IELTS Essay: Nuclear Weapons

IELTS Essay: Nuclear Weapons

This is an IELTS sample answer essay on the topic of nuclear weapons.

It is only available as an Ebook by signing up for my Patreon here: Patreon.com/howtodoielts

Here is the IELTS topic:

Some Believe that nuclear weapons benefit the world at large.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here is a preview of the essay – I took an interesting approach with the ideas in this one:

Some argue that the development of nuclear weapons has been, on level, a positive for the world. While I concede that their destructive power is a deterrent to large wars, they are nonetheless a net negative.

IELTS Ebooks

IELTS Ebooks

I have been writing and collecting these Ebooks for IELTS for the last 2 years.

You can see all the topics and images for each complete IELTS Ebook below.

To get the full Ebooks, sign up on my Patreon here: Patreon.com/howtodoielts

(Scroll to the bottom and there is a link to one of my Ebooks for free!)

Dave

IELTS Task 2 Writing Ebooks

Some people believe that violent media directly results in violent behavior.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the 20th century, contact between many different parts of the world has developed rapidly through air travel and telecommunications.

Do the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

Some people think it is better to have many short holidays during the year. Others believe it would be beneficial to have fewer, longer vacations.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Many people today do not feel safe either at home or when they are out.

What are the causes?

What are the solutions?

Nowadays, families are not as close as in the past and a lot of people have become used to this.

Why is this happening?

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the drawbacks?

Computers are becoming increasingly pervasive in modern life. Some view this is as a positive while others feel it is negative overall.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures.

Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

There are different customs in different countries related to how people eat, dress, and so on. Some think that people visiting a country should behave according to customs of the country they visit.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that schools should not test and grade students. Others think that grades are important.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Everyone should become vegetarians because they do not need to eat meat to have a healthy diet.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Computers today can quickly and accurately translate languages, therefore, it is a waste of time to learn a foreign language.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some think that politicians should always be honest while others feel that there are times when they must lie.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Many think intelligence is an innate quality. Others feel that intelligence can be improved throughlearning.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Libraries should focus resources of upgrading technological resources rather than preserving their physical collections.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Nowadays many countries are facing problemsrelated to waste disposal.

Why is this the case?

How can this issue be tackled?

Many believe that reading books is a waste of time and children would be better served doing something more useful.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many believe that living in a city offers greater benefits compared to life in the countryside.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Nowadays the differences between countries are becoming less evident because people follow the same media.

Do the advantage of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Childhood obesity has become a serious problem in recent years.

What are the primary causes of this?

What measures should be taken to reduce childhood obesity?

These days children spend a lot of time on devices playing games and watching shows. Some believe this is harmful for mental health.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that famous people can help international aid organizations to draw attention to important problems. Others believe that the celebrities can make the problems seem less important.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people think that governments should spend more money on sports facilities for top athletes. others argue that this money should be spent for sports facilities for ordinary people.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Many think that private vehicles, mainly cars, should be banned in city centres in order to alleviate traffic congestion. Others Think this solution is unrealistic.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Serious health problems associated with obesity are increasing.

What is the cause of increased obesity?

How can this problem be fixed?

Some people believe that governments should pay for healthcare for all citizens.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Around the world more and more people today are living in urban areas.

Why is this?

What problems does this cause?

Most societies value being competitive.

How does competitiveness affect individuals?

Is it a positive or negative quality?

One of the most important issues facing the world today is a shortage of food and some think genetically modified foods are a possible solution.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Many think playing sports is meant to teach children teamwork, while others feel it is important for them to learn to be competitive.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Parents should take courses in parenting in order to improve the lives of their children.

To what extent do you agree?

The amount of drinkable water for people is decreasing.

Why is this?

What can be done?

Some believe that advances in technology are increasing the gap between rich and poor while others think the opposite is hapenning.

Dicuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Many think that the news should be as objective as possible.

Do you think all news is true?

What is the main function of a newspaper?

Some people believe that job provide both income and for a social life, while others think that friends should be made outside of work.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Getting promotions are one of the biggest motivators for hard work in the modern workplace.

Why are people so driven to receive promotions?

When a person spends most of his or her time working a job with little job satisfaction, their life loses meaning.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that there should be a fixed punishment for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 

Some people believe the purpose of education should be helping the individual to become useful for society, while others believe it should help individuals to achieve their ambitions.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Nowadays many people travel to foreign countries for pleasure. Some believe this travel has a negative impact on the countries travelled to.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In the future, it will become more difficult to live on Earth so more money should be spent researching how to live on other planets such as Mars.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The news should not report detailed information about crimes because it can have negative consequences.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that international news is more important than local news.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

People are more similar than they are different.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

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

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Complete collection of my IELTS Ebooks!

IELTS Task 1 Writing Ebooks

How to Write IELTS General Overviews

IELTS Speaking Ebooks

Congrats for scrolling to the end – here is your free Ebook: Free Ebook!

IELTS Essay: Lying

IELTS Essay: Lying

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of lying from the real IELTS exam.

The full essay (and Ebook) is only available on my Patreon: Patreon.com/howtodoielts

Some think that politicians should always be honest while others feel that there are times when they must lie.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Enjoy!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Water

IELTS Essay: Water

This is my IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of water, specifically fresh water, from the real IELTS exam.

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

Patreon Ebooks

IELTS Discuss both Sides Questions

Dave

IELTS Essay: Water

Some people think that the government should strictly control the supply of fresh water, as it is a limited resource, while others it should not be regulated.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Many believe that it is crucial for governments to oversee public supplies of fresh water. In my opinion, this is an advisable strategy though there are natural risks that must be taken into consideration.

The most significant drawbacks to this proposal are the possibilities of government malfeasance and incompetence. Governments are notoriously bureaucratic organizations that often waste time and money while not greatly furthering the interests of the general public. A pertinent example of this would be the lengthy litigation battles concerning the cleanup of polluted reservoirs in many democratic nations. By the time any progress is made, the harm for some residents may already be irreversible. There is the chance that the government is corrupt. It is common for both elected and unelected officials to be vulnerable to bribery that results in prioritizing corporate and private interests above average citizens.

Nonetheless, government control of fresh water supplies is the best guarantee of public safety. Today, in many arid nations, such as those near Sub-Saharan Africa, finding fresh water is a massive challenge. Conflicts over limited water resources often contribute to political instability. In an ideal world, a just government could ensure water is equally and fairly distributed. Moreover, there are potential safety concerns. Water can easily be contaminated by industrial factors including rainwater pollution, landfill seepage, and new procedures like fracking. If governments regulate water with disinterested autonomy, they will be able to protect the general public from the excesses of corporate recklessness.

In conclusion, despite the potential that governments will poorly manage water supplies, they are still the best protectors of public health and safety. This is why the supervision of water authorities is also key.

Analysis

1. Many believe that it is crucial for governments to oversee public supplies of fresh water. 2. In my opinion, this is an advisable strategy though there are natural risks that must be taken into consideration.

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

1. The most significant drawbacks to this proposal are the possibilities of government malfeasance and incompetence. 2. Governments are notoriously bureaucratic organizations that often waste time and money while not greatly furthering the interests of the general public. 3. A pertinent example of this would be the lengthy litigation battles concerning the cleanup of polluted reservoirs in many democratic nations. 4. By the time any progress is made, the harm for some residents may already be irreversible. 5. There is the chance that the government is corrupt. 6. It is common for both elected and unelected officials to be vulnerable to bribery that results in prioritizing corporate and private interests above average citizens.

  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. Include some short sentences.
  6. Finish development.

1. Nonetheless, government control of fresh water supplies is the best guarantee of public safety. 2. Today, in many arid nations, such as those near Sub-Saharan Africa, finding fresh water is a massive challenge. 3. Conflicts over limited water resources often contribute to political instability. 4. In an ideal world, a just government could ensure water is equally and fairly distributed. 5. Moreover, there are potential safety concerns. 6. Water can easily be contaminated by industrial factors including rainwater pollution, landfill seepage, and new procedures like fracking. 7. If governments regulate water with disinterested autonomy, they will be able to protect the general public from the excesses of corporate recklessness.

  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. Develop the example fully.
  6. This paragraph can be longer than the other one.
  7. Be sure each idea has support.

1. In conclusion, despite the potential that governments will poorly manage water supplies, they are still the best protectors of public health and safety. 2. This is why the supervision of water authorities is also key.

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

Vocabulary

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

Many believe that it is crucial for governments to oversee public supplies of fresh water. In my opinion, this is an advisable strategy though there are natural risks that must be taken into consideration.

The most significant drawbacks to this proposal are the possibilities of government malfeasance and incompetence. Governments are notoriously bureaucratic organizations that often waste time and money while not greatly furthering the interests of the general public. A pertinent example of this would be the lengthy litigation battles concerning the cleanup of polluted reservoirs in many democratic nations. By the time any progress is made, the harm for some residents may already be irreversible. There is the chance that the government is corrupt. It is common for both elected and unelected officials to be vulnerable to bribery that results in prioritizing corporate and private interests above average citizens.

Nonetheless, government control of fresh water supplies is the best guarantee of public safety. Today, in many arid nations, such as those near Sub-Saharan Africa, finding fresh water is a massive challenge. Conflicts over limited water resources often contribute to political instability. In an ideal world, a just government could ensure water is equally and fairly distributed. Moreover, there are potential safety concerns. Water can easily be contaminated by industrial factors including rainwater pollution, landfill seepage, and new procedures like fracking. If governments regulate water with disinterested autonomy, they will be able to protect the general public from the excesses of corporate recklessness.

In conclusion, despite the potential that governments will poorly manage water supplies, they are still the best protectors of public health and safety. This is why the supervision of water authorities is also key.

Answers

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

crucial really important

oversee watch over, control

public supplies what is available to all

fresh water not salt water

advisable strategy good idea

though nonetheless

natural risks organic threats

taken into consideration thought about

most significant drawbacks biggest problems

proposal idea

possibilities chances

malfeasance bad behavior

incompetence not good at what they do

notoriously bureaucratic organizations lots of red tape, inefficient

while although

greatly furthering the interests of the general public helping people a lot

pertinent example relevant instance

lengthy litigation battles long legal fights

concerning relatint to

cleanup fixing

polluted reservoirs dirty sources of water

democratic nations countries that have democracy

progress making changes

harm hurting

residents people living there

irreversible can’t be fixed

corrupt dishonest

elected voted into office

unelected officials people not voted into office

vulnerable weak

bribery money given in exchange for favors

results in the outcome is

prioritizing making important

corporate related to business

private interests for individuals, companies

above average citizens more important than most people

nonetheless regardless

control power over

best guarantee greatest safeguard

public safety health of most people

arid nations dry places

Sub-Saharan Africa countries near a dessert in Africa

massive challenge big obstacle

conflicts fights

limited water resources not enough water

contributes to adds to

political instability problems in government, unstable

in an ideal world in the perfect world

just right, fair

ensure make sure of

equally the same treatment

fairly distributed equal

potential safety concerns possible problems related to how safe people are

contaminated infiltrated, polluted

industrial factors related to industry

rainwater pollution acid rain

landfill seepage sewage from trash buried in the ground

procedures methods

fracking a way of extracting oil

regulate control

disinterested autonomy not biased power

protect keep safe

general public citizens

excesses recklessness

corporate recklessness companies doing crazy things

despite regardless of

potential possible

poorly manage hard to handle

best protectors people who can keep the most safe

public health safety of most people

supervision watching over

water authorities people in charge of water

key crucial

Pronunciation

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

ˈkruːʃəl 
ˌəʊvəˈsiː 
ˈpʌblɪk səˈplaɪz 
frɛʃ ˈwɔːtə
ədˈvaɪzəbl ˈstrætɪʤi 
ðəʊ 
ˈnæʧrəl rɪsks 
ˈteɪkən ˈɪntuː kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən
məʊst sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˈdrɔːbæks 
prəˈpəʊzəl 
ˌpɒsəˈbɪlɪtiz 
mælˈfiːzəns 
ɪnˈkɒmpɪtəns
nəʊˈtɔːrɪəsli ˌbjʊərəʊˈkrætɪk ˌɔːgənaɪˈzeɪʃənz 
waɪl 
ˈgreɪtli ˈfɜːðərɪŋ ði ˈɪntrɪsts ɒv ðə ˈʤɛnərəl ˈpʌblɪk
ˈpɜːtɪnənt ɪgˈzɑːmpl 
ˈlɛŋθi ˌlɪtɪˈgeɪʃən ˈbætlz 
kənˈsɜːnɪŋ 
ˈkliːnʌp 
pəˈluːtɪd ˈrɛzəvwɑːz 
ˌdɛməˈkrætɪk ˈneɪʃənz
ˈprəʊgrəs 
hɑːm 
ˈrɛzɪdənts 
ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl
kəˈrʌpt 
ɪˈlɛktɪd 
ˌʌnɪˈlɛktɪd əˈfɪʃəlz 
ˈvʌlnərəbl 
ˈbraɪbəri 
rɪˈzʌlts ɪn 
praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪzɪŋ 
ˈkɔːpərɪt 
ˈpraɪvɪt ˈɪntrɪsts 
əˈbʌv ˈævərɪʤ ˈsɪtɪznz
ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs 
kənˈtrəʊl 
bɛst ˌgærənˈtiː 
ˈpʌblɪk ˈseɪfti
ˈærɪd ˈneɪʃənz 
sʌb-səˈhɑːrən ˈæfrɪkə
ˈmæsɪv ˈʧælɪnʤ
ˈkɒnflɪkts 
ˈlɪmɪtɪd ˈwɔːtə rɪˈsɔːsɪz 
kənˈtrɪbju(ː)ts tuː 
pəˈlɪtɪkəl ˌɪnstəˈbɪlɪti
ɪn ən aɪˈdɪəl wɜːld 
ʤʌst 
ɪnˈʃʊə 
ˈiːkwəli 
ˈfeəli dɪsˈtrɪbju(ː)tɪd
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl ˈseɪfti kənˈsɜːnz
kənˈtæmɪneɪtɪd 
ɪnˈdʌstrɪəl ˈfæktəz 
ˈreɪnˌwɔːtə pəˈluːʃən
ˈlændfɪl ˈsiːpɪʤ 
prəˈsiːʤəz 
frækiŋ
ˈrɛgjʊleɪt 
dɪsˈɪntrɪstɪd ɔːˈtɒnəmi
prəˈtɛkt 
ˈʤɛnərəl ˈpʌblɪk 
ɪkˈsɛsɪz 
ˈkɔːpərɪt ˈrɛklɪsnəs
dɪsˈpaɪt 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl 
ˈpʊəli ˈmænɪʤ 
bɛst prəˈtɛktəz 
ˈpʌblɪk hɛlθ 
ˌsjuːpəˈvɪʒən 
ˈwɔːtər ɔːˈθɒrɪtiz 
kiː

Vocabulary Practice

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

Many believe that it is c_______l for governments to o________e p_______________s of f_____________r. In my opinion, this is an a________________y t__________h there are n___________s that must be t________________________n.

The m_______________________s to this p________l are the p_____________s of government m___________e and i____________e. Governments are n_____________________________s that often waste time and money w_____e not g_______________________________________________c. A p________________e of this would be the l________________________________g the c___________p of p_____________s in many d_________________s. By the time any p______________s is made, the h_____m for some r____________s may already be i______________e. There is the chance that the government is c______t. It is common for both e_______d and u___________________s to be v_____________e to b________y that r______________n p____________g c____________e and p________________s a_____________________s.

N_____________s, government c_________l of fresh water supplies is the b_______________e of p_________________y. Today, in many a______________s, such as those near S___________________a, finding fresh water is a m___________________e. C__________s over l________________________s often c_______________________y. I________________d, a j____t government could e______e water is e________y and f____________________d. Moreover, there are p______________________s. Water can easily be c_________________d by i______________________s including r__________________n, l_______________e, and new p___________s like f_________g. If governments r_________e water with d_______________________y, they will be able to p_________t the g_________________c from the e____________s of c_________________________s.

In conclusion, d__________e the p________l that governments will p________________e water supplies, they are still the b_______________s of p______________h and safety. This is why the s___________n of w________________s is also k__y.

Listening Practice

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

Reading Practice

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

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/jan/08/water-wars-early-warning-tool-uses-climate-data-to-predict-conflict-hotspots

Speaking Practice

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

Coffee

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

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

The amount of drinkable water for people is decreasing.

Why is this?

What can be done?

IELTS Essay: Holidays

IELTS Essay: Holidays

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay Ebook on the topic of holidays from a real exam.

My essay is only available as an Ebook on Patreon.com/howtodoielts

Here is the question itself:

Some people think it is better to have many short holidays during the year. Others believe it would be beneficial to have fewer, longer vacations.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.