From this perspective – From this standpoint

can be seen as a normal part of evolution – may be regarded as a natural element of evolutionary processes

allowing stronger or more adaptable species to replace weaker ones – enabling more resilient species to supplant less adaptable ones

closely linked to human activities rather than natural forces – strongly associated with human actions instead of environmental factors

mainly because of poaching – primarily due to illegal hunting

losing their habitats due to deforestation for agriculture and housing – being deprived of natural habitats as forests are cleared for farming and urban development

large areas of rainforest are cleared – vast tracts of tropical forest are cut down

produce palm oil – manufacture palm oil

directly destroying ecosystems – causing immediate damage to ecological systems

took thousands of years to develop – required millennia to form

primary cause of modern extinctions – leading factor behind contemporary species loss

a moral and practical responsibility to protect biodiversity – an ethical and pragmatic duty to conserve biological diversity

Allowing human-driven species loss to continue unchecked – Permitting anthropogenic extinctions to persist without restriction

irresponsible – negligent

dangerous – hazardous

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ˈænɪmᵊl ɪkˈstɪŋkʃᵊn

ə ˈnæʧᵊrᵊl ˈprəʊsɛs

ʃʊd nɒt əˈtɛmpt tuː prɪˈvɛnt ɪt

hæv ə rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪləti tuː prəˈtɛkt ɪnˈdeɪnʤəd ˈspiːʃiːz

ðɪs ˈɛseɪ wɪl dɪˈskʌs bəʊθ vjuːz bɪˈfɔːr ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ waɪ aɪ ˌdɪsəˈɡriː wɪð ðə kənˈtɛnʃᵊn

əkˈsɛptɪd

əˈkɜːd θruːˈaʊt ɜːθs ˈhɪstᵊri wɪˈðaʊt ˈhjuːmən ɪnˈvɒlvmənt

ˌdɪsəˈpɪəd djuː tuː ˈnæʧᵊrᵊl kəˈtæstrəfiz

ˈæstᵊrɔɪdz

ɪkˈstriːm ˈklaɪmət ʧeɪnʤ

ˈsɪmɪləli

ˈeɪnʃᵊnt ˈspiːʃiːz feɪld tuː səˈvaɪv aɪs ˈeɪʤɪz ɔː vɒlˈkænɪk ɪˈrʌpʃᵊnz

kʊd nɒt əˈdæpt ˈkwɪkli ɪˈnʌf

frɒm ðɪs pəˈspɛktɪv

kæn biː siːn æz ə ˈnɔːmᵊl pɑːt ɒv ˌiːvəˈluːʃᵊn

əˈlaʊɪŋ ˈstrɒŋɡər ɔː mɔːr əˈdæptəbᵊl ˈspiːʃiːz tuː rɪˈpleɪs ˈwiːkə wʌnz

ˈkləʊsli lɪŋkt tuː ˈhjuːmən ækˈtɪvətiz ˈrɑːðə ðæn ˈnæʧᵊrᵊl ˈfɔːsɪz

ˈmeɪnli bɪˈkɒz ɒv ˈpəʊʧɪŋ

ˈluːzɪŋ ðeə ˈhæbɪtæts djuː tuː dɪˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃᵊn fɔːr ˈæɡrɪkʌlʧər ænd ˈhaʊzɪŋ

lɑːʤ ˈeəriəz ɒv ˈreɪnˌfɒrɪst ɑː klɪəd

ˈprɒdjuːs pɑːm ɔɪl

daɪˈrɛktli dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəmz

tʊk ˈθaʊzᵊndz ɒv jɪəz tuː dɪˈvɛləp

ˈpraɪmᵊri kɔːz ɒv ˈmɒdᵊn ɪkˈstɪŋkʃᵊnz

ə ˈmɒrᵊl ænd ˈpræktɪkᵊl rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪləti tuː prəˈtɛkt ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti

əˈlaʊɪŋ ˈhjuːmən-ˈdrɪvᵊn ˈspiːʃiːz lɒs tuː kənˈtɪnjuː ʌnˈʧɛkt

ˌɪrɪˈspɒnsəbᵊl

ˈdeɪnʤᵊrəs

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 believe that animal _____________n is a natural _________s and that humans should ____________________________ it. Others argue that people have ________________________________________________ species. This __________________________________________________________________ contention that extinction should simply be a_________d.

On the one hand, extinction has occurred ________________________________________________ involvement. Dinosaurs, for example, disappeared ________________ catastrophes such as a_________s and extreme ___________change. S__________y, many ancient ___________________________________________________________ eruptions because they could _____________________ enough. From _________ perspective, extinction can ______________________________________ evolution, allowing _____________________________________________________________________ ones.

On the other hand, most animal extinctions today are closely ________________________________________________________ forces. Species such as elephants and rhinos are endangered mainly _____________ poaching, while animals like orangutans are losing ___________________________________________________________________ housing. For instance, large _____________________________ cleared each year to produce __________oil, directly ______________ecosystems that took _____________________ develop.

In my opinion, because humans are the primary _________________ extinctions, they also have a m____________________________________________________________ biodiversity. Allowing ________________________________________unchecked would be both i________________e and d____________s.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.ifaw.org/international/journal/18-animals-recently-extinct

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Wild Animals

Question 1: What’s your favourite wild animal?

Question 2: Are there many wild animals in your country?

Question 3: Have you ever seen wild animals? (Check out a related video here too: https://youtube.com/shorts/R-7vLPqjfis?si=li058QWVhLHUJEfG)

Question 4: Where can you see wild animals in your area?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:

It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.

Do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Task 1: Household and Leisure Activities

IELTS Task 1: Household and Leisure Activities

This is my IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of household and leisure activities featuring a table and a bar chart.

If you sign up for my Patreon below, you will get access to many years’ worth of past EBook and PDFs – that are only available on Patreon here:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Task 1: Household and Leisure Activities

The given charts illustrate household and leisure activities among men and women in terms of average minutes each day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that women spent far more time on household chores, with the exception of time spent on repairs. In terms of leisure activities, both sexes were far more likely to watch television, video, or listen to the radio, and figures for reading and sport were relatively comparable.

Regarding activities in the household, women spent more than twice the amount of time cooking and washing and washing clothes and ironing (78 minutes to 30 minutes and 30 minutes to 10 minutes). The difference in time spent shopping was less extreme at 25 minutes for men and 37 minutes for women. In contrast, men spent double the time on repairs per day (19 minutes) to women (9 minutes).

For leisure time, the data for TV, video, and radio were surveyed at 137 minutes for males and 118 minutes for females. Other free time activities included reading (18 minutes for men and 19 minutes for women) and sport, 15 minutes and 11 minutes for men and women, respectively.

Analysis

1. The given charts illustrate household and leisure activities among men and women in terms of average minutes each day. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that women spent far more time on household chores, with the exception of time spent on repairs. 3. In terms of leisure activities, both sexes were far more likely to watch television, video, or listen to the radio, and figures for reading and sport were relatively comparable.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear overview.
  3. Your overview should be two sentences.

1. Regarding activities in the household, women spent more than twice the amount of time cooking and washing and washing clothes and ironing (78 minutes to 30 minutes and 30 minutes to 10 minutes). 2. The difference in time spent shopping was less extreme at 25 minutes for men and 37 minutes for women. 3. In contrast, men spent double the time on repairs per day (19 minutes) to women (9 minutes).

  1. Begin describing the data.
  2. Make sure that you compare between sentences.
  3. And include as much data as possible.

1. For leisure time, the data for TV, video, and radio were surveyed at 137 minutes for males and 118 minutes for females. 2. Other free time activities included reading (18 minutes for men and 19 minutes for women) and sport, 15 minutes and 11 minutes for men and women, respectively.

  1. Switch to the other table.
  2. Vary short and long sentences.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

The given charts illustrate household and leisure activities among men and women in terms of average minutes each day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that women spent far more time on household chores, with the exception of time spent on repairs. In terms of leisure activities, both sexes were far more likely to watch television, video, or listen to the radio, and figures for reading and sport were relatively comparable.

Regarding activities in the household, women spent more than twice the amount of time cooking and washing and washing clothes and ironing (78 minutes to 30 minutes and 30 minutes to 10 minutes). The difference in time spent shopping was less extreme at 25 minutes for men and 37 minutes for women. In contrast, men spent double the time on repairs per day (19 minutes) to women (9 minutes).

For leisure time, the data for TV, video, and radio were surveyed at 137 minutes for males and 118 minutes for females. Other free time activities included reading (18 minutes for men and 19 minutes for women) and sport, 15 minutes and 11 minutes for men and women, respectively.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

The given charts illustrate – The provided graphs depict

average minutes each day – the mean number of minutes per day

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that – From an overall standpoint, it is immediately clear that

spent far more time on household chores – devoted significantly more time to domestic tasks

with the exception of – apart from

repairs – maintenance work

In terms of – With regard to

sexes – genders

far more likely to – considerably more inclined to

figures – statistics

relatively comparable – fairly similar

Regarding activities in – Concerning activities in

more than twice the amount of time – over twice as much time

The difference in time – The disparity in time

less extreme at – less pronounced at

In contrast – By comparison

double the time – two times as much time

surveyed at – recorded at

included – comprised

respectively – in that order

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ðə ˈɡɪvᵊn ʧɑːts ˈɪləstreɪt

ˈævᵊrɪʤ ˈmɪnɪts iːʧ deɪ

ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˌəʊvəˈrɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærᵊnt ðæt

spɛnt fɑː mɔː taɪm ɒn ˈhaʊshəʊld ʧɔːz

wɪð ði ɪkˈsɛpʃᵊn ɒv

rɪˈpeəz

ɪn tɜːmz ɒv

ˈsɛksɪz

fɑː mɔː ˈlaɪkli tuː

ˈfɪɡəz

ˈrɛlətɪvli ˈkɒmpᵊrəbᵊl

rɪˈɡɑːdɪŋ ækˈtɪvətiz ɪn

mɔː ðæn twaɪs ði əˈmaʊnt ɒv taɪm

ðə ˈdɪfᵊrᵊns ɪn taɪm

lɛs ɪkˈstriːm æt

ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst

ˈdʌbᵊl ðə taɪm

ˈsɜːveɪd æt

ɪnˈkluːdɪd

rɪˈspɛktɪvli

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:

The ___________ illustrate household and leisure activities among men and women in terms of average ____________ day. Looking ______________________________________ that women spent _________________________________ chores, with _____________ of time spent on r______s. In _______of leisure activities, both s______s were far __________ to watch television, video, or listen to the radio, and f______s for reading and sport were relatively _____________e.

Regarding ____________in the household, women spent more _________________________ time cooking and washing and washing clothes and ironing (78 minutes to 30 minutes and 30 minutes to 10 minutes). The __________________ time spent shopping was less ____________at 25 minutes for men and 37 minutes for women. In _________t, men spent double _____ time on repairs per day (19 minutes) to women (9 minutes).

For leisure time, the data for TV, video, and radio were surveyed ___t 137 minutes for males and 118 minutes for females. Other free time activities i________d reading (18 minutes for men and 19 minutes for women) and sport, 15 minutes and 11 minutes for men and women, r__________y.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Evenings

1. Do you prefer studying in the morning or in the afternoon?

2. What do you usually do in the evening?

3. What did you do in the evening when you were little? Why?

4. Are there any differences between what you do in the evening now and what you did in the past?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:

IELTS Essay: Working Harder than Others

IELTS Essay: Working Harder than Others

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of working harder than others.

If you sign up for my Patreon below, you will get access to many years’ worth of past EBook and PDFs – that are only available on Patreon here:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Working Harder than Others

In education and employment, some people work harder than others.

Why do some people work harder?

Is it always good to work hard?

Some people clearly put more effort into their studies and jobs than others. This essay will explain why this happens and argue that although hard work often engenders tangible benefits, it is not always a positive approach due to the effects on mental health.

One key reason people work harder is pressure from their background or circumstances. For example, a student from a low-income family may study long hours to achieve high exam scores because education is seen as the main path to financial security. In employment, migrant workers often take extra shifts or accept demanding workloads because they have limited job options and may need to support relatives. In contrast, individuals with strong financial support or secure positions may feel less urgency to push themselves. Situational factors therefore explain the vast majority of hard-working individuals.

However, working hard is not always beneficial. In the short term it can increase productivity, but over time it may lead to burnout and declining long-term performance. Teachers who regularly work late nights marking papers and preparing lessons may initially improve student results, but prolonged stress can cause health problems and reduced teaching quality. Similarly, employees who consistently work overtime may sacrifice personal relationships and creativity, which are also essential for long-term success. Over time the impact on mental health exacts a toll and makes working hard a negative overall when taken to extremes.

In conclusion, people work harder due to necessity, personality, and external rewards. While dedication can lead to achievement, excessive hard work can be harmful, meaning a balanced approach is ultimately more effective.

Analysis

1. Some people clearly put more effort into their studies and jobs than others. 2. This essay will explain why this happens and argue that although hard work often engenders tangible benefits, it is not always a positive approach due to the effects on mental health.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.

1. One key reason people work harder is pressure from their background or circumstances. 2. For example, a student from a low-income family may study long hours to achieve high exam scores because education is seen as the main path to financial security. 3. In employment, migrant workers often take extra shifts or accept demanding workloads because they have limited job options and may need to support relatives. 4. In contrast, individuals with strong financial support or secure positions may feel less urgency to push themselves. 5. Situational factors therefore explain the vast majority of hard-working individuals.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. Better to have more detail.

1. However, working hard is not always beneficial. 2. In the short term it can increase productivity, but over time it may lead to burnout and declining long-term performance. 3. Teachers who regularly work late nights marking papers and preparing lessons may initially improve student results, but prolonged stress can cause health problems and reduced teaching quality. 4. Similarly, employees who consistently work overtime may sacrifice personal relationships and creativity, which are also essential for long-term success. 5. Over time the impact on mental health exacts a toll and makes working hard a negative overall when taken to extremes.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
  5. This essay is a bit long – aim for about 275 words.

1. In conclusion, people work harder due to necessity, personality, and external rewards. 2. While dedication can lead to achievement, excessive hard work can be harmful, meaning a balanced approach is ultimately more effective.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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 clearly put more effort into their studies and jobs than others. This essay will explain why this happens and argue that although hard work often engenders tangible benefits, it is not always a positive approach due to the effects on mental health.

One key reason people work harder is pressure from their background or circumstances. For example, a student from a low-income family may study long hours to achieve high exam scores because education is seen as the main path to financial security. In employment, migrant workers often take extra shifts or accept demanding workloads because they have limited job options and may need to support relatives. In contrast, individuals with strong financial support or secure positions may feel less urgency to push themselves. Situational factors therefore explain the vast majority of hard-working individuals.

However, working hard is not always beneficial. In the short term it can increase productivity, but over time it may lead to burnout and declining long-term performance. Teachers who regularly work late nights marking papers and preparing lessons may initially improve student results, but prolonged stress can cause health problems and reduced teaching quality. Similarly, employees who consistently work overtime may sacrifice personal relationships and creativity, which are also essential for long-term success. Over time the impact on mental health exacts a toll and makes working hard a negative overall when taken to extremes.

In conclusion, people work harder due to necessity, personality, and external rewards. While dedication can lead to achievement, excessive hard work can be harmful, meaning a balanced approach is ultimately more effective.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

clearly put more effort into → demonstrate greater effort

This essay will explain why → This essay will outline the reasons why

engenders tangible benefits → produces measurable advantages

a positive approach due to the effects on mental health → a constructive attitude resulting from mental health impacts

One key reason → One primary factor

pressure from their background or circumstances → constraints arising from personal circumstances

a low-income family → a financially disadvantaged household

study long hours to achieve high exam scores → devote extended hours to attain strong examination results

education is seen as the main path to financial security → education is regarded as the primary route to economic stability

In employment → In the workplace

migrant workers → foreign or migrant labourers

take extra shifts → work additional shifts

accept demanding workloads → undertake heavy workloads

limited job options and may need to support relatives → restricted employment opportunities and family financial obligations

In contrast → By comparison

strong financial support → robust financial backing

secure positions → stable employment

less urgency to push themselves → reduced pressure to exert themselves

Situational factors therefore explain the vast majority of → Contextual circumstances therefore account for most

beneficial → advantageous

In the short term → In the immediate term

increase productivity → boost output

over time it may lead to burnout and declining long-term performance → eventually it can result in exhaustion and reduced sustained performance

regularly work late nights marking papers and preparing lessons → frequently stay up late grading assignments and planning lessons

initially improve student results → produce early improvements in student outcomes

prolonged stress → sustained pressure

cause health problems and reduced teaching quality → lead to health issues and diminished instructional standards

Similarly → Likewise

consistently work overtime → habitually work beyond standard hours

sacrifice personal relationships and creativity → compromise personal relationships and creative capacity

essential for long-term success → crucial for sustained success

Over time the impact on mental health exacts a toll → With time, the effects on mental health become damaging

when taken to extremes → when carried to excess

necessity → practical requirement

personality → individual disposition

external rewards → extrinsic incentives

dedication → commitment

achievement → accomplishment

excessive hard work can be harmful → overworking can be detrimental

meaning a balanced approach is ultimately more effective → therefore a balanced strategy proves more effective overall

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

ˈklɪəli pʊt mɔːr ˈɛfət ˈɪntuː

ðɪs ˈɛseɪ wɪl ɪkˈspleɪn waɪ

ɪnˈʤɛndəz ˈtænʤəbᵊl ˈbɛnɪfɪts

ə ˈpɒzətɪv əˈprəʊʧ djuː tuː ði ɪˈfɛkts ɒn ˈmɛntᵊl hɛlθ

wʌn kiː ˈriːzᵊn

ˈprɛʃə frɒm ðeə ˈbækɡraʊnd ɔː ˈsɜːkəmstɑːnsɪz

ə ləʊ-ˈɪnkʌm ˈfæmᵊli

ˈstʌdi lɒŋ aʊəz tuː əˈʧiːv haɪ ɪɡˈzæm skɔːz

ˌɛʤʊˈkeɪʃᵊn ɪz siːn æz ðə meɪn pɑːθ tuː faɪˈnænʃᵊl sɪˈkjʊərəti

ɪn ɪmˈplɔɪmənt

ˈmaɪɡrənt ˈwɜːkəz

teɪk ˈɛkstrə ʃɪfts

əkˈsɛpt dɪˈmɑːndɪŋ ˈwɜːkˌləʊdz

ˈlɪmɪtɪd ʤɒb ˈɒpʃᵊnz ænd meɪ niːd tuː səˈpɔːt ˈrɛlətɪvz

ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst

strɒŋ faɪˈnænʃᵊl səˈpɔːt

sɪˈkjʊə pəˈzɪʃᵊnz

lɛs ˈɜːʤᵊnsi tuː pʊʃ ðəmˈsɛlvz

ˌsɪʧuˈeɪʃᵊnᵊl ˈfæktəz ˈðeəfɔːr ɪkˈspleɪn ðə vɑːst məˈʤɒrəti ɒv

ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃᵊl

ɪn ðə ʃɔːt tɜːm

ˈɪnkriːs ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti

ˈəʊvə taɪm ɪt meɪ liːd tuː ˈbɜːnˈaʊt ænd dɪˈklaɪnɪŋ ˈlɒŋtɜːm pəˈfɔːməns

ˈrɛɡjələli wɜːk leɪt naɪts ˈmɑːkɪŋ ˈpeɪpəz ænd prɪˈpeərɪŋ ˈlɛsᵊnz

ɪˈnɪʃᵊli ɪmˈpruːv ˈstjuːdᵊnt rɪˈzʌlts

prəˈlɒŋd strɛs

kɔːz hɛlθ ˈprɒbləmz ænd rɪˈdjuːst ˈtiːʧɪŋ ˈkwɒləti

ˈsɪmɪləli

kənˈsɪstᵊntli wɜːk ˈəʊvətaɪm

ˈsækrɪfaɪs ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl rɪˈleɪʃᵊnʃɪps ænd ˌkriːeɪˈtɪvəti

ɪˈsɛnʃᵊl fɔː ˈlɒŋtɜːm səkˈsɛs

ˈəʊvə taɪm ði ˈɪmpækt ɒn ˈmɛntᵊl hɛlθ ɪɡˈzækts ə təʊl

wɛn ˈteɪkᵊn tuː ɪkˈstriːmz

nəˈsɛsəti

ˌpɜːsᵊnˈæləti

ɪkˈstɜːnᵊl rɪˈwɔːdz

ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃᵊn

əˈʧiːvmənt

ɪkˈsɛsɪv hɑːd wɜːk kæn biː ˈhɑːmfᵊl

ˈmiːnɪŋ ə ˈbælᵊnst əˈprəʊʧ ɪz ˈʌltɪmətli mɔːr ɪˈfɛktɪv

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 clearly ______________ into their studies and jobs than others. This _____________ why this happens and argue that although hard work often engenders ________benefits, it is not always a ________________________________health.

One ________reason people work harder is pressure __________________________ circumstances. For example, a student from a _________________ family may study _____________________________________ scores because education _________________________________ security. In e____________t, migrant w________s often take _______shifts or accept ____________workloads because they have limited___________________________________ relatives. In c_________t, individuals with strong ________________support or secure p________s may feel less _____________________ themselves. Situational _____________________________________________________ of hard-working individuals.

However, working hard is not always b___________l. In ___________ term it can increase p__________y, but over ________________________________________________ performance. Teachers who regularly____________________________________________ lessons may initially __________________ results, but prolonged s_______s can cause _____________________________________________ quality. S________y, employees who consistently _________overtime may sacrifice ___________________________creativity, which are also essential _________________________ success. Over __________________________________________ toll and makes working hard a negative overall when ____________ extremes.

In conclusion, people work harder due to n__________y, p__________y, and external r_________s. While d___________n can lead to a_____________t, excessive _________________ harmful, meaning ___________________________________ effective.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://paulgraham.com/hwh.html?viewfullsite=1

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Work

What do you do for work?

What are your responsibilities?

Is there some other kind of work you would rather do?

Lower Level Version

Some people work harder in school and at work than others. This essay will explain the reasons for this and argue that while hard work often brings clear benefits, it is not always good because it can affect mental health.

One main reason people work hard is their background or life situation. For example, a student from a poor family may study for many hours in order to get high exam scores, as education is often seen as the best way to get a stable job in the future. At work, migrant workers often do extra shifts or take difficult jobs because they have few choices and may need to send money to family members. By contrast, people who have financial support or stable jobs may feel less pressure to work very hard. This shows that personal circumstances strongly influence how hard people work.

However, working hard is not always a good thing. In the short term, it can help people be more productive, but in the long run it can cause tiredness and stress. For example, teachers who work late every night to mark papers and prepare lessons may see quick improvements in students’ results, but too much stress can harm their health and reduce the quality of their teaching. In the same way, workers who always do overtime may damage their personal relationships and lose creativity, which are important for long-term success.

In conclusion, people work hard because of necessity, personality, and rewards. Although hard work can lead to success, too much of it can be harmful, so a balanced approach is better.

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:

Some countries have introduced laws to limit the working hours that an employer can ask from an employee.

Why are these law introduced?

Is this a positive or negative trend?

IELTS Essay: Education as a Basic Right

IELTS Essay: Education as a Basic Right

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of education as a basic right for all people.

If you sign up for my Patreon below, you will get access to many years’ worth of past EBook and PDFs – available on Patreon here:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Education as a Basic Right

Since university education is seen as a basic right, some people believe the government should make it free for all, regardless of each students’s economic status.

Do you agree or disagree with this belief?

Some people argue that university education should be completely free because it is a basic right, regardless of a student’s financial background. I disagree with this viewpoint. While higher education should be accessible, making it entirely free for everyone would create financial strain and unfair resource allocation.

One major issue is the enormous cost for governments. Universities require funding for laboratories, libraries, lecturer salaries, and research facilities. For example, public universities in countries such as the United States or Australia spend tens of thousands of dollars per student each year. If tuition were removed entirely, governments would either need to increase taxes or divert funds from essential services like healthcare and public transport. This could result in poorer overall outcomes for society, particularly for low-income citizens who rely heavily on these support services.

Another problem is that free university education for all often benefits wealthy families the most. Students from affluent backgrounds can already afford tuition and living expenses, yet they would receive the same subsidy as those from disadvantaged households. In contrast, targeted financial aid systems, such as means-tested scholarships or income-contingent loans used in countries like the UK, direct resources toward students who genuinely need support, while still encouraging personal responsibility.

In conclusion, although university education plays a vital role in social development, making it completely free for all students is neither practical nor fair. A more effective approach would be to provide strong financial assistance to low-income students while requiring those who can afford it to contribute to the cost of their education.

Analysis

1. Some people argue that university education should be completely free because it is a basic right, regardless of a student’s financial background. 2. I disagree with this viewpoint. 3. While higher education should be accessible, making it entirely free for everyone would create financial strain and unfair resource allocation.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
  3. Normally I write 2 sentence introductions but 3 is ok as well.

1. One major issue is the enormous cost for governments. 2. Universities require funding for laboratories, libraries, lecturer salaries, and research facilities. 3. For example, public universities in countries such as the United States or Australia spend tens of thousands of dollars per student each year. 4. If tuition were removed entirely, governments would either need to increase taxes or divert funds from essential services like healthcare and public transport. 5. This could result in poorer overall outcomes for society, particularly for low-income citizens who rely heavily on these support services.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. Better to have more detail.

1. Another problem is that free university education for all often benefits wealthy families the most. 2. Students from affluent backgrounds can already afford tuition and living expenses, yet they would receive the same subsidy as those from disadvantaged households. 3. In contrast, targeted financial aid systems, such as means-tested scholarships or income-contingent loans used in countries like the UK, direct resources toward students who genuinely need support, while still encouraging personal responsibility.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.

1. In conclusion, although university education plays a vital role in social development, making it completely free for all students is neither practical nor fair. 2. A more effective approach would be to provide strong financial assistance to low-income students while requiring those who can afford it to contribute to the cost of their education.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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 university education should be completely free because it is a basic right, regardless of a student’s financial background. I disagree with this viewpoint. While higher education should be accessible, making it entirely free for everyone would create financial strain and unfair resource allocation.

One major issue is the enormous cost for governments. Universities require funding for laboratories, libraries, lecturer salaries, and research facilities. For example, public universities in countries such as the United States or Australia spend tens of thousands of dollars per student each year. If tuition were removed entirely, governments would either need to increase taxes or divert funds from essential services like healthcare and public transport. This could result in poorer overall outcomes for society, particularly for low-income citizens who rely heavily on these support services.

Another problem is that free university education for all often benefits wealthy families the most. Students from affluent backgrounds can already afford tuition and living expenses, yet they would receive the same subsidy as those from disadvantaged households. In contrast, targeted financial aid systems, such as means-tested scholarships or income-contingent loans used in countries like the UK, direct resources toward students who genuinely need support, while still encouraging personal responsibility.

In conclusion, although university education plays a vital role in social development, making it completely free for all students is neither practical nor fair. A more effective approach would be to provide strong financial assistance to low-income students while requiring those who can afford it to contribute to the cost of their education.

Answers

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

completely free → provided at no cost

a basic right → a fundamental entitlement

regardless of → irrespective of

financial background → economic circumstances

I disagree with this viewpoint → I do not support this argument

While higher education should be accessible → Although university education ought to be available

create financial strain → place pressure on public finances

unfair resource allocation → inequitable distribution of funds

One major issue is → A key concern is

the enormous cost for → the substantial expense associated with

require funding for → depend on financial support for

lecturer salaries → academic staff wages

research facilities → research infrastructure

public universities → state-funded institutions

removed entirely → eliminated completely

increase taxes → raise tax rates

divert funds from essential services like healthcare and public transport → redirect money away from critical sectors such as medical care and transport systems

This could result in poorer overall outcomes for society → This may lead to negative consequences for society as a whole

particularly for low-income citizens → especially among disadvantaged populations

rely heavily on these support services → depend greatly on such public provisions

benefits wealthy families the most → primarily advantages high-income households

affluent backgrounds → financially privileged families

afford tuition and living expenses → pay for fees and daily costs

receive the same subsidy as those from disadvantaged households → obtain identical financial support as less advantaged students

In contrast → By comparison

targeted financial aid systems → needs-based support schemes

means-tested scholarships or income-contingent loans → income-based grants or repayable loans linked to earnings

direct resources toward → channel funding to

genuinely need support → truly require assistance

encouraging personal responsibility → promoting individual accountability

plays a vital role in social development → is essential to societal progress

neither practical nor fair → both unrealistic and unjust

A more effective approach would be → A more viable solution would be

provide strong financial assistance to low-income students → offer substantial support to students from poorer backgrounds

requiring → by expecting

afford → are able to pay

contribute to the cost of their education → share the financial burden of their studies

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

kəmˈpliːtli friː

ə ˈbeɪsɪk raɪt

rɪˈɡɑːdləs ɒv

faɪˈnænʃᵊl ˈbækɡraʊnd

aɪ ˌdɪsəˈɡriː wɪð ðɪs ˈvjuːpɔɪnt

waɪl ˈhaɪər ˌɛʤʊˈkeɪʃᵊn ʃʊd biː əkˈsɛsəbᵊl

kriˈeɪt faɪˈnænʃᵊl streɪn

ʌnˈfeə rɪˈzɔːs ˌæləʊˈkeɪʃᵊn

wʌn ˈmeɪʤər ˈɪʃuː ɪz

ði ɪˈnɔːməs kɒst fɔː

rɪˈkwaɪə ˈfʌndɪŋ fɔː

ˈlɛkʧᵊrə ˈsæləriz

rɪˈsɜːʧ fəˈsɪlətiz

ˈpʌblɪk ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsətiz

rɪˈmuːvd ɪnˈtaɪəli

ˈɪnkriːs ˈtæksɪz

daɪˈvɜːt fʌndz frɒm ɪˈsɛnʃᵊl ˈsɜːvɪsɪz laɪk ˈhɛlθkeər ænd ˈpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːt

ðɪs kʊd rɪˈzʌlt ɪn ˈpɔːrər ˌəʊvəˈrɔːl ˈaʊtkʌmz fɔː səˈsaɪəti

pəˈtɪkjələli fɔː ləʊ-ˈɪnkʌm ˈsɪtɪzᵊnz

rɪˈlaɪ ˈhɛvᵊli ɒn ðiːz səˈpɔːt ˈsɜːvɪsɪz

ˈbɛnɪfɪts ˈwɛlθi ˈfæmᵊliz ðə məʊst

ˈæfluənt ˈbækɡraʊndz

əˈfɔːd tjuˈɪʃᵊn ænd ˈlɪvɪŋ ɪkˈspɛnsɪz

rɪˈsiːv ðə seɪm ˈsʌbsɪdi æz ðəʊz frɒm ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪʤd ˈhaʊshəʊldz

ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst

ˈtɑːɡɪtɪd faɪˈnænʃᵊl eɪd ˈsɪstəmz

miːnz-ˈtɛstɪd ˈskɒləʃɪps ɔː ˈɪnkʌm-kənˈtɪnʤᵊnt ləʊnz

daɪˈrɛkt rɪˈzɔːsɪz təˈwɔːd

ˈʤɛnjuɪnli niːd səˈpɔːt

ɪnˈkʌrɪʤɪŋ ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl rɪˌspɒnsɪˈbɪləti

pleɪz ə ˈvaɪtᵊl rəʊl ɪn ˈsəʊʃᵊl dɪˈvɛləpmənt

ˈnaɪðə ˈpræktɪkᵊl nɔː feə

ə mɔːr ɪˈfɛktɪv əˈprəʊʧ wʊd biː

prəˈvaɪd strɒŋ faɪˈnænʃᵊl əˈsɪstᵊns tuː ləʊ-ˈɪnkʌm ˈstjuːdᵊnts

rɪˈkwaɪərɪŋ

əˈfɔːd

kənˈtrɪbjuːt tuː ðə kɒst ɒv ðeər ˌɛʤʊˈkeɪʃᵊn

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 university education should be completely_____e because it is a ______right, regardless ___f a student’s financial_________d. I _____________________ viewpoint. While _______________ accessible, making it entirely free for everyone would create _______ strain and unfair ________allocation.

One ______________________ for governments. Universities require _______for laboratories, libraries, lecturer ________s, and research___________s. For example, public __________s in countries such as the United States or Australia spend tens of thousands of dollars per student each year. If tuition were removed _________y, governments would either need to increase _______s or divert ___________________________________________________________________ transport. This _____________________________________________ society, particularly _____________ citizens who rely ________________________ services.

Another problem is that free university education for all often benefits _________________ most. Students from affluent ___________s can already afford _______________ expenses, yet they would receive _____________________________________ households. In ___________, targeted ________________systems, such as means-tested ________________________ loans used in countries like the UK, direct __________ toward students who genuinely _________ support, while still encouraging ____________ responsibility.

In conclusion, although university education plays________________ development, making it completely free for all students is neither ______________ fair. A ________________________________ be to provide __________________________________ students while r__________g those who can a________d it to contribute _____________________ education.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.britannica.com/procon/free-college-debate?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Teachers (Get the full EBook for this speaking topic on Patreon.)

Question 1: Would you ever like to be a teacher?

Question 2: Did you have a favourite teacher at school?

Question 3: Would you say that you were a good student at school?

Question 4: Have you ever had a teacher that you didn’t like?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:

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?

IELTS Essay: Free Public Libraries

IELTS Essay: Free Public Libraries

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of free public libraries.

If you sign up for my Patreon below, you will get access to many years’ worth of past EBook and PDFs – that are only available on Patreon here:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Free Public Libraries

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your main idea.
  3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
  4. Keep developing it fully.
  5. 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.

  1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
  2. Explain your new main idea.
  3. Include specific details and examples.
  4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
  5. 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.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. 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
  • community well-being → overall social welfare

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:

bɪld friː ˈpʌblɪk ˈlaɪbrᵊriz

kleɪm

ʌnˈnɛsəsɛri

prəˈvaɪdz ˈiːzi ˈæksɛs tuː ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃᵊn

ˌʌndɪˈnaɪəbᵊli kənˈviːniənt

stɪl sɜːv ən ɪˈsɛnʃᵊl ˈsəʊʃᵊl ænd ˌɛʤʊˈkeɪʃᵊnᵊl rəʊl

ˈkænɒt ˈfʊli rɪˈpleɪs

ɒn wʌn hænd

ˈæksɛs ə vɑːst əˈmaʊnt ɒv ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃᵊn æt ˈlɪtᵊl ɔː nəʊ kɒst

ləʊˈkeɪt ˈmɪljənz ɒv rɪˈsɜːʧ ˈpeɪpəz

ˈlɛkʧəz

ˈflɛksəbᵊl

ɪnˈkluːsɪv

ɪn rɪˈməʊt ˈeəriəz

stɑːf ˈsæləriz

ˈkɒnstᵊnt bʊk rɪˈpleɪsmənt

ˈdɪʤɪtᵊl rɪˈzɔːsɪz

kəmˈpærətɪvli ʧiːp tuː ʌpˈdeɪt ænd dɪˈstrɪbjuːt

frɒm ðɪs pəˈspɛktɪv

aʊtˈdeɪtɪd

faɪˈnænʃᵊli ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃᵊnt

ɒn ði ˈʌðə hænd

prəˈvaɪd ˈbɛnɪfɪts bɪˈjɒnd mɪər ˈæksɛs tuː ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃᵊn

ˈstrʌkʧəd ɪnˈvaɪrᵊnmənts

prəˈməʊt diːp ˈriːdɪŋ

ˌkɒnsᵊnˈtreɪʃᵊn

ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈbraʊzɪŋ

dɪˈskʌrɪʤɪz

ˈlaɪbrᵊriz ækt æz kəˈmjuːnəti ˈsɛntəz

əˈtɛnd ˈstɔːrɪˌtɛlɪŋ ˈsɛʃᵊnz

ˈriːdɪŋ klʌbz

ˌʌnɪmˈplɔɪd ˈrɛzɪdᵊnts rɪˈsiːv ʤɒb-sɜːʧ ˈtreɪnɪŋ

ˈsəʊʃᵊl ˌɪntəˈrækʃᵊnz ˈstrɛŋθᵊn kəˈmjuːnəti bɒndz

kriˈeɪt ˈiːkwəl ˈlɜːnɪŋ ˌɒpəˈʧuːnətiz rɪˈɡɑːdləs ɒv ˈɪnkʌm ˈlɛvᵊl

rɪˈlaɪəbᵊl ˈɪntənɛt ˈæksɛs

ɪˈspɛʃᵊli ɪn dɪˈvɛləpɪŋ ˈkʌntriz

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:

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:

https://dkpl.org/exploring-public-libraries-around-the-world/

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam:

Books and Reading Habits

1. Do you often read books?

2. Do you read different books now than you did when you were younger?

3. Have you ever read a novel that has been adapted into a film?

4. Which do you prefer: reading books or watching movies?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic:

Many believe that reading books is a waste of time and children would be better served doing something more useful.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?