IELTS Task 1 Essay: Building with 3 Maps

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Building with 3 Maps

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a map of a ground floor in a building and containing 3 maps.

Find my full IELTS Ebooks here.

You can find maps here and line charts here and bar charts here.

Dave

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Building with 3 Maps

The floorplan shows how a building has changed from 1958 to the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the building has served both commercial and residential purposes with the only area remaining unchanged being the kitchen. At present, the flower shop has a more open layout relative to when it was an apartment and office.

In 1958, the building was used as an office with a meeting room in the top left corner of the floorplan, an assistant’s and secretary’s office below there and a toilet in the bottom left corner. In 1985, the meeting room was extended and turned into a living room and a large bathroom and shower took the place of the offices and toilet. The florist shop contained a gift card room in the top left, above a large open space for flowers and a play area in the bottom left corner.

On the right side, the kitchen in the top corner was unaltered across all iterations of the ground floor. In comparison, there was a manager’s office on the right hand side and a reception area in the bottom corner. These spaces were allocated for bedrooms in the apartment and are now an office and additional space for flowers.

Analysis

1. The floorplan shows how a building has changed from 1958 to the present day. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the building has served both commercial and residential purposes with the only area remaining unchanged being the kitchen. 3. At present, the flower shop has a more open layout relative to when it was an apartment and office.

  1. Paraphrase what the map shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
  3. Add a second sentence to make sure everything is covered.

1. In 1958, the building was used as an office with a meeting room in the top left corner of the floorplan, an assistant’s and secretary’s office below there and a toilet in the bottom left corner. 2. In 1985, the meeting room was extended and turned into a living room and a large bathroom and shower took the place of the offices and toilet. 3. The florist shop contained a gift card room in the top left, above a large open space for flowers and a play area in the bottom left corner.

  1. Begin writing about the map.
  2. Make sure you compare as much as possible.
  3. Don’t leave anything out.

1. On the right side, the kitchen in the top corner was unaltered across all iterations of the ground floor. 2. In comparison, there was a manager’s office on the right hand side and a reception area in the bottom corner. 3. These spaces were allocated for bedrooms in the apartment and are now an office and additional space for flowers.

  1. Write about the final, other parts of the map – include everything!
  2. Compare the categories.
  3. Add in everything, even what has not changed.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:

The floorplan shows how a building has changed from 1958 to the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the building has served both commercial and residential purposes with the only area remaining unchanged being the kitchen. At present, the flower shop has a more open layout relative to when it was an apartment and office.

In 1958, the building was used as an office with a meeting room in the top left corner of the floor, an assistant’s and secretary’s office below there and a toilet in the bottom left corner. In 1985, the meeting room was extended and turned into a living room and a large bathroom and shower took the place of the offices and toilet. The florist shop contained a gift card room in the top left, above a large open space for flowers and a play area in the bottom left corner.

On the right side, the kitchen in the top corner was unaltered across all iterations of the ground floor. In comparison, there was a manager’s office on the right hand side and a reception area in the bottom corner. These spaces were allocated for bedrooms in the apartment and are now an office and additional space for flowers.

Answers

Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:

floorplan blueprint

from … to the present day starting then up until now

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall

served both commercial and residential purposes was for business and for living

remaining unchanged was not altered

At present now

open layout lots of space

relative to when compared to the time

meeting room place to meet

top left corner northwest

assistant’s people helping out

secretary’s office below assistant’s working space under that

bottom left corner southwest

extended lengthened

turned into transformed into

took the place of replaced

florist shop contained flower shop has

gift card room place to sell cards

play area where kid’s can play

unaltered across all iterations of the ground floor didn’t change through the years

In comparison compared to that

manager’s boss’s

on the right hand side to the right

reception area area to get help from a receptionist

allocated for made for

additional extra

Pronunciation

Practice saying the words below using this tip with Google voice dictation:

flɔː plæn 
frɒm … tuː ðə ˈprɛznt deɪ 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
sɜːvd bəʊθ kəˈmɜːʃəl ænd ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl ˈpɜːpəsɪz 
rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ ʌnˈʧeɪnʤd 
æt ˈprɛznt 
ˈəʊpən ˈleɪaʊt 
ˈrɛlətɪv tuː wɛn 
ˈmiːtɪŋ ruːm 
tɒp lɛft ˈkɔːnə 
əˈsɪstənts 
ˈsɛkrətriz ˈɒfɪs bɪˈləʊ 
ˈbɒtəm lɛft ˈkɔːnə 
ɪksˈtɛndɪd 
tɜːnd ˈɪntuː 
tʊk ðə pleɪs ɒv 
ˈflɒrɪst ʃɒp kənˈteɪnd 
ɡɪft kɑːd ruːm
pleɪ ˈeərɪə 
ʌnˈɔːltəd əˈkrɒs ɔːl ˌɪtəˈreɪʃᵊnz ɒv ðə ɡraʊnd flɔː 
ɪn kəmˈpærɪsn 
ˈmænɪʤəz 
ɒn ðə raɪt hænd saɪd 
rɪˈsɛpʃᵊn ˈeərɪə 
ˈæləʊkeɪtɪd fɔː 
əˈdɪʃənl 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:

The f_________n shows how a building has changed f____m 1958 t_________________y. L______________________________________________________________t the building has s_____________________________________________s with the only area r_____________________d being the kitchen. A_________________t, the flower shop has a more o_____________________________n it was an apartment and office.

In 1958, the building was used as an office with a m_________________m in the t______________r of the floor, an a_______________s and s________________________w there and a toilet in the b__________________r. In 1985, the meeting room was e___________d and t______________o a living room and a large bathroom and shower t___________________f the offices and toilet. The f______________________d a g__________d room in the top left, above a large open space for flowers and a p__________a in the bottom left corner.

On the right side, the kitchen in the top corner was u______________________________________________________r. I_______________n, there was a m___________s office o___________________e and a r_____________a in the bottom corner. These spaces were a______________r bedrooms in the apartment and are now an office and a_______________l space for flowers.

Listening Practice

Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more and use these ideas to practice:

https://thursd.com/articles/8-floral-shops-from-around-the-world-you-should-visit

Speaking Practice

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

Offices

  1. Do you work in an office?
  2. Is it common for people in your country to work in office?
  3. Where do most of your friends work?
  4. Would you like to design an office?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related map below and then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Essay: Early Language Learning

IELTS Essay: Early Language Learning

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of early language learning from the real IELTS exam.

Be sure to sign up for my full IELTS EBooks here to support my efforts to keep writing these essays for students:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Early Language Learning

Some believe that students should begin learning a language very early in school while others think these subjects should be taught later.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Many have argued that the earlier students begin learning a language in school the better. Although this can pose challenges for schools, I am in complete agreement with this opinion.

Those against early foreign language courses contend it is not always practical. In many school systems, the cost of such courses can be prohibitive. More specifically, in more remote areas, teachers will often not have the ability to teach another language and it may be difficult to recruit foreign native language speakers. If the schools teach a foreign language anyway, then they will have to rely largely on textbooks and the classes are not likely to be as productive. This reality can create a situation where wealthier school districts receive a disproportionately superior education.

However, even when the conditions are not ideal, there is tremendous value in learning a language early relative to learning it later in life. Studies have shown that languages can be acquired far more easily early in one’s education. As a person gets older, the muscles in the mouth become more fixed making it more difficult to pronounce sounds from another language similar to a native speaker. Their brains are also less flexible and this is clearly evidenced in the considerably slower progress for adults when learning a new language. Attempting to acquire another language younger therefore has greater overall value for any given individual.

In conclusion, the effectiveness of early language acquisition justifies its inclusion in curricula at all schools. This educational reform should be a priority.

Analysis

1. Many have argued that the earlier students begin learning a language in school the better. 2. Although this can pose challenges for schools, I am in complete agreement with this opinion.

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

1. Those against early foreign language courses contend it is not always practical. 2. In many school systems, the cost of such courses can be prohibitive. 3. More specifically, in more remote areas, teachers will often not have the ability to teach another language and it may be difficult to recruit foreign native language speakers. 4. If the schools teach a foreign language anyway, then they will have to rely largely on textbooks and the classes are not likely to be as productive. 5. This reality can create a situation where wealthier school districts receive a disproportionately superior education.

  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. The more detail, the better!

1. However, even when the conditions are not ideal, there is tremendous value in learning a language early relative to learning it later in life. 2. Studies have shown that languages can be acquired far more easily early in one’s education. 3. As a person gets older, the muscles in the mouth become more fixed making it more difficult to pronounce sounds from another language similar to a native speaker. 4. Their brains are also less flexible and this is clearly evidenced in the considerably slower progress for adults when learning a new language. 5. Attempting to acquire another language younger therefore has greater overall value for any given individual.

  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. Keep adding in the result to develop your ideas more.

1. In conclusion, the effectiveness of early language acquisition justifies its inclusion in curricula at all schools. 2. This educational reform should be a priority.

  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.

Many have argued that the earlier students begin learning a language in school the better. Although this can pose challenges for schools, I am in complete agreement with this opinion.

Those against early foreign language courses contend it is not always practical. In many school systems, the cost of such courses can be prohibitive. More specifically, in more remote areas, teachers will often not have the ability to teach another language and it may be difficult to recruit foreign native language speakers. If the schools teach a foreign language anyway, then they will have to rely largely on textbooks and the classes are not likely to be as productive. This reality can create a situation where wealthier school districts receive a disproportionately superior education.

However, even when the conditions are not ideal, there is tremendous value in learning a language early relative to learning it later in life. Studies have shown that languages can be acquired far more easily early in one’s education. As a person gets older, the muscles in the mouth become more fixed making it more difficult to pronounce sounds from another language similar to a native speaker. Their brains are also less flexible and this is clearly evidenced in the considerably slower progress for adults when learning a new language. Attempting to acquire another language younger therefore has greater overall value for any given individual.

In conclusion, the effectiveness of early language acquisition justifies its inclusion in curricula at all schools. This educational reform should be a priority.

Answers

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

Many have argued that lots of people think that

the earlier … the better sooner in life is superior

Although but

pose challenges creates problems

I am in complete agreement with this opinion I agree 100%

contend argue

practical works, is possible

school systems the schools in a specific town/district

courses classes

prohibitive prevent you from doing it

More specifically in particular

in more remote areas in the countryside

recruit foreign native language speakers find teachers from other countries

rely largely on textbooks use books too much

productive efficient

reality situation, fact

create a situation lead to the problem

where wealthier school districts in which richer schools

receive a disproportionately superior education have better schools

even when in the case that

conditions situations

not ideal bad

tremendous value in lots of importance in

relative to learning it later in life compared to learning later on

Studies have shown that research indicates that

acquired far more easily learned more efficiently

As a person gets older as you age

muscles parts of the mouth

fixed unable to change

pronounce sounds from articulate, say

similar to a native speaker not that different from a foreigner

less flexible more rigid, fixed

this is clearly evidenced in this is definitely the case

considerably slower progress for not nearly as fast

Attempting trying

acquire get

greater overall value more importance

any given individual a person

effectiveness how well it works

early language acquisition justifies learning a language early in life is reasonable because

inclusion adding it to

curricula what is learned in class

educational reform changes to school

priority important

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:

M________________________t t_______________r students begin learning a language in school t______________r. A__________h this can p____________________s for schools, I_______________________________________________n.

Those against early foreign language courses c__________d it is not always p_________l. In many s_____________s, the cost of such c_________s can be p____________e. M_____________y, i_________________________s, teachers will often not have the ability to teach another language and it may be difficult to r____________________________________s. If the schools teach a foreign language anyway, then they will have to r_____________________________s and the classes are not likely to be as p___________e. This r________y can c_______________________________e w___________________________________________________________________________________n.

However, e_________n the c__________s are n__________l, there is t__________________n learning a language early r_____________o l____________________e. S__________________t languages can be a____________________y early in one’s education. A____________________r, the m______s in the mouth become more f_____d making it more difficult to p_______________________m another language s________________________r. Their brains are also l_____________e and t______________________n the c___________________________r adults when learning a new language. A___________g to a_________e another language younger therefore has g___________________e for a_________________________l.

In conclusion, the e___________________s of e___________________________s its i___________n in c___________a at all schools. This e____________________m should be a p___________y.

Pronunciation

ˈmɛni hæv ˈɑːɡjuːd ðæt 
ði ˈɜːlɪə … ðə ˈbɛtə
ɔːlˈðəʊ 
pəʊz ˈʧælɪnʤɪz 
aɪ æm ɪn kəmˈpliːt əˈɡriːmənt wɪð ðɪs əˈpɪnjən 
kənˈtɛnd 
ˈpræktɪkəl 
skuːl ˈsɪstəmz 
ˈkɔːsɪz 
prəˈhɪbɪtɪv 
mɔː spəˈsɪfɪkᵊli 
ɪn mɔː rɪˈməʊt ˈeərɪəz 
rɪˈkruːt ˈfɒrɪn ˈneɪtɪv ˈlæŋɡwɪʤ ˈspiːkəz 
rɪˈlaɪ ˈlɑːʤli ɒn ˈtɛkstbʊks 
prəˈdʌktɪv 
riˈæləti 
kriˈeɪt ə ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃᵊn 
weə ˈwɛlθɪə skuːl ˈdɪstrɪkts 
rɪˈsiːv ə ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃnɪtli suːˈpɪəriər ˌɛdjʊˈkeɪʃᵊn 
ˈiːvən wɛn 
kənˈdɪʃᵊnz 
nɒt aɪˈdɪəl 
trɪˈmɛndəs ˈvæljuː ɪn 
ˈrɛlətɪv tuː ˈlɜːnɪŋ ɪt ˈleɪtər ɪn laɪf 
ˈstʌdiz hæv ʃəʊn ðæt 
əˈkwaɪəd fɑː mɔːr ˈiːzɪli 
æz ə ˈpɜːsᵊn ɡɛts ˈəʊldə 
ˈmʌslz 
fɪkst 
prəˈnaʊns saʊndz frɒm 
ˈsɪmɪlə tuː ə ˈneɪtɪv ˈspiːkə 
lɛs ˈflɛksəbᵊl 
ðɪs ɪz ˈklɪəli ˈɛvɪdənst ɪn 
kənˈsɪdərəbᵊli ˈsləʊə ˈprəʊɡrəs fɔː 
əˈtɛmptɪŋ 
əˈkwaɪə 
ˈɡreɪtər ˈəʊvərɔːl ˈvæljuː 
ˈɛni ˈɡɪvn ˌɪndɪˈvɪʤuəl 
ɪˈfɛktɪvnəs 
ˈɜːli ˈlæŋɡwɪʤ ˌækwɪˈzɪʃᵊn ˈʤʌstɪfaɪz 
ɪnˈkluːʒən 
kəˈrɪkjʊlə 
ˌɛdjʊˈkeɪʃᵊnᵊl ˌriːˈfɔːm 
praɪˈɒrəti 

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://resources.unbabel.com/blog/japanese-finnish-or-chinese-the-10-hardest-languages-for-english-speakers-to-learn

Speaking Practice

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

Talk about a goal that you want to achieve in the future. Include:

What the goal is

When you thought of it

How you will accomplish it

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Living in a country where you have to speak a foreign language can cause serious social problems, as well as practical problems.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

IELTS Essay: Expenditure Bar Chart

IELTS Essay: Expenditure Bar Chart

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of expenditure.

You can also get my full IELTS EBooks below:

Full IELTS EBooks on Patreon

Dave

IELTS Essay: Expenditure Bar Chart

The bar chart describes spending in five lifestyle categories for residents of four different nations in 2009. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that housing, food, and transportation are the biggest expenses in nearly all countries, with those in the United States spending the most on their homes and those in Japan the most on food. Healthcare and clothing are smaller expenses and transportation is a greater expenditure than food in only Canada and the US.

Expenditure on food ranges from a low of 14% in the United States to a high of 22% for Japan, with Canada (15%) and the UK (21%) in between. Housing costs represented at least a slightly higher percentage in all countries: 26% in the US, 24% in the UK, 21% in Japan, and 20% in Canada. The numbers were more variable for transportation as Canada stood at 20%, just above the USA at 19% while the UK and Japan were lower at 15% and 10%, respectively.

In terms of healthcare, by far the most is allocated for medical expenses in the USA (8%) while all other countries are below 5%. For clothing, Canada spends the most of their income (7%), followed by the UK (6%), Japan (4%), and finally the United States (3%).

Analysis

1. The bar chart describes spending in five lifestyle categories for residents of four different nations in 2009. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that housing, food, and transportation are the biggest expenses in nearly all countries, with those in the United States spending the most on their homes and those in Japan the most on food. 3. Healthcare and clothing are smaller expenses and transportation is a greater expenditure than food in only Canada and the US.

  1. Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the differences and the overall trend.
  3. This one is a little complex so it needs a second sentence for the overview.

1. Expenditure on food ranges from a low of 14% in the United States to a high of 22% for Japan, with Canada (15%) and the UK (21%) in between. 2. Housing costs represented at least a slightly higher percentage in all countries: 26% in the US, 24% in the UK, 21% in Japan, and 20% in Canada. 3. The numbers were more variable for transportation as Canada stood at 20%, just above the USA at 19% while the UK and Japan were lower at 15% and 10%, respectively.

  1. Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
  2. Compare between each sentence.
  3. One paragraph can be longer than the other.

1. In terms of healthcare, by far the most is allocated for medical expenses in the USA (8%) while all other countries are below 5%. 2. For clothing, Canada spends the most of their income (7%), followed by the UK (6%), Japan (4%), and finally the United States (3%).

  1. Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
  2. Compare the categories.
  3. Add as much detail as possible.
  4. Keep comparing…
  5. This one is a bit long, but better than being too short!

Vocabulary

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

The bar chart describes spending in five lifestyle categories for residents of four different nations in 2009. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that housing, food, and transportation are the biggest expenses in nearly all countries, with those in the United States spending the most on their homes and those in Japan the most on food. Healthcare and clothing are smaller expenses and transportation is a greater expenditure than food in only Canada and the US.

Expenditure on food ranges from a low of 14% in the United States to a high of 22% for Japan, with Canada (15%) and the UK (21%) in between. Housing costs represented at least a slightly higher percentage in all countries: 26% in the US, 24% in the UK, 21% in Japan, and 20% in Canada. The numbers were more variable for transportation as Canada stood at 20%, just above the USA at 19% while the UK and Japan were lower at 15% and 10%, respectively.

In terms of healthcare, by far the most is allocated for medical expenses in the USA (8%) while all other countries are below 5%. For clothing, Canada spends the most of their income (7%), followed by the UK (6%), Japan (4%), and finally the United States (3%).

Answers

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

describes spending shows how much money is used

categories areas

residents people living there

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall

biggest expenses what is spent on the most

nearly almost

Healthcare hospitals, doctors, etc.

greater expenditure than more spent on

ranges from a low of goes from … to …

a high of the most at

in between in the middle

represented at least a slightly higher percentage was a little bit more

variable is more different

stood at was at

just above slightly over

while in contrast

lower less than

respectively for each

In terms of concerning

by far a lot more

allocated given to that / for each

medical expenses healthcare

income money earned

followed by after that

finally lastly

Pronunciation

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

dɪsˈkraɪbz ˈspɛndɪŋ 
ˈkætɪɡəriz 
ˈrɛzɪdənts 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
ˈbɪɡɪst ɪksˈpɛnsɪz 
ˈnɪəli 
ˈhɛlθkeə 
ˈɡreɪtər ɪksˈpɛndɪʧə ðæn 
ˈreɪnʤɪz frɒm ə ləʊ ɒv 
ə haɪ ɒv 
ɪn bɪˈtwiːn 
ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntɪd æt liːst ə ˈslaɪtli ˈhaɪə pəˈsɛntɪʤ 
ˈveərɪəbᵊl 
stʊd æt 
ʤʌst əˈbʌv 
waɪl 
ˈləʊə 
rɪsˈpɛktɪvli 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
baɪ fɑː 
ˈæləʊkeɪtɪd 
ˈmɛdɪkəl ɪksˈpɛnsɪz 
ˈɪnkʌm 
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ 
ˈfaɪnəli 

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 bar chart d__________________g in five lifestyle c___________s for r____________s of four different nations in 2009. L__________________________________________________________________________t housing, food, and transportation are the b______________s in n________y all countries, with those in the United States spending the most on their homes and those in Japan the most on food. H_____________e and clothing are smaller expenses and transportation is a g_________________________n food in only Canada and the US.

Expenditure on food r____________________f 14% in the United States to a_________f 22% for Japan, with Canada (15%) and the UK (21%) i____________n. Housing costs r_______________________________________e in all countries: 26% in the US, 24% in the UK, 21% in Japan, and 20% in Canada. The numbers were more v________e for transportation as Canada s________t 20%, j_________e the USA at 19% w_____e the UK and Japan were l_______r at 15% and 10%, r____________y.

I_______________f healthcare, b_______r the most is a_________d for m______________s in the USA (8%) while all other countries are below 5%. For clothing, Canada spends the most of their i___________e (7%), f___________y the UK (6%), Japan (4%), and f_________y the United States (3%).

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://nypost.com/2023/03/30/how-we-know-the-super-rich-are-finally-clamping-down-on-spending/

Speaking Practice

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

Shopping

  1. What do you usually shop for?
  2. Do you often go to malls?
  3. Do you shop online a lot?
  4. How common are shopping centers in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS chart below:

IELTS Essay: Change

IELTS Essay: Change

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of change from the real IELTS exam.

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Dave

IELTS Essay: Change

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

While many people are justifiably resistant to the idea of change, others embrace it as a driving force for growth. In my opinion, change is not inherently progress and should not be pursued in all situations.

Those who argue in favor of change point out that when a person changes, they are likely to grow in a positive direction. This is evident as a person grows through stages of childhood and adolescence and becomes more mature and intelligent. The same fact applies when a person is an adult as reconsidering one’s biases, opinions, and habits can lead to healthy, upward personal development. One further instance of this relates to relationships. A person who has experience with multiple relationships will likely have developed their emotional intelligence and ability to be a healthy partner to someone else.

However, change is not necessarily related to personal growth. This fact is best illustrated through the everyday examples. A person who changes jobs is not guaranteed to learn more in a new position or company and may even come to regret moving on. It is more likely that someone who remains at a single job will be able to progress at that company into a variety or roles and grow. This is also the case when it comes to travel or moving to a new home. Individuals who travel learn more about the world but may neglect their own personal growth as a consequence. By staying in one city or country, a person can better understand themselves and their neighbors and make deeper and longer-lasting personal progress.

In conclusion, despite the fact that change can be a catalyst for healthy personal growth, it should not be regarded as intrinsically positive. Individuals should seek to grow as people but not always alter the material circumstances around them.

Analysis

1. While many people are justifiably resistant to the idea of change, others embrace it as a driving force for growth. 2. In my opinion, change is not inherently progress and should not be pursued in all situations.

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

1. Those who argue in favor of change point out that when a person changes, they are likely to grow in a positive direction. 2. This is evident as a person grows through stages of childhood and adolescence and becomes more mature and intelligent. 3. The same fact applies when a person is an adult as reconsidering one’s biases, opinions, and habits can lead to healthy, upward personal development. 4. One further instance of this relates to relationships. 5. A person who has experience with multiple relationships will likely have developed their emotional intelligence and ability to be a healthy partner to someone else.

  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. The more detail, the better!

1. However, change is not necessarily related to personal growth. 2. This fact is best illustrated through the everyday examples. 3. A person who changes jobs is not guaranteed to learn more in a new position or company and may even come to regret moving on. 4. It is more likely that someone who remains at a single job will be able to progress at that company into a variety or roles and grow. 5. This is also the case when it comes to travel or moving to a new home. 6. Individuals who travel learn more about the world but may neglect their own personal growth as a consequence. 7. By staying in one city or country, a person can better understand themselves and their neighbors and make deeper and longer-lasting personal 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. Keep adding in the result to develop your ideas more.
  6. This paragraph can be longer.
  7. Finish the paragraph strong.

1. In conclusion, despite the fact that change can be a catalyst for healthy personal growth, it should not be regarded as intrinsically positive. 2. Individuals should seek to grow as people but not always alter the material circumstances around them.

  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.

While many people are justifiably resistant to the idea of change, others embrace it as a driving force for growth. In my opinion, change is not inherently progress and should not be pursued in all situations.

Those who argue in favor of change point out that when a person changes, they are likely to grow in a positive direction. This is evident as a person grows through stages of childhood and adolescence and becomes more mature and intelligent. The same fact applies when a person is an adult as reconsidering one’s biases, opinions, and habits can lead to healthy, upward personal development. One further instance of this relates to relationships. A person who has experience with multiple relationships will likely have developed their emotional intelligence and ability to be a healthy partner to someone else.

However, change is not necessarily related to personal growth. This fact is best illustrated through the everyday examples. A person who changes jobs is not guaranteed to learn more in a new position or company and may even come to regret moving on. It is more likely that someone who remains at a single job will be able to progress at that company into a variety or roles and grow. This is also the case when it comes to travel or moving to a new home. Individuals who travel learn more about the world but may neglect their own personal growth as a consequence. By staying in one city or country, a person can better understand themselves and their neighbors and make deeper and longer-lasting personal progress.

In conclusion, despite the fact that change can be a catalyst for healthy personal growth, it should not be regarded as intrinsically positive. Individuals should seek to grow as people but not always alter the material circumstances around them.

Answers

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

justifiably resistant to the idea of change good reason to not want to do things differently

embrace accept

driving force for growth the motivation behind change/progress

not inherently progress doesn’t necessarily mean you are improving

not be pursued in all situations not a goal all the time

Those who argue in favor of people who support

grow in a positive direction progress

evident clear

through stages of childhood and adolescence as you get older

mature smarter, wiser, older

intelligent smarter

The same fact applies when it is also true as

adult older person

reconsidering thinking about again

biases opinions

healthy, upward personal development growing

One further instance of this relates to another example is

multiple relationships going out with lots of people

emotional intelligence understanding others well

healthy partner good person in a relationship

not necessarily related to doesn’t always have anything to do with

This fact is best illustrated through the everyday examples this truth can be supported by normal instances in life

not guaranteed to not for sure going to happen

position job

come to regret moving on will eventually not feel good about changing

remains at a single job stays at one occupation

into a variety or roles and grow in different positions and get better

neglect not pay attention to

personal growth as a consequence grow as a person because of that

make deeper and longer-lasting personal progress grow more personally

despite the fact that regardless of the truth that

catalyst cause of

intrinsically positive definitely good

alter the material circumstances around them change your job, home, etc.

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:

While many people are j__________________________________________e, others e________e it as a d_________________________h. In my opinion, change is n_______________________________________s and should n_____________________________s.

T_________________________f change point out that when a person changes, they are likely to g________________________________n. This is e________t as a person grows t______________________________e and becomes more m_______e and i__________t. T_____________________________n a person is an a______t as r_______________g one’s b_____s, opinions, and habits can lead to h_________________________________________t. O_____________________________________o relationships. A person who has experience with m_______________s will likely have developed their e___________________________e and ability to be a h_______________r to someone else.

However, change is n_____________________________o personal growth. T_____________________________________________________________s. A person who changes jobs is n__________________o learn more in a new p__________n or company and may even c__________________________________n. It is more likely that someone who r______________________b will be able to progress at that company i_______________________________w. This is also the case when it comes to travel or moving to a new home. Individuals who travel learn more about the world but may n________t their own p_________________________________________e. By staying in one city or country, a person can better understand themselves and their neighbors and m____________________________________________s.

In conclusion, d____________________t change can be a c_________t for healthy personal growth, it should not be regarded as i_______________________________e. Individuals should seek to grow as people but not always a_______________________________________________m.

Pronunciation

ˈʤʌstɪfaɪəbᵊli rɪˈzɪstənt tuː ði aɪˈdɪə ɒv ʧeɪnʤ 
ɪmˈbreɪs 
ˈdraɪvɪŋ fɔːs fɔː ɡrəʊθ 
nɒt ɪnˈhɪərəntli ˈprəʊɡrəs 
nɒt biː pəˈsjuːd ɪn ɔːl ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃᵊnz 
ðəʊz huː ˈɑːɡjuː ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv 
ɡrəʊ ɪn ə ˈpɒzətɪv daɪˈrɛkʃᵊn 
ˈɛvɪdənt 
θruː ˈsteɪʤɪz ɒv ˈʧaɪldhʊd ænd ˌædəʊˈlɛsns 
məˈʧʊə 
ɪnˈtɛlɪʤənt 
ðə seɪm fækt əˈplaɪz wɛn 
ˈædʌlt 
ˌriːkənˈsɪdərɪŋ 
ˈbaɪəsɪz 
ˈhɛlθi, ˈʌpwəd ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl dɪˈvɛləpmənt 
wʌn ˈfɜːðər ˈɪnstəns ɒv ðɪs rɪˈleɪts tuː 
ˈmʌltɪpl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps 
ɪˈməʊʃənl ɪnˈtɛlɪʤəns 
ˈhɛlθi ˈpɑːtnə 
nɒt ˈnɛsɪsərɪli rɪˈleɪtɪd tuː 
ðɪs fækt ɪz bɛst ˈɪləstreɪtɪd θruː ði ˈɛvrɪdeɪ ɪɡˈzɑːmplz 
nɒt ˌɡærənˈtiːd tuː 
pəˈzɪʃᵊn 
kʌm tuː rɪˈɡrɛt ˈmuːvɪŋ ɒn 
rɪˈmeɪnz æt ə ˈsɪŋɡl ʤɒb 
ˈɪntuː ə vəˈraɪəti ɔː rəʊlz ænd ɡrəʊ 
nɪˈɡlɛkt 
ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl ɡrəʊθ æz ə ˈkɒnsɪkwəns 
meɪk ˈdiːpər ænd ˈlɒŋɡə-ˈlɑːstɪŋ ˈpɜːsᵊnᵊl ˈprəʊɡrəs 
dɪsˈpaɪt ðə fækt ðæt 
ˈkætəlɪst 
ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkᵊli ˈpɒzətɪv 
ˈɔːltə ðə məˈtɪərɪəl ˈsɜːkəmstənsɪz əˈraʊnd ðɛm 

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:

Work (Model answer available on my Patreon)

  1. Are you student or are you working now?
  2. What do you like about your job/school at the moment?
  3. What job would you like to do in the future?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always good.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Essay: Pie and Bar Chart Together (Poverty & Gender)

IELTS Writing Task 1 Essay: Pie and Bar Chart Together (Poverty & Gender)

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of poverty and gender.

You can also get my full EBooks below:

Full IELTS EBooks on Patreon

Dave

IELTS Task 1: Number of Jobs

The pie chart shows women in poverty in the United States and bar chart compares poverty rates by gender.

The pie chart gives statistics for the status of women in poverty and the bar chart breaks down poverty by gender and age demographics in 2008. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the majority of women in poverty are single without children, followed by single with children, and much more distantly by married women with or without offspring. In terms of gender and age, younger people and women were more likely to be in poverty, particularly female young adults and the elderly.

Looking first of all at the pie chart, an overwhelming 54% of women in poverty were unmarried without children. This figure was more than double that of single females with children (26%) and considerably above married women with dependents (12%) and married women lacking any children (8%).

In terms of the rate of poverty relating to gender and age, more than 20% of those under the age of 5 were in poverty for both sexes. Poverty rates then generally declined for men and women until the age of 45 – 54 to relative lows of 7% and 6%, respectively. The exception was that over 20% of women aged 18 – 24 are in poverty, equal to the peak of the youngest demographic. After the age of 54, poverty likelihood for men rose to 9% for those aged 60-64 and then dropped to 5% for those over 75. For women, poverty levels rose more steadily to reach 12% for the oldest age group.

Analysis

1. The pie chart gives statistics for the status of women in poverty and the bar chart breaks down poverty by gender and age demographics in 2008. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the majority of women in poverty are single without children, followed by single with children, and much more distantly by married women with or without offspring. 3. In terms of gender and age, younger people and women were more likely to be in poverty, particularly female young adults and the elderly.

  1. Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the differences and the overall trend.
  3. This one is a little complex so it needs a second sentence for the overview.

1. Looking first of all at the pie chart, an overwhelming 54% of women in poverty were unmarried without children. 2. This figure was more than double that of single females with children (26%) and considerably above married women with dependents (12%) and married women lacking any children (8%).

  1. Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
  2. Compare between each sentence.

1. In terms of the rate of poverty relating to gender and age, more than 20% of those under the age of 5 were in poverty for both sexes. 2. Poverty rates then generally declined for men and women until the age of 45 – 54 to relative lows of 7% and 6%, respectively. 3. The exception was that over 20% of women aged 18 – 24 are in poverty, equal to the peak of the youngest demographic. 4. After the age of 54, poverty likelihood for men rose to 9% for those aged 60-64 and then dropped to 5% for those over 75. 5. For women, poverty levels rose more steadily to reach 12% for the oldest age group.

  1. Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
  2. Compare the categories.
  3. Add as much detail as possible.
  4. Keep comparing…
  5. This one is a bit long, but better than being too short!

Vocabulary

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

The pie chart gives statistics for the status of women in poverty and the bar chart breaks down poverty by gender and age demographics in 2008. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the majority of women in poverty are single without children, followed by single with children, and much more distantly by married women with or without offspring. In terms of gender and age, younger people and women were more likely to be in poverty, particularly female young adults and the elderly.

Looking first of all at the pie chart, an overwhelming 54% of women in poverty were unmarried without children. This figure was more than double that of single females with children (26%) and considerably above married women with dependents (12%) and married women lacking any children (8%).

In terms of the rate of poverty relating to gender and age, more than 20% of those under the age of 5 were in poverty for both sexes. Poverty rates then generally declined for men and women until the age of 45 – 54 to relative lows of 7% and 6%, respectively. The exception was that over 20% of women aged 18 – 24 are in poverty, equal to the peak of the youngest demographic. After the age of 54, poverty likelihood for men rose to 9% for those aged 60-64 and then dropped to 5% for those over 75. For women, poverty levels rose more steadily to reach 12% for the oldest age group.

Answers

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

gives statistics for provide data for

status married / have children

in poverty poor, don’t have money

breaks down is categorized by

gender man or woman

age demographics how old they are

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall

majority most of

single without children not kids, not married

followed by after that

much more distantly by a lot further by

with or without offspring having or not having kids

In terms of concerning

particularly especially

elderly old people

Looking first of all at when it comes to

overwhelming much bigger/stronger

unmarried no husband/wife

figure data

more than double that of 50%+

considerably above much higher than

dependents people who rely on you

lacking not having

the rate of poverty how common it is to be poor

sexes genders

generally declined mostly went down

relative lows near the lowest points

respectively in turn

exception not true in this one case

equal to the same as

peak high point

After the age of past the age

likelihood chance

dropped to fell to

poverty levels rose more steadily to reach how poor people were increase consistently to get to

Pronunciation

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

ɡɪvz stəˈtɪstɪks fɔː 
ˈsteɪtəs 
ɪn ˈpɒvəti 
breɪks daʊn 
ˈʤɛndə 
eɪʤ ˌdɛməˈɡræfɪks 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈsɪŋɡl wɪˈðaʊt ˈʧɪldrən 
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ 
mʌʧ mɔː ˈdɪstəntli baɪ 
wɪð ɔː wɪˈðaʊt ˈɒfsprɪŋ 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
pəˈtɪkjʊləli 
ˈɛldəli
ˈlʊkɪŋ fɜːst ɒv ɔːl æt 
ˌəʊvəˈwɛlmɪŋ 
ʌnˈmærɪd 
ˈfɪɡə 
mɔː ðæn ˈdʌbᵊl ðæt ɒv ɛs
kənˈsɪdərəbᵊli əˈbʌv 
dɪˈpɛndənts 
ˈlækɪŋ 
ðə reɪt ɒv ˈpɒvəti 
ˈsɛksɪz 
ˈʤɛnərəli dɪˈklaɪnd 
ˈrɛlətɪv ləʊz 
rɪsˈpɛktɪvli 
ɪkˈsɛpʃᵊn 
ˈiːkwəl tuː 
piːk 
ˈɑːftə ði eɪʤ ɒv 
ˈlaɪklɪhʊd 
drɒpt tuː 
ˈpɒvəti ˈlɛvlz rəʊz mɔː ˈstɛdɪli tuː riːʧ

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 pie chart g___________________________r the s_______s of women i________________y and the bar chart b___________n poverty by g________r and a__________________cs in 2008. L__________________________________________________t the m_________y of women in poverty are s_________________n, f_____________y single with children, and m_________________y married women w_____________________g. I_______________f gender and age, younger people and women were more likely to be in poverty, p_______________y female young adults and the e________y.

L______________________t the pie chart, an o_______________g 54% of women in poverty were u____________d without children. This f_______e was m_____________________f single females with children (26%) and c____________________e married women with d_______________s (12%) and married women l________g any children (8%).

In terms of t_____________________y relating to gender and age, more than 20% of those under the age of 5 were in poverty for both s_______s. Poverty rates then g____________d for men and women until the age of 45 – 54 to r___________________s of 7% and 6%, r______________y. The e____________n was that over 20% of women aged 18 – 24 are in poverty, e____________o the p______k of the youngest demographic. A_______________f 54, poverty l____________d for men rose to 9% for those aged 60-64 and then d__________o 5% for those over 75. For women, p___________________________________________h 12% for the oldest age group.

Listening Practice

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=le79aKbZfLk

Reading Practice

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

https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2023/3/10/23632910/poverty-official-supplemental-relative-absolute-measure-desmond

Speaking Practice

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

Work (Model answer available on my Patreon)

  1. Are you student or are you working now?
  2. What do you like about your job/school at the moment?
  3. What job would you like to do in the future?

Sample Correction

The pie chart compares the proportions of poor women living in different households while the bar chart details similar information related to poverty by gender according to age in the US in 2008.

Looking first at the pie chart, it is clear the single women, and particularly those without dependent children, tended to be poorest compared to both types of married women. Women without dependent children were found to be in poverty at a rate of 54% and single women with children followed distantly at 26%. Much lower were married women with and without dependent children accounting for only 12% and 8%, respectively.

Overall, for the bar chart, poverty rates for men decreased steadily as they got older while the poverty rates for women were higher throughout and fell and rose according to age. The highest figures for men and women were 0-5, with both around 20%. The poverty rate for men then fell steadily to 16% for ages 5 – 17 and so on before there was a spike around age 60-64 at nearly 10% before they continued to fall. For women, there was a spike in poverty at 18 – 24 (nearly 20%) before a steady fall and another sharp increase for 60 to 75 and up, rising to around 13%. 

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS chart below: