IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Professionals

IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Professionals

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the new Cambridge IELTS 17 book of past test papers related to professionals such as doctors and engineers working in other countries.

Check out my exclusive IELTS EBooks here on Patreon.

Dave

IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Professionals

Some people believe that professionals, such as doctors and engineers, should be required to work in the country where they did their training. Others believe they should be free to work in another country if they wish.

Discuss views and give your own opinion.

Certain groups today have argued that skilled professionals should be obliged to work where they did their initial training, while others feel they are owed the right to work anywhere. In my opinion, assuming that the qualifications translate, all individuals ought to have the freedom to choose their country of occupation.

Those who oppose this practice contend that professionals owe a debt of gratitude to the location of their training. Qualified professionals ranging from medical practitioners and engineers to scientists and teachers at some point likely relied deeply on governmental and educational resources in their local area. It is therefore logical that these individuals should remain at least in the same country and contribute their skills to bettering society as a whole. For instance, a doctor who has benefited from quality schools and government aid in the United States can justifiably be asked to help their fellow citizens and train future doctors.

However, the right to choose freely where one works and lives is paramount. Since many professionals will likely end up remaining where they did their training, this is rarely a pressing problem in most nations. Given that reality, workers should not be restricted in their movement and choice of living environment. When moving to another locale, they will likely have to ensure their standardization and certification are valid and learn the intricacies of working in another nation. However, these are simply individual impediments and should not be used as definitive counter-arguments. Preventing individuals from working in other countries would also considerably impair the sharing of expertise and culture across international borders.

In conclusion, though there are certain standards that must be reached, all working professionals should be free to work abroad. This policy is largely already in place for most occupations.

Analysis

1. Certain groups today have argued that skilled professionals should be obliged to work where they did their initial training, while others feel they are owed the right to work anywhere. 2. In my opinion, assuming that the qualifications translate, all individuals ought to have the freedom to choose their country of occupation.

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

1. Those who oppose this practice contend that professionals owe a debt of gratitude to the location of their training. 2. Qualified professionals ranging from medical practitioners and engineers to scientists and teachers at some point likely relied deeply on governmental and educational resources in their local area. 3. It is therefore logical that these individuals should remain at least in the same country and contribute their skills to bettering society as a whole. 4. For instance, a doctor who has benefited from quality schools and government aid in the United States can justifiably be asked to help their fellow citizens and train future doctors.

  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, the right to choose freely where one works and lives is paramount. 2. Since many professionals will likely end up remaining where they did their training, this is rarely a pressing problem in most nations. 3. Given that reality, workers should not be restricted in their movement and choice of living environment. 4. When moving to another locale, they will likely have to ensure their standardization and certification are valid and learn the intricacies of working in another nation. 5. However, these are simply individual impediments and should not be used as definitive counter-arguments. 6. Preventing individuals from working in other countries would also considerably impair the sharing of expertise and culture across international borders.

  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.
  6. This paragraph should be a little longer.

1. In conclusion, though there are certain standards that must be reached, all working professionals should be free to work abroad. 2. This policy is largely already in place for most occupations.

  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.

Certain groups today have argued that skilled professionals should be obliged to work where they did their initial training, while others feel they are owed the right to work anywhere. In my opinion, assuming that the qualifications translate, all individuals ought to have the freedom to choose their country of occupation.

Those who oppose this practice contend that professionals owe a debt of gratitude to the location of their training. Qualified professionals ranging from medical practitioners and engineers to scientists and teachers at some point likely relied deeply on governmental and educational resources in their local area. It is therefore logical that these individuals should remain at least in the same country and contribute their skills to bettering society as a whole. For instance, a doctor who has benefited from quality schools and government aid in the United States can justifiably be asked to help their fellow citizens and train future doctors.

However, the right to choose freely where one works and lives is paramount. Since many professionals will likely end up remaining where they did their training, this is rarely a pressing problem in most nations. Given that reality, workers should not be restricted in their movement and choice of living environment. When moving to another locale, they will likely have to ensure their standardization and certification are valid and learn the intricacies of working in another nation. However, these are simply individual impediments and should not be used as definitive counter-arguments. Preventing individuals from working in other countries would also considerably impair the sharing of expertise and culture across international borders.

In conclusion, though there are certain standards that must be reached, all working professionals should be free to work abroad. This policy is largely already in place for most occupations.

Answers

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

certain groups today some people

argued contended

skilled professionals people with jobs that require training and education

obliged should have to do it

initial training first learning

while however

owed are obliged to

right deserve to

assuming that given that

qualifications translate certifications carry over

ought to have should have

country of occupation where you work

oppose go against

practice contend policy argue

owe a debt of gratitude have to pay back

location place

training learning and studying and practicing

Qualified professionals people who are trained and certified

ranging from medical practitioners and engineers to scientists and teachers including doctors, etc.

at some point eventually

relied deeply had to get a lot of help from

governmental federal

educational resources schools

local area where you live

logical rational

remain at least stay at minimum

contribute add to

bettering society as a whole making life better for all

quality schools good education

government aid federal support

justifiably good reason for it

help their fellow citizens aid other people in the country

train future doctors help teacher young doctors

paramount crucial

will likely end up probably will happen

remaining staying

rarely not often

pressing problem key issue

Given that reality since

workers employees

restricted limited

movement going to a new place

choice of living environment where you live

locale place

ensure make sure of

standardization making sure everything is the same and certified

certification standardized

valid not fraudulent

intricacies complexities

simply individual impediments only personal obstacles

definitive counter-arguments strong argument against

preventing stopping

considerably impair hurt a lot

sharing of expertise and culture across international borders collaborating and working with others

certain standards some thresholds

reached got to

policy way of doing things

largely already in place mostly true now

occupations jobs

Pronunciation

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

ˈsɜːtn gruːps təˈdeɪ 
ˈɑːgjuːd 
skɪld prəˈfɛʃənlz 
əˈblaɪʤd 
ɪˈnɪʃəl ˈtreɪnɪŋ
waɪl 
əʊd 
raɪt 
əˈsjuːmɪŋ ðæt 
ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz trænsˈleɪt
ɔːt tuː hæv 
ˈkʌntri ɒv ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃən
əˈpəʊz 
ˈpræktɪs kənˈtɛnd 
əʊ ə dɛt ɒv ˈgrætɪtjuːd 
ləʊˈkeɪʃən 
ˈtreɪnɪŋ
ˈkwɒlɪfaɪd prəˈfɛʃənlz 
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm ˈmɛdɪkəl prækˈtɪʃnəz ænd ˌɛnʤɪˈnɪəz tuː ˈsaɪəntɪsts ænd ˈtiːʧəz 
æt sʌm pɔɪnt 
rɪˈlaɪd ˈdiːpli 
ˌgʌvənˈmɛntl 
ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃənl rɪˈsɔːsɪz 
ˈləʊkəl ˈeərɪə
ˈlɒʤɪkəl 
rɪˈmeɪn æt liːst 
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)t 
ˈbɛtərɪŋ səˈsaɪəti æz ə həʊl
ˈkwɒlɪti skuːlz 
ˈgʌvnmənt eɪd 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪəbli 
hɛlp ðeə ˈfɛləʊ ˈsɪtɪznz 
treɪn ˈfjuːʧə ˈdɒktəz
ˈpærəmaʊnt 
wɪl ˈlaɪkli ɛnd ʌp 
rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ 
ˈreəli 
ˈprɛsɪŋ ˈprɒbləm 
ˈgɪvn ðæt ri(ː)ˈælɪti
ˈwɜːkəz 
rɪsˈtrɪktɪd 
ˈmuːvmənt 
ʧɔɪs ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ ɪnˈvaɪərənmənt
ləʊˈkɑːl
ɪnˈʃʊə 
ˌstændədaɪˈzeɪʃən 
ˌsɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən 
ˈvælɪd 
ˈɪntrɪkəsiz 
ˈsɪmpli ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ɪmˈpɛdɪmənts 
dɪˈfɪnɪtɪv ˈkaʊntər-ˈɑːgjʊmənts
prɪˈvɛntɪŋ 
kənˈsɪdərəbli ɪmˈpeə 
ˈʃeərɪŋ ɒv ˌɛkspɜːˈtiːz ænd ˈkʌlʧər əˈkrɒs ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl ˈbɔːdəz
ˈsɜːtn ˈstændədz 
riːʧt
ˈpɒlɪsi 
ˈlɑːʤli ɔːlˈrɛdi ɪn pleɪs 
ˌɒkjʊˈpeɪʃənz

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:

C_____________________y have a________d that s_________________s should be o________d to work where they did their i_____________g, w_____e others feel they are o_____d the r______t to work anywhere. In my opinion, a_____________t the q________________________e, all individuals o_______________e the freedom to choose their c_____________________n.

Those who o_________e this p______________d that professionals o_____________________e to the l________n of their t_______g. Q_______________s r________________________________________________________s a______________t likely r________y on g____________l and e______________________s in their l___________a. It is therefore l________l that these individuals should r_______________t in the same country and c_____________e their skills to b_________________________e. For instance, a doctor who has benefited from q________________s and g____________________d in the United States can j____________y be asked to h_____________________________s and t______________________s.

However, the right to choose freely where one works and lives is p___________t. Since many professionals w__________________________________g where they did their training, this is r________y a p___________m in most nations. G________________y, w_________s should not be r____________d in their m____________t and c________________t. When moving to another l_______e, they will likely have to e______e their s____________n and c______________n are v_____d and learn the i____________s of working in another nation. However, these are s____________________s and should not be used as d___________________________s. P__________g individuals from working in other countries would also c________________r the s_________________________________________________s.

In conclusion, though there are c___________________s that must be r_________d, all working professionals should be free to work abroad. This p_____y is l___________________________e for most o_______________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.gooverseas.com/blog/best-countries-work-abroad

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 essay topics below:

These days people spend more and more time at work and less time at home.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Taking Risks in Professional and Personal Lives

IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Taking Risks in Professional and Personal Lives

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 taking risks in professional and personal lives.

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: Taking Risks in Professional and Personal Lives

It is important for people to take risks, in both their professional lives and personal lives.

Do the advantages of taking these risks outweigh the disadvantages?

Some would argue that taking risks, both in terms of one’s private life and one’s working career, is advantageous overall. I am generally in agreement with this contention due to the potential for advancement and growth.

Firstly, risk-taking can expedite one’s career goals. Many workers decide early on that they are content with their position in society and therefore often fail to actualize their potential. Others, however, attempt various business enterprises and transition from field to field in order to find a good match. Although this may lead to short-term setbacks, in the long-term such ambitious individuals are far more likely to become very successful in life. Assuming that these risks are taken early in one’s career, there is a strong likelihood that they will eventually profit the risk-taker in question.

Moreover, an individual who takes risks will also develop more mature personal relationships. In more conservative countries, many young people do not begin to have serious romantic relationships until after university. The result of this is that they are often immature and it can lead to poor and naive choices in terms of marriage and parenting. In contrast, a person who takes risks in their personal life and enters into various relationships throughout high school and university will become a better judge of character. Their allegedly risky behavior can then serve as the foundation for personal growth and increased maturity.

In conclusion, taking risks can be a catalyst for tremendous growth and is therefore advisable. The disadvantages of risk-taking can also be mitigated in most contexts by not being inordinately reckless.

Analysis

1. Some would argue that taking risks, both in terms of one’s private life and one’s working career, is advantageous overall. 2. I am generally in agreement with this contention due to the potential for advancement and growth.

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

1. Firstly, risk-taking can expedite one’s career goals. 2. Many workers decide early on that they are content with their position in society and therefore often fail to actualize their potential. 3. Others, however, attempt various business enterprises and transition from field to field in order to find a good match. 4. Although this may lead to short-term setbacks, in the long-term such ambitious individuals are far more likely to become very successful in life. 5. Assuming that these risks are taken early in one’s career, there is a strong likelihood that they will eventually profit the risk-taker in question.

  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. Short sentences can make your writing clearer.

1. Moreover, an individual who takes risks will also develop more mature personal relationships. 2. In more conservative countries, many young people do not begin to have serious romantic relationships until after university. 3. The result of this is that they are often immature and it can lead to poor and naive choices in terms of marriage and parenting. 4. In contrast, a person who takes risks in their personal life and enters into various relationships throughout high school and university will become a better judge of character. 5. Their allegedly risky behavior can then serve as the foundation for personal growth and increased maturity.

  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, taking risks can be a catalyst for tremendous growth and is therefore advisable. 2. The disadvantages of risk-taking can also be mitigated in most contexts by not being inordinately reckless.

  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.

Some would argue that taking risks, both in terms of one’s private life and one’s working career, is advantageous overall. I am generally in agreement with this contention due to the potential for advancement and growth.

Firstly, risk-taking can expedite one’s career goals. Many workers decide early on that they are content with their position in society and therefore often fail to actualize their potential. Others, however, attempt various business enterprises and transition from field to field in order to find a good match. Although this may lead to short-term setbacks, in the long-term such ambitious individuals are far more likely to become very successful in life. Assuming that these risks are taken early in one’s career, there is a strong likelihood that they will eventually profit the risk-taker in question.

Moreover, an individual who takes risks will also develop more mature personal relationships. In more conservative countries, many young people do not begin to have serious romantic relationships until after university. The result of this is that they are often immature and it can lead to poor and naive choices in terms of marriage and parenting. In contrast, a person who takes risks in their personal life and enters into various relationships throughout high school and university will become a better judge of character. Their allegedly risky behavior can then serve as the foundation for personal growth and increased maturity.

In conclusion, taking risks can be a catalyst for tremendous growth and is therefore advisable. The disadvantages of risk-taking can also be mitigated in most contexts by not being inordinately reckless.

Answers

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

taking risks making decisions that are not always safe

in terms of concerning

private life personal lives

working career jobs

advantageous overall good in general

I am generally in agreement with this contention I mostly agree

due to because of

potential possible

advancement moving forward

growth becoming a better person

risk-taking making risky decisions

expedite make faster

career goals pursue a good job and career path

decide early on choose from the beginning

content satisfied with

position job

fail to actualize don’t fully achieve

attempt try

business enterprises jobs and businesses

transition from field to field move from job to job

good match good fit

short-term setbacks drawbacks right away

ambitious individuals people with big dreams

are far more likely to become greater chance they will

Assuming given that

risks are taken doing risky actions

career job

strong likelihood good chance of it

profit what you get/earn

risk-taker person who takes risks

in question being discussed here

develop change

mature personal relationships better interactions with others

conservative countries traditional nations

serious romantic relationships boyfriends, girlfriends, partners, etc.

The result of this is that the consequence is

immature not mature, childish

poor not good

naive innocent

in terms of concerning

enters into various relationships throughout have many different relationships during

better judge of character understand people better

allegedly it is assumed that

serve as the foundation for are the basis for

personal growth how a person changes and gets better

increased maturity growing as a person

a catalyst for tremendous the cause of big

advisable a good idea

mitigated weakened

contexts situations

inordinately reckless very risky

Pronunciation

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

ˈteɪkɪŋ rɪsks
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈpraɪvɪt laɪf 
ˈwɜːkɪŋ kəˈrɪə 
ˌædvənˈteɪʤəs ˈəʊvərɔːl
aɪ æm ˈʤɛnərəli ɪn əˈgriːmənt wɪð ðɪs kənˈtɛnʃən 
djuː tuː 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl 
ədˈvɑːnsmənt 
grəʊθ
rɪsk-ˈteɪkɪŋ 
ˈɛkspɪdaɪt 
kəˈrɪə gəʊlz
dɪˈsaɪd ˈɜːli ɒn 
ˈkɒntɛnt 
pəˈzɪʃən 
feɪl tuː ˈækʧʊəlaɪz 
əˈtɛmpt 
ˈbɪznɪs ˈɛntəpraɪzɪz 
trænˈzɪʃ(ə)n frɒm fiːld tuː fiːld 
gʊd mæʧ
ʃɔːt-tɜːm ˈsɛtbæks
æmˈbɪʃəs ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəlz 
ɑː fɑː mɔː ˈlaɪkli tuː bɪˈkʌm 
əˈsjuːmɪŋ 
rɪsks ɑː ˈteɪkən 
kəˈrɪə
strɒŋ ˈlaɪklɪhʊd 
ˈprɒfɪt 
rɪsk-ˈteɪkə 
ɪn ˈkwɛsʧən
dɪˈvɛləp 
məˈtjʊə ˈpɜːsnl rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps
kənˈsɜːvətɪv ˈkʌntriz
ˈsɪərɪəs rəʊˈmæntɪk rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps 
ðə rɪˈzʌlt ɒv ðɪs ɪz ðæt 
ˌɪməˈtjʊə 
pʊə 
nɑːˈiːv 
ɪn tɜːmz ɒv 
ˈɛntəz ˈɪntuː ˈveərɪəs rɪˈleɪʃənʃɪps θru(ː)ˈaʊt 
ˈbɛtə ˈʤʌʤ ɒv ˈkærɪktə 
əˈlɛʤdli 
sɜːv æz ðə faʊnˈdeɪʃən fɔː 
ˈpɜːsnl grəʊθ 
ɪnˈkriːst məˈtjʊərɪti
ə ˈkætəlɪst fɔː trɪˈmɛndəs 
ədˈvaɪzəbl
ˈmɪtɪgeɪtɪd 
ˈkɒntɛksts 
ɪˈnɔːdɪnɪtli ˈrɛklɪs

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:

Some would argue that t________________s, both i____________f one’s p_____________e and one’s w______________r, is a_____________________l. I_________________________________________________n d______o the p_________l for a_________t and g_________h.

Firstly, r__________g can e_________e one’s c__________s. Many workers d______________n that they are c_______t with their p________n in society and therefore often f____________e their potential. Others, however, a_______t various b__________________s and t___________________________d in order to find a g_________h. Although this may lead to s________________________s, in the long-term such a____________________s a_______________________________e very successful in life. A___________g that these r________________n early in one’s c_______r, there is a s_____________d that they will eventually p______t the r___________________________n.

Moreover, an individual who takes risks will also d__________p more m______________________s. In more c____________________________s, many young people do not begin to have s___________________________s until after university. T_________________________t they are often i____________e and it can lead to p____r and n____e choices i________________f marriage and parenting. In contrast, a person who takes risks in their personal life and e____________________________________t high school and university will become a b_________________r. Their a__________y risky behavior can then s_______________________________r p___________________h and i________________y.

In conclusion, taking risks can be a____________________________s growth and is therefore a__________e. The disadvantages of risk-taking can also be m__________d in most c______________s by not being i____________________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.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/passion/202105/how-inspire-yourself-take-risks

Speaking Practice

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

Life Goals

  1. How important is it for people to set goals?
  2. Do people set different goals at different stages of life?
  3. Are personal goals more important than professional goals?
  4. What sort of goals do young people today set?
  5. Are people becoming more pessimistic about their life goals?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always good.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

https://howtodoielts.com/ielts-essay-change/

IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Smartphones

IELTS Cambridge 17 Essay: Smartphones

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 children spending hours of their smartphones.

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: Smartphones

Some children spend hours every day on smartphones.

Why is this the case?

Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

These days, children are spending more and more hours each day using smartphones. In my opinion, this is a natural consequence of the ubiquity of phones and is a decidedly negative phenomenon.

The main cause of this trend is access to portable devices. Since the introduction of the original iPhone, countless phone manufacturers have imitated Apple’s innovation and virtually every family possesses multiple devices. The owners of these phones are typically over-worked and stressed parents who are often willing to allow their children to use their smartphones to listen to music, watch movies, and keep themselves entertained. In many parts of the world, parents even purchase phones specifically for their children to use. The increased hours children spend on phones is therefore a combination of tremendous access coupled with a natural desire to use them.

The main repercussions from increased smartphone usage among children are negative. Firstly, smartphones have replaced healthier habits. Children raised before the advent of the portable smartphone were more likely to read books, socialize with friends, and take part in outdoor activities. These practices are all far healthier physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Moreover, the usage of phones itself is actively detrimental to normal cognitive development. Many researchers have theorized that the 21st century spike in cases of dissociative anxiety disorders can be directly correlated with the technological age in general and smartphones more specifically.

In conclusion, children use smartphones for hours every day because of their availability and the result of this is a steep decline in healthy lifestyles. As governments cannot restrict such usage, it is the responsibility of parents to effectively regulate screen time for their children.

Analysis

1. These days, children are spending more and more hours each day using smartphones. 2. In my opinion, this is a natural consequence of the ubiquity of phones and is a decidedly negative phenomenon.

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

1. The main cause of this trend is access to portable devices. 2. Since the introduction of the original iPhone, countless phone manufacturers have imitated Apple’s innovation and virtually every family possesses multiple devices. 3. The owners of these phones are typically over-worked and stressed parents who are often willing to allow their children to use their smartphones to listen to music, watch movies, and keep themselves entertained. 4. In many parts of the world, parents even purchase phones specifically for their children to use. 5. The increased hours children spend on phones is therefore a combination of tremendous access coupled with a natural desire to use them.

  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. Short sentences can make your writing clearer.

1. The main repercussions from increased smartphone usage among children are negative. 2. Firstly, smartphones have replaced healthier habits. 3. Children raised before the advent of the portable smartphone were more likely to read books, socialize with friends, and take part in outdoor activities. 4. These practices are all far healthier physically, intellectually, and emotionally. 5. Moreover, the usage of phones itself is actively detrimental to normal cognitive development. 6. Many researchers have theorized that the 21st century spike in cases of dissociative anxiety disorders can be directly correlated with the technological age in general and smartphones more specifically.

  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.
  6. Use complex and simple sentences.

1. In conclusion, children use smartphones for hours every day because of their availability and the result of this is a steep decline in healthy lifestyles. 2. As governments cannot restrict such usage, it is the responsibility of parents to effectively regulate screen time for their children.

  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.

These days, children are spending more and more hours each day using smartphones. In my opinion, this is a natural consequence of the ubiquity of phones and is a decidedly negative phenomenon.

The main cause of this trend is access to portable devices. Since the introduction of the original iPhone, countless phone manufacturers have imitated Apple’s innovation and virtually every family possesses multiple devices. The owners of these phones are typically over-worked and stressed parents who are often willing to allow their children to use their smartphones to listen to music, watch movies, and keep themselves entertained. In many parts of the world, parents even purchase phones specifically for their children to use. The increased hours children spend on phones is therefore a combination of tremendous access coupled with a natural desire to use them.

The main repercussions from increased smartphone usage among children are negative. Firstly, smartphones have replaced healthier habits. Children raised before the advent of the portable smartphone were more likely to read books, socialize with friends, and take part in outdoor activities. These practices are all far healthier physically, intellectually, and emotionally. Moreover, the usage of phones itself is actively detrimental to normal cognitive development. Many researchers have theorized that the 21st century spike in cases of dissociative anxiety disorders can be directly correlated with the technological age in general and smartphones more specifically.

In conclusion, children use smartphones for hours every day because of their availability and the result of this is a steep decline in healthy lifestyles. As governments cannot restrict such usage, it is the responsibility of parents to effectively regulate screen time for their children.

Answers

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

these days today

smartphones cell phones, iPhones, etc.

natural consequence normal result

ubiquity how common they are

decidedly negative phenomenon definitely bad

cause result in

trend pattern

access ability to use

portable devices smartphones

introduction release

original first

countless phone manufacturers many different phone maters

imitated copied

Apple’s innovation invention by the company Apple

virtually essentially

possesses multiple devices have smartphones

owners people who have them

typically normally

over-worked too busy

stressed worried about

often willing typically will do

allow permit

keep themselves entertained allow themselves to be distracted

In many parts of the world in various countries

purchase buy

specifically in particular

increased hours more time

therefore thus

combination putting together

tremendous access more ability to use

coupled with combined with

natural desire normal want

main repercussions major effect

smartphone usage using phones

replaced healthier habits take the place of better actions

raised grew up

advent beginning of

portable smartphone phones you can carry with you

socialize spend time with others

take part in participate in

outdoor activities doing things outside

practices actions, habits

physically related to the body

intellectually related to the mind

emotionally related to feelings

actively detrimental really hurts

normal cognitive development healthy mental growth

theorized argued

21st century 2000 – 2100

spike increase

in cases of when it comes to

dissociative anxiety disorders mental conditions

correlated with a result of

technological age information age

in general overall

more specifically in particular

availability can be used

steep decline in big fall in

healthy lifestyles living healthy

restrict forbid

responsibility duty

effectively well done

regulate control

screen time the time spent using a device

Pronunciation

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

ðiːz deɪz
ˈsmɑːtfəʊnz
ˈnæʧrəl ˈkɒnsɪkwəns 
ju(ː)ˈbɪkwɪti 
dɪˈsaɪdɪdli ˈnɛgətɪv fɪˈnɒmɪnən
kɔːz 
trɛnd 
ˈæksɛs 
ˈpɔːtəbl dɪˈvaɪsɪz
ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən 
əˈrɪʤənl 
ˈkaʊntlɪs fəʊn ˌmænjʊˈfækʧərəz 
ˈɪmɪteɪtɪd 
ˈæplz ˌɪnəʊˈveɪʃən 
ˈvɜːtjʊəli 
pəˈzɛsɪz ˈmʌltɪpl dɪˈvaɪsɪz 
ˈəʊnəz 
ˈtɪpɪk(ə)li 
ˈəʊvə-wɜːkt 
strɛst 
ˈɒf(ə)n ˈwɪlɪŋ 
əˈlaʊ 
kiːp ðəmˈsɛlvz ˌɛntəˈteɪnd
ɪn ˈmɛni pɑːts ɒv ðə wɜːld
ˈpɜːʧəs 
spəˈsɪfɪk(ə)li 
ɪnˈkriːst ˈaʊəz 
ˈðeəfɔː 
ˌkɒmbɪˈneɪʃən 
trɪˈmɛndəs ˈæksɛs 
ˈkʌpld wɪð 
ˈnæʧrəl dɪˈzaɪə 
meɪn ˌriːpɜːˈkʌʃənz 
ˈsmɑːtfəʊn ˈjuːzɪʤ 
rɪˈpleɪst ˈhɛlθɪə ˈhæbɪts
reɪzd 
ˈædvənt 
ˈpɔːtəbl ˈsmɑːtfəʊn 
ˈsəʊʃəlaɪz 
teɪk pɑːt ɪn 
ˈaʊtdɔːr ækˈtɪvɪtiz 
ˈpræktɪsɪz 
ˈfɪzɪkəli
ˌɪntɪˈlɛktjʊəli 
ɪˈməʊʃənli
ˈæktɪvli ˌdɛtrɪˈmɛntl 
ˈnɔːməl ˈkɒgnɪtɪv dɪˈvɛləpmənt
ˈθɪəraɪzd 
ˈtwɛnti fɜːst ˈsɛnʧʊri 
spaɪk 
ɪn ˈkeɪsɪz ɒv 
dɪˈsəʊsɪətɪv æŋˈzaɪəti dɪsˈɔːdəz 
ˈkɒrɪleɪtɪd wɪð 
ˌtɛknəˈlɒʤɪk(ə)l eɪʤ 
ɪn ˈʤɛnərəl 
mɔː spəˈsɪfɪk(ə)li
əˌveɪləˈbɪlɪti 
stiːp dɪˈklaɪn ɪn 
ˈhɛlθi ˈlaɪfˌstaɪlz
rɪsˈtrɪkt 
rɪsˌpɒnsəˈbɪlɪti 
ɪˈfɛktɪvli 
ˈrɛgjʊleɪt 
skriːn taɪm 

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, children are spending more and more hours each day using s________s. In my opinion, this is a natural c____________e of the u________y of phones and is a d__________________________n.

The main c______e of this t______d is a______s to p____________s. Since the i___________n of the o________l iPhone, c_________________________s have i______________________n and v________y every family p________________________s. The o___________s of these phones are t_________y o______________d and s__________d parents who are o______________g to a_______w their children to use their smartphones to listen to music, watch movies, and k__________________________d. I_____________________________d, parents even p__________e phones s__________y for their children to use. The i___________________s children spend on phones is t___________e a c____________n of t____________________s c_____________h a n_________________e to use them.

The m_______________________s from increased s___________________e among children are negative. Firstly, smartphones have r________________________s. Children r_______d before the a_______t of the p__________________e were more likely to read books, s__________e with friends, and t_______________n o_______________s. These p_______s are all far healthier p__________________y, i______________y, and e___________y. Moreover, the usage of phones itself is a______________________l to n____________________________t. Many researchers have t__________d that the 2______________y s____________n c__________f d____________________________s can be directly c_____________h the t___________________l and smartphones m________________y.

In conclusion, children use smartphones for hours every day because of their a________y and the result of this is a s__________________n h_________________s. As governments cannot r_________t such usage, it is the r_____________y of parents to e_________y r________e s_________e for their children.

Listening Practice

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3Egu8zU79s

Reading Practice

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

https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-do-smartphones-affect-childhood-psychology

Speaking Practice

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

Mobile Phones and Smartphones

  1. What are the advantages of smartphones?
  2. Should children be allowed to own smartphones?
  3. Do you thinks have a major or minor impact on mental health?
  4. Where in your country is it not appropriate to use a phone?
  5. Do you think smartphone usage may decline in the future?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topics below:

Some people believe that smartphones are destroying social interaction today.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Task 1: Olive Oil

IELTS Task 1: Olive Oil

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of the process of how to make olive oil.

Please consider supporting my efforts to creative high quality IELTS materials for students around the world by signing up for my Patreon (and so you won’t miss out on any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!

Dave

IELTS Essay Task 1: Olive Oil

The diagram details the process of producing olive oil.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagram delineates the process by which olive oil is made. The production can be divided into 3 main groups beginning with initial harvesting and treatment, followed by creation of the oil, and lastly storage for future use.

The process begins with the olives being harvested from trees and placed in a collection vat. The olives must then be de-leafed and cleaned with water before they are put into an olive mill to crush them into olive paste. The paste is then put through a malaxer set to a temperature not greater than 27 °C. After the malaxer, paste then enters a centrifugal press which creates virgin oils.

Subsequent to this, the virgin oils are then either separated (with waste water being discharged) or decanted, which filters out both solids and water. Regardless of the method of separation, both products are reserved in a storage tank to finish the steps detailed in the diagram.

Analysis

1. The diagram delineates the process by which olive oil is made. 2. The production can be divided into 3 main groups beginning with initial harvesting and treatment, followed by creation of the oil, and lastly storage for future use.

  1. Paraphrase what the process shows.
  2. Write a clear overview summarising the major groups. Read here about overviews for processes.

1. The process begins with the olives being harvested from trees and placed in a collection vat. 2. The olives must then be de-leafed and cleaned with water before they are put into an olive mill to crush them into olive paste. 3. The paste is then put through a malaxer set to a temperature not greater than 27 °C. 4. After the malaxer, paste then enters a centrifugal press which creates virgin oils.

  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.
  4. Make sure you use good linking words.

1. Subsequent to this, the virgin oils are then either separated (with waste water being discharged) or decanted, which filters out both solids and water. 2. Regardless of the method of separation, both products are reserved in a storage tank to finish the steps detailed in the diagram.

  1. Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
  2. Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean? Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:

The diagram delineates the process by which olive oil is made. The production can be divided into 3 main groups beginning with initial harvesting and treatment, followed by creation of the oil, and lastly storage for future use.

The process begins with the olives being harvested from trees and placed in a collection vat. The olives must then be de-leafed and cleaned with water before they are put into an olive mill to crush them into olive paste. The paste is then put through a malaxer set to a temperature not greater than 27 °C. After the malaxer, paste then enters a centrifugal press which creates virgin oils.

Subsequent to this, the virgin oils are then either separated (with waste water being discharged) or decanted, which filters out both solids and water. Regardless of the method of separation, both byproducts are reserved in a storage tank to finish the steps detailed in the diagram.

Answers

Try practicing with the vocabulary below by writing an antonym/opposite word on a piece of paper (or just thinking of one):

delineates shows

process by which way in which

olive oil used for cooking and salads

production making of something

divided into separated into

main groups big areas

beginning with starting with

initial harvesting first picking

treatment how something is processed

followed by after that

creation making of something

lastly storage for future use finally kept somewhere to use later

harvested picked

placed in put in

collection vat place to store things

de-leafed leaves taken off

olive mill place to grind olives

crush smushed

olive paste a gel kind of substance made from olives

put through a placed in

set to greater than made more than

centrifugal press place to push together

separated cut away from

waste water water byproduct

discharged sent out

decanted poured out

filters out separated from

solids not liquids

Regardless of no matter

products what is made

reserved stored

storage tank place to keep something

finish ends

steps detailed stages showed

diagram picture

Pronunciation

Practice saying the words below using this tip with Google voice dictation:

dɪˈlɪnɪeɪts 
ˈprəʊsɛs baɪ wɪʧ 
ˈɒlɪv ɔɪl 
prəˈdʌkʃən 
dɪˈvaɪdɪd ˈɪntuː 
meɪn gruːps 
bɪˈgɪnɪŋ wɪð 
ɪˈnɪʃəl ˈhɑːvɪstɪŋ 
ˈtriːtmənt
ˈfɒləʊd baɪ 
kri(ː)ˈeɪʃən 
ˈlɑːstli ˈstɔːrɪʤ fɔː ˈfjuːʧə juːz
ˈhɑːvɪstɪd 
pleɪst ɪn 
kəˈlɛkʃən væt
diː-liːft 
ˈɒlɪv mɪl 
krʌʃ 
ˈɒlɪv peɪst
pʊt θruː eɪ 
sɛt tuː ˈgreɪtə ðæn 
sɛnˈtrɪfjʊgəl prɛs 
ˈsɛpəreɪtɪd 
weɪst ˈwɔːtə 
dɪsˈʧɑːʤd 
dɪˈkæntɪd 
ˈfɪltəz aʊt 
ˈsɒlɪdz 
rɪˈgɑːdlɪs ɒv 
ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkts 
rɪˈzɜːvd 
ˈstɔːrɪʤ tæŋk 
ˈfɪnɪʃ 
stɛps ˈdiːteɪld 
ˈdaɪəgræm

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

The diagram d__________s the p________________h o________l is made. The p________n can be d_________o 3 m_________s b___________h i____________g and t________t, f_____________y c______n of the oil, and l_________________________e.

The process begins with the olives being h________d from trees and p__________n a c______________t. The olives must then be d___________d and cleaned with water before they are put into an o__________l to c______h them into o_________e. The paste is then p__________h a malaxer s______________n 27 °C. After the malaxer, paste then enters a c______________s which creates virgin oils.

Subsequent to this, the virgin oils are then either s________d (with w___________r being d_________d) or d________d, which f_____________t both s_______s and water. R____________f the method of separation, both p__________s are r________d in a s_________________k to f_______h the s_____________d in the d________m.

Listening Practice

Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

Read more and use these ideas to practice:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/extra-virgin-olive-oil

Speaking Practice

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

Favorite Foods

  1. What are your favorite foods?
  2. What were your favorite foods as a child?
  3. What foods are becoming more popular in your country now?
  4. What foods do you not like?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related process below and then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Essay: Driving Tests

IELTS Essay: Driving Tests

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

Be sure to check out some of my other resources here:

Patreon Ebooks

IELTS Agree Disagree Questions

IELTS Two Questions

IETLS Advantages Disadvantages Questions

IELTS Cause Solution Questions

IELTS Problem Solution Questions

IELTS Discuss both Sides Questions

Dave

IELTS Essay: Driving Tests

The best way to make the road transport of goods safer is to ask drivers to take a driving test each year.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some today argue that the transportation of goods would be safer if drivers were required to take mandatory driving tests each year. In my opinion, this is not a realistic solution despite its potential benefits.

Those in favor of such a reform point out that truck drivers need these courses more than other motorists. After driving for many years, it is natural that individuals may forget certain rules and a course to refresh their knowledge of road safety and etiquette cannot possibly do any harm. Added to this is the fact that truck drivers transporting goods are on the road far more than your average commuter. Therefore, it is logical that their ability to drive well will have an outsized impact on overall road safety statistics. A truck driver who submits to yearly re-certification under this proposal is likely to have at least a superior formal understanding of driving laws.

However, the effects of such learning might be marginal and the program itself would be prohibitively expensive. Individuals who often drive might not be strictly following the rules they learned when they first got their licenses but they are better informed of the realities and nuances of actual driving. Years of experience on the road, similar to any job, will likely do more to develop their ability than standardized testing and certification. Moreover, implementation of annual driving tests would necessitate immense bureaucratic expenses. Not only would there need to be a large department in charge but transport drivers themselves would waste time each year getting recertified. In the aggregate, the effect on road safety would be negligible but the impact on efficiency would be significant.

In conclusion, although this proposal is well-intentioned, its actual implementation would likely be inefficient and wasteful. Therefore, more viable options should be explored.

Analysis

1. Some today argue that the transportation of goods would be safer if drivers were required to take mandatory driving tests each year. 2. In my opinion, this is not a realistic solution despite its potential benefits.

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

1. Those in favor of such a reform point out that truck drivers need these courses more than other motorists. 2. After driving for many years, it is natural that individuals may forget certain rules and a course to refresh their knowledge of road safety and etiquette cannot possibly do any harm. 3. Added to this is the fact that truck drivers transporting goods are on the road far more than your average commuter. 4. Therefore, it is logical that their ability to drive well will have an outsized impact on overall road safety statistics. 5. A truck driver who submits to yearly re-certification under this proposal is likely to have at least a superior formal understanding of driving laws.

  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. Short sentences can make your writing clearer.

1. However, the effects of such learning might be marginal and the program itself would be prohibitively expensive. 2. Individuals who often drive might not be strictly following the rules they learned when they first got their licenses but they are better informed of the realities and nuances of actual driving. 3. Years of experience on the road, similar to any job, will likely do more to develop their ability than standardized testing and certification. 4. Moreover, implementation of annual driving tests would necessitate immense bureaucratic expenses. 5. Not only would there need to be a large department in charge but transport drivers themselves would waste time each year getting recertified. 6. In the aggregate, the effect on road safety would be negligible but the impact on efficiency would be significant.

  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.
  6. Use complex and simple sentences.

1. In conclusion, although this proposal is well-intentioned, its actual implementation would likely be inefficient and wasteful. 2. Therefore, more viable options should be explored.

  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.

Some today argue that the transportation of goods would be safer if drivers were required to take mandatory driving tests each year. In my opinion, this is not a realistic solution despite its potential benefits.

Those in favor of such a reform point out that truck drivers need these courses more than other motorists. After driving for many years, it is natural that individuals may forget certain rules and a course to refresh their knowledge of road safety and etiquette cannot possibly do any harm. Added to this is the fact that truck drivers transporting goods are on the road far more than your average commuter. Therefore, it is logical that their ability to drive well will have an outsized impact on overall road safety statistics. A truck driver who submits to yearly re-certification under this proposal is likely to have at least a superior formal understanding of driving laws.

However, the effects of such learning might be marginal and the program itself would be prohibitively expensive. Individuals who often drive might not be strictly following the rules they learned when they first got their licenses but they are better informed of the realities and nuances of actual driving. Years of experience on the road, similar to any job, will likely do more to develop their ability than standardized testing and certification. Moreover, implementation of annual driving tests would necessitate immense bureaucratic expenses. Not only would there need to be a large department in charge but transport drivers themselves would waste time each year getting recertified. In the aggregate, the effect on road safety would be negligible but the impact on efficiency would be significant.

In conclusion, although this proposal is well-intentioned, its actual implementation would likely be inefficient and wasteful. Therefore, more viable options should be explored.

Answers

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

argue point out

transportation of goods bring items and products from place to place

drivers people who drive

required need to

take mandatory driving tests required tests for your license

realistic solution despite possible fix regardless of

potential benefits possible advantages

Those in favor of such a reform point out people who support it argue

motorists people who drive

natural of course

forget certain rules not remember the laws

refresh remember, make new again

knowledge of road safety what you know about driving

etiquette how to behave on the road

do any harm hurt

Added to this is the fact that also

far more than a lot more than

average commuter normal driver

logical makes sense

outsized impact very large effect

overall road safety statistics the numbers for accidents, etc.

submits allows themselves to be subjected to

yearly re-certification under new license for

at least a superior formal understanding of driving laws at minimum know the law well

marginal minor

program initiative

prohibitively expensive too costly

strictly following the rules rigidly obeying the law

better informed know more about

realities truth

nuances complexities

actual driving how people really drive

similar to like

standardized testing tests

certification licenses

implementation put into place

annual yearly

necessitate immense bureaucratic expenses would require lots of money

large department in charge group of people managing it

waste time each year getting recertified not a good use of time renewing your license

In the aggregate combined

negligible not much effect

efficiency good use of time, energy

significant major

well-intentioned good reasons to try it

actual implementation how it is actually put into place

inefficient not a good use of time and energy

wasteful not a good use

viable options good ways

explored looked into

Pronunciation

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

ˈɑːgjuː 
ˌtrænspɔːˈteɪʃən ɒv gʊdz 
ˈdraɪvəz 
rɪˈkwaɪəd 
teɪk ˈmændətəri ˈdraɪvɪŋ tɛsts 
rɪəˈlɪstɪk səˈluːʃən dɪsˈpaɪt 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl ˈbɛnɪfɪts
ðəʊz ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv sʌʧ ə ˌriːˈfɔːm pɔɪnt aʊt 
ˈməʊtərɪsts
ˈnæʧrəl 
fəˈgɛt ˈsɜːtn ruːlz 
rɪˈfrɛʃ 
ˈnɒlɪʤ ɒv rəʊd ˈseɪfti 
ˈɛtɪkɛt 
duː ˈɛni hɑːm
ˈædɪd tuː ðɪs ɪz ðə fækt ðæt 
fɑː mɔː ðæn 
ˈævərɪʤ kəˈmjuːtə
ˈlɒʤɪkəl 
ˈaʊtsaɪzd ˈɪmpækt 
ˈəʊvərɔːl rəʊd ˈseɪfti stəˈtɪstɪks
səbˈmɪts 
ˈjɪəli riː-ˌsɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən ˈʌndə 
æt liːst ə sju(ː)ˈpɪərɪə ˈfɔːməl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ ɒv ˈdraɪvɪŋ lɔːz
ˈmɑːʤɪnəl 
ˈprəʊgræm 
prəˈhɪbɪtɪvli ɪksˈpɛnsɪv
ˈstrɪktli ˈfɒləʊɪŋ ðə ruːlz 
ˈbɛtər ɪnˈfɔːmd 
ri(ː)ˈælɪtiz 
nju(ː)ˈɑːnsɪz 
ˈækʧʊəl ˈdraɪvɪŋ
ˈsɪmɪlə tuː 
ˈstændədaɪzd ˈtɛstɪŋ 
ˌsɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən
ˌɪmplɪmɛnˈteɪʃən 
ˈænjʊəl 
nɪˈsɛsɪteɪt ɪˈmɛns ˌbjʊərəʊˈkrætɪk ɪksˈpɛnsɪz
lɑːʤ dɪˈpɑːtmənt ɪn ʧɑːʤ 
weɪst taɪm iːʧ jɪə ˈgɛtɪŋ ˌriːˈsɜːtɪfaɪd
ɪn ði ˈægrɪgɪt
ˈnɛglɪʤəbl 
ɪˈfɪʃənsi 
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt
wɛl-ɪnˈtɛnʃənd 
ˈækʧʊəl ˌɪmplɪmɛnˈteɪʃən 
ˌɪnɪˈfɪʃənt 
ˈweɪstfʊl
ˈvaɪəbl ˈɒpʃənz 
ɪksˈplɔːd

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:

Some today a______e that the t_______________________s would be safer if d________s were r________d to t____________________________s each year. In my opinion, this is not a r_______________________e its p_____________s.

T____________________________________t that truck drivers need these courses more than other m___________s. After driving for many years, it is n________l that individuals may f_____________________s and a course to r__________h their k_____________________y and e_____________e cannot possibly d_________m. A___________________t truck drivers transporting goods are on the road f________________n your a______________r. Therefore, it is l_______l that their ability to drive well will have an o______________t on o_____________________________s. A truck driver who s___________s to y____________________________r this proposal is likely to have a_________________________________________________s.

However, the effects of such learning might be m__________l and the p_________m itself would be p___________________e. Individuals who often drive might not be s_________________________s they learned when they first got their licenses but they are b_________________d of the r____________s and n____________s of a___________g. Years of experience on the road, s___________o any job, will likely do more to develop their ability than s_____________________g and c____________n. Moreover, i___________________n of a_________l driving tests would n____________________________________s. Not only would there need to be a l_____________________________e but transport drivers themselves would w________________________________d. I___________________e, the effect on road safety would be n__________e but the impact on e___________y would be s__________t.

In conclusion, although this proposal is w_______________d, its a___________________n would likely be i____________t and w_________l. Therefore, more v______________s should be e_________d.

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:

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:

The manufacturing and use of cars damages the environment but their popularity is increasing.

Why is this?

How could this be controlled?