This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of children developing skills from the real exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Children Developing Skills
Some people believe that engaging in an active pastime does more to develop children’s life skills than time spent reading.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many today would argue that the best way to aid in a child’s life skills development is to take part in active pursuits, rather than more passive ones such as reading. I am generally in agreement though reading has become increasingly important in contemporary society.
Those who argue against this contention point to the primacy of reading. In the past, large proportions of the world’s population were illiterate. Today, children must be able to read in order to interact with the world online. It could be argued that reading, and writing by extension, are the two most important life skills children can learn. Without them, children will feel alienated from mainstream culture and not be able to stay in touch with friends and family, apply online for jobs, and do research on the internet.
However, reading skills develop organically for children and there are more critical skills that are often neglected in a technological society. Most people would relate to the experience of watching their grandparents display a wide range of life skills including automotive maintenance, cooking, and sewing. These life skills have diverse applicability. A person who is adept with their hands will be able to handle a variety of household tasks, repairs, and renovations. Moreover, there are less concrete benefits. These activities are likely to make an individual more creative, and physically and mentally healthier. Research has shown that more time spent being active, and less time on devices, improves mood, develops lateral thinking ability, and lessens the risk of chronic anxiety disorders.
In conclusion, despite the centrality of reading due to advances in technology, truly valuable life skills require more active participation. Unfortunately, shifts in society related to technology are likely irreversible.
Analysis
1. Many today would argue that the best way to aid in a child’s life skills development is to take part in active pursuits, rather than more passive ones such as reading. 2. I am generally in agreement though reading has become increasingly important in contemporary society.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue against this contention point to the primacy of reading. 2. In the past, large proportions of the world’s population were illiterate. 3. Today, children must be able to read in order to interact with the world online. 4. It could be argued that reading, and writing by extension, are the two most important life skills children can learn. 5. Without them, children will feel alienated from mainstream culture and not be able to stay in touch with friends and family, apply online for jobs, and do research on the internet.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Finish development.
1. However, reading skills develop organically for children and there are more critical skills that are often neglected in a technological society. 2. Most people would relate to the experience of watching their grandparents display a wide range of life skills including automotive maintenance, cooking, and sewing. 3. These life skills have diverse applicability. 4. A person who is adept with their hands will be able to handle a variety of household tasks, repairs, and renovations. 5. Moreover, there are less concrete benefits. 6. These activities are likely to make an individual more creative, and physically and mentally healthier. 7. Research has shown that more time spent being active, and less time on devices, improves mood, develops lateral thinking ability, and lessens the risk of chronic anxiety disorders.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
This paragraph can be longer than the other one.
Be sure each idea has support.
1. In conclusion, despite the centrality of reading due to advances in technology, truly valuable life skills require more active participation. 2. Unfortunately, shifts in society related to technology are likely irreversible.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many today would argue that the best way to aid in a child’s life skills development is to take part in active pursuits, ratherthan more passive ones such as reading. I am generally in agreement though reading has become increasingly important in contemporary society.
Those who argue against this contention point to the primacy of reading. In the past, large proportions of the world’s population were illiterate. Today, children must be able to read in order tointeract with the world online. It could be argued that reading, and writing by extension, are the two most important life skills children can learn. Without them, children will feel alienated from mainstream culture and not be able to stay in touch with friends and family, apply online for jobs, and do research on the internet.
However, reading skills develop organically for children and there are more critical skills that are often neglected in a technological society. Most people would relate to the experience of watching their grandparents display a wide range of life skills including automotive maintenance, cooking, and sewing. These life skills have diverse applicability. A person who is adept with their hands will be able to handle a variety of household tasks, repairs, and renovations. Moreover, there are less concrete benefits. These activities are likely to make an individual more creative, and physically and mentally healthier. Research has shown that more time spent being active, and less time on devices, improves mood, develops lateral thinking ability, and lessens the risk of chronicanxiety disorders.
In conclusion, despite the centrality of reading due to advances in technology, truly valuable life skills require more active participation. Unfortunately, shifts in society related to technology are likely irreversible.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
aid in help
life skills development learning useful abilities for life in general
take part in active pursuits do non-passive activities like exercising or doing art
ratherthan instead of
passive not active
I am generally in agreement I mostly agree
increasingly important more and more crucial
contemporary society the world today
Those who argue against this contention point to people not agreeing say
primacy central importance
large proportions big percentages
illiterate unable to read or write
in order to so that
interact with talk to, communicate
It could be argued that some might say that
by extension further
without them not having them
alienated not feeling connected, close to others, society
mainstream culture how most people in the world think and act
stay in touch talk to
apply online send in applications over the internet
research learn about
organically naturally
critical skills key abilities
neglected not paying attention to
technological society more internet usage today and machines
relate to concern
display showcase
wide range lots of variety
automotive maintenance fixing cars
diverse applicability can be used in different ways
adept with good at
handle deal with
variety many types of
household tasks chores, things to be done around the home
repairs fixes
renovations changes, fixing up
concrete real
creative imaginative
physically related to the body
mentally healthier related to mood, feelings, the mind
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many today would argue that the best way to a______n a child’s l_______________________t is to t________________n a____________________s, r___________n more p_________e ones such as reading. I_____________________________t though reading has become i_____________________t in c_____________________y.
T_______________________________________________o the p_________y of reading. In the past, l_____________________s of the world’s population were i____________e. Today, children must be able to read i____________oi___________h the world online. I_____________________t reading, and writing b_____________n, are the two most important life skills children can learn. W______________m, children will feel a_____________d from m_______________e and not be able to s_____________h with friends and family, a_____________e for jobs, and do r_________h on the internet.
However, reading skills develop o_____________y for children and there are more c____________s that are often n_________d in a t________________y. Most people would r________o the experience of watching their grandparents d_____y a w____________e of life skills including a_____________________e, cooking, and sewing. These life skills have d________________________y. A person who is a__________h their hands will be able to h______e a v_______y of h_____________s, r________s, and r___________s. Moreover, there are less c______e benefits. These activities are likely to make an individual more c________e, and p__________y and m_______________r. Research has shown that more time spent being active, and less time o__________s, i___________d, develops l_____________________y, and l_______s the r____k of c__________________s.
In conclusion, d_________e the c__________y of reading due to advances in technology, t_____________e life skills r________e more a______________n. U_______________y, s_______s in society related to technology are likely i_____________e.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
The map below describes changes to a park in 1980 and now.
The map details alterations to a park in 1980 and the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the park has become more developed for visitors with additional recreational space for outdoor eating, seating, and playing. The only subtraction relates to the flowers.
In 1980, there was an entrance on the left side above a pond surrounded by 3 benches and a second gate at the bottom of the park. Now, both gates have disappeared, the road is less straight and the pond has more benches around it. There are also two additional roads coming from the top and right of the diagram, sectioning off an area with trees, chairs, desks, and barbecue options (previously only containing trees).
In the bottom right corner of the map, a flowerbed has been replaced by a playground. A second space for flowers in the bottom left below the pond has also been removed in favor of wild bush.
Analysis
1. The map details alterations to a park in 1980 and the present day. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the park has become more developed for visitors with additional recreational space for outdoor eating, seating, and playing. 3. The only subtraction relates to the flowers.
Paraphrase what the table shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need another sentence for your overview.
1. In 1980, there was an entrance on the left side above a pond surrounded by 3 benches and a second gate at the bottom of the park. 2. Now, both gates have disappeared, the road is less straight and the pond has more benches around it. 3. There are also two additional roads coming from the top and right of the diagram, sectioning off an area with trees, chairs, desks, and barbecue options (previously only containing trees).
Begin writing about the first part of the map.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
Don’t leave anything out!
1. In the bottom right corner of the map, a flowerbed has been replaced by a playground. 2. A second space for flowers in the bottom left below the pond has also been removed in favor of wild bush.
Write about the final, other parts of the map – include everything!
Mention anything that has not changed on the map too.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The map details alterations to a park in 1980 and the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the park has become more developed for visitors with additional recreational space for outdoor eating, seating, and playing. The only subtraction relates to the flowers.
In 1980, there was an entrance on the left side above a pond surrounded by 3 benches and a second gate at the bottom of the park. Now, both gates have disappeared, the road is less straight and the pond has more benches around it. There are also two additional roads coming from the top and right of the diagram, sectioning off an area with trees, chairs, desks, and barbecue options (previously only containing trees).
In the bottom right corner of the map, a flowerbed has been replaced by a playground. A second space for flowers in the bottom left below the pond has also been removed in favor of wild bush.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details shows
alterations changes
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the overall
park public place to walk around
developed changed
visitors people doing there
additional recreational space more places to do stuff
outdoor outside
seating places to sit down
subtraction getting rid of
relates to concerns
flowers tulips, roses, etc.
single entrance one way to get in
left side above a pond on the left over the small lake
surrounded by 3 benches seats on all sides around it
disappeared gone
less straight curvy, bent
additional extra
diagram image
sectioning off cutting off from
barbecue options places to cook meat outside
previously before
containing keeping
flowerbed place where flowers are
replaced by substituted for
playground place where kids play
below under
removed in favor of taken away so that there could be
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The map d__________s a____________s to a park in 1980 and the present day. L________________________________________________________e p____k has become more d_________d for v_________s with a____________________________________e for o__________r eating, s________g, and playing. The only s_____________n r___________o the f__________s.
In 1980, there was an entrance o_______________e above a p_________________________y 3 benches and a second g____e at the bottom of the park. Now, both gates have d_____________d, , the road is l______________t and the pond has more benches around it. There are also two a_____________l roads coming from the top and right of the d___________m, s________________f an area with trees, chairs, desks, and b___________________s (p__________y only c__________g trees).
In the bottom right corner of the map, a f____________d has been r_____________y a p________d. A second space for flowers in the bottom left b______w the pond has also been r__________________________f w___________h.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of advertising to children from the real exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Advertising to Children
In some countries, there has been an increase in the number of advertisements which try to persuade children to buy snacks, toys, and other goods. Parents often claim that these ads are unfair.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some are of the opinion that it is unethical to advertise to children. In my opinion, although at certain ages these advertisements should be permitted, in general children are too vulnerable a segment of the population.
Those who argue in favor of advertising to children point out it is not necessarily unfair. There are situations when even these proponents would concede advertising is exploitive, such as when there are commercials for cereals with high sugar content during cartoon shows. However, this is only a single instance. Many children, especially as they get older, are capable of thinking rationally, controlling their need for instant gratification, and would therefore like to be informed about new products they are interested in. If a child who is 10 years old sees an advertisement for a water park or sporting event, they might convince their parents to enjoy a fun, outdoors activity.
Nonetheless, most children are negatively impacted by advertisements as they lack self-control. Adults are more capable of inhibiting their desires while children are not experienced enough and their cognitive development does not allow for higher-order reasoning. For instance, if a young child sees an advertisement for alcohol or a violent videogame, there is a strong likelihood they will want to try it. Even if they do not actually get an opportunity to use an age-inappropriate product, the appeal of these products has already been deeply implanted. Recent research supports the contention that habits and impressions formed in early childhood are harder to leave behind later in life.
In conclusion, despite the feasibility of certain advertisements for older children, most marketing directed at impressionable children should be banned. This will be a difficult process to manage but many countries have undertaken it already.
Analysis
1. Some are of the opinion that it is unethical to advertise to children. 2. In my opinion, although at certain ages these advertisements should be permitted, in general children are too vulnerable a segment of the population.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue in favor of advertising to children point out it is not necessarily unfair. 2. There are situations when even these proponents would concede advertising is exploitive, such as when there are commercials for cereals with high sugar content during cartoon shows. 3. However, this is only a single instance. 4. Many children, especially as they get older, are capable of thinking rationally, controlling their need for instant gratification, and would therefore like to be informed about new products they are interested in. 5. If a child who is 10 years old sees an advertisement for a water park or sporting event, they might convince their parents to enjoy a fun, outdoors activity.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Finish development.
1. Nonetheless, most children are negatively impacted by advertisements as they lack self-control. 2. Adults are more capable of inhibiting their desires while children are not experienced enough and their cognitive development does not allow for higher-order reasoning. 3. For instance, if a young child sees an advertisement for alcohol or a violent videogame, there is a strong likelihood they will want to try it. 4. Even if they do not actually get an opportunity to use an age-inappropriate product, the appeal of these products has already been deeply implanted. 5. Recent research supports the contention that habits and impressions formed in early childhood are harder to leave behind later in life.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
1. In conclusion, despite the feasibility of certain advertisements for older children, most marketing directed at impressionable children should be banned. 2. This will be a difficult process to manage but many countries have undertaken it already.
Summarise your main ideas.
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 are of the opinion that it is unethical to advertise to children. In my opinion, although at certain ages these advertisements should be permitted, in general children are too vulnerable a segment of the population.
Those who argue in favor of advertising to children point out it is not necessarily unfair. There are situations when even these proponents would concede advertising is exploitive, such as when there are commercials for cereals with high sugar content during cartoon shows. However, this is only a single instance. Many children, especially as they get older, are capable of thinking rationally, controlling their need for instant gratification, and would therefore like to be informed about new products they are interested in. If a child who is 10 years old sees an advertisement for a water park or sporting event, they might convince their parents to enjoy a fun, outdoors activity.
Nonetheless, most children are negatively impacted by advertisements as they lack self-control. Adults are more capable of inhibiting their desires while children are not experienced enough and their cognitive development does not allowfor higher-order reasoning. For instance, if a young child sees an advertisement for alcohol or a violent videogame, there is a strong likelihood they will want to try it. Even if they do not actually get an opportunity to use an age-inappropriate product, the appeal of these products has already been deeply implanted. Recent research supports the contention that habits and impressions formed in early childhood are harder to leave behind later in life.
In conclusion, despite the feasibility of certain advertisements for older children, most marketing directed at impressionable children should be banned. This will be a difficult process to manage but many countries have undertaken it already.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
some are of the opinion that certain people think
unethical not moral, immoral
certain ages particular times in life
permitted allowed
in general overall
vulnerable susceptible
segment part
those who argue in favor of people who support
point out argue
not necessarily unfair don’t have to be unethical
situations contexts
proponents those in favor of
concede admit
exploitive take advantage of
commercials ads on TV
cereals breakfast food
high sugar content too sweet
cartoon shows animated TV programming
single instance one example
especially in particular
capable are able to
rationally reasonably
controlling in charge of
instant gratification just wanting pleasure right away
therefore thus
informed know about
interested in care about
water park place to go on slides and other water rides
sporting event matches, games
convince persuade
outdoors outside
nonetheless still
negatively impacted badly hurt
lack self-control can’t control their own desires, impulses
capable able to
inhibiting controlling
desires what you want to do
not experienced enough too immature
cognitive development how the brain develops
allowfor higher-order reasoning can think critically
strong likelihood good chance of
opportunity chance
age-inappropriate not suitable for that age
appeal desire
deeply implanted becomes a part of you
recent research supports the contention new studies also say that
habits actions you do over a long time
impressions formed in early childhood things you remember from when you are young
leave behind later in life forget about as you get older
despite regardless of
feasibility how possible it is
marketing directed at impressionable ads taking advantage of vulnerable
banned not permitted
difficult process to manage hard to actually implement
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:
S______________________________t it is u_________l to advertise to children. In my opinion, although at c_____________s these advertisements should be p_____________d, i________l children are too v___________e a s________t of the population.
T________________________________f advertising to children p______________t it is n________________________r. There are s____________s when even these p____________s would c__________e advertising is e___________e, such as when there are c_______________s for c_________s with h_________________________t during c_____________s. However, this is only a s___________________e. Many children, e________y as they get older, are c__________e of thinking r_______________y, c___________g their need for i__________________n, and would t____________e like to be i______________d about new products they are i_______________n. If a child who is 10 years old sees an advertisement for a w______________k or s_____________t, they might c_______e their parents to enjoy a fun, o________s activity.
N_____________s, most children are n__________________d by advertisements as they l______________l. Adults are more c__________e of i_________g their d_______s while children are n______________________h and their c_______________________t does not a____________________________g. For instance, if a young child sees an advertisement for alcohol or a violent videogame, there is a s__________________d they will want to try it. Even if they do not actually get an o_____________y to use an a_____________________e product, the a________l of these products has already been d________________d. R____________________________________n that h______s and i__________________________________d are harder to l______________________________________e.
In conclusion, d_______e the f_____________y of certain advertisements for older children, most m____________________________________e children should be b________d. This will be a d________________________________e but many countries have u___________n it already.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
The bar chart details the percentage of internet users according to nation and the pie chart delineates how much individuals from those same countries spent on average shopping online. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that Sweden had by far the largest proportion of the population using the internet followed by the UK, German, France, and Spain. There were slight differences in terms of spending as the UK spent the most over Sweden, France, Germany and then Spain, which had a marginal figure overall.
Considering the table firstly, Swedish citizens used the internet most often at 35%. This figure was nearly double the United Kingdom (20%) and each subsequent nation was 5% lower with Germany at 15%, France at 10%, and Spain at 5%.
For spending, the UK had the highest figure (Є87), slightly above Sweden at Є76. There was a large drop to France at Є57 and Germany at Є46. Spain trailed the other nations considerably and residents spent just Є10 per person on average.
Analysis
1. The bar chart details the percentage of internet users according to nation and the pie chart delineates how much individuals from those same countries spent on average shopping online. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that Sweden had by far the largest proportion of the population using the internet followed by the UK, German, France, and Spain. 3. There were slight differences in terms of spending as the UK spent the most over Sweden, France, Germany and then Spain, which had a marginal figure overall.
Paraphrase what the table shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need another sentence for your overview.
1. Considering the table firstly, Swedish citizens used the internet most often at 35%. 2. This figure was nearly double the United Kingdom (20%) and each subsequent nation was 5% lower with Germany at 15%, France at 10%, and Spain at 5%.
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
1. For spending, the UK had the highest figure (Є87), slightly above Sweden at Є76. 2. There was a large drop to France at Є57 and Germany at Є46. 3. Spain trailed the other nations considerably and residents spent just Є10 per person on average.
Write about the final, other parts of the graph – include everything!
Compare the categories.
Don’t leave anything out!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The bar chart details the percentage of internet users according to nation and the pie chart delineates how much individuals from those same countries spent on average shopping online. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that Sweden had by far the largest proportion of the population using the internet followed by the UK, German, France, and Spain. There were slight differences in terms of spending as the UK spent the most over Sweden, France, Germany and then Spain, which had a marginal figure overall.
Considering the table firstly, Swedish citizens used the internet most often at 35%. This figure was nearly double the United Kingdom (20%) and each subsequent nation was 5% lower with Germany at 15%, France at 10%, and Spain at 5%.
For spending, the UK had the highest figure (Є87), slightly above Sweden at Є76. There was a large drop to France at Є57 and Germany at Є46. Spain trailed the other nations considerably and residents spent just Є10 per person on average.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details hows
percentage %
internet users people online
according to as it relates to
delineates describes
spent on average shopping online the normal amount of money used to buy items on the internet
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The bar chart d_________s the p____________e of i____________s a_______________o nation and the pie chart d_________s how much individuals from those same countries s_________________________e. L________________________________________________t Sweden had b_______r the largest p___________n of the population using the internet f_____________y the UK, German, France, and Spain. There were s_________________s i______________f spending as the UK spent the most over Sweden, France, Germany and then Spain, which had a m____________________l.
C____________g the table firstly, Swedish citizens used the internet most often at 35%. This figure was n______________e the United Kingdom (20%) and each s______________t nation was 5% l_______r with Germany at 15%, France at 10%, and Spain at 5%.
For spending, the UK had the h_______________e (Є87), s_______________e Sweden at Є76. There was a l___________p to France at Є57 and Germany at Є46. Spain t________d the other nations c_______________y and r___________s spent just Є10 p______________n on average.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of cyclists from the real exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Cyclists
Some experts say for road safety cyclists should pass a test before being allowed on public roads.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There have been recent calls for mandatory tests for cyclists before they are permitted on public motorways. In my opinion, though this proposal must be managed properly it is advisable.
Detractors argue this reform is essentially a complex method of fixing a problem that does not exist. Riding a bike is a fairly simple skill that most people learn as children. It is unclear at what age such a test and license should be logistically required. The extra paperwork and bureaucracy would make it a negative for both cyclists and those charged with enforcing this law. If passed, there is also the strong likelihood that it would be tokenistic. Cyclists might be able to pass a basic written test and demonstrate the ability to ride a bike but that would not ensure they will actually be safe riders.
However, in my opinion, there exists a need since most cyclists are not particularly cognizant of the hierarchy of vehicles. In most cities, cyclists are considered a menace or an annoyance and increase the odds of accidents. Many cyclists feel they are essentially the same as cars and weave into traffic where cars and motorbikes traveling at faster speeds rightly belong. If there was better education and a law that required cyclists to learn unwritten rules of etiquette, this would greatly enhance road conditions for motorists and pedestrians. For instance, in certain European nations, cyclists must apply for licenses and this has created a culture where bicycles fit into the flow of traffic more seamlessly.
In conclusion, although there are significant practical hurdles, I believe requiring cyclists to apply for licenses addresses a key public road issue. Governments should therefore enact this or a similar regulation.
Analysis
1. There have been recent calls for mandatory tests for cyclists before they are permitted on public motorways. 2. In my opinion, though this proposal must be managed properly it is advisable.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Detractors argue this reform is essentially a complex method of fixing a problem that does not exist. 2. Riding a bike is a fairly simple skill that most people learn as children. 3. It is unclear at what age such a test and license should be logistically required. 4. The extra paperwork and bureaucracy would make it a negative for both cyclists and those charged with enforcing this law. 5. If passed, there is also the strong likelihood that it would be tokenistic. 6. Cyclists might be able to pass a basic written test and demonstrate the ability to ride a bike but that would not ensure they will actually be safe riders.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Finish development.
Make sure you have dealt with all points in the topic.
1. However, in my opinion, there exists a need since most cyclists are not particularly cognizant of the hierarchy of vehicles. 2. In most cities, cyclists are considered a menace or an annoyance and increase the odds of accidents. 3. Many cyclists feel they are essentially the same as cars and weave into traffic where cars and motorbikes traveling at faster speeds rightly belong. 4. If there was better education and a law that required cyclists to learn unwritten rules of etiquette, this would greatly enhance road conditions for motorists and pedestrians. 5. For instance, in certain European nations, cyclists must apply for licenses and this has created a culture where bicycles fit into the flow of traffic more seamlessly.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
1. In conclusion, although there are significant practical hurdles, I believe requiring cyclists to apply for licenses addresses a key public road issue. 2. Governments should therefore enact this or a similar regulation.
Summarise your main ideas.
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 have been recent calls for mandatory tests for cyclists before they are permitted on public motorways. In my opinion, though this proposal must be managedproperly it is advisable.
Detractors argue this reform is essentially a complex method of fixing a problem that does not exist. Riding a bike is a fairly simple skill that most people learn as children. It is unclear at what age such a test and license should be logistically required. The extra paperwork and bureaucracy would make it a negative for both cyclists and those charged with enforcing this law. If passed, there is also the strong likelihood that it would be tokenistic. Cyclists might be able to pass a basic written test and demonstrate the ability to ride a bike but that would not ensure they will actually be safe riders.
However, in my opinion, there exists a need since most cyclists are not particularly cognizant of the hierarchy of vehicles. In most cities, cyclists are considered a menace or an annoyance and increase the odds of accidents. Many cyclists feel they are essentially the same as cars and weave into traffic where cars and motorbikes traveling at faster speedsrightly belong. If there was better education and a law that required cyclists to learn unwritten rules of etiquette, this would greatly enhance road conditions for motorists and pedestrians. For instance, in certain European nations, cyclists must apply for licenses and this has created a culture where bicycles fit into the flow of trafficmore seamlessly.
In conclusion, although there are significant practical hurdles, I believe requiring cyclists to apply for licenses addresses a key public road issue. Governments should thereforeenact this or a similar regulation.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
recent calls people have been asking for now
mandatory tests required exams
cyclists people who ride bicycles
permitted allowed
public motorways roads and streets
proposal idea
managedproperly dealt with well
advisable good idea
detractors argue people against this claim
reform change
essentially basically
complex method complicated way
fixing making better
exist be in the real world
fairly simple skill basic ability
unclear fuzzy
license permit
logistically pragmatically
extra paperwork more forms
bureaucracy government agencies processing papers, red tape
negative not positive
charged with enforcing must make sure the law is upheld
strong likelihood good chance
tokenistic not really effective
pass a basic written test get good enough marks on an exam
demonstrate show
ensure make sure of
safe riders good cyclists
exists is present
particularly cognizant definitely aware of
hierarchy of vehicles order of importance of cars, bikes, etc.
considered thought about
menace problem
annoyance something that annoys you
increase the odds of accidents there is a better chance of people being hurt
essentially basically
weave combine
traffic cars on the road
traveling at faster speeds going more quickly
rightly belong definitely should be there
unwritten rules of etiquette how to drive well and behave
greatly enhance road conditions make it better to drive
motorists people who drive
pedestrians people walking around
apply put in an application
culture how people behave together
fit into the flow of trafficmore seamlessly blend better with other vehicles
significant practical hurdles big problems to overcome to make it work
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 have been r_____________s for m___________________s for c_________s before they are p_____________d on p_______________s. In my opinion, though this p_____________l must be m___________________y it is a________e.
D___________________e this r______m is e_____________y a c________________d of f_________g a problem that does not e______t. Riding a bike is a f___________________l that most people learn as children. It is u________r at what age such a test and l________e should be l____________y required. The e____________________k and b______________y would make it a n_______e for both cyclists and those c_________________________g this law. If passed, there is also the s_________________________d that it would be t_____________c. Cyclists might be able to p__________________________t and d_________________e the ability to ride a bike but that would not e________e they will actually be s___________s.
However, in my opinion, there e______s a need since most cyclists are not p_______________________t of the h_____________________s. In most cities, cyclists are c___________d a m_________e or an a____________e and i____________________________________s. Many cyclists feel they are e____________y the same as cars and w_______e into t________c where cars and motorbikes t____________________________sr_______________g. If there was better education and a law that required cyclists to learn u_____________________e, this would g__________________________s for m__________s and p___________s. For instance, in certain European nations, cyclists must a______y for licenses and this has created a c_________e where bicycles f________________________________________y.
In conclusion, although there are s_________________________s, I believe requiring cyclists to apply for licenses a________s a k_____________________e. Governments should t__________________t this or a similar r______________n.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
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