Some argue that patriotism is the primary cause of wars globally. Others feel that it serves to prevent less ethical politicians from running a country and starting wars.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many feel that patriotic feelings do more to foment, rather than prevent, conflicts and potential wars. In my opinion, though patriotism can be a positive force in a nation, it is more likely to serve as the justification for armed conflict.
Those who value the benefits of patriotism argue that it is a tool to oppose international interventions. This is most often the case in countries where it is possible for citizens to voice their opinions publicly. A standout example of this would be in the United States as the government is often engaged in unpopular conflicts abroad such as the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Many critics make the argument that the US was originally isolationist and should not now interfere in the affairs of other countries. This appeal to the patriotic roots of the country is persuasive.
However, it is more common for politicians to encourage nationalistic feelings to justify foreign wars. There are examples of this from both the modern era and past historical epochs. For instance, in Medieval Europe there were frequent wars of aggression between France, England, and Spain. The rulers of these countries used both religious and ethnic or nationalistic justifications for either expansion or defensive measures. Over time, patriotism came to be considered a method to distract residents from the domestic situation and motivate them towards a common goal.
In conclusion, despite the legitimate potential advantages of patriotism within a country, I feel that it is more likely to serve as a catalyst for international conflict. In fact, individuals have very little overall impact on whether or not their country enters a war.
Analysis
1. Many feel that patriotic feelings do more to foment, rather than prevent, conflicts and potential wars. 2. In my opinion, though patriotism can be a positive force in a nation, it is more likely to serve as the justification for armed conflict.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who value the benefits of patriotism argue that it is a tool to oppose international interventions. 2. This is most often the case in countries where it is possible for citizens to voice their opinions publicly. 3. A standout example of this would be in the United States as the government is often engaged in unpopular conflicts abroad such as the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. 4. Many critics make the argument that the US was originally isolationist and should not now interfere in the affairs of other countries. 5. This appeal to the patriotic roots of the country is persuasive.
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.
You might add a counterpoint here.
1. However, it is more common for politicians to encourage nationalistic feelings to justify foreign wars. 2. There are examples of this from both the modern era and past historical epochs. 3. For instance, in Medieval Europe there were frequent wars of aggression between France, England, and Spain. 4. The rulers of these countries used both religious and ethnic or nationalistic justifications for either expansion or defensive measures. 5. Over time, patriotism came to be considered a method to distract residents from the domestic situation and motivate them towards a common goal.
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.
Continue your development.
1. In conclusion, despite the legitimate potential advantages of patriotism within a country, I feel that it is more likely to serve as a catalyst for international conflict. 2. In fact, individuals have very little overall impact on whether or not their country enters a war.
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.
Many feel that patriotic feelings do more to foment, rather than prevent, conflicts and potential wars. In my opinion, though patriotism can be a positive force in a nation, it is more likely to serve as the justification for armed conflict.
Those who value the benefits of patriotism argue that it is a tool to oppose international interventions. This is most often the case in countries where it is possible for citizens to voice their opinions publicly. A standout example of this would be in the United States as the government is often engaged in unpopular conflicts abroad such as the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Many critics make the argument that the US was originally isolationist and should not now interfere in the affairs of other countries. This appeal to the patriotic roots of the country is persuasive.
However, it is more common for politicians to encourage nationalistic feelings to justify foreign wars. There are examples of this from both the modern era and past historical epochs. For instance, in Medieval Europe there were frequent wars of aggression between France, England, and Spain. The rulers of these countries used both religious and ethnic or nationalistic justifications for either expansion or defensive measures. Over time, patriotism came to be considered a method to distract residents from the domestic situation and motivate them towards a common goal.
In conclusion, despite the legitimate potential advantages of patriotism within a country, I feel that it is more likely to serve as a catalyst for international conflict. In fact, individuals have very little overall impact on whether or not their country enters a war.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
patriotic feelings being proud of your country
foment create
rather than prevent instead of stop
conflicts fights
potential wars possible fights
patriotism feeling strongly about your country
positive force does good
serve as the justification are the main reason for
armed conflict wars
value importance of
benefits advantages of
argue contend
tool to oppose international interventions method to stop fights abroad
This is most often the case in countries where usually happens in nations in which
voice their opinions publicly protest
A standout example of this would be in the United States as A good instance is in America where
engaged in unpopular conflicts abroad always fighting wars
critics those who argue against
argument contention
originally isolationist before didn’t interfere with other countries
interfere in intervene
affairs situations
appeal try
patriotic roots thinking about the past of your country
persuasive convincing
politicians governments
encourage nationalistic feelings make people love their country more
justify foreign wars give reason to fight abroad
modern era nowadays
past historical epochs past eras
frequent wars of aggression fighting others / attacking others
religious and ethnic or nationalistic justifications reasons related to religion, race, nation
either expansion or defensive measures in order to grow bigger or protect yourself
Over time later on
considered thought of as
distract residents make people not pay attention to
domestic situation how things are in the country
motivate them towards a common goal make them come together
despite regardless of
legitimate potential advantages of real possible benefits from
serve as a catalyst for international conflict be the main reason for wars abroad
In fact actually
very little overall impact on whether or not not much effect on the whole regardless if
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:
Many feel that p___________________s do more to f________t, r____________________t, c___________s and p_____________s. In my opinion, though p___________m can be a p_____________e in a nation, it is more likely to s_______________________________n for a_________________t.
Those who v______e the b____________s of patriotism a_______e that it is a t__________________________________________s. T__________________________________________________________e it is possible for citizens to v____________________________y. A________________________________________________________________s the government is often e____________________________________________d such as the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Many c______s make the a__________t that the US was o____________________t and should not now i________________n the a______s of other countries. This a________l to the p_______________s of the country is p____________e.
However, it is more common for p___________s to e___________________________________s to j__________________s. There are examples of this from both the m______________a and p________________________s. For instance, in Medieval Europe there were f______________________________n between France, England, and Spain. The rulers of these countries used both r____________________________________________s for e_______________________________________________s. O_________e, patriotism came to be c______________d a method to d_______________s from the d____________________n and m___________________________________l.
In conclusion, d______e the l____________________________________________f patriotism within a country, I feel that it is more likely to s_________________________________________________t. I_______t, individuals have v_______________________________________________t their country e______________r.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
The chart shows requests for information at a tourist office in the United Kingdom from January to June.
The line chart details the frequency of requests in person, by letter/email, and by telephone at a UK tourist office in the first 6 months of a given year. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that in-person requests increased from the least to most common over the period, overtaking telephone, which also rose. Information requests by email and letter declined and were by far the least frequent by the end of the time surveyed.
In January, in-person information requests were the lowest of all 3 categories at approximately 420. In contrast, written requests and telephone calls stood at 770 and 900 in turn. By mid-March, in-person questions (1,000) had surpassed other queries, an upwards trend that persisted and culminated at 1,900 to finish the period.
In comparison, telephone requests fluctuated between 800 and 1,000 until the beginning of April prior to growing sharply to end just behind in-person requests at 1,600. Letter and email requests fell marginally until March (to 700), before a steep drop, and a levelling off at 400 from May to June.
Analysis
1. The line chart details the frequency of requests in person, by letter/email, and by telephone at a UK tourist office in the first 6 months of a given year. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that in-person requests increased from the least to most common over the period, overtaking telephone, which also rose. 3. Information requests by email and letter declined and were by far the least frequent by the end of the time surveyed.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
This one is a little complex so it needs a second sentence for the overview.
1. In January, in-person information requests were the lowest of all 3 categories at approximately 420. 2. In contrast, written requests and telephone calls stood at 770 and 900 in turn. 3. By mid-March, in-person questions (1,000) had surpassed other queries, an upwards trend that persisted and culminated at 1,900 to finish the period.
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Compare between each sentence.
Make sure all the data is included.
1. In comparison, telephone requests fluctuated between 800 and 1,000 until the beginning of April prior to growing sharply to end just behind in-person requests at 1,600. 2. Letter and email requests fell marginally until March (to 700), before a steep drop, and a levelling off at 400 from May to June.
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 frequency of requests in person, by letter/email, and by telephone at a UK tourist office in the first 6 months of a given year. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that in-person requests increased from the least to most common over the period, overtaking telephone, which also rose. Information requests by email and letter declined and were by far the least frequent by the end of the time surveyed.
In January, in-person information requests were the lowest of all 3 categories at approximately 420. In contrast, written requests and telephone calls stood at 770 and 900 in turn. By mid-March, in-person questions (1,000) had surpassed other queries, an upwards trend that persisted and culminated at 1,900 to finish the period.
In comparison, telephone requests fluctuated between 800 and 1,000 until the beginning of April prior togrowing sharply to end just behind in-person requests at 1,600. Letter and email requests fell marginally until March (to 700), before a steep drop, and a levelling off at 400 from May to June.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
details shows
frequency how often it happens
requests in person questions asked face to face
by letter/email sending written questions
UK tourist office in a traveler’s department in the United Kingdom
first 6 months of a given year from January to July
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
from the least to most common over the period not happening as much the whole time
overtaking becoming more common
Information requests questions for details
declined went down
by far the least frequent by the end of the time surveyed didn’t happen as much by the finish
lowest the least
approximately around
In contrast in comparison
stood at were at
in turn respectively
mid-March the middle of March
surpassed overtook
queries questions
upwards trend pattern going up
persisted continued
culminated finished
finish the period ended the time
In comparison in contrast
fluctuated between … and … until the beginning of April prior togrowing sharply went up and down after April until it increased quickly
end just behind finish a little less than
fell marginally until went down a little up to
before a steep drop preceding a big fall
a levelling off at … from …. to …. steady from one number to another
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 f___________y of r_________________n, b______________l, and by telephone at a U___________________n the f______________________r. L_______________________________________________________t in-person requests increased f_________________________________________________d, o_________g telephone, which also rose. I_________________________s by email and letter d_________d and were b______________________________________________________________d.
In January, in-person information requests were the l_________t of all 3 categories at a___________y 420. I________t, written requests and telephone calls s__________t 770 and 900 i_______n. By m__________h, in-person questions (1,000) had s_____________d other q________s, an u______________d that p_____________d and c___________d at 1,900 to f_________________d.
I______________n, telephone requests f______________________________________________________________________________________y to e________________d in-person requests at 1,600. Letter and email requests f___________________l March (to 700), b________________p, and a_____________t 400 f_____m May t__ June.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Some young people like to copy the behaviour and clothes of famous people today.
Why might this be the case?
What problems can it cause?
It has become increasingly common for many younger individuals to imitate the fashion sense and general behavior of celebrities. In my opinion, this is because of the commercialization of celebrity lifestyles and can result in polarization in society.
Many younger people now can follow influencers in a way that was not possible in the past. This increased influence has been made possible by the growth of social media, whereby celebrities can post without a traditional media filter and keep their fans informed about their opinions, fashion choices, and lifestyle. Companies have exploited their pervasive media presence to sell their products and services. For instance, the Kardashians are famous for promoting various products and incorporating corporate interests seamlessly into their daily lives. The imitation of these influencers is therefore a direct consequence of a natural human attraction to the advice of successful, attractive individuals coupled with a global consumerist society.
The problems caused relate to divides in society. In past generations, citizens were more influenced by people in their general vicinity and less by individuals from other countries or in popular media. Today, there is a greater chance that within any given community there will be individuals attracted to sports stars, K-Pop idols, American movie stars, well-known entrepreneurs, and so on. Though this diversity has its benefits, it can also lead to fractures in the social fabric. For instance, a young person who struggles to make friends may be attracted to extremist views online. They may at some point become alienated from mainstream or traditional society if they find acceptance in racist, prejudiced or controversial groups, and imitate the famous individuals taking advantage of their vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the rise of media and corporate globalization allows the general citizenry to imitate famous people easily these days. Though this is not always a negative, it can lead to dangerous and polarizing behavior among younger generations.
Analysis
1. It has become increasingly common for many younger individuals to imitate the fashion sense and general behavior of celebrities. 2. In my opinion, this is because of the commercialization of celebrity lifestyles and can result in polarization in society.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Many younger people now can follow influencers in a way that was not possible in the past. 2. This increased influence has been made possible by the growth of social media, whereby celebrities can post without a traditional media filter and keep their fans informed about their opinions, fashion choices, and lifestyle. 3. Companies have exploited their pervasive media presence to sell their products and services. 4. For instance, the Kardashians are famous for promoting various products and incorporating corporate interests seamlessly into their daily lives. 5. The imitation of these influencers is therefore a direct consequence of a natural human attraction to the advice of successful, attractive individuals coupled with a global consumerist society.
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.
You might add a counterpoint here.
1. The problems caused relate to divides in society. 2. In past generations, citizens were more influenced by people in their general vicinity and less by individuals from other countries or in popular media. 3. Today, there is a greater chance that within any given community there will be individuals attracted to sports stars, K-Pop idols, American movie stars, well-known entrepreneurs, and so on. 4. Though this diversity has its benefits, it can also lead to fractures in the social fabric. 5. For instance, a young person who struggles to make friends may be attracted to extremist views online. 6. They may at some point become alienated from mainstream or traditional society if they find acceptance in racist, prejudiced or controversial groups, and imitate the famous individuals taking advantage of their vulnerabilities.
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.
Continue your development.
Finish the paragraph strong.
1. In conclusion, the rise of media and corporate globalization allows the general citizenry to imitate famous people easily these days. 2. Though this is not always a negative, it can lead to dangerous and polarizing behavior among younger generations.
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 common for many younger individuals to imitate the fashion sense and general behavior of celebrities. In my opinion, this is because of the commercialization of celebrity lifestyles and can result in polarization in society.
Many younger people now can follow influencers in a way that was not possible in the past. This increased influence has been made possible by the growth of social media, whereby celebrities can post without a traditional media filter and keep their fans informed about their opinions, fashion choices, and lifestyle. Companies have exploited their pervasive media presence to sell their products and services. For instance, the Kardashians are famous for promoting various products and incorporating corporate interests seamlessly into their daily lives. The imitation of these influencers is therefore a direct consequence of a natural human attraction to the advice of successful, attractive individuals coupled with a globalconsumerist society.
The problems caused relate to divides in society. In past generations, citizens were more influenced by people in their general vicinity and less by individuals from other countries or in popular media. Today, there is a greater chance that within any given community there will be individuals attracted to sports stars, K-Pop idols, American movie stars, well-known entrepreneurs, and so on. Though this diversity has its benefits, it can also lead to fractures in the social fabric. For instance, a young person who struggles to make friends may be attracted to extremist views online. They may at some point become alienated from mainstream or traditional society if they find acceptance in racist, prejudiced or controversial groups, and imitate the famous individuals taking advantage of their vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the rise of media and corporate globalization allows the general citizenry to imitate famous people easily these days. Though this is not always a negative, it can lead to dangerous and polarizing behavior among younger generations.
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 common for more and more people now do
imitate copy
fashion sense what clothes you wear
general behavior how people act overall
celebrities famous people
commercialization making money from selling things
celebrity lifestyles how famous people live
polarization taking extreme views or positions
follow influencers in a way that was not possible in the past learn about celebrities in a new way
has been made possible by can now happen because
growth of social media more people using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
post put up online
traditional media filter through newspapers, the news, etc.
keep their fans informed about let people who follow them now about
exploited taken advantage of
pervasive media presence all over the news, TV, etc.
sell their products and services promote or endorse products
Kardashians famous Americans on social media
famous for promoting various products well-known for endorsing companies
incorporating corporate interests seamlessly into their daily lives adding products into their lives without much effort
imitation copying
therefore thus
direct consequence natural result of
natural human attraction to the advice of successful normal human inclination to listen to famous people
attractive individuals coupled with good-looking people combined with
globalconsumerist society people buying things all around the world
relate to divides in society concern how society is fractured
In past generations before
citizens people, residents
general vicinity around where you are
in popular media on TV, online, websites
there is a greater chance that within any given community it is more likely in any neighborhood
K-Pop idols Korean singers
well-known entrepreneurs famous founders
and so on etc.
diversity different groups of people
fractures divisions
social fabric how society is held together
struggles attempts
attracted to extremist views online vulnerable to strong opinions on the internet
alienated feeling separate from
mainstream or traditional society normal society
acceptance feeling welcomed
racist against other races
prejudiced judging others based on their group, ethnicity
controversial unpopular opinions
imitate the famous individuals taking advantage of their vulnerabilities copy people who are exploiting their weaknesses
corporate globalization companies around the world
the general citizenry people
polarizing behavior among younger generations younger people becoming more extreme in their views
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 many younger individuals to i________e the f____________e and g______________r of c___________s. In my opinion, this is because of the c___________________n of c__________________s and can result in p_______________n in society.
Many younger people now can f________________________________________________t. This increased influence h__________________________y the g________________________a, whereby celebrities can p____t without a t__________________________r and k_____________________________t their opinions, fashion choices, and lifestyle. Companies have e____________d their p______________________________e to s____________________________s. For instance, the K___________s are f____________________________________s and i________________________________________________________s. The i___________n of these influencers is t__________e a d__________________e of a n______________________________________________l, a________________________________________h a g__________________________y.
The problems caused r____________________________y. I_________________s, c___________s were more influenced by people in their g______________________y and less by individuals from other countries or i___________________a. Today, t______________________________________________y there will be individuals attracted to sports stars, K________s, American movie stars, w________________________________s, a___________n. Though this d__________y has its benefits, it can also lead to f__________s in the s__________c. For instance, a young person who s_________s to make friends may be a_____________________________e. They may at some point become a________d from m____________________________y if they find a___________e in r______t, p__________d or c______________l groups, and i_________________________________________________________________s.
In conclusion, the rise of media and c_____________________n allows t_________________y to imitate famous people easily these days. Though this is not always a negative, it can lead to dangerous and p__________________________________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
The diagram featured above details the steps by which pu’erh raw and ripened tea are produced. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main stages beginning with initial deactivation and drying, followed by either aging or fermentation and finally storage in the case of the raw tea and compression for the ripe tea.
The process for both varieties of tea commences when the leaves are fried in pans in order to deactivate specific enzymes. This is followed by rolling of the fried leaves and drying in the sun. In the next stage, the two kinds of tea are treated in different ways.
For the ripe tea, the loose raw tea is fermented with mold and then compressed to form the final product. In terms of the raw tea, the leaves are first compressed. Subsequent to this step, the tea is aged, rather than fermented, and the pu’erh raw tea is then available for use.
Analysis
1. The diagram featured above details the steps by which pu’erh raw and ripened tea are produced. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main stages beginning with initial deactivation and drying, followed by either aging or fermentation and finally storage in the case of the raw tea and compression for the ripe tea.
Paraphrase what the process shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major groups. Read here about overviews for processes.
1. The process for both varieties of tea commences when the leaves are fried in pans in order to deactivate specific enzymes. 2. This is followed by rolling of the fried leaves and drying in the sun. 3. In the next stage, the two kinds of tea are treated in different ways.
Begin writing about the details of the process.
This one is tricky to get up to the word count (no longer required on IELTS) so try to make it a little wordy.
Include every step in the process.
1. For the ripe tea, the loose raw tea is fermented with mold and then compressed to form the final product. 2. In terms of the raw tea, the leaves are first compressed. 3. Subsequent to this step, the tea is aged, rather than fermented, and the pu’erh raw tea is then available for use.
Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
You might have to make it wordy at times…
Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
The diagram featured above details the steps by whichpu’erh raw and ripened tea are produced. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main stages beginning with initial deactivation and drying, followed by either aging or fermentation and finally storage in the case of the raw tea and compression for the ripe tea.
The process for both varieties of tea commences when the leaves are fried in pans in order to deactivate specific enzymes. This is followed by rolling of the fried leaves and drying in the sun. In the next stage, the two kinds of tea are treated in different ways.
For the ripe tea, the loose raw tea is fermented with mold and then compressed to form the final product. In terms of the raw tea, the leaves are first compressed. Subsequent to this step, the tea is aged, rather than fermented, and the pu’erh raw tea is then available for use.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
diagram featured above process detailed
details the steps by whichpu’erh raw and ripened tea shows how this kind of fermented drink is made
produced created
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
beginning with initial deactivation starting by making it less active
drying not wet anymore
followed by either aging or fermentation after that either letting it get older or letting it get moldy
storage in the case of keeping so that
compression forcing it together
varieties types of
commences begins
fried in pans in order to deactivate specific enzymes cooked to start the process
This is followed by rolling of next is folding it
In the next stage after that
kinds types
are treated in different ways processed differently
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 d__________________________________________________________________________a are p_______d. L________________________________________________t there are 3 main stages b____________________n and d_______g, f_________________________________________n and finally s_____________________________f the raw tea and c_______________n for the ripe tea.
The process for both v_____________s of tea c_____________s when the leaves are f__________________________________s. T________________________f the fried leaves and drying in the sun. I_________________e, the two k________s of tea a__________________________________s.
For the ripe tea, the l______e raw tea is f____________________________________d and then compressed to f______________________t. I_________________f the raw tea, the leaves are first compressed. S__________________________p, the tea is a____d, r_______________n fermented, and the pu’erh raw tea is t____________________e.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of online transfers of money to family, friends, and businesses 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:
Today, many people use the internet and smartphones to transfer money to friends, family, and businesses.
Is this a positive or negative development?
An increasing number of individuals today take advantage of online applications to transfer money to friends, family, and various businesses. In my opinion, this is a largely positive development though there is greater potential for fraud, particularly among less internet-savvy segments of the population.
Those who oppose sending money online point out the potential dangers. When transferring money online, there is a chance that one’s password could be exposed to hackers, the transaction may be fraudulent, or the senders themselves might make a mistake in how much money is transferred. Most younger people are able to avoid these complications but older users are particularly vulnerable to fraud. For instance, every year thousands of retired citizens fall victim to identity theft after opening phishing emails and naively clicking on the links inside. Many of these individuals are unable to recover their money afterwards as cybercrime is a complex, international problem.
However, online transfers are tremendously convenient for the vast majority. In the past, a person who wanted to make a transfer to a family member, friend, or business would have to make a trip to the bank, wait in line, and fill in various forms. Not only do online transfers save time but they also allow for greater flexibility. Users can transfer sums to multiple parties, monitor their transactions, cancel them or ask for refunds, and keep their own records with ease. All these features would previously require additional trips and phone calls with a physical bank. In the aggregate, the time saved is a significant factor for individuals and business and the main reason online banking has become the de facto norm in recent years.
In conclusion, individuals must be mindful of potential fraud; however, transferring money online is a clearly beneficial technological advancement. There is little doubt that it will only become more pervasive in the future.
Analysis
1. An increasing number of individuals today take advantage of online applications to transfer money to friends, family, and various businesses. 2. In my opinion, this is a largely positive development though there is greater potential for fraud, particularly among less internet-savvy segments of the population.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who oppose sending money online point out the potential dangers. 2. When transferring money online, there is a chance that one’s password could be exposed to hackers, the transaction may be fraudulent, or the senders themselves might make a mistake in how much money is transferred. 3. Most younger people are able to avoid these complications but older users are particularly vulnerable to fraud. 4. For instance, every year thousands of retired citizens fall victim to identity theft after opening phishing emails and naively clicking on the links inside. 5. Many of these individuals are unable to recover their money afterwards as cybercrime is a complex, international problem.
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.
You might add a counterpoint here.
1. However, online transfers are tremendously convenient for the vast majority. 2. In the past, a person who wanted to make a transfer to a family member, friend, or business would have to make a trip to the bank, wait in line, and fill in various forms. 3. Not only do online transfers save time but they also allow for greater flexibility. 4. Users can transfer sums to multiple parties, monitor their transactions, cancel them or ask for refunds, and keep their own records with ease. 5. All these features would previously require additional trips and phone calls with a physical bank. 6. In the aggregate, the time saved is a significant factor for individuals and business and the main reason online banking has become the de facto norm in recent years.
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.
Continue your development.
Finish the paragraph strong.
1. In conclusion, individuals must be mindful of potential fraud; however, transferring money online is a clearly beneficial technological advancement. 2. There is little doubt that it will only become more pervasive in the future.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
An increasing number of individuals today take advantage of online applications to transfer money to friends, family, and various businesses. In my opinion, this is a largely positive development though there is greater potential for fraud, particularly among less internet-savvy segments of the population.
Those who oppose sending money online point out the potential dangers. When transferring money online, there is a chance that one’s password could be exposed to hackers, the transaction may be fraudulent, or the senders themselves might make a mistake in how much money is transferred. Most younger people are able to avoid these complications but older users are particularly vulnerable to fraud. For instance, every year thousands of retired citizensfall victim to identity theft after opening phishing emails and naively clicking on the links inside. Many of these individuals are unable to recover their money afterwards as cybercrime is a complex, international problem.
However, online transfers are tremendously convenient for the vast majority. In the past, a person who wanted to make a transfer to a family member, friend, or business would have to make a trip to the bank, wait in line, and fill in various forms. Not only do online transfers save time but they also allow for greater flexibility. Users can transfer sums to multiple parties, monitor their transactions, cancel them or ask for refunds, and keep their own records with ease. All these features would previouslyrequire additional trips and phone calls with a physical bank. In the aggregate, the time saved is a significant factor for individuals and business and the main reason online banking has become the de facto norm in recent years.
In conclusion, individuals must be mindful of potential fraud; however, transferring money online is a clearly beneficial technological advancement. There is little doubt that it will only become more pervasive in the future.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
increasing number of individuals today take advantage of online applications more people now pay online
transfer send money
various businesses different companies
largely positive development mostly good
greater potential for fraud more of a chance of tricking people
particularly among less internet-savvy segments of the population especially with groups that don’t understand technology that well
oppose are against
point out argue
potential dangers possible risks
chance possibility of
password what you input to get into your account
exposed to hackers vulnerable to online criminals
transaction exchanging money
fraudulent criminal, fake
senders people who are transferring the money
make a mistake in how much money is transferred make errors when sending money
avoid not deal with
complications intricacies
older users people who are older
particularly vulnerable to fraud especially likely to be cheated
retired citizensfall victim people who don’t work any more taken advantage of
identity theft stealing someone’s private information
opening phishing emails clicking open emails that try to trick you
naively clicking on the links inside innocently opening the sites inside
unable to recover their money afterwards can’t get their money back
cybercrime online illegal acts
complex complicated
international problem global issue
tremendously convenient for the vast majority very easy for most people
In the past in the years before
make a trip to the bank go to the bank
wait in line stand around waiting to talk to a teller
fill in various forms write documents
allow for greater flexibility make it possible to do more
transfer sums to multiple parties send money to different people
monitor their transactions watch how their money is being sent
cancel them or ask for refunds void or ask for your money back
keep their own records with ease keep track of their own transfers
features benefits, applications
previouslyrequire additional trips in the past need to go there in person
with a physical bank actual location
In the aggregate combined
a significant factor for big element
the main reason online banking has become the de facto norm in recent years primary cause of the advent of online transfers is now what is normally done
mindful of aware of
clearly beneficial technological advancement definitely good innovations
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:
An i_____________________________________________________________________________________s to t_________r money to friends, family, and v_____________s. In my opinion, this is a l_______________________________t though there is g____________________________d, p_________________________________________________________________________n.
Those who o_____e sending money online p____________t the p_______________s. When transferring money online, there is a c______e that one’s p___________d could be e____________________s, the t_____________n may be f____________t, or the s________s themselves might m____________________________________________________d. Most younger people are able to a_______d these c__________________s but o________________s are p________________________________d. For instance, every year thousands of r______________________________m to i__________________t after o______________________s and n____________________________e. Many of these individuals are u______________________________________s as c_____________e is a c_________x, i___________________________m.
However, online transfers are t______________________________________________y. I___________t, a person who wanted to make a transfer to a family member, friend, or business would have to m_________________________k, w_____________e, and f____________________________s. Not only do online transfers save time but they also a___________________________y. Users can t_____________________________s, m_________________________s, c___________________________s, and k______________________________________e. All these f_____________s would p________________________________s and phone calls w________________________k. I_________________e, the time saved is a_______________________r individuals and business and t_____________________________________________________________________s.
In conclusion, individuals must be m_____________f potential fraud; however, transferring money online is a c____________________________________t. T__________________________t it will only become more p____________e in the future.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
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