In many countries, people increasingly talk about money such as how much they earn or how much they pay for things in their daily conversations.
Why?
Is this a positive or negative trend?
It has become increasingly pervasive in recent years for individuals to discuss money matters on a daily basis. In my opinion, this is due to changes in what individuals consider polite and is a decidedly negative trend on the whole.
The reason people now talk about money is that it is socially acceptable. In past generations, discussing money was considered “in poor taste” and most people were reserved in order to not appear arrogant or desperate. Today, many social norms from the past have disappeared and this includes ones related to the discussion of one’s finances. This enables the average person to discuss money with friends and family as a way of coping with anxieties about the future or insecurities about their own status in society. For instance, it is common for some wealthy individuals to show off by talking about their investments, property, and so on to impress friends and elevate their own self-esteem.
Discussing money is overall a negative trend as it exacerbates an unhealthy mindset. There are situations where it can be positive, such as when discussing potential investments and helping friends. These contexts are the exceptions, however, as most people simply talk about money to relieve their own nervousness or as a form of bragging. Once a person becomes addicted to the minor dopamine bursts that accompany seeking self-pity or self-aggrandizement, they will have a difficult time transitioning to more productive and fun topics of conversation. Over time, a person may ironically increase their anxieties and insecurities by seeking to cope with them.
In conclusion, people talk about their finances as it is no longer considered rude and it is an unhealthy habit. It is better to talk about to more important topics.
Analysis
1. It has become increasingly pervasive in recent years for individuals to discuss money matters on a daily basis. 2. In my opinion, this is due to changes in what individuals consider polite and is a decidedly negative trend on the whole.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The reason people now talk about money is that it is socially acceptable. 2. In past generations, discussing money was considered “in poor taste” and most people were reserved in order to not appear arrogant or desperate. 3. Today, many social norms from the past have disappeared and this includes ones related to the discussion of one’s finances. 4. This enables the average person to discuss money with friends and family as a way of coping with anxieties about the future or insecurities about their own status in society. 5. For instance, it is common for some wealthy individuals to show off by talking about their investments, property, and so on to impress friends and elevate their own self-esteem.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Finish the paragraph strong.
1. Discussing money is overall a negative trend as it exacerbates an unhealthy mindset. 2. There are situations where it can be positive, such as when discussing potential investments and helping friends. 3. These contexts are the exceptions, however, as most people simply talk about money to relieve their own nervousness or as a form of bragging. 4. Once a person becomes addicted to the minor dopamine bursts that accompany seeking self-pity or self-aggrandizement, they will have a difficult time transitioning to more productive and fun topics of conversation. 5. Over time, a person may ironically increase their anxieties and insecurities by seeking to cope with them.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Keep adding in the result to develop your ideas more.
1. In conclusion, people talk about their finances as it is no longer considered rude and it is an unhealthy habit. 2. It is better to talk about to more important topics.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
It has become increasingly pervasive in recent years for individuals to discuss money matters on a daily basis. In my opinion, this is due to changes in what individuals consider polite and is a decidedly negative trend on the whole.
The reason people now talk about money is that it is socially acceptable. In past generations, discussing money was considered “in poor taste” and most people were reservedin order to not appear arrogant or desperate. Today, many social norms from the past have disappeared and this includes ones related to the discussion of one’s finances. This enables the average person to discuss money with friends and family as a way of coping with anxieties about the future or insecurities about their own status in society. For instance, it is common for some wealthy individuals to show off by talking about their investments, property, and so on to impress friends and elevate their own self-esteem.
Discussing money is overall a negative trend as it exacerbates an unhealthy mindset. There are situations where it can be positive, such as when discussing potential investments and helping friends. These contexts are the exceptions, however, as most people simply talk about money to relieve their own nervousness or as a form of bragging. Once a person becomes addicted to the minor dopamine bursts that accompany seeking self-pity or self-aggrandizement, they will have a difficult time transitioning to more productive and fun topics of conversation. Over time, a person may ironically increase their anxieties and insecurities by seeking to cope with them.
In conclusion, people talk about their finances as it is no longer considered rude and it is an unhealthy habit. It is better to talk about to more important topics.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
It has become increasingly pervasive in recent years for it is more common now
discuss money matters on a daily basis talk about finances every day
this is due to changes in this is mostly because of
consider polite think is nice
decidedly negative trend on the whole bad overall
socially acceptable good for society
In past generations before
considered “in poor taste” not a polite thing to say
reservedin order to not appear arrogant or desperate polite so that you don’t seem prideful or needy
social norms what is considered polite by society
disappeared went away
discussion of one’s finances talking about your money
enables allows
average person normal citizen
coping with anxieties about dealing with nervous feelings related to
insecurities doubts
status in society how you are perceived in the world
wealthy individuals rich people
show off brag
investments money put into
property things you own
impress friends show off to friends
elevate their own self-esteem feel better about themselves
overall a negative trend on the whole is bad
exacerbates makes worse
unhealthy mindset not a health way to think about it
situations contexts
potential investments possible places to put your money
These contexts are the exceptions these situations are rare
relieve their own nervousness less their anxiety
as a form of bragging a way of showing off
addicted to the minor dopamine bursts that accompany seeking self-pity or self-aggrandizement get used to the pleasure that comes from feeling bad about yourself or bragging
difficult time transitioning to hard time changing
productive useful
fun topics of conversation interesting things to talk about
Over time as life goes on
ironically surprisingly
by seeking to cope with them trying to deal with them
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:
I__________________________________________r individuals to d_________________________________s. In my opinion, t___________________________n what individuals c_________________e and is a d_________________________________e.
The reason people now talk about money is that it is s_________________________e. I______________________s, discussing money was c_______________________e” and most people were r_______________________________________________e. Today, many s_______________s from the past have d_____________d and this includes ones related to the d______________________s. This e__________es the a_______________n to discuss money with friends and family as a way of c___________________________t the future or i________________s about their own s_______________y. For instance, it is common for some w__________________s to s____________f by talking about their i_______________s, p___________y, and so on to i______________s and e______________________________m.
Discussing money is o_____________________d as it e_______________s an u___________________t. There are s_____________s where it can be positive, such as when discussing p___________________s and helping friends. T_________________________s, however, as most people simply talk about money to r________________________s or a_____________________g. Once a person becomes a___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________t, they will have a d_________________________o more p___________e and f__________________________n. O_________e, a person may i____________y increase their anxieties and insecurities b________________________________m.
In conclusion, people talk about their finances as it is n______________________________e and it is an unhealthy habit. It is better to talk about to more important topics.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a comparison of the number of jobs in three different industries in the United States.
The line chart shows trends in terms of employment in the USA in millions and predictions for the future.
The line chart details the number of individuals working in manufacturing, services, and agriculture over a 50-year period in the United States. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that agriculture has and will continue to decline greatly from being the most to least common occupation, while the opposite is true for service jobs. The trend for manufacturing is less consistent though it is anticipated to be roughly stable overall.
In 1975, the vast majority of workers (60 million) were farmers, a figure in stark contrast to those in manufacturing (9 million) and agriculture (10 million). After a two-year period with little change for all jobs, there was a steep decline in the number of agricultural workers to 42 million by 1979. In the same year, the data for service workers began to rise consistently, with an expected peak of 90 million by 2025.
In comparison, workers in agriculture have fallen at varying rates and the final statistic is anticipated to be just over 10 million by 2025. The number for manufacturing rose to 40 million in 1980, where the figures for all categories converged, before a rapid decline that will continue to 2025 and end at 10 million.
Analysis
1. The line chart details the number of individuals working in manufacturing, services, and agriculture over a 50-year period in the United States. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that agriculture has and will continue to decline greatly from being the most to least common occupation, while the opposite is true for service jobs. 3. The trend for manufacturing is less consistent though it is anticipated to be roughly stable overall.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences and the overall trend.
This one is a little complex so it needs a second sentence for the overview.
1. In 1975, the vast majority of workers (60 million) were farmers, a figure in stark contrast to those in manufacturing (9 million) and agriculture (10 million). 2. After a two-year period with little change for all jobs, there was a steep decline in the number of agricultural workers to 42 million by 1979. 3. In the same year, the data for service workers began to rise consistently, with an expected peak of 90 million by 2025.
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Compare between each sentence.
Add as much detail as possible.
1. In comparison, workers in agriculture have fallen at varying rates and the final statistic is anticipated to be just over 10 million by 2025. 2. The number for manufacturing rose to 40 million in 1980, where the figures for all categories converged, before a rapid decline that will continue to 2025 and end at 10 million.
Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
Compare the categories.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
The line chart details the number of individuals working in manufacturing, services, and agriculture over a 50-year period in the United States. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that agriculture has and will continue to decline greatly from being the most to least common occupation, while the opposite is true for service jobs. The trend for manufacturing is less consistent though it is anticipated to be roughly stable overall.
In 1975, the vast majority of workers (60 million) were farmers, a figure in stark contrast to those in manufacturing (9 million) and agriculture (10 million). After a two-year period with little change for all jobs, there was a steep decline in the number of agricultural workers to 42 million by 1979. In the same year, the data for service workers began to rise consistently, with an expected peak of 90 million by 2025.
In comparison, workers in agriculture have fallen at varying rates and the final statistic is anticipated to be just over 10 million by 2025. The number for manufacturing rose to 40 million in 1980, where the figures for all categories converged, before a rapid decline that will continue to 2025 and end at 10 million.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
details shows
manufacturing making of things, production
services doing things such as driving a taxi or working in a restaurant
agriculture farming
50-year period over 50 years
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
has and will continue to decline greatly in the past and the future will keep going
the most to least common occupation happens a lot to doesn’t happen much
while the opposite is true for the converse is the case for
trend pattern
less consistent though not as steady however
anticipated expected
roughly stable overall about the same by the end
the vast majority of most of
a figure in stark contrast to a number completely different from
steep decline big fall
agricultural related to farming
In the same year also that year
consistently steadily
an expected peak of an anticipated high point of
In comparison in contrast
fallen dropped
varying rates different patterns of change
final statistic last number
anticipated to be just over expected to be a bit above
rose increased
where the figures for all categories converged at the point in which all numbers are the same
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
The line chart d______s the number of individuals working in m______________g, s_______s, and a____________e over a 5_______________d in the United States. L__________________________________________________t agriculture h___________________________________y from being t__________________________________________n, w________________________________r service jobs. The t_____d for manufacturing is l______________________________h it is a___________d to be r_____________________l.
In 1975, t______________________f workers (60 million) were farmers, a____________________________o those in manufacturing (9 million) and agriculture (10 million). After a two-year period with little change for all jobs, there was a s____________e in the number of a_____________l workers to 42 million by 1979. I__________________r, the data for service workers began to r_____________________y, with a______________________f 90 million by 2025.
I_____________________n, workers in agriculture have f_________n at v________________s and the f_______________________c is a________________________r 10 million by 2025. The number for manufacturing r___e to 40 million in 1980, w__________________________________________d, b________________________e that will continue to 2025 and e______t 10 million.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of writing a letter to an insurance company about losing a valuable item.
Please consider supporting my efforts to creative high quality IELTS materials for students around the world by signing up for my Patreon (and don’t miss any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Losing a Valuable Item
On a recent holiday you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost. Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter,explain
What you lost
How you lost it
What you want the insurance company to do
To whom it may concern,
I was on holiday the other week to Macau and while there, my laptop was stolen. The laptop is a MacBook Pro and was detailed in my insurance policy beforehand. Additionally, my AirPods, which were next to the laptop, are also gone now.
The event occurred at a local cafe. I left my bag, laptop, and earphones at my table while I went to the bathroom and when I returned several minutes later, they were all missing. I asked the cafe owner but he did not notice someone taking them and their security camera is out of order. We still reported the incident to the police.
I have attached the police report associated with the incident and hope that you will be able to reimburse me based on my policy as promptly as possible. Thefts while on holiday are covered in my membership. Please make a direct transfer to the associated account.
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone.
Best Regards,
Arthur Lang
Analysis
1. To whom it may concern,
2. I was on holiday the other week to Macau and while there, my laptop was stolen. 3. The laptop is a MacBook Pro and was detailed in my insurance policy beforehand. Additionally, my AirPods, which were next to the laptop, are also gone now.
Address the letter to someone.
You can begin with a greeting in some letters.
Include the first bullet point.
1. The event occurred at a local cafe. 2. I left my bag, laptop, and earphones at my table while I went to the bathroom and when I returned several minutes later, they were all missing. 3. I asked the cafe owner but he did not notice someone taking them and their security camera is out of order. 4. We still reported the incident to the police.
Begin to develop the second point.
Add more detail to it.
This one is focused on second point so include a lot.
The more you add, the higher your task achievement mark.
1. I have attached the police report associated with the incident and hope that you will be able to reimburse me based on my policy as promptly as possible. 2. Thefts while on holiday are covered in my membership. 3. Please make a direct transfer to the associated account.
4. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone.
5. Best Regards,
6. Arthur Lang
Develop the last point.
Keep developing it.
Use short and long sentences.
Add an ending sentence.
Use a phrase like regards or sincerely.
Write your name at the end of the letter.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take notes on a piece of paper to aid memory retention.
To whom it may concern,
I was on holiday the other week to Macau and while there, my laptop was stolen. The laptop is a MacBook Pro and was detailed in my insurance policy beforehand. Additionally, my AirPods, which were next to the laptop, are also gone now.
The event occurred at a local cafe. I left my bag, laptop, and earphones at my table while I went to the bathroom and when I returned several minutes later, they were all missing. I asked the cafe owner but he did not notice someone taking them and their security camera is out of order. We still reported the incident to the police.
I have attached the police report associated with the incident and hope that you will be able to reimburse me based on my policy as promptly as possible. Thefts while on holiday are covered in my membership. Please make a direct transfer to the associated account.
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone.
Best Regards,
Arthur Lang
Answers
Practice writing sentences with the words below on a piece of paper:
To whom it may concern dear
on holiday the other week while on vacation last week
while there when I was there
detailed in contained in
insurance policy beforehand coverage in my plan before the trip
Additionally also
gone missing
event occurred thing happened
local cafe nearby coffee shop
left forgot about
returned several minutes later came back after a bit
missing gone
notice realized
taking them stole
security camera is out of order surveillance not working
reported the incident to the police told the cops about it
attached included
police report associated with informoation about it reported to the cops
incident thing that happened
reimburse give money back
based on because of
policy as promptly as possible plan as quickly as can be done
Thefts things that are stolen
covered included
membership subscription, plan, policy
make a direct transfer to the associated account send right to my bank account
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone contact me if there are questions
I was o____________________________k to Macau and w__________e, my laptop was stolen. The laptop is a MacBook Pro and was d____________n my i_______________________________d. A_____________y, my AirPods, which were next to the laptop, are also g___e now.
The e___________________d at a l___________e. I l___t my bag, laptop, and earphones at my table while I went to the bathroom and when I r_____________________________r, they were all m________g. I asked the cafe owner but he did not n______e someone t__________m and their s___________________________________r. We still r__________________________________e.
I have a_________d the p_________________________________h the i__________t and hope that you will be able to r_________e me b__________n my p______________________________________e. T______s while on holiday are c______d in my m__________p. Please m________________________________________________________t.
Some think newspapers are the best method for reading the news while others think other media is better.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
In recent years, many have argued that the best way to read the news is no longer in newspapers. In my opinion, though there are sentimental reasons to prefer newspapers, newer forms of media are far superior.
Those who continue to value newspapers tend to be older individuals. They have typically maintained this habit for years or even decades. Over such a long period reading newspapers, it is logical that they will have developed an emotional attachment to the act of buying and reading a physical copy of the news. For example, The New York Times continues to publish and sell physical copies of their paper in select markets. The people buying these papers could save time and money by reading the same articles online, but might be attracted to the feel and memories surrounding physical newspapers.
However, new forms of media allow audiences a wide range of choices that enhance the overall experience. A user accessing a media website can not only read an article from the convenience of their phone or laptop, but also take advantage of features like automatically generated text-to-speech, videos, links to related content, the ability to share an article, and more. All these features are also complemented by the ability to select a diversity of news sources. Instead of reading a single news outlet that might have a liberal or conservative bias, a discerning reader can seek out multiple viewpoints and find the news that is most trustworthy over time.
In conclusion, despite the respect due to the history of journalism, there are now a wide array of better options online. Individuals should nonetheless be wary of less trustworthy sources.
Analysis
1. In recent years, many have argued that the best way to read the news is no longer in newspapers. 2. In my opinion, though there are sentimental reasons to prefer newspapers, newer forms of media are far superior.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who continue to value newspapers tend to be older individuals. 2. They have typically maintained this habit for years or even decades. 3. Over such a long period reading newspapers, it is logical that they will have developed an emotional attachment to the act of buying and reading a physical copy of the news. 4. For example, The New York Times continues to publish and sell physical copies of their paper in select markets. 5. The people buying these papers could save time and money by reading the same articles online, but might be attracted to the feel and memories surrounding physical newspapers.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Finish the paragraph strong.
1. However, new forms of media allow audiences a wide range of choices that enhance the overall experience. 2. A user accessing a media website can not only read an article from the convenience of their phone or laptop, but also take advantage of features like automatically generated text-to-speech, videos, links to related content, the ability to share an article, and more. 3. All these features are also complemented by the ability to select a diversity of news sources. 4. Instead of reading a single news outlet that might have a liberal or conservative bias, a discerning reader can seek out multiple viewpoints and find the news that is most trustworthy over time.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
1. In conclusion, despite the respect due to the history of journalism, there are now a wide array of better options online. 2. Individuals should nonetheless be wary of less trustworthy sources.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
In recent years, many have argued that the best way to read the news is no longer in newspapers. In my opinion, though there are sentimental reasons to prefer newspapers, newer forms of media are far superior.
Those who continue to value newspapers tend to be older individuals. They have typically maintained this habit for years or even decades. Over such a long period reading newspapers, it is logical that they will have developed an emotional attachment to the act of buying and reading a physical copy of the news. For example, The New York Times continues to publish and sell physical copies of their paper in select markets. The people buying these papers could save time and money by reading the same articles online, but might be attracted to the feel and memories surrounding physical newspapers.
However, new forms of media allow audiences a wide range of choices that enhance the overall experience. A user accessing a media website can not only read an article from the convenience of their phone or laptop, but also take advantage of features like automatically generated text-to-speech, videos, links to related content, the ability to share an article, and more. All these features are also complemented by the ability to select a diversity of news sources. Instead of reading a single news outlet that might have a liberal or conservative bias, a discerning reader can seek out multiple viewpoints and find the news that is most trustworthy over time.
In conclusion, despite the respect due to the history of journalism, there are now a wide array of better options online. Individuals should nonetheless be wary of less trustworthy sources.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
In recent years these days
argued pointed out
read the news read a newspaper
no longer in newspapers not in physical papers
sentimental reasons emotional attachment
newer forms of media are far superior more recent news sources are better
value care about
tend to be are usually
typically maintained this habit for usually keep up this practice for
decades many years
Over such a long period for a while
logical rational
emotional attachment caring about
the act of buying and reading a physical copy of the news the action of purchasing a real newspaper
publish issue, send out into the world
sell physical copies sell newspapers
paper in select markets newspaper in certain places
save time not waste time
reading the same articles online read the same news on the internet
attracted care about
feel what that it feels, seems
memories surrounding physical newspapers remembering reading real newspapers before
new forms of media allow audiences a wide range of choices more recent news sources let people do more
enhance the overall experience make the reading better
user accessing a media website reader going online to read the news
from the convenience of the ease of using
take advantage of features use the extra stuff
automatically generated text-to-speech an article read aloud to you
links to related content hyperlinks to other articles
ability to share an article posting an article on social media
features elements, parts
complemented by supported by
select a diversity of news sources choose from different news items
Instead of rather than
single news outlet one source of news
liberal or conservative bias more modern or traditional prejudices
a discerning reader a person who is skeptical
seek out multiple viewpoints look for different opinions
most trustworthy over time can be trusted more
despite regardless of
respect due to reverence you should have for
history of journalism past writing of articles
wide array of better options many different choices
nonetheless regardless
wary of less trustworthy sources worried about unreliable sites
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:
I_________________s, many have a__________d that the best way to r_________________s is n_____________________________s. In my opinion, though there are s________________________s to prefer newspapers, n_______________________________________r.
Those who continue to v_______e newspapers t____________e older individuals. They have t_________________________________________r years or even d_________s. O______________________d reading newspapers, it is l__________l that they will have developed an e____________________t to t________________________________________________________s. For example, The New York Times continues to p_________h and s___________________________s of their p_________________________s. The people buying these papers could s__________e and money by r__________________________________e, but might be a___________d to the f_____l and m_____________________________________s.
However, n____________________________________________________________s that e_____________________________e. A u_______________________________________e can not only read an article f___________________________f their phone or laptop, but also t______________________________s like a___________________________________h, videos, l______________________t, the a__________________________________e, and more. All these f____________s are also c___________________y the ability to s______________________________________s. I____________f reading a s___________________t that might have a l________________________________s, a____________________r can s_______________________s and find the news that is m_____________________________e.
In conclusion, d________e the r________________o the h______________________m, there are now a w___________________________________s online. Individuals should n_____________s be w_________________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:
Some people think that newspapers are the best way to learn about current events. However, others believe that they can learn news better through other media.
"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"
