IELTS Cambridge 17 Task 1: Police Budget

IELTS Cambridge 17 Task 1: Police Budget

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the new Cambridge IELTS 17 book of past test papers on the topic of the police budget.

You can read essays and guides for the other IELTS Cambridge books, including Cambridge 17, here:

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 17

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 16

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 15

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 14

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 13

Dave

IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Police Budget

The table and charts detailed below give information about the police budget in 2017 and 2018 in on area of Britain. The table illustrates where the money came from and the charts show how it was distributed.

The table details the sources of funding for the police and the pie charts show the distribution of this budget. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the contributions of all sources increased, though local taxes displayed the greatest funding growth. In terms of spending, there was a marked increase in technology funding, buildings and transport was unchanged, and salaries declined though this category continued to represent the vast majority of the budget.

In 2017, the national government contributed 175.5 million pounds, slightly below the number for the following year (177.8m). Local taxes, in contrast, were lower overall in both years but grew considerably from £91.2 million to £102.3 million. Other sources, such as grants, were largely unchanged, rising slightly from 38 to 38.5 million. The total figure grew by 13.9m to 318.6m.

In terms of budgetary allocation, 75% of the budget was devoted to salaries in 2017 and this figure declined to 69% the following year. Money for technology nearly doubled, going from 8% to 14%, while spending on buildings and transport was unaltered at 17% in each year surveyed.

Analysis

1. The table details the sources of funding for the police and the pie charts show the distribution of this budget. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the contributions of all sources increased, though local taxes displayed the greatest funding growth. 3. In terms of spending, there was a marked increase in technology funding, buildings and transport was unchanged, and salaries declined though this category continued to represent the vast majority of the budget.

  1. Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
  3. You might need another sentence for your overview.

1. In 2017, the national government contributed 175.5 million pounds, slightly below the number for the following year (177.8m). 2. Local taxes, in contrast, were lower overall in both years but grew considerably from £91.2 million to £102.3 million. 3. Other sources, such as grants, were largely unchanged, rising slightly from 38 to 38.5 million. The total figure grew by 13.9m to 318.6m.

  1. Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
  2. Make sure you compare as much as possible.
  3. Vary long and short sentences.

1. In terms of budgetary allocation, 75% of the budget was devoted to salaries in 2017 and this figure declined to 69% the following year. 2. Money for technology nearly doubled, going from 8% to 14%, while spending on buildings and transport was unaltered at 17% in each year surveyed.

  1. Write about the final other parts of the graph –
  2. include everything!

Vocabulary

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

The table details the sources of funding for the police and the pie charts show the distribution of this budget. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the contributions of all sources increased, though local taxes displayed the greatest funding growth. In terms of spending, there was a marked increase in technology funding, buildings and transport was unchanged, and salaries declined though this category continued to represent the vast majority of the budget.

In 2017, the national government contributed 175.5 million pounds, slightly below the number for the following year (177.8m). Local taxes, in contrast, were lower overall in both years but grew considerably from £91.2 million to £102.3 million. Other sources, such as grants, were largely unchanged, rising slightly from 38 to 38.5 million. The total figure grew by 13.9m to 318.6m.

In terms of budgetary allocation, 75% of the budget was devoted to salaries in 2017 and this figure declined to 69% the following year. Money for technology nearly doubled, going from 8% to 14%, while spending on buildings and transport was unaltered at 17% in each year surveyed.

Answers

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

details shows

sources of funding for where the money comes from to provide for

police officers, cops

distribution how something is spread out

budget amount of money to spend

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

sources where it comes from

local taxes local government

displayed showed

greatest funding growth most of the money comes from

In terms of spending when it comes to money used

marked noticeable

salaries money earned each month

though however

category group

continued to kept on

represent showed

vast majority of the budget most of the money spent

national government federal government

pounds UK currency

slightly below just under

in contrast, however

lower overall less in general

grew considerably increased a lot

other sources different origins

grants money given

largely unchanged mostly the same

rising slightly going up a little

total figure overall number

in terms of concerning

budgetary allocation money supplied to each area

devoted to for

figure declined number went down

the following year the next year

nearly doubled almost 2x

unaltered unchanged

each year surveyed the years detailed

Pronunciation

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

ˈdiːteɪlz 
ˈsɔːsɪz ɒv ˈfʌndɪŋ fɔː 
pəˈliːs 
ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃən 
ˈbʌʤɪt
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
ˈsɔːsɪz 
ˈləʊkəl ˈtæksɪz 
dɪsˈpleɪd 
ˈgreɪtɪst ˈfʌndɪŋ grəʊθ
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv ˈspɛndɪŋ
mɑːkt 
ˈsæləriz 
ðəʊ 
ˈkætɪgəri 
kənˈtɪnju(ː)d tuː 
ˌrɛprɪˈzɛnt 
vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti ɒv ðə ˈbʌʤɪt
ˈnæʃənl ˈgʌvnmənt 
paʊndz
ˈslaɪtli bɪˈləʊ 
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst,
ˈləʊər ˈəʊvərɔːl 
gruː kənˈsɪdərəbli 
ˈʌðə ˈsɔːsɪz
grɑːnts,
ˈlɑːʤli ʌnˈʧeɪnʤd
ˈraɪzɪŋ ˈslaɪtli 
ˈtəʊtl ˈfɪgə 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈbʌʤɪtəri ˌæləʊˈkeɪʃ(ə)n
dɪˈvəʊtɪd tuː 
ˈfɪgə dɪˈklaɪnd 
ðə ˈfɒləʊɪŋ jɪə
ˈnɪəli ˈdʌbld
ʌnˈɔːltəd 
iːʧ jɪə sɜːˈveɪd

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 table d_______s the s_________________________r the p______e and the pie charts show the d____________n of this b_________t. L__________________________________________________________t the contributions of all s__________s increased, though l______________s d____________d the g________________________h. I______________________g, there was a m_______d increase in technology funding, buildings and transport was unchanged, and s__________s declined t______h this c____________y c_________________o r___________t the v_________________________t.

In 2017, the n_____________t contributed 175.5 million p_________s, s_________w the number for the following year (177.8m). L___________s, i____________t, were l__________________l in both years but g___________________y from £91.2 million to £102.3 million. O______________s, such as g_______s, were l_____________________d, r________________y from 38 to 38.5 million. The t______________e grew by 13.9m to 318.6m.

I_______________f b________________n, 75% of the budget was d_____________o salaries in 2017 and this f____________d to 69% t__________________r. Money for technology n________________d, going from 8% to 14%, while spending on buildings and transport was u___________d at 17% in e_______________________d.

Listening Practice

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_29TS6jjsA

Reading Practice

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

https://www.brookings.edu/research/a-better-path-forward-for-criminal-justice-police-reform/

Speaking Practice

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

Police

  1. Is your country generally safe?
  2. What responsibilities do the police usually have?
  3. How do you think policing will change in the future?
  4. Do cameras violate a person’s privacy?
  5. What problems do people have with the police in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

IELTS EBook: Quality of Life

IELTS EBook: Quality of Life

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

Here is the topic:

People living in the 21st century have a better life quality than people who lived in previous times.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Sign up for that Ebook and more!

IELTS Essay: Criminal Treatment

IELTS Essay: Criminal Treatment

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the criminal treatment of adults and young 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: Criminal Treatment

Young people committing crimes should be treated the same as adults by the authorities. 

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There are reformers today who argue that adults and young people should be treated equally under the law. In my opinion, despite the ostensible fairness of this proposal, it disregards crucial psychological differences.

Those who believe all ages should receive equal treatment, point out that this will engender a greater deterring effect. The main reason that all individuals in society are punished is not for justice alone, but as a means to ensure others will not commit similar crimes. Young people learn in school and the world generally that their actions will have consequences and that crimes are punishable with prison time and other penalties. If these censures are weakened, then the chances a young person will attempt to commit a crime will logically increase, even if the total number of young people engaging in criminal behavior today is lower than at any point in human history.

However, age is a just mitigating factor. Adults who commit crimes have had more time to develop socially and intellectually while young people might not fully grasp the consequences of their choices for themselves and others. For instance, there have been recent cases where young people were influenced by extremist elements now pervasive in social media. Young people are more impressionable in these situations and often lack the confidence and maturity to think for themselves. This vulnerability extends to their emotional and intellectual development and justifies laws that protect young people from receiving overly harsh sentences.

In conclusion, though there are practical reasons to support equal punishments for all ages, this alteration would be unfair to young people. Courts should consider a range of factors before selecting an appropriate punishment.

Analysis

1. There are reformers today who argue that adults and young people should be treated equally under the law. 2. In my opinion, despite the ostensible fairness of this proposal, it disregards crucial psychological differences.

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

1. Those who believe all ages should receive equal treatment, point out that this will engender a greater deterring effect. 2. The main reason that all individuals in society are punished is not for justice alone, but as a means to ensure others will not commit similar crimes. 3. Young people learn in school and the world generally that their actions will have consequences and that crimes are punishable with prison time and other penalties. 4. If these censures are weakened, then the chances a young person will attempt to commit a crime will logically increase, even if the total number of young people engaging in criminal behavior today is lower than at any point in human history.

  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. However, age is a just mitigating factor. 2. Adults who commit crimes have had more time to develop socially and intellectually while young people might not fully grasp the consequences of their choices for themselves and others. 3. For instance, there have been recent cases where young people were influenced by extremist elements now pervasive in social media. 4. Young people are more impressionable in these situations and often lack the confidence and maturity to think for themselves. 5. This vulnerability extends to their emotional and intellectual development and justifies laws that protect young people from receiving overly harsh sentences.

  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. Finish the paragraph strong.

1. In conclusion, though there are practical reasons to support equal punishments for all ages, this alteration would be unfair to young people. 2. Courts should consider a range of factors before selecting an appropriate punishment.

  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.

There are reformers today who argue that adults and young people should be treated equally under the law. In my opinion, despite the ostensible fairness of this proposal, it disregards crucial psychological differences.

Those who believe all ages should receive equal treatment, point out that this will engender a greater deterring effect. The main reason that all individuals in society are punished is not for justice alone, but as a means to ensure others will not commit similar crimes. Young people learn in school and the world generally that their actions will have consequences and that crimes are punishable with prison time and other penalties. If these censures are weakened, then the chances a young person will attempt to commit a crime will logically increase, even if the total number of young people engaging in criminal behavior today is lower than at any point in human history.

However, age is a just mitigating factor. Adults who commit crimes have had more time to develop socially and intellectually while young people might not fully grasp the consequences of their choices for themselves and others. For instance, there have been recent cases where young people were influenced by extremist elements now pervasive in social media. Young people are more impressionable in these situations and often lack the confidence and maturity to think for themselves. This vulnerability extends to their emotional and intellectual development and justifies laws that protect young people from receiving overly harsh sentences.

In conclusion, though there are practical reasons to support equal punishments for all ages, this alteration would be unfair to young people. Courts should consider a range of factors before selecting an appropriate punishment.

Answers

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

reformers people who want to make changes

argue point out, contend

adults older people

young people people who are younger

treated equally under the law have the same punishments and dealt with the same way

despite regardless of

ostensible fairness seemingly just, right

proposal idea

disregards ignores

crucial key

psychological differences mental disparities

receive get

point out argue

engender creates

greater deterring effect does more to stop others from doing the same

justice fairness

as a means to in order to

ensure make sure of

commit similar crimes do the same things

generally overall

actions will have consequences you must be responsible

punishable can be punished in this way

prison time time in jail

penalties punishments

censures admonishments

weakened curbed, limited

chances odds of something happening

attempt try

logically rationally

engaging in taking part in

criminal behavior committing crimes

lower than at any point in human history never better than now

just right, fair

mitigating factor reason to lessen punishment

develop grow

socially relating to others

intellectually relating to the mind

might not fully grasp the consequences of their choices for themselves and others can’t completely understand the results of their actions

recent cases instances that happened not that long ago

influenced impacted

extremist elements strong opinions

pervasive common

social media Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.

impressionable easily influenced

lack don’t have

confidence self-esteem

maturity feeling like an adult

vulnerability weakness

extends to also includes

emotional related to emotions

justifies gives reason for

protect keep safe

receiving overly harsh sentences get too strict punishments

practical reasons pragmatic causes for

equal punishments the same sentences

alteration change

a range of factors many different elements

selecting choosing

appropriate punishment fitting sentence

Pronunciation

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

rɪˈfɔːməz 
ˈɑːgjuː 
ˈædʌlts 
jʌŋ ˈpiːpl 
ˈtriːtɪd ˈiːkwəli ˈʌndə ðə lɔː
dɪsˈpaɪt 
ɒsˈtɛnsəbl ˈfeənɪs 
prəˈpəʊzəl 
ˌdɪsrɪˈgɑːdz 
ˈkruːʃəl 
ˌsaɪkəˈlɒʤɪkəl ˈdɪfrənsɪz
rɪˈsiːv 
pɔɪnt aʊt 
ɪnˈʤɛndə 
ˈgreɪtə dɪˈtɜːrɪŋ ɪˈfɛkt
ˈʤʌstɪs 
æz ə miːnz tuː 
ɪnˈʃʊə 
kəˈmɪt ˈsɪmɪlə kraɪmz 
ˈʤɛnərəli 
ˈækʃ(ə)nz wɪl hæv ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz 
ˈpʌnɪʃəbl 
ˈprɪzn taɪm 
ˈpɛnltiz
ˈsɛnʃəz 
ˈwiːkənd 
ˈʧɑːnsɪz 
əˈtɛmpt 
ˈlɒʤɪkəli 
ɪnˈgeɪʤɪŋ ɪn 
ˈkrɪmɪnl bɪˈheɪvjə 
ˈləʊə ðæn æt ˈɛni pɔɪnt ɪn ˈhjuːmən ˈhɪstəri
ʤʌst 
ˈmɪtɪgeɪtɪŋ ˈfæktə
dɪˈvɛləp 
ˈsəʊʃəli 
ˌɪntɪˈlɛktjʊəli 
maɪt nɒt ˈfʊli grɑːsp ðə ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz ɒv ðeə ˈʧɔɪsɪz fɔː ðəmˈsɛlvz ænd ˈʌðəz.
ˈriːsnt ˈkeɪsɪz 
ˈɪnflʊənst 
ɪksˈtriːmɪst ˈɛlɪmənts 
pɜːˈveɪsɪv 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˈmiːdiə
ɪmˈprɛʃnəbl 
læk 
ˈkɒnfɪdəns 
məˈtjʊərɪti 
ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪlɪti 
ɪksˈtɛndz tuː 
ɪˈməʊʃənl 
ˌɪntɪˈlɛktjʊəl 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪz 
prəˈtɛkt 
rɪˈsiːvɪŋ ˈəʊvəli hɑːʃ ˈsɛntənsɪz
ˈpræktɪkəl ˈriːznz 
ˈiːkwəl ˈpʌnɪʃmənts 
ˌɔːltəˈreɪʃ(ə)n 
ə reɪnʤ ɒv ˈfæktəz 
sɪˈlɛktɪŋ 
əˈprəʊprɪɪt ˈpʌnɪʃmənt

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:

There are r__________s today who a____e that a_____s and y____________e should be t________________________w. In my opinion, d__________e the o______________________s of this p_____________l, it d__________s c_________________________________________s.

Those who believe all ages should r_________e equal treatment, p________t that this will e_________r a g_____________________t. The main reason that all individuals in society are punished is not for j_____e alone, but a__________________________e others will not c____________________s. Young people learn in school and the world g__________y that their a____________________________________s and that crimes are p_____________e with p_________e and other p____________s. If these c____________s are w___________d, then the c_________s a young person will a_________t to commit a crime will l______________y increase, even if the total number of young people e________________n c___________________________r today is l______________________________________________________y.

However, age is a j____t m______________________r. Adults who commit crimes have had more time to d_______________________y and i___________________y while young people m___________________________________________________________________s. For instance, there have been r__________s where young people were i__________d by e____________________s now p___________e in s__________a. Young people are more i___________________e in these situations and often l___k the c____________e and m________y to think for themselves. This v_____________y e_________o their e_____________l and i_______________l development and j________s laws that p__________t young people from r__________________________________s.

In conclusion, though there are p________________s to support e________________________s for all ages, this a__________n would be unfair to young people. Courts should consider a___________________s before s__________g an a________________________t.

Listening Practice

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

Reading Practice

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

Speaking Practice

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

Crime

  1. Why do people commit crimes?
  2. How can criminals be rehabilitated?
  3. What is the purpose of punishment?
  4. Are punishment and revenge the same?
  5. Will crime become less common in the future?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Cambridge 17 Task 1 Essay: Average Weekly Spending

IELTS Cambridge 17 Task 1 Essay: Average Weekly Spending

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the new Cambridge IELTS 17 book of past test papers on the topic of a bar chart showing how families in one country spent weekly income in 1968 and 2018.

You can read essays and guides for the other IELTS Cambridge books, including Cambridge 17, here:

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 17

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 16

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 15

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 14

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 13

Dave

IELTS Cambridge 17 Task 1 Essay: Average Weekly Spending

The bar chart provides information about how families in a country spent weekly income in both 1968 and in 2018.

The bar chart details average spending per week for families in a given country in the years 1968 and 2018. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that while spending for food, fuel and power, clothing and footware, and personal goods declined, the inverse was true for the remaining categories, with only household goods unchanged. Although spending on food was by far the most common in 1968, by 2018 leisure occupied the majority of the family budget, followed closely by housing.

In 1968, families spent on average 35% of their weekly income on food, greatly outstripping other budgetary concerns, each of which represented between 5% and 10%. Among these, fuel and power was the lowest at 6%.

By 2018, spending patterns diverged more widely. Food represented a still significant 17% of the budget, trailing housing at 19% (a 9% overall rise) and leisure at 22% (a 13% increase). Transport also displayed a notable growth to 14%. Fuel and power, clothing and footware, and personal goods all fell to 4%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Household goods was the only expense to remain fixed, at 7%.

Analysis

1. The bar chart details average spending per week for families in a given country in the years 1968 and 2018. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that while spending for food, fuel and power, clothing and footware, and personal goods declined, the inverse was true for the remaining categories, with only household goods unchanged. 3. Although spending on food was by far the most common in 1968, by 2018 leisure occupied the majority of the family budget, followed closely by housing.

  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 1968, families spent on average 35% of their weekly income on food, greatly outstripping other budgetary concerns, each of which represented between 5% and 10%. 2. Among these, fuel and power was the lowest at 6%.

  1. Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
  2. Make sure you compare as much as possible.

1. By 2018, spending patterns diverged more widely. Food represented a still significant 17% of the budget, trailing housing at 19% (a 9% overall rise) and leisure at 22% (a 13% increase). 2. Transport also displayed a notable growth to 14%. Fuel and power, clothing and footware, and personal goods all fell to 4%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. 3. Household goods was the only expense to remain fixed, at 7%.

  1. Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
  2. Compare the categories.
  3. Finish with the rest of the data.

Vocabulary

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

The bar chart details average spending per week for families in a given country in the years 1968 and 2018. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that while spending for food, fuel and power, clothing and footware, and personal goods declined, the inverse was true for the remaining categories, with only household goods unchanged. Although spending on food was by far the most common in 1968, by 2018 leisure occupied the majority of the family budget, followed closely by housing.

In 1968, families spent on average 35% of their weekly income on food, greatly outstripping other budgetary concerns, each of which represented between 5% and 10%. Among these, fuel and power was the lowest at 6%.

By 2018, spending patterns diverged more widely. Food represented a still significant 17% of the budget, trailing housing at 19% (a 9% overall rise) and leisure at 22% (a 13% increase). Transport also displayed a notable growth to 14%. Fuel and power, clothing and footware, and personal goods all fell to 4%, 5%, and 4%, respectively. Household goods was the only expense to remain fixed, at 7%.

Answers

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

details shows

average spending per week amount of money every 7 days spent on average

in a given country in a random nation

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

declined decreased

the inverse was true for the opposite is the case for

remaining categories other groups

unchanged remained the same

by far the most common a lot more popular

occupied represented

majority most of

family budget how much money a family spends on average

followed closely by right after that

weekly income money earned each week

greatly outstripping much more than

other budgetary concerns different things to spend money on

each of which all of them

represented stood for

Among these in this group

lowest least

spending patterns ways money is spent

diverged more widely were less similar

represented stood for

significant meaningful

trailing behind

displayed showed

notable growth significant rise

respectively in turn

expense money spent

remain fixed stayed the same

Pronunciation

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

ˈdiːteɪlz 
ˈævərɪʤ ˈspɛndɪŋ pɜː wiːk 
ɪn ə ˈgɪvn ˈkʌntri 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
dɪˈklaɪnd
ði ɪnˈvɜːs wɒz truː fɔː 
rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ ˈkætɪgəriz
ʌnˈʧeɪnʤd
baɪ fɑː ðə məʊst ˈkɒmən 
ˈɒkjʊpaɪd 
məˈʤɒrɪti 
ˈfæmɪli ˈbʌʤɪt
ˈfɒləʊd ˈkləʊsli baɪ 
ˈwiːkli ˈɪnkʌm 
ˈgreɪtli aʊtˈstrɪpɪŋ 
ˈʌðə ˈbʌʤɪtəri kənˈsɜːnz
iːʧ ɒv wɪʧ 
ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntɪd 
əˈmʌŋ ðiːz
ˈləʊɪst 
ˈspɛndɪŋ ˈpætənz 
daɪˈvɜːʤd mɔː ˈwaɪdli 
ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntɪd 
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt 
ˈtreɪlɪŋ 
dɪsˈpleɪd 
ˈnəʊtəbl grəʊθ 
rɪsˈpɛktɪvli
ɪksˈpɛns 
rɪˈmeɪn fɪkst

Vocabulary Practice

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

The bar chart d_______s a___________________________k for families i___________________y in the years 1968 and 2018. L___________________________________________________________t while spending for food, fuel and power, clothing and footware, and personal goods d_________d, t_____________________________r the r_________________s, with only household goods u_______________d. Although spending on food was b________________________n in 1968, by 2018 leisure o__________d the m_________y of the f_____________t, f____________________y housing.

In 1968, families spent on average 35% of their w___________e on food, g_______________________________g o______________________s, e___________________________d between 5% and 10%. A____________e, fuel and power was the l_________t at 6%.

By 2018, s______________________s d____________________y. Food r_________________d a still s_____________t 17% of the budget, t____________g housing at 19% (a 9% overall rise) and leisure at 22% (a 13% increase). Transport also d__________d a n____________________h to 14%. Fuel and power, clothing and footware, and personal goods all fell to 4%, 5%, and 4%, r________________y. Household goods was the only e__________e to r______________d, at 7%.

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.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/how-to-budget

Speaking Practice

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

Shopping

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

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS chart below:

IELTS Cambridge 17 Task 1 Essay: Map of an Industrial Area (Norbiton)

IELTS Cambridge 17 Task 1 Essay: Map of an Industrial Area (Norbiton)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the new Cambridge IELTS 17 book of past test papers related to a map of an industrial area in the town of Norbiton.

Check out my exclusive IELTS EBooks here on Patreon.

You can read essays and guides for the other IELTS Cambridge books, including Cambridge 17, here:

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 17

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 16

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 15

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 14

The Complete Guide to IELTS Cambridge 13

Dave

IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Map of an Industrial Area (Norbiton)

The maps illustrate an industrial area in Norbiton in the present day compared with plans for future development of the site.

The above maps detail Norbiton in the present day and plans for future development. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town will become less industrial and more residential with the construction of facilities for housing, education, shopping, and medical care. This development will occur primarily to the west and north with only a small patch of farmland remaining undisturbed.

In the current town, there is a central roundabout surrounded by factories and a road running from west to east out of Norbiton. In the future, the roundabout will remain but the factories around it will become shops, new housing will line a northwestern road, and there will be a new hospital built to the southeast. The original road going to the east will also now have housing on either side along with a large playground to the north and a school at the easternmost border of the town.

Outside the center of the town, there are also plans for a smaller roundabout in the south which will bisect an existing street. In the north, there will be a bridge over the river and the farmland to the north will be partly replaced with housing, though not to the east where no alterations will be made.

Analysis

1. The above maps detail Norbiton in the present day and plans for future development. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town will become less industrial and more residential with the construction of facilities for housing, education, shopping, and medical care. 3. This development will occur primarily to the west and north with only a small patch of farmland remaining undisturbed.

  1. Paraphrase what the map shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
  3. You might need another sentence for your overview.

1. In the current town, there is a central roundabout surrounded by factories and a road running from west to east out of Norbiton. 2. In the future, the roundabout will remain but the factories around it will become shops, new housing will line a northwestern road, and there will be a new hospital built to the southeast. 3. The original road going to the east will also now have housing on either side along with a large playground to the north and a school at the easternmost border of the town.

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

1. Outside the center of the town, there are also plans for a smaller roundabout in the south which will bisect an existing street. 2. In the north, there will be a bridge over the river and the farmland to the north will be partly replaced with housing, though not to the east where no alterations will be made.

  1. Write about the final, other parts of the map – include everything!
  2. Mention anything that has not changed on the map too.

Vocabulary

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

The above maps detail Norbiton in the present day and plans for future development. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town will become less industrial and more residential with the construction of facilities for housing, education, shopping, and medical care. This development will occur primarily to the west and north with only a small patch of farmland remaining undisturbed.

In the current town, there is a central roundabout surrounded by factories and a road running from west to east out of Norbiton. In the future, the roundabout will remain but the factories around it will become shops, new housing will line a northwestern road, and there will be a new hospital built to the southeast. The original road going to the east will also now have housing on either side along with a large playground to the north and a school at the easternmost border of the town.

Outside the center of the town, there are also plans for a smaller roundabout in the south which will bisect an existing street. In the north, there will be a bridge over the river and the farmland to the north will be partly replaced with housing, though not to the east where no alterations will be made.

Answers

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

above over

detail show

in the present day today

future development plans for later

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

less industrial not as many factories and businesses

more residential more people living there in homes

construction building of

facilities places

housing places to live

education schools

shopping places to shop

medical care hospitals

occur primarily happens mostly

to the west and north in the right and top part

small patch little piece

farmland agricultural land

remaining undisturbed staying unchanged

In the current town where it is now

central roundabout rotary in the middle

surrounded by on all sides

running from west to east out of going from left to right

line are alongside of

northwestern top left

southeast. bottom right

original how it was

on either side on both sides of

along with and

playground place for kids to play

easternmost border to the east, the furthest point

outside past

bisect cut in half

existing is there now

bridge goes over rivers

partly replaced somewhat taking the place of

though however

alterations changes

Pronunciation

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

əˈbʌv 
ˈdiːteɪl 
ɪn ðə ˈprɛznt deɪ 
ˈfjuːʧə dɪˈvɛləpmənt
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt 
lɛs ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl 
mɔː ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl 
kənˈstrʌkʃən 
fəˈsɪlɪtiz 
ˈhaʊzɪŋ
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən
ˈʃɒpɪŋ 
ˈmɛdɪkəl keə
əˈkɜː ˈpraɪmərɪli 
tuː ðə wɛst ænd nɔːθ 
smɔːl pæʧ 
ˈfɑːmlænd 
rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ ˌʌndɪˈstɜːbd
ɪn ðə ˈkʌrənt taʊn
ˈsɛntrəl ˈraʊndəbaʊt 
səˈraʊndɪd baɪ 
ˈrʌnɪŋ frɒm wɛst tuː iːst aʊt ɒv 
laɪn 
ˌnɔːθˈwɛstən 
ˌsaʊθˈiːst
əˈrɪʤənl 
ɒn ˈaɪðə saɪd 
əˈlɒŋ wɪð 
ˈpleɪgraʊnd 
ˈiːstənməʊst ˈbɔːdə 
ˌaʊtˈsaɪd 
baɪˈsɛkt 
ɪgˈzɪstɪŋ 
brɪʤ 
ˈpɑːtli rɪˈpleɪst 
ðəʊ 
ˌɔːltəˈreɪʃ(ə)nz 

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 a______e maps d______l Norbiton i_________________y and plans for f_____________________t. L___________________________________________t the town will become l_______________l and m________________l with the c______________n of f_________s for h_________g, e__________n, s_______g, and m____________e. This development will o____r p_________y t____________________________h with only a s________h of f__________________________d.

I___________________n, there is a c___________________t s_________________y factories and a road r______________________________f Norbiton. In the future, the roundabout will remain but the factories around it will become shops, new housing will l____e a n_____________n road, and there will be a new hospital built to the s_____________t. The o_________l road going to the east will also now have housing o_____________e a___________h a large p____________d to the north and a school at the e__________________r of the town.

O__________e the center of the town, there are also plans for a smaller roundabout in the south which will b_______t an e___________g street. In the north, there will be a b_______e over the river and the farmland to the north will be p____________d with housing, t_________h not to the east where no a___________s will be made.

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:

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202207/08/WS62c77396a310fd2b29e6b28b.html

Speaking Practice

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

Driving

  1. Do you like driving?
  2. Where was the last place you drove?
  3. Where do you like to sit in a car?
  4. Is driving common in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below: