IELTS Essay: Online Learning

IELTS Essay: Online Learning

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

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

Patreon Ebooks

Dave

IELTS Essay: Online Learning

Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The rise in popularity of online-learning software and applications has led many to argue they can be as effective as real-life lessons taken at university. In my opinion, though these lessons are more efficient in particular university situations, their overall efficacy is far lower than learning in person.

Proponents of online study point out how increased flexibility leads to greater efficiency. When students study in person, they must expend time traveling to and from class and waiting before and after the lesson. In the aggregate, this constitutes significant time lost. This time could be redirected into more studying or other tasks. For instance, a student studying online could finish assignments up until the minute class begins and quickly begin their homework after the lesson. However, the efficiency gained is largely hypothetical as most students are likely to become distracted during online lessons and waste much of the time saved online.

Moreover, in-person lessons are far more engaging than online ones. This was clearly evidenced during the recent Covid-19 pandemic when many schools, including universities, transitioned to online learning for a period of time. The results were that students were generally less engaged in lessons and their overall productivity and learning suffered. This counterintuitive loss of productivity can be explained not only by the potential distractions students are vulnerable to online but also by the lack of connection between learners and teachers. In a classroom setting, students personally interact with their professors and other students, guaranteeing a high level of engagement and memorability.

In conclusion, though there are reasons to argue for the potential time saved through online lessons, they are simply far less effective than real world classes. Online lessons should remain a niche element of a university education.

Analysis

1. The rise in popularity of online-learning software and applications has led many to argue they can be as effective as real-life lessons taken at university. 2. In my opinion, though these lessons are more efficient in particular university situations, their overall efficacy is far lower than learning in person.

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

1. Proponents of online study point out how increased flexibility leads to greater efficiency. 2. When students study in person, they must expend time traveling to and from class and waiting before and after the lesson. 3. In the aggregate, this constitutes significant time lost. This time could be redirected into more studying or other tasks. 4. For instance, a student studying online could finish assignments up until the minute class begins and quickly begin their homework after the lesson. 5. However, the efficiency gained is largely hypothetical as most students are likely to become distracted during online lessons and waste much of the time saved online.

  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. Moreover, in-person lessons are far more engaging than online ones. 2. This was clearly evidenced during the recent Covid-19 pandemic when many schools, including universities, transitioned to online learning for a period of time. 3. The results were that students were generally less engaged in lessons and their overall productivity and learning suffered. 4. This counterintuitive loss of productivity can be explained not only by the potential distractions students are vulnerable to online but also by the lack of connection between learners and teachers. 5. In a classroom setting, students personally interact with their professors and other students, guaranteeing a high level of engagement and memorability.

  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, though there are reasons to argue for the potential time saved through online lessons, they are simply far less effective than real world classes. 2. Online lessons should remain a niche element of a university education.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

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

The rise in popularity of online-learning software and applications has led many to argue they can be as effective as real-life lessons taken at university. In my opinion, though these lessons are more efficient in particular university situations, their overall efficacy is far lower than learning in person.

Proponents of online study point out how increased flexibility leads to greater efficiency. When students study in person, they must expend time traveling to and from class and waiting before and after the lesson. In the aggregate, this constitutes significant time lost. This time could be redirected into more studying or other tasks. For instance, a student studying online could finish assignments up until the minute class begins and quickly begin their homework after the lesson. However, the efficiency gained is largely hypothetical as most students are likely to become distracted during online lessons and waste much of the time saved online.

Moreover, in-person lessons are far more engaging than online ones. This was clearly evidenced during the recent Covid-19 pandemic when many schools, including universities, transitioned to online learning for a period of time. The results were that students were generally less engaged in lessons and their overall productivity and learning suffered. This counterintuitive loss of productivity can be explained not only by the potential distractions students are vulnerable to online but also by the lack of connection between learners and teachers. In a classroom setting, students personally interact with their professors and other students, guaranteeing a high level of engagement and memorability.

In conclusion, though there are reasons to argue for the potential time saved through online lessons, they are simply far less effective than real world classes. Online lessons should remain a niche element of a university education.

Answers

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

The rise in popularity of online-learning software and applications using apps like Zoom more often

argue point out

as effective as real-life lessons taken at university just as good as the classes in college

efficient saving time and money

particular university situations some cases

overall efficacy is far lower than learning in person generally worse than learning in real life

Proponents of online study point out how increased flexibility leads to greater efficiency supporters of remote learning argue it is more convenient and saves time and energy

expend time traveling to and from waste time commuting

waiting before and after the lesson hanging out before and after classes

In the aggregate combined

constitutes significant time lost combines all the time not used

redirected put in a different direction

tasks assignments

finish assignments up until the minute class begins do work right until class starts

quickly begin their homework after the lesson do homework as soon as class ends

gained what you get

largely hypothetical just imaginary

distracted during online lessons not paying attention during classes online

waste much of the time saved online not productively use your time

in-person lessons studying in real life

This was clearly evidenced during the recent Covid-19 pandemic when clearest example of this was during the Coronavirus pandemic

transitioned to moved to

for a period of time over some time

results consequences

generally less engaged in overall not as interested in

overall productivity and learning suffered general efficiency and learning got worse

counterintuitive not what you would assume, not logical

can be explained not only by the potential distractions students are vulnerable to online but also by there’s an explanation that students might be wasting time online and not paying attention

lack of connection between not much link to

In a classroom setting in classes

personally interact with in person communicate with

guaranteeing safeguarding

high level of engagement and memorability makes it more interesting and easy to remember

argue for the potential time saved through point out it saves time

far less effective than real world classes much less valuable than in-person lessons

remain a niche element keep it a small part of the course

a university education learning at college

Pronunciation

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

ðə raɪz ɪn ˌpɒpjʊˈlærɪti ɒv ˈɒnˌlaɪn-ˈlɜːnɪŋ ˈsɒftweər ænd ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)nz 
ˈɑːgjuː 
æz ɪˈfɛktɪv æz rɪəl-laɪf ˈlɛsnz ˈteɪkən æt ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsɪti
ɪˈfɪʃənt 
pəˈtɪkjʊlə ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsɪti ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃənz 
ˈəʊvərɔːl ˈɛfɪkəsi ɪz fɑː ˈləʊə ðæn ˈlɜːnɪŋ ɪn ˈpɜːsn
prəˈpəʊnənts ɒv ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈstʌdi pɔɪnt aʊt haʊ ɪnˈkriːst ˌflɛksɪˈbɪlɪti liːdz tuː ˈgreɪtər ɪˈfɪʃənsi
ɪksˈpɛnd taɪm ˈtrævlɪŋ tuː ænd frɒm 
ˈweɪtɪŋ bɪˈfɔːr ænd ˈɑːftə ðə ˈlɛsn
ɪn ði ˈægrɪgɪt 
ˈkɒnstɪtjuːts sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt taɪm lɒst
ˌriːdɪˈrɛktɪd 
tɑːsks
ˈfɪnɪʃ əˈsaɪnmənts ʌp ənˈtɪl ðə ˈmɪnɪt klɑːs bɪˈgɪnz 
ˈkwɪkli bɪˈgɪn ðeə ˈhəʊmˌwɜːk ˈɑːftə ðə ˈlɛsn
geɪnd 
ˈlɑːʤli ˌhaɪpəʊˈθɛtɪkəl 
dɪsˈtræktɪd ˈdjʊərɪŋ ˈɒnˌlaɪn ˈlɛsnz 
weɪst mʌʧ ɒv ðə taɪm seɪvd ˈɒnˌlaɪn
ɪn-ˈpɜːsn ˈlɛsnz 
ðɪs wɒz ˈklɪəli ˈɛvɪdənst ˈdjʊərɪŋ ðə ˈriːsnt ˈkəʊvɪd–naɪnti:n  pænˈdɛmɪk wɛn 
trænˈzɪʃ(ə)nd tuː 
fɔːr ə ˈpɪərɪəd ɒv taɪm
rɪˈzʌlts 
ˈʤɛnərəli lɛs ɪnˈgeɪʤd ɪn 
ˈəʊvərɔːl ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti ænd ˈlɜːnɪŋ ˈsʌfəd
ˈkaʊntər ɪnˈtju(ː)ɪtɪv 
kæn biː ɪksˈpleɪnd nɒt ˈəʊnli baɪ ðə pəʊˈtɛnʃəl dɪsˈtrækʃənz ˈstjuːdənts ɑː ˈvʌlnərəbl tuː ˈɒnˌlaɪn bʌt ˈɔːlsəʊ baɪ 
læk ɒv kəˈnɛkʃən bɪˈtwiːn 
ɪn ə ˈklɑːsrʊm ˈsɛtɪŋ 
ˈpɜːsnəli ˌɪntərˈækt wɪð 
ˌgærənˈtiːɪŋ 
haɪ ˈlɛvl ɒv ɪnˈgeɪʤmənt ænd ˌmɛmərəˈbɪlɪti
ˈɑːgjuː fɔː ðə pəʊˈtɛnʃəl taɪm seɪvd θruː 
fɑː lɛs ɪˈfɛktɪv ðæn rɪəl wɜːld ˈklɑːsɪz
rɪˈmeɪn ə niːʃ ˈɛlɪmənt 
ə ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːsɪti ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən

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:

T___________________________________________________s has led many to a________e they can be a___________________________________________________y. In my opinion, though these lessons are more e____________t in p_________________________________s, their o_________________________________n.

P______________________________________________________________________________y. When students study in person, they must e__________________________m class and w_______________________________n. I_______________e, this c__________________________________t. This time could be r__________d into more studying or other t_____s. For instance, a student studying online could f________________________________________s and q_______________________________________________________n. However, the efficiency g________d is l__________________l as most students are likely to become d_______________________________s and w____________________________________e.

Moreover, i_____________s are far more engaging than online ones. T__________________________________________________________________n many schools, including universities, t___________________o online learning f_____________________e. The r________s were that students were g_____________________n lessons and their o_____________________________________d. This c_________________e loss of productivity c______________________________________________________________________________________y the l__________________________n learners and teachers. I_________________________g, students p__________________________h their professors and other students, g__________________________________________________________y.

In conclusion, though there are reasons to a_________________________________________h online lessons, they are simply f___________________________________________s. Online lessons should r________________________t of a_________________________n.

Listening Practice

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxBDCefZi_8

Reading Practice

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

https://pamplinmedia.com/cr/28-opinion/557553-446278-teacher-online-learning-promotes-healthy-lives-for-educators

Speaking Practice

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

School

  1. Did you like your school when you were a child?
  2. What did you learn about?
  3. Did you have a favorite teacher?
  4. Are there many rules in schools in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Some today argue that schools are no longer necessary because children can learn so much from the internet and be educated at home.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

https://howtodoielts.com/ielts-writing-task-2-sample-answer-essay-internet-schools/

IELTS Task 1: Factors Affecting Work Performance

IELTS Task 1: Factors Affecting Work Performance

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of factors affecting work performance.

There is a ton of data in this one – just try to include as much as possible!

You can also get my full EBooks below:

Full IELTS EBooks on Patreon

Dave

IELTS Task 1: Factors Affecting Work Performance

The bar chart shows the factors that most affect work performance at a given company by age group. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there is general congruity in terms of the factors, though younger employees value promotion prospects, opportunities for personal development, and a relaxed working environment more highly. For both age groups, salary and team spirit were important and work environment and job security tended to be less impactful.

In terms of the categories with greater similarity, for both ages, 60% consider team spirit important and 30% think the environment impacts their work performances. The reported figures are also similar for job satisfaction (55% for those aged 18-30 and 50% for those 45-60), respect from colleagues (38% for younger workers and 42% for their older counterparts), money (73% for younger employees and 70% for older ones), and competent bosses (near 50% for both).

There is significant contrast in terms of how much chances for personal growth affect work with 90% for employees aged 18-30 and just 38% for older workers. Similarly, younger people place greater emphasis on a relaxed working environment (85% to 30%), job security (40% to 20%), and advancement prospects (80% to approximately 48%).

Analysis

1. The bar chart shows the factors that most affect work performance at a given company by age group. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there is general congruity in terms of the factors, though younger employees value promotion prospects, opportunities for personal development, and a relaxed working environment more highly. 3. For both age groups, salary and team spirit were important and work environment and job security tended to be less impactful.

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

1. In terms of the categories with greater similarity, for both ages, 60% consider team spirit important and 30% think the environment impacts their work performances. 2. The reported figures are also similar for job satisfaction (55% for those aged 18-30 and 50% for those 45-60), respect from colleagues (38% for younger workers and 42% for their older counterparts), money (73% for younger employees and 70% for older ones), and competent bosses (near 50% for both).

  1. Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
  2. There is a lot of data so this essay is a little longer than normal.

1. There is significant contrast in terms of how much chances for personal growth affect work with 90% for employees aged 18-30 and just 38% for older workers. 2. Similarly, younger people place greater emphasis on a relaxed working environment (85% to 30%), job security (40% to 20%), and advancement prospects (80% to approximately 48%).

  1. Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
  2. 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 bar chart shows the factors that most affect work performance at a given company by age group. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there is general congruity in terms of the factors, though younger employees value promotion prospects, opportunities for personal development, and a relaxed working environment more highly. For both age groups, salary and team spirit were important and work environment and job security tended to be less impactful.

In terms of the categories with greater similarity, for both ages, 60% consider team spirit important and 30% think the environment impacts their work performances. The reported figures are also similar for job satisfaction (55% for those aged 18-30 and 50% for those 45-60), respect from colleagues (38% for younger workers and 42% for their older counterparts), money (73% for younger employees and 70% for older ones), and competent bosses (near 50% for both).

There is significant contrast in terms of how much chances for personal growth affect work with 90% for employees aged 18-30 and just 38% for older workers. Similarly, younger people place greater emphasis on a relaxed working environment (85% to 30%), job security (40% to 20%), and advancement prospects (80% to approximately 48%).

Answers

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

factors elements that go into influencing something

affect work performance at a given company by age group impact how people work at a company according to how old they are

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

general congruity in terms of about the same concerning

younger employees value promotion prospects people who are not as old care more about advancing

opportunities for personal development changes to grow individually

relaxed working environment not a tense place to work

For both age groups concerning each demographic

salary how much money you make

team spirit morale

work environment where you work, the office, the atmosphere, etc.

job security tended to be less impactful not worrying about getting fired was less influential

In terms of the categories with greater similarity concerning the brackets that were almost the same

consider think about

work performances how well you do at your job

reported figures the data

respect from colleagues how valued you are by co-workers

older counterparts older employees

competent bosses good managers

There is significant contrast in terms of big differences when it comes to

personal growth how you change as a person

Similarly about the same

place greater emphasis on care more about

job security not worrying about getting fired

advancement prospects chances to get promotions and move up in the company

approximately around, about

Pronunciation

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

ˈfæktəz 
əˈfɛkt wɜːk pəˈfɔːməns æt ə ˈgɪvn ˈkʌmpəni baɪ eɪʤ gruːp
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
ˈʤɛnərəl  kɒngru:iti: ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈjʌŋər ˌɛmplɔɪˈiːz ˈvæljuː prəˈməʊʃən ˈprɒspɛkts
ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz fɔː ˈpɜːsnl dɪˈvɛləpmənt
rɪˈlækst ˈwɜːkɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt 
fɔː bəʊθ eɪʤ gruːps
ˈsæləri 
tiːm ˈspɪrɪt 
wɜːk ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt 
ʤɒb sɪˈkjʊərɪti ˈtɛndɪd tuː biː lɛs ˈɪmpæktf(ə)l
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv ðə ˈkætɪgəriz wɪð ˈgreɪtə ˌsɪmɪˈlærɪti
kənˈsɪdə 
wɜːk pəˈfɔːmənsɪz
rɪˈpɔːtɪd ˈfɪgəz 
rɪsˈpɛkt frɒm ˈkɒliːgz 
ˈəʊldə ˈkaʊntəpɑːts
ˈkɒmpɪtənt ˈbɒsɪz 
ðeər ɪz sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˈkɒntrɑːst ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈpɜːsnl grəʊθ 
ˈsɪmɪləli
pleɪs ˈgreɪtər ˈɛmfəsɪs ɒn 
ʤɒb sɪˈkjʊərɪti 
ədˈvɑːnsmənt ˈprɒspɛkts 
əˈprɒksɪmɪtli 

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

The bar chart shows the f______s that most a_____________________________________________________p. L__________________________________________________________t there is g_______________________f the factors, though y______________________________________________s, o_______________________________________t, and a r___________________________________t more highly. F________________________s, s_______y and t__________t were important and w__________________t and j_________________________________l.

I____________________________________________y, for both ages, 60% c________r team spirit important and 30% think the environment impacts their w__________________________s. The r____________________s are also similar for job satisfaction (55% for those aged 18-30 and 50% for those 45-60), r___________________s (38% for younger workers and 42% for their o_______________________s), money (73% for younger employees and 70% for older ones), and c______________s (near 50% for both).

T_____________________________________________f how much chances for p______________h affect work with 90% for employees aged 18-30 and just 38% for older workers. S_________y, younger people p_______________________n a relaxed working environment (85% to 30%), j________________y (40% to 20%), and a____________________s (80% to a________________y 48%).

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.theguardian.com/money/2019/oct/21/google-released-research-on-what-makes-a-good-boss-do-you-agree

Speaking Practice

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

Work (Model answer available on my Patreon)

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

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS chart below:

IELTS Task 1: Influencers Bar Chart
IELTS Essay: Car-Free Days

IELTS Essay: Car-Free Days

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of car-free days 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: Car-Free Days

Some people believe that car-free days are effective ways to reduce air pollution. However, others argue that there are other ways that are more effective.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Many today feel that designated car-free days are the optimal method to reduce rising levels of air pollution. In my opinion, despite other viable options, car-free days would be the best remedy.

Critics of this policy argue that governments could instead create laws related to industrial production. Except for automobiles, the main causes of air pollution are resource mining, consumer electronics manufacturing, and textile fabrication. If governments legislated strict controls on production methods, there would be a concomitant decline in air pollution figures. For instance, in many European nations, companies have limited carbon emissions thresholds they can utilize in production and exceeding these numbers results in heavy fines and other penalties. This forward-looking solution is also appealing since it would encompass the entire calendar year, whereas car-free days are more limited in their scope.

However, car-free days would have greater impact due to their far-reaching implications. Firstly, banning cars would massively reduce air pollution figures since cars contribute more harmful gases into the atmosphere than any single industry. Secondly, banning cars would force motorists to find alternative modes of transportation that might then become habits. A person who cannot drive to work once a week, may consider working at home or utilizing public transport. If they find these options more efficient, then they may willingly abandon using their car on other days. Over time, this could begin to shift mindsets in society and individuals might become less obsessed with car ownership as a symbol of wealth and success and start prioritizing efficiency and a cleaner environment.

In conclusion, though regulation of particular industries would also aid in the reduction of air pollution, the banning of automobiles on certain days is the single best solution. Governments should consider implementing and expanding existing policies that prohibit private vehicles.

Analysis

1. Many today feel that designated car-free days are the optimal method to reduce rising levels of air pollution. 2. In my opinion, despite other viable options, car-free days would be the best remedy.

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

1. Critics of this policy argue that governments could instead create laws related to industrial production. 2. Except for automobiles, the main causes of air pollution are resource mining, consumer electronics manufacturing, and textile fabrication. 3. If governments legislated strict controls on production methods, there would be a concomitant decline in air pollution figures. 4. For instance, in many European nations, companies have limited carbon emissions thresholds they can utilize in production and exceeding these numbers results in heavy fines and other penalties. 5. This forward-looking solution is also appealing since it would encompass the entire calendar year, whereas car-free days are more limited in their scope.

  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 can sometimes include the counterpoint here too.

1. However, car-free days would have greater impact due to their far-reaching implications. 2. Firstly, banning cars would massively reduce air pollution figures since cars contribute more harmful gases into the atmosphere than any single industry. 3. Secondly, banning cars would force motorists to find alternative modes of transportation that might then become habits. 4. A person who cannot drive to work once a week, may consider working at home or utilizing public transport. 5. If they find these options more efficient, then they may willingly abandon using their car on other days. 6. Over time, this could begin to shift mindsets in society and individuals might become less obsessed with car ownership as a symbol of wealth and success and start prioritizing efficiency and a cleaner environment.

  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. Use a variety of grammar.

1. In conclusion, though regulation of particular industries would also aid in the reduction of air pollution, the banning of automobiles on certain days is the single best solution. 2. Governments should consider implementing and expanding existing policies that prohibit private vehicles.

  1. Summarise your main ideas.
  2. Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.

Vocabulary

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

Many today feel that designated car-free days are the optimal method to reduce rising levels of air pollution. In my opinion, despite other viable options, car-free days would be the best remedy.

Critics of this policy argue that governments could instead create laws related to industrial production. Except for automobiles, the main causes of air pollution are resource mining, consumer electronics manufacturing, and textile fabrication. If governments legislated strict controls on production methods, there would be a concomitant decline in air pollution figures. For instance, in many European nations, companies have limited carbon emissions thresholds they can utilize in production and exceeding these numbers results in heavy fines and other penalties. This forward-looking solution is also appealing since it would encompass the entire calendar year, whereas car-free days are more limited in their scope.

However, car-free days would have greater impact due to their far-reaching implications. Firstly, banning cars would massively reduce air pollution figures since cars contribute more harmful gases into the atmosphere than any single industry. Secondly, banning cars would force motorists to find alternative modes of transportation that might then become habits. A person who cannot drive to work once a week, may consider working at home or utilizing public transport. If they find these options more efficient, then they may willingly abandon using their car on other days. Over time, this could begin to shift mindsets in society and individuals might become less obsessed with car ownership as a symbol of wealth and success and start prioritizing efficiency and a cleaner environment.

In conclusion, though regulation of particular industries would also aid in the reduction of air pollution, the banning of automobiles on certain days is the single best solution. Governments should consider implementing and expanding existing policies that prohibit private vehicles.

Answers

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

designated car-free days days when you are not allowed to drive your car

optimal method to reduce rising levels of air pollution best way to cut down on lack of fresh air

despite other viable options regardless of other good choices

remedy solution

Critics of this policy argue people who are against this idea

instead create laws related to industrial production better to limit pollution from companies

Except for automobiles with the exception of cars

main causes primary sources

resource mining getting materials like coal out of the Earth

consumer electronics manufacturing making products like iPhones

textile fabrication making clothing

legislated strict controls on production methods make laws to regulate manufacturing

concomitant decline in air pollution figures related fall in numbers for unclean air

limited carbon emissions thresholds only a certain amount you can add to the air

exceeding these numbers results in heavy fines and other penalties going above these figures means you have to pay or receive other punishments

This forward-looking solution is also appealing since the long-term fix is good because

encompass include

entire calendar year whole year

whereas instead of

limited in their scope doesn’t encompass everything

greater impact due to their far-reaching implications more effect because of repercussions

massively reduce air pollution hugely cut down on unclean air

harmful gases into the atmosphere than any single industry air pollution caused by one field

force motorists make drivers

alternative modes of transportation different ways of getting around

habits what you do every day

may consider working at home or utilizing public transport might work remotely or take buses, the metro, etc.

efficient doesn’t waste time or energy

willingly abandon of their own choice stop using

Over time in the long-term

begin to shift mindsets in society start to change how people think and act

individuals might become less obsessed with car ownership as a symbol of wealth and success people might not care as much about how cars boost their self-esteem

start prioritizing efficiency and a cleaner environment care more about saving time and energy and being good for nature

aid in help

on certain days on particular days

consider implementing and expanding existing policies that prohibit private vehicles think about putting in place laws to ban cars

Pronunciation

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

ˈdɛzɪgneɪtɪd kɑː-friː deɪz 
ˈɒptɪməl ˈmɛθəd tuː rɪˈdjuːs ˈraɪzɪŋ ˈlɛvlz ɒv eə pəˈluːʃən
dɪsˈpaɪt ˈʌðə ˈvaɪəbl ˈɒpʃənz
ˈrɛmɪdi
ˈkrɪtɪks ɒv ðɪs ˈpɒlɪsi ˈɑːgjuː 
ɪnˈstɛd kri(ː)ˈeɪt lɔːz rɪˈleɪtɪd tuː ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl prəˈdʌkʃən
ɪkˈsɛpt fɔːr ˈɔːtəməʊbiːlz
meɪn ˈkɔːzɪz 
rɪˈsɔːs ˈmaɪnɪŋ
kənˈsjuːmər ɪlɛkˈtrɒnɪks ˌmænjʊˈfækʧərɪŋ
ˈtɛkstaɪl ˌfæbrɪˈkeɪʃən
ˈlɛʤɪsleɪtɪd strɪkt kənˈtrəʊlz ɒn prəˈdʌkʃən ˈmɛθədz
kənˈkɒmɪtənt dɪˈklaɪn ɪn eə pəˈluːʃən ˈfɪgəz
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz ˈθrɛʃˌhəʊldz 
ɪkˈsiːdɪŋ ðiːz ˈnʌmbəz rɪˈzʌlts ɪn ˈhɛvi faɪnz ænd ˈʌðə ˈpɛnltiz
ðɪs ˈfɔːwədˈlʊkɪŋ səˈluːʃən ɪz ˈɔːlsəʊ əˈpiːlɪŋ sɪns 
ɪnˈkʌmpəs 
ɪnˈtaɪə ˈkælɪndə jɪə
weərˈæz 
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ɪn ðeə skəʊp
ˈgreɪtər ˈɪmpækt djuː tuː ðeə ˈfɑːˈriːʧɪŋ ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz
ˈmæsɪvli rɪˈdjuːs eə pəˈluːʃən 
ˈhɑːmfʊl ˈgæsɪz ˈɪntuː ði ˈætməsfɪə ðæn ˈɛni ˈsɪŋgl ˈɪndəstri
fɔːs ˈməʊtərɪsts 
ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv məʊdz ɒv ˌtrænspɔːˈteɪʃən 
ˈhæbɪts
meɪ kənˈsɪdə ˈwɜːkɪŋ æt həʊm ɔː ˈjuːtɪˌlaɪzɪŋ ˈpʌblɪk ˈtrænspɔːt
ɪˈfɪʃənt
ˈwɪlɪŋli əˈbændən 
ˈəʊvə taɪm
bɪˈgɪn tuː ʃɪft ˈmaɪndsɛts ɪn səˈsaɪəti 
ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz maɪt bɪˈkʌm lɛs əbˈsɛst wɪð kɑːr ˈəʊnəʃɪp æz ə ˈsɪmbəl ɒv wɛlθ ænd səkˈsɛs 
stɑːt praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪzɪŋ ɪˈfɪʃənsi ænd ə ˈkliːnər ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt
eɪd ɪn 
ɒn ˈsɜːtn deɪz 
kənˈsɪdər ˈɪmplɪmɛntɪŋ ænd ɪksˈpændɪŋ ɪgˈzɪstɪŋ ˈpɒlɪsiz ðæt prəˈhɪbɪt ˈpraɪvɪt ˈviːɪklz

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:

Many today feel that d_______________________________s are the o____________________________________________________s o_______________________n. In my opinion, d____________________________s, car-free days would be the best r________y.

C___________________e that governments could i__________________________________n. E_________________________s, the m________________s of air pollution are r_____________g, c_____________________________________g, and t________________n. If governments l___________________________________________s, there would be a c________________________________________________s. For instance, in many European nations, companies have l________________________________________s they can utilize in production and e_______________________________________________________________s. T_______________________________________________e it would e____________s the e________________r, w___________s car-free days are more l_________________e.

However, car-free days would have g_________________________________________s. Firstly, banning cars would m________________________________n figures since cars contribute more h_________________________________________________________y. Secondly, banning cars would f_________________s to find a____________________________________________n that might then become h_______s. A person who cannot drive to work once a week, m_____________________________________________________t. If they find these options more e_________t, then they may w___________________n using their car on other days. O_________e, this could b__________________________________y and i___________________________________________________________________________s and s__________________________________________________t.

In conclusion, though regulation of particular industries would also a_____n the reduction of air pollution, the banning of automobiles o_____________________s is the single best solution. Governments should c___________________________________________________________________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.daysoftheyear.com/days/world-car-free-day/

Speaking Practice

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

Environment

  1. How are environmental problems dealt with in your country?
  2. What can be done to make people recycle more often?
  3. What is the most pressing environmental problem?
  4. Is recycling a common practice in your country?
  5. Are governments or individuals more responsible?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

More and more people in developing countries are purchasing cars for the first time.

What problems does this cause?

What do you think are the possible solutions?

IELTS EBook: Health

IELTS EBook: Health

Here is my newest IELTS EBook – which is available only on my Patreon.com/howtodoielts.

The topic for this EBook is:

Research shows that some activities are good for health and others are bad. Despite knowing that, millions of people engage in unhealthy activities.

What is the cause of this?

What can be done?

Sign up for that EBook and more!