IELTS Essay: Copying Famous People

IELTS Essay: Copying Famous People

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of copying famous people 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: Copying Famous People

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  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. 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.

  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. Continue your development.
  6. 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.

  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.

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.

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

global consumerist 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

Pronunciation

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

ɪt hæz bɪˈkʌm ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈkɒmən fɔː 
ˈɪmɪteɪt 
ˈfæʃən sɛns 
ˈʤɛnərəl bɪˈheɪvjə 
sɪˈlɛbrɪtiz.
kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n 
sɪˈlɛbrɪti ˈlaɪfˌstaɪlz 
ˌpəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃən 
ˈfɒləʊ ˈɪnflʊənsəz ɪn ə weɪ ðæt wɒz nɒt ˈpɒsəbl ɪn ðə pɑːst
hæz biːn meɪd ˈpɒsəbl baɪ 
grəʊθ ɒv ˈsəʊʃəl ˈmiːdiə
pəʊst 
trəˈdɪʃənl ˈmiːdiə ˈfɪltə 
kiːp ðeə fænz ɪnˈfɔːmd əˈbaʊt 
ɪksˈplɔɪtɪd 
pɜːˈveɪsɪv ˈmiːdiə ˈprɛzns 
sɛl ðeə ˈprɒdʌkts ænd ˈsɜːvɪsɪz
ka:dæʃi:en 
ˈfeɪməs fɔː prəˈməʊtɪŋ ˈveərɪəs ˈprɒdʌkts 
ɪnˈkɔːpəreɪtɪŋ ˈkɔːpərɪt ˈɪntrɪsts ˈsiːmlɪsli ˈɪntuː ðeə ˈdeɪli lɪvz
ˌɪmɪˈteɪʃən 
ˈðeəfɔː 
dɪˈrɛkt ˈkɒnsɪkwəns 
ˈnæʧrəl ˈhjuːmən əˈtrækʃ(ə)n tuː ði ədˈvaɪs ɒv səkˈsɛsfʊl
əˈtræktɪv ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz ˈkʌpld wɪð 
ˈgləʊbəl kənˈsjuːmərɪst səˈsaɪəti
rɪˈleɪt tuː dɪˈvaɪdz ɪn səˈsaɪəti
ɪn pɑːst ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃənz
ˈsɪtɪznz 
ˈʤɛnərəl vɪˈsɪnɪti 
ɪn ˈpɒpjʊlə ˈmiːdiə
ðeər ɪz ə ˈgreɪtə ʧɑːns ðæt wɪˈðɪn ˈɛni ˈgɪvn kəˈmjuːnɪti 
keɪ-pɒp ˈaɪdlz
wɛl-nəʊn ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːz
ænd səʊ ɒn
daɪˈvɜːsɪti 
ˈfrækʧəz 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˈfæbrɪk
ˈstrʌglz 
əˈtræktɪd tuː ɪksˈtriːmɪst vjuːz ˈɒnˌlaɪn
ˈeɪliəneɪtɪd 
ˈmeɪnstriːm səˈsaɪəti 
əkˈsɛptəns 
ˈreɪsɪst
ˈprɛʤʊdɪst 
ˌkɒntrəˈvɜːʃəl 
ˈɪmɪteɪt ðə ˈfeɪməs ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz ˈteɪkɪŋ ədˈvɑːntɪʤ ɒv ðeə ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪtiz
ˈkɔːpərɪt ˌgləʊb(ə)laɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n 
ðə ˈʤɛnərəl ˈsɪtɪznri 
ˈpəʊləraɪzɪŋ bɪˈheɪvjər əˈmʌŋ ˈjʌŋə ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃənz

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:

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:

Reading Practice

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

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747563221002338

Speaking Practice

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

Celebrities

  1. Do you know any celebrities?
  2. Which celebrity do you know the most about?
  3. Are there are any celebrities you would like to meet?
  4. Who is the most famous person in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Many young people today spend too much time following the latest fashion trends in areas such as clothing and technology.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Task 1 Process: Tea

IELTS Task 1 Process: Tea

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay about a process/diagram on the topic of how to pu’erh tea is made.

You can also get my full EBooks below:

Full IELTS EBooks on Patreon

Dave

IELTS Task 1 Process: Tea

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.

  1. Paraphrase what the process shows.
  2. 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.

  1. Begin writing about the details of the process.
  2. This one is tricky to get up to the word count (no longer required on IELTS) so try to make it a little wordy.
  3. 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.

  1. Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
  2. You might have to make it wordy at times…
  3. 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 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.

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 which pu’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

loose not combined

fermented with mold made older

form the final product make the tea

In terms of when it comes to

Subsequent to this step after this

aged getting older

rather than instead of

then available for use can next be utilized for

Pronunciation

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

ˈdaɪəgræm ˈfiːʧəd əˈbʌv 
ˈdiːteɪlz ðə stɛps baɪ wɪʧ pu:’er rɔː ænd ˈraɪpənd tiː 
prəˈdjuːst
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
bɪˈgɪnɪŋ wɪð ɪˈnɪʃəl ˌæktɪˈveɪʃ(ə)n 
ˈdraɪɪŋ
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ ˈaɪðər ˈeɪʤɪŋ ɔː ˌfɜːmɛnˈteɪʃən 
ˈstɔːrɪʤ ɪn ðə keɪs ɒv 
kəmˈprɛʃən 
vəˈraɪətiz 
kəˈmɛnsɪz 
fraɪd ɪn pænz ɪn ˈɔːdə tuː ˈæktɪveɪt spɪˈsɪfɪk ˈɛnzaɪmz
ðɪs ɪz ˈfɒləʊd baɪ ˈrəʊlɪŋ ɒv 
ɪn ðə nɛkst steɪʤ
kaɪndz 
ɑː ˈtriːtɪd ɪn ˈdɪfrənt weɪz
luːs 
fə(ː)ˈmɛntɪd wɪð məʊld 
fɔːm ðə ˈfaɪnl ˈprɒdʌkt
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈsʌbsɪkwənt tuː ðɪs stɛp
eɪʤd
ˈrɑːðə ðæn 
ðɛn əˈveɪləbl fɔː juːz

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 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:

Reading Practice

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

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/pu-erh-tea-benefits

Speaking Practice

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

Tea

  1. Do you prefer to drink coffee or tea?
  2. How do you like to drink tea?
  3. Is tea a popular drink in your country?
  4. When was the last time you had some tea?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS chart below:

IELTS Essay: Smoked Fish Process
IELTS Essay: Online Transfers

IELTS Essay: Online Transfers

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:

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Online Transfers

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.

  1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
  2. 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.

  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. 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.

  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. Continue your development.
  6. 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.

  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.

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.

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 citizens fall 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

previously require 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

There is little doubt that not much chance that

pervasive very common

Pronunciation

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

ɪnˈkriːsɪŋ ˈnʌmbər ɒv ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz təˈdeɪ teɪk ədˈvɑːntɪʤ ɒv ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)nz 
ˈtrænsfə(ː) 
ˈveərɪəs ˈbɪznɪsɪz
ˈlɑːʤli ˈpɒzətɪv dɪˈvɛləpmənt 
ˈgreɪtə pəʊˈtɛnʃəl fɔː frɔːd
pəˈtɪkjʊləli əˈmʌŋ lɛs ˈɪntəˌnɛt-ˈsævi ˈsɛgmənts ɒv ðə ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən
əˈpəʊz 
pɔɪnt aʊt 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl ˈdeɪnʤəz
ʧɑːns 
ˈpɑːswɜːd 
ɪksˈpəʊzd tuː ˈhækəz
trænˈzækʃən 
ˈfrɔːdjʊlənt
ˈsɛndəz 
meɪk ə mɪsˈteɪk ɪn haʊ mʌʧ ˈmʌni ɪz trænsˈfɜːd
əˈvɔɪd 
ˌkɒmplɪˈkeɪʃənz 
ˈəʊldə ˈjuːzəz 
pəˈtɪkjʊləli ˈvʌlnərəbl tuː frɔːd
rɪˈtaɪəd ˈsɪtɪznz fɔːl ˈvɪktɪm 
aɪˈdɛntɪti θɛft 
ˈəʊpnɪŋ ˈfɪʃɪŋ ˈiːmeɪlz 
nɑːˈiːvli ˈklɪkɪŋ ɒn ðə lɪŋks ɪnˈsaɪd
ʌnˈeɪbl tuː rɪˈkʌvə ðeə ˈmʌni ˈɑːftəwədz 
ˈsaɪbə kraɪm 
ˈkɒmplɛks
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl ˈprɒbləm
trɪˈmɛndəsli kənˈviːniənt fɔː ðə vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti
ɪn ðə pɑːst
meɪk ə trɪp tuː ðə bæŋk
weɪt ɪn laɪn
fɪl ɪn ˈveərɪəs fɔːmz
əˈlaʊ fɔː ˈgreɪtə ˌflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti
ˈtrænsfə(ː) sʌmz tuː ˈmʌltɪpl ˈpɑːtiz
ˈmɒnɪtə ðeə trænˈzækʃənz
ˈkænsəl ðɛm ɔːr ɑːsk fɔː ˈriːfʌndz
kiːp ðeər əʊn ˈrɛkɔːdz wɪð iːz
ˈfiːʧəz 
ˈpriːviəsli rɪˈkwaɪər əˈdɪʃənl trɪps 
wɪð ə ˈfɪzɪkəl bæŋk
ɪn ði ˈægrɪgɪt
ə sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˈfæktə fɔː 
ðə meɪn ˈriːzn ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈbæŋkɪŋ hæz bɪˈkʌm ðə ˌdeɪ ˈfæktəʊ nɔːm ɪn ˈriːsnt jɪəz
ˈmaɪndfʊl ɒv 
ˈklɪəli ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl ˌtɛknəˈlɒʤɪk(ə)l ədˈvɑːnsmənt
ðeər ɪz ˈlɪtl daʊt ðæt 
pɜːˈveɪsɪv 

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:

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmrWB7vt5S0

Reading Practice

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

https://www.scmp.com/economy/article/3116306/chinas-digital-currency-beginning-end-paper-money

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 essay topics below:

Older people often choose to spend money on themselves (e.g. on holidays) rather than save money for their children after retirement.

Is this a positive or negative development?

https://howtodoielts.com/ielts-ebook-money/

IELTS EBook: Assimilation

IELTS EBook: Assimilation

Here is my newest IELTS EBook, featuring the topic of assimilation – which is available only on my Patreon.com/howtodoielts.

The topic for this EBook is:

Some feel that individuals should try to assimilate completely to the country where they live while others feel it is more important to preserve their native culture.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Sign up for that EBook and more!

IELTS Essay: Traditional Festivals

IELTS Essay: Traditional Festivals

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of traditional festivals 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: Traditional Festivals

In some parts of the world traditional festivals and celebrations have disappeared or are disappearing.

What problems is this causing?

What measures could be taken to counter this situation?

Around the world, many traditional festivals these days are at risk of becoming outdated and irrelevant. In my opinion, this contributes to issues concerning cultural disintegration and should be countered by citizens in concert with governments.

The main issues resulting from abandoning traditional festivals concern culture. More commercial holidays such as Black Friday and Christmas are gaining in popularity which naturally threatens smaller cultural groups and their festivals. For example, in China there are numerous ethnic groups living in remote areas that struggle to preserve their traditions over time as locals learn more about the outside world and leave their hometowns. As these groups disperse further both physically and virtually it will be a challenge for old traditions to persist and the results may impact the stories they hand down through generations, their language, traditional dishes and other aspects of culture.

The optimal remedies for the weakening of traditional cultures are for governments and individuals to actively encourage traditional festivals. Governments can make the greatest difference. For instance, states could fund organizations that aim to promote traditional festivals by staging local events and reaching out to older members of the community. Younger people could likewise attempt to engage more with their roots and connect with the sources of their culture. This occurs to some extent already when traditional festivals are advertised on social media to bring in a wider audience and greater attention.

In conclusion, the loss of traditional festivals is a boon to globalization and injures the cultural identity of various groups. This development must be confronted by locals of their own individual initiative and encouraged by governments.

Analysis

1. Around the world, many traditional festivals these days are at risk of becoming outdated and irrelevant. 2. In my opinion, this contributes to issues concerning cultural disintegration and should be countered by citizens in concert with governments.

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

1. The main issues resulting from abandoning traditional festivals concern culture. 2. More commercial holidays such as Black Friday and Christmas are gaining in popularity which naturally threatens smaller cultural groups and their festivals. 3. For example, in China there are numerous ethnic groups living in remote areas that struggle to preserve their traditions over time as locals learn more about the outside world and leave their hometowns. 4. As these groups disperse further both physically and virtually it will be a challenge for old traditions to persist and the results may impact the stories they hand down through generations, their language, traditional dishes and other aspects of culture.

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

1. The optimal remedies for the weakening of traditional cultures are for governments and individuals to actively encourage traditional festivals. 2. Governments can make the greatest difference. 3. For instance, states could fund organizations that aim to promote traditional festivals by staging local events and reaching out to older members of the community. 4. Younger people could likewise attempt to engage more with their roots and connect with the sources of their culture. 5. This occurs to some extent already when traditional festivals are advertised on social media to bring in a wider audience and greater attention.

  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. Continue your development.

1. In conclusion, the loss of traditional festivals is a boon to globalization and injures the cultural identity of various groups. 2. This development must be confronted by locals of their own individual initiative and encouraged by governments.

  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.

Around the world, many traditional festivals these days are at risk of becoming outdated and irrelevant. In my opinion, this contributes to issues concerning cultural disintegration and should be countered by citizens in concert with governments.

The main issues resulting from abandoning traditional festivals concern culture. More commercial holidays such as Black Friday and Christmas are gaining in popularity which naturally threatens smaller cultural groups and their festivals. For example, in China there are numerous ethnic groups living in remote areas that struggle to preserve their traditions over time as locals learn more about the outside world and leave their hometowns. As these groups disperse further both physically and virtually it will be a challenge for old traditions to persist and the results may impact the stories they hand down through generations, their language, traditional dishes and other aspects of culture.

The optimal remedies for the weakening of traditional cultures are for governments and individuals to actively encourage traditional festivals. Governments can make the greatest difference. For instance, states could fund organizations that aim to promote traditional festivals by staging local events and reaching out to older members of the community. Younger people could likewise attempt to engage more with their roots and connect with the sources of their culture. This occurs to some extent already when traditional festivals are advertised on social media to bring in a wider audience and greater attention.

In conclusion, the loss of traditional festivals is a boon to globalization and injures the cultural identity of various groups. This development must be confronted by locals of their own individual initiative and encouraged by governments.

Answers

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

Around the world globally

traditional festivals cultural celebrations

at risk of becoming outdated and irrelevant might start to be forgotten

contributes adds to

issues concerning cultural disintegration problems relating to cultures being lost

countered remedied

citizens in concert with governments people working together with the state

resulting from abandoning traditional festivals concern culture caused by not celebrating older festivals relate to tradition

commercial holidays festivals mainly concerned with making money

Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving when there are many sales

Christmas the holiday about the birth of Jesus

naturally threatens smaller cultural groups of course cause problems for minorities

numerous ethnic groups living in remote areas smaller cultural groups in less populated areas

struggle have difficulty

preserve keep alive

outside world the rest of the world

leave their hometowns move away

As these groups disperse further both physically and virtually when these peoples move to new places or learn more about the world

persist continue

impact effect

hand down through generations teach their children, grandchildren

traditional dishes older cuisines

aspects of culture related to culture

optimal remedies best fixes

weakening not getting stronger

actively encourage traditional festivals go out of their way to help older celebrations

make the greatest difference have the biggest impact

fund organizations give money to groups

aim try to

promote encourage

staging local events putting on celebrations

reaching out to older members of the community talking to one’s elders

likewise attempt to engage more with their roots similarly try to learn more about tradition

connect with the sources of get back into contact with the origins of

to some extent already to a degree

advertised marketed

social media Facebook, Instagram, etc.

bring in a wider audience and greater attention make more people notice it

loss disappearance

boon good for

globalization everyone around the world connecting

injures the cultural identity of various groups harms how groups of people see themselves

confronted by fought by

initiative efforts

Pronunciation

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

əˈraʊnd ðə wɜːld,
trəˈdɪʃənl ˈfɛstəvəlz 
æt rɪsk ɒv bɪˈkʌmɪŋ aʊtˈdeɪtɪd ænd ɪˈrɛlɪvənt
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)ts 
ˈɪʃuːz kənˈsɜːnɪŋ ˈkʌlʧərəl dɪsˌɪntɪˈgreɪʃən 
ˈkaʊntəd 
ˈsɪtɪznz ɪn ˈkɒnsə(ː)t wɪð ˈgʌvnmənts
rɪˈzʌltɪŋ frɒm əˈbændənɪŋ trəˈdɪʃənl ˈfɛstəvəlz kənˈsɜːn ˈkʌlʧə
kəˈmɜːʃəl ˈhɒlədeɪz 
blæk ˈfraɪdeɪ 
ˈkrɪsməs 
ˈnæʧrəli ˈθrɛtnz ˈsmɔːlə ˈkʌlʧərəl gruːps 
ˈnjuːmərəs ˈɛθnɪk gruːps ˈlɪvɪŋ ɪn rɪˈməʊt ˈeərɪəz 
ˈstrʌgl 
prɪˈzɜːv tiː
ˌaʊtˈsaɪd wɜːld 
liːv ðeə ˈhəʊmˈtaʊnz
æz ðiːz gruːps dɪsˈpɜːs ˈfɜːðə bəʊθ ˈfɪzɪkəli ænd ˈvɜːtjʊəli 
pəˈsɪst 
ˈɪmpækt 
hænd daʊn θruː ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃənz
trəˈdɪʃənl ˈdɪʃɪz 
ˈæspɛkts ɒv ˈkʌlʧə
ˈɒptɪməl ˈrɛmɪdiz 
ˈwiːkənɪŋ 
ˈæktɪvli ɪnˈkʌrɪʤ trəˈdɪʃənl ˈfɛstəvəlz
meɪk ðə ˈgreɪtɪst ˈdɪfrəns
fʌnd ˌɔːgənaɪˈzeɪʃənz 
eɪm 
prəˈməʊt 
ˈsteɪʤɪŋ ˈləʊkəl ɪˈvɛnts 
ˈriːʧɪŋ aʊt tuː ˈəʊldə ˈmɛmbəz ɒv ðə kəˈmjuːnɪti
ˈlaɪkwaɪz əˈtɛmpt tuː ɪnˈgeɪʤ mɔː wɪð ðeə ruːts 
kəˈnɛkt wɪð ðə ˈsɔːsɪz ɒv 
tuː sʌm ɪksˈtɛnt ɔːlˈrɛdi 
ˈædvətaɪzd 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˈmiːdiə 
brɪŋ ɪn ə ˈwaɪdər ˈɔːdiəns ænd ˈgreɪtər əˈtɛnʃ(ə)n
lɒs 
buːn 
ˌgləʊb(ə)laɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n 
ˈɪnʤəz ðə ˈkʌlʧərəl aɪˈdɛntɪti ɒv ˈveərɪəs gruːps
kənˈfrʌntɪd baɪ 
ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪv 

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:

A__________________________d, many t______________________s these days are a__________________________________________________t. In my opinion, this c_____________s to i__________________________________________n and should be c____________d by c_________________________________s.

The main issues r_________________________________________________________e. More c_____________________s such as B_________________y and C____________s are gaining in popularity which n_______________________________________________s and their festivals. For example, in China there are n____________________________________________________s that s__________e to p____________e their traditions over time as locals learn more about the o________________d and l___________________s. A________________________________________________________y it will be a challenge for old traditions to p_________t and the results may i________t the stories they h__________________________________________s, their language, t____________________s and other a___________________e.

The o____________________s for the w______________g of traditional cultures are for governments and individuals to a_____________________________________________s. Governments can m______________________________e. For instance, states could f_____________________s that a__m to p________________e traditional festivals by s____________________________s and r_______________________________________________y. Younger people could l__________________________________________s and c________________________________f their culture. This occurs t_____________________________y when traditional festivals are a____________d on s________________a to b_______________________________________________n.

In conclusion, the l___s of traditional festivals is a b____n to g________________n and i___________________________________________s. This development must be c___________________y locals of their own individual i____________e and encouraged by governments.

Listening Practice

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrrW3rO51ak

Reading Practice

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

https://worldexpeditions.com/blog/cultural-festivals-around-the-world

Speaking Practice

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

Culture

  1. How are traditional cultures in your country changing today?
  2. Do people still celebrate traditional festivals in your country?
  3. Do you think people will become more similar culturally in the future around the world?
  4. Are there many ethnic groups in your country that have preserved their ways of living?
  5. What can governments and individual citizens do to support local ethnic minority groups?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from their choice of clothes.

Do you agree or disagree?

https://howtodoielts.com/ielts-essay-clothes-culture-character/