IELTS Essay: Violent Media

IELTS Essay: Violent Media

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

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

Here is the question itself:

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

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Here is a preview (the introduction from my essay):

Some argue that violent media serves as a direct catalyst for violent actions in society. In my opinion, although there are examples to support this viewpoint, it is largely untrue due to other contextual factors.

IELTS Essay: Young People and Shopping Malls

IELTS Essay: Young People and Shopping Malls

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of young people spending time at shopping malls from the real IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Young People and Shopping Malls

Today, many young people spend too much of their free time at shopping malls. This can be considered negative for young people and society generally.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

In certain countries, it has becoming increasingly common for young people to spend their free time at malls and this is often viewed as a negative. In my opinion, though there are more productive activities, it should be considered a positive overall given the most likely alternatives.

Proponents of this statement point out that malls are typically not a productive use of one’s time. A person who goes to a mall is likely shopping, watching a movie, hanging out idly with friends, eating from a fast food establishment, or engaging in another similarly passive activity. A better use of time could involve playing sports, reading a book, creating art, or working. The rise of malls globally beginning in the 1980s signaled a period when younger individuals strayed from healthy activities and took part in more socially and personally subversive pastimes.

However, the fears detailed above are overblown compared to other free time activities. These days, most young people who are free spend an outsized proportion of their time doing truly unhealthy, passive activities. These largely center around technology and include wasting time on social media, taking pictures, playing online games, chatting online, streaming movies and videos, and using the internet. The mall is now actually a better use of one’s time since it likely will involve in-person socializing, precisely the domain that is most at risk for younger generations and society today.

In conclusion, though time spent at malls is not the ideal activity for a younger person, it is preferable to a more passive lifestyle and should therefore not be condemned. It is likely, however, that malls will continue to decline in popularity in the future so this concern will become less relevant.

Analysis

1. In certain countries, it has becoming increasingly common for young people to spend their free time at malls and this is often viewed as a negative. 2. In my opinion, though there are more productive activities, it should be considered a positive overall given the most likely alternatives.

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

1. Proponents of this statement point out that malls are typically not a productive use of one’s time. 2. A person who goes to a mall is likely shopping, watching a movie, hanging out idly with friends, eating from a fast food establishment, or engaging in another similarly passive activity. 3. A better use of time could involve playing sports, reading a book, creating art, or working. 4. The rise of malls globally beginning in the 1980s signaled a period when younger individuals strayed from healthy activities and took part in more socially and personally subversive pastimes.

  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 fears detailed above are overblown compared to other free time activities. 2. These days, most young people who are free spend an outsized proportion of their time doing truly unhealthy, passive activities. 3. These largely center around technology and include wasting time on social media, taking pictures, playing online games, chatting online, streaming movies and videos, and using the internet. 4. The mall is now actually a better use of one’s time since it likely will involve in-person socializing, precisely the domain that is most at risk for younger generations and society today.

  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.

1. In conclusion, though time spent at malls is not the ideal activity for a younger person, it is preferable to a more passive lifestyle and should therefore not be condemned. 2. It is likely, however, that malls will continue to decline in popularity in the future so this concern will become less relevant.

  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.

In certain countries, it has becoming increasingly common for young people to spend their free time at malls and this is often viewed as a negative. In my opinion, though there are more productive activities, it should be considered a positive overall given the most likely alternatives.

Proponents of this statement point out that malls are typically not a productive use of one’s time. A person who goes to a mall is likely shopping, watching a movie, hanging out idly with friends, eating from a fast food establishment, or engaging in another similarly passive activity. A better use of time could involve playing sports, reading a book, creating art, or working. The rise of malls globally beginning in the 1980s signaled a period when younger individuals strayed from healthy activities and took part in more socially and personally subversive pastimes.

However, the fears detailed above are overblown compared to other free time activities. These days, most young people who are free spend an outsized proportion of their time doing truly unhealthy, passive activities. These largely center around technology and include wasting time on social media, taking pictures, playing online games, chatting online, streaming movies and videos, and using the internet. The mall is now actually a better use of one’s time since it likely will involve in-person socializing, precisely the domain that is most at risk for younger generations and society today.

In conclusion, though time spent at malls is not the ideal activity for a younger person, it is preferable to a more passive lifestyle and should therefore not be condemned. It is likely, however, that malls will continue to decline in popularity in the future so this concern will become less relevant.

Answers

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

certain countries some nations

increasingly common happens more and more

malls shopping centers

often viewed as a negative usually considered bad

productive activities useful uses of your time

considered thought of

positive overall good in general

given the most likely alternatives considering what will probably happen instead

proponents supporters

statement point out statement argue

typically usually

productive use good use

shopping buying things

hanging out idly with friends just spending time with friends

fast food establishment fast food restaurants

engaging in doing

similarly passive activity not very active pastime

involve have to do with

rise increase

globally all over the world

signaled was a mark of

period time

strayed gone off the path to

took part in participated in

socially with others

personally relating to individuals

subversive pastimes undermining uses of time

fears detailed above threats explained before

overblown compared to emphasized too much relative to

outsized proportion too much emphasis

truly really

passive not active

largely center around mostly has to do with

wasting time not good use of free time

social media Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.

streaming movies watching shows online, Netflix

actually in fact

likely probably

involve in-person socializing will be hanging around with friends

precisely exactly

domain area

most at risk concerning area

younger generations not old people, youths

ideal perfect

preferable better

lifestyle how people live

condemned criticized

decline decrease

popularity how common it is

concern worry

less relevant not an issue any more

Pronunciation

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

ˈsɜːtn ˈkʌntriz
ɪnˈkriːsɪŋli ˈkɒmən 
mɔːlz 
ˈɒf(ə)n vjuːd æz ə ˈnɛgətɪv
prəˈdʌktɪv ækˈtɪvɪtiz
kənˈsɪdəd 
ˈpɒzətɪv ˈəʊvərɔːl 
ˈgɪvn ðə məʊst ˈlaɪkli ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪvz
prəˈpəʊnənts 
ˈsteɪtmənt pɔɪnt aʊt 
ˈtɪpɪk(ə)li 
prəˈdʌktɪv juːz 
ˈʃɒpɪŋ
ˈhæŋɪŋ aʊt ˈaɪdli wɪð frɛndz
fɑːst fuːd ɪsˈtæblɪʃmənt 
ɪnˈgeɪʤɪŋ ɪn 
ˈsɪmɪləli ˈpæsɪv ækˈtɪvɪti
ɪnˈvɒlv 
raɪz 
ˈgləʊbəli 
ˈsɪgnld 
ˈpɪərɪəd 
streɪd 
tʊk pɑːt ɪn 
ˈsəʊʃəli 
ˈpɜːsnəli 
səbˈvɜːsɪv ˈpɑːstaɪmz
fɪəz ˈdiːteɪld əˈbʌv 
ˌəʊvəˈbləʊn kəmˈpeəd tuː 
ˈaʊtsaɪzd prəˈpɔːʃən 
ˈtruːli 
ˈpæsɪv 
ˈlɑːʤli ˈsɛntər əˈraʊnd 
ˈweɪstɪŋ taɪm 
ˈsəʊʃəl ˈmiːdiə
ˈstriːmɪŋ ˈmuːviz 
ˈækʧʊəli 
ˈlaɪkli 
ɪnˈvɒlv ɪn-ˈpɜːsn ˈsəʊʃəlaɪzɪŋ
prɪˈsaɪsli 
dəʊˈmeɪn 
məʊst æt rɪsk 
ˈjʌŋə ˌʤɛnəˈreɪʃənz 
aɪˈdɪəl 
ˈprɛfərəbl 
ˈlaɪfˌstaɪl 
kənˈdɛmd
dɪˈklaɪn 
ˌpɒpjʊˈlærɪti 
kənˈsɜːn 
lɛs ˈrɛlɪvənt

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:

In c__________________s, it has becoming i___________________n for young people to spend their free time at m____s and this is o________________________e. In my opinion, though there are more p______________________s, it should be c_____________d a p_________________l g_____________________________s.

P___________-s of this s____________t p___________t that malls are t__________y not a p_____________e of one’s time. A person who goes to a mall is likely s___________g, watching a movie, h___________________________s, eating from a f____________________________t, or e____________n another s___________________________y. A better use of time could i_________e playing sports, reading a book, creating art, or working. The r____e of malls g_______y beginning in the 1980s s__________d a p________d when younger individuals s___________d from healthy activities and t_______________n more s_________y and p______________________________s.

However, the f_________________e are o______________n c________d to other free time activities. These days, most young people who are free spend an o__________________n of their time doing t_____y unhealthy, p____e activities. These l________________________d technology and include w____________e on s__________a, taking pictures, playing online games, chatting online, s_______________s and videos, and using the internet. The mall is now a___________y a better use of one’s time since it l_______y will i_________e i____________________g, p___________y the d_________n that is m____________k for y___________________s and society today.

In conclusion, though time spent at malls is not the i_______l activity for a younger person, it is p_________e to a more passive l________e and should therefore not be c__________d. It is likely, however, that malls will continue to d_______e in p____________y in the future so this c_______n will become l_______________t.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel 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:

Shopping

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

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Shopping is now one of the most popular forms of leisure activities in many countries for young adults.

Why is this?

Do you think this is a positive or a negative development?

IELTS Essay: Moving to Rural Areas

IELTS Essay: Moving to Rural Areas

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of moving to rural areas from the real IELTS general training exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Moving to Rural Areas

In many cities, problems related to overpopulation are becoming more common. Some governments are now encouraging businesses and individuals to move out of cities to rural areas.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Certain governments are now incentivizing moving to rural areas due to issues concerning overpopulation in cities. In my opinion, despite the temporary disadvantages this presents for standards of living and economics, it is a long-term positive for environmental justifications.

Detractors argue these initiatives can harm businesses and residents. Firstly, this is related to living standards. Residents of cities typically enjoy better medical care, employment opportunities, and entertainment options. For instance, a person who moves from New York City to upstate New York is likely to recognize an immediate decline in their daily quality of life. Secondly, there may be significant economic issues. Cities tend to be the economic centers of any given state or nation. By reducing the concentration of industry in urban areas, there is some likelihood that innovation will be negatively impacted as the pool of potentially competent employees disperses.

Supporters would claim that these drawbacks are justified by benefits for the natural world. The current threat of cities is that they concentrate populations, increase pollution from private vehicles, and inevitably create urban sprawl. These issues can be curbed if people live in smaller communities over a wider area. Residents will then be more likely to care about their immediate surroundings. Furthermore, over time the reduced density of both employers and employees will allow the authorities to better treat waste and manage pollution issues. This is evidenced by the better environmental conditions in countries with fewer large metropolises.

In conclusion, there may be problems related to quality of life and finance, but the advantages for the environment make this an advisable strategy. Governments should continue promoting any such relevant policies.

Analysis

1. Certain governments are now incentivizing moving to rural areas due to issues concerning overpopulation in cities. 2. In my opinion, despite the temporary disadvantages this presents for standards of living and economics, it is a long-term positive for environmental justifications.

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

1. Detractors argue these initiatives can harm businesses and residents. 2. Firstly, this is related to living standards. 3. Residents of cities typically enjoy better medical care, employment opportunities, and entertainment options. 4. For instance, a person who moves from New York City to upstate New York is likely to recognize an immediate decline in their daily quality of life. 5. Secondly, there may be significant economic issues. 6. Cities tend to be the economic centers of any given state or nation. 7. By reducing the concentration of industry in urban areas, there is some likelihood that innovation will be negatively impacted as the pool of potentially competent employees disperses.

  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. Vary long and short senteces.
  6. More detail is better.
  7. Finish strong.

1. Supporters would claim that these drawbacks are justified by benefits for the natural world. 2. The current threat of cities is that they concentrate populations, increase pollution from private vehicles, and inevitably create urban sprawl. 3. These issues can be curbed if people live in smaller communities over a wider area. 4. Residents will then be more likely to care about their immediate surroundings. 5. Furthermore, over time the reduced density of both employers and employees will allow the authorities to better treat waste and manage pollution issues. 6. This is evidenced by the better environmental conditions in countries with fewer large metropolises.

  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.

1. In conclusion, there may be problems related to quality of life and finance, but the advantages for the environment make this an advisable strategy. 2. Governments should continue promoting any such relevant policies.

  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 governments are now incentivizing moving to rural areas due to issues concerning overpopulation in cities. In my opinion, despite the temporary disadvantages this presents for standards of living and economics, it is a long-term positive for environmental justifications.

Detractors argue these initiatives can harm businesses and residents. Firstly, this is related to living standards. Residents of cities typically enjoy better medical care, employment opportunities, and entertainment options. For instance, a person who moves from New York City to upstate New York is likely to recognize an immediate decline in their daily quality of life. Secondly, there may be significant economic issues. Cities tend to be the economic centers of any given state or nation. By reducing the concentration of industry in urban areas, there is some likelihood that innovation will be negatively impacted as the pool of potentially competent employees disperses.

Supporters would claim that these drawbacks are justified by benefits for the natural world. The current threat of cities is that they concentrate populations, increase pollution from private vehicles, and inevitably create urban sprawl. These issues can be curbed if people live in smaller communities over a wider area. Residents will then be more likely to care about their immediate surroundings. Furthermore, over time the reduced density of both employers and employees will allow the authorities to better treat waste and manage pollution issues. This is evidenced by the better environmental conditions in countries with fewer large metropolises.

In conclusion, there may be problems related to quality of life and finance, but the advantages for the environment make this an advisable strategy. Governments should continue promoting any such relevant policies.

Answers

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

certain governments some states, countries

incentivizing encouraging

rural areas the countryside

due to because of

issues problems

concerning relating to

overpopulation too many people

despite regardless of

temporary disadvantages not permanent negatives

presents shows

standards of living how well people live

economics finances

long-term positive good later in time

environmental justifications reasons that are good for nature

detractors argue those against it claim

initiatives efforts

harm hurt

residents people living these

related to concerning

living standards how well people live, quality of life

typically usually

medical care hospitals, doctors, etc.

employment opportunities chances for jobs

entertainment options choices related to clubs, movies, etc.

for instance for example

upstate further up in the state

recognize notice

immediate decline sudden drop

daily quality of life how people life day to day

significant economic issues major financial problems

tend to be are usually

economic centers financial hubs

any given a random

nation country

reducing depleting

concentration combined, dense

likelihood how likely it is to happen

innovation new ideas

negatively impacted effected badly

pool group

potentially possibly

competent capable

employees workers

disperses spreads out

supporters those in favor of

claim argue

drawbacks negatives

benefits advantages

natural world nature, the environment

current threat risks now

increase pollution more harm to the environment

private vehicles cars, etc.

inevitably will of course

urban sprawl cities spreading out

curbed slowed down

smaller communities not big cities

over a wider area further out

immediate surroundings right nearby, the neighborhood

furthermore moreover

over time later

reduced density fewer people

allow permit

authorities those in charge

better treat waste take care of pollution better

manage pollution issues help the environment

evidenced supported

conditions situations

fewer large metropolises not as many big cities

finance money

advisable strategy good idea

promoting encouraging

relevant policies ideas at work here

Pronunciation

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

ˈsɜːtn ˈgʌvnmənts 
ɪnˈsɛntɪv ˈrɪəlaɪzɪŋ 
ˈrʊərəl ˈeərɪəz 
djuː tuː 
ˈɪʃuːz 
kənˈsɜːnɪŋ 
ˌəʊvəˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən 
dɪsˈpaɪt 
ˈtɛmpərəri ˌdɪsədˈvɑːntɪʤɪz 
ˈprɛznts 
ˈstændədz ɒv ˈlɪvɪŋ 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪks
ˈlɒŋtɜːm ˈpɒzətɪv 
ɪnˌvaɪərənˈmɛntl ˌʤʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz
dɪˈtræktəz ˈɑːgjuː 
ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪvz 
hɑːm 
ˈrɛzɪdənts
rɪˈleɪtɪd tuː 
ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈstændədz
ˈtɪpɪk(ə)li 
ˈmɛdɪkəl keə
ɪmˈplɔɪmənt ˌɒpəˈtjuːnɪtiz 
ˌɛntəˈteɪnmənt ˈɒpʃənz
fɔːr ˈɪnstəns
ˌʌpˈsteɪt 
ˈrɛkəgnaɪz 
ɪˈmiːdiət dɪˈklaɪn 
ˈdeɪli ˈkwɒlɪti ɒv laɪf
sɪgˈnɪfɪkənt ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈɪʃuːz
tɛnd tuː biː 
ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈsɛntəz 
ˈɛni ˈgɪvn 
ˈneɪʃən.
rɪˈdjuːsɪŋ 
ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃən 
ˈlaɪklɪhʊd 
ˌɪnəʊˈveɪʃən 
ˈnɛgətɪvli ɪmˈpæktɪd 
puːl 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəli 
ˈkɒmpɪtənt 
ˌɛmplɔɪˈiːz 
dɪsˈpɜːsɪz
səˈpɔːtəz 
kleɪm 
ˈdrɔːbæks 
ˈbɛnɪfɪts 
ˈnæʧrəl wɜːld 
ˈkʌrənt θrɛt 
ˈɪnkriːs pəˈluːʃən 
ˈpraɪvɪt ˈviːɪklz
ɪnˈɛvɪtəbli 
ˈɜːbən sprɔːl
kɜːbd 
ˈsmɔːlə kəˈmjuːnɪtiz 
ˈəʊvər ə ˈwaɪdər ˈeərɪə
ɪˈmiːdiət səˈraʊndɪŋz
ˈfɜːðəˈmɔː
ˈəʊvə taɪm 
rɪˈdjuːst ˈdɛnsɪti 
əˈlaʊ 
ɔːˈθɒrɪtiz 
ˈbɛtə triːt weɪst 
ˈmænɪʤ pəˈluːʃən ˈɪʃuːz 
ˈɛvɪdənst 
kənˈdɪʃənz 
ˈfjuːə lɑːʤ mɪˈtrɒpəlɪsɪz
faɪˈnæns 
ədˈvaɪzəbl ˈstrætɪʤi
prəˈməʊtɪŋ 
ˈrɛlɪvənt ˈpɒlɪsiz

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_______________________s are now i_____________g moving to r____________s d________o i______s c___________g o_______________n in cities. In my opinion, d_________e the t_______________________s this p_________s for s_________________g and e____________________s, it is a l_________________e for e________________________s.

D________________e these i____________s can h____m businesses and r__________s. Firstly, this is r__________o l_______________s. Residents of cities t___________y enjoy better m____________e, e________________________s, and e___________________s. F____________e, a person who moves from New York City to u________e New York is likely to r__________e an i__________________e in their d__________________e. Secondly, there may be s___________________________s. Cities t______e the e_____________________s of a______________n state or n_______n. By r__________g the c_____________n of industry in urban areas, there is some l______________d that i____________n will be n______________________d as the p______l of p_______________________________________s.

S___________s would c_____m that these d____________s are justified by b________s for the n____________d. The c_______________t of cities is that they concentrate populations, i_________________n from p________________s, and i____________y create u______________l. These issues can be c______d if people live in s_____________________s o________________a. Residents will then be more likely to care about their i_________________________s. F__________e, o____________e the r________________y of both employers and employees will a_________w the a_________s to b_________e and m_____________s. This is e_______d by the better environmental c___________s in countries with f____________________s.

In conclusion, there may be problems related to quality of life and f__________e, but the advantages for the environment make this an a___________________y. Governments should continue p___________g any such r__________________s.

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:

Reading Practice

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

https://www.afar.com/magazine/best-cities-in-the-world

Speaking Practice

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

Moving

  1. Is it common in your country for people to move a lot?
  2. Do most people in your country live in cities?
  3. Why do some people live to live in the same place their whole lives?
  4. Is it important to travel a lot?
  5. How can less privileged groups be encouraged to move more often?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

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

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

IELTS Task 1 Essay: International Students in Canada and the USA

IELTS Task 1 Essay: International Students in Canada and the USA

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of international students in Canada and the USA from the real IELTS exam.

Find all the most recent task 1 topics here and my full IELTS Ebooks here.

Dave

IELTS Essay Task 1: International Students in Canada and the USA

The table displays the data for international students studying in Canada and the United States in 2002 and 2003. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that figures increased for all countries except those going to the United States from India. Moreover, there were significantly more international students in the United States, though overall growth was higher in Canada.

In 2002 in Canada there were 5,400 international students from China, a data point that rose by 45% to 7,850 the next year. In contrast, in the USA this number rose just 6% to reach 116,600. There were more students from India studying in the US both years (200,000 in 2002 and 182,000 in 2003, a -9% decrease) while in Canada there were fewer despite a 35% surge (2,100 and 2,835 for each year).

In Canada, the number of American students rose by 9% from 5,000 to 5,450 and in the US, Canadian students grew by a comparable 7% to 33,170. Finally, the total number of international students in all of Canada increased 17%, a growth of more than 11,000, to 70,004 while in the United States this figure climbed just 2%, ending at 592,230.

Analysis

1. The table displays the data for international students studying in Canada and the United States in 2002 and 2003. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that figures increased for all countries except those going to the United States from India. 3. Moreover, there were significantly more international students in the United States, though overall growth was higher in Canada.

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

1. In 2002 in Canada there were 5,400 international students from China, a data point that rose by 45% to 7,850 the next year. 2. In contrast, in the USA this number rose just 6% to reach 116,600. 3. There were more students from India studying in the US both years (200,000 in 2002 and 182,000 in 2003, a -9% decrease) while in Canada there were fewer despite a 35% surge (2,100 and 2,835 for each year).

  1. Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
  2. Make sure you compare as much as possible.
  3. Don’t leave anything out!

1. In Canada, the number of American students rose by 9% from 5,000 to 5,450 and in the US, Canadian students grew by a comparable 7% to 33,170. 2. Finally, the total number of international students in all of Canada increased 17%, a growth of more than 11,000, to 70,004 while in the United States this figure climbed just 2%, ending at 592,230.

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

Vocabulary

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

The table displays the data for international students studying in Canada and the United States in 2002 and 2003. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that figures increased for all countries except those going to the United States from India. Moreover, there were significantly more international students in the United States, though overall growth was higher in Canada.

In 2002 in Canada there were 5,400 international students from China, a data point that rose by 45% to 7,850 the next year. In contrast, in the USA this number rose just 6% to reach 116,600. There were more students from India studying in the US both years (200,000 in 2002 and 182,000 in 2003, a -9% decrease) while in Canada there were fewer despite a 35% surge (2,100 and 2,835 for each year).

In Canada, the number of American students rose by 9% from 5,000 to 5,450 and in the US, Canadian students grew by a comparable 7% to 33,170. Finally, the total number of international students in all of Canada increased 17%, a growth of more than 11,000, to 70,004 while in the United States this figure climbed just 2%, ending at 592,230.

Answers

Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:

displays shows

data numbers, figures

international students people studying from other countries, studying abroad

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

except not including

moreover also

significantly a lot more

overall growth increased a lot

data point figure, number

rose increased

in contrast however

number data, figure

reach get to

while however, in contrast

fewer despite less regardless of

surge increased a lot

each year the two years mentioned

rose increased

comparable similar

total number overall figure

all of Canada the whole country

climbed increased

ending finishing

Pronunciation

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

dɪsˈpleɪz 
ˈdeɪtə 
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl ˈstjuːdənts 
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪvɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt ˈfɪgəz 
ɪkˈsɛpt 
mɔːˈrəʊvə
sɪgˈnɪfɪkəntli 
ˈəʊvərɔːl grəʊθ 
ˈdeɪtə pɔɪnt 
rəʊz 
ɪn ˈkɒntrɑːst
ˈnʌmbə 
riːʧ 
waɪl 
ˈfjuːə dɪsˈpaɪt 
sɜːʤ 
iːʧ jɪə
rəʊz 
ˈkɒmpərəbl 
ˈtəʊtl ˈnʌmbə 
ɔːl ɒv ˈkænədə 
klaɪmd 
ˈɛndɪŋ 

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:

The table d_________s the d____a for i__________________s studying in Canada and the United States in 2002 and 2003. L____________________________________________________t f__________s increased for all countries e________t those going to the United States from India. M________r, there were s_____________y more international students in the United States, though o____________h was higher in Canada.

In 2002 in Canada there were 5,400 international students from China, a d____________t that r___e by 45% to 7,850 the next year. I____________t, in the USA this n________r rose just 6% to r______h 116,600. There were more students from India studying in the US both years (200,000 in 2002 and 182,000 in 2003, a -9% decrease) w____e in Canada there were f_______r d_________e a 35% s______e (2,100 and 2,835 for e__________r).

In Canada, the number of American students r___e by 9% from 5,000 to 5,450 and in the US, Canadian students grew by a c__________e 7% to 33,170. Finally, the t___________r of international students in a_________a increased 17%, a growth of more than 11,000, to 70,004 while in the United States this figure c_________d just 2%, e_____g at 592,230.

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.usnews.com/news/best-countries/best-countries-to-study-abroad

Speaking Practice

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

Your Home Nation/Country

  1. Where are you from?
  2. What do you like the most about your country?
  3. Where would you like to live in your country?
  4. Are people in your country patriotic?

Writing Practice

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

IELTS Essay: Men’s and Women’s Sports Shows

IELTS Essay: Men’s and Women’s Sports Shows

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of men’s and women’s sports shows from the real IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!

Dave

IELTS Essay: Men’s and Women’s Sports Shows

Today, TV channels broadcast men’s sports shows more than women’s sport shows.

Why is this the case?

Should TV channels give equal showtime for each?

It is common practice for most TV networks to focus more on men’s athletics rather than women’s. In my opinion, this is a natural byproduct of the history of sports and there should be more equal emphasis depending on the sport in question.

Men’s sports are more popular because they have developed further. In the past, athletics was always the primary domain of men and women were relegated to more domestic roles. Modern society understands this was discriminatory but the result, higher quality of play among male sports, cannot be argued. A good example of this would be professional basketball where the male leagues, such as the NBA, feature some of the greatest athletes in the world, executing complex coaching schemes, and consistently showcasing high skill levels. Women’s basketball, while it has developed considerably in the last two decades, is not the same level of entertainment though this may change in the coming years.

As this situation may require time to remedy, only the ratings can justify equal programming time. There are sports where this is already the case essentially, such as tennis, where women receive equal prize money and the ratings are comparable. In the United States, this also applies for international football tournaments, where the female team regularly advances far beyond their male counterparts. In these examples, it is warranted to give female athletics at least, if not more, broadcast time. However, mandating this policy for all sports before they are ready and the audience exists is likely to produce a strong backlash and in fact hinder the progress of women’s sports.

In conclusion, there are institutional reasons for the disparity in the time television channels dedicate to men’s and women’s sports and this should be corrected on a case by case basis. Viewers will decide themselves which sports deserve the most attention, regardless of gender.

Analysis

1. It is common practice for most TV networks to focus more on men’s athletics rather than women’s. 2. In my opinion, this is a natural byproduct of the history of sports and there should be more equal emphasis depending on the sport in question.

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

1. Men’s sports are more popular because they have developed further. 2. In the past, athletics was always the primary domain of men and women were relegated to more domestic roles. 3. Modern society understands this was discriminatory but the result, higher quality of play among male sports, cannot be argued. 4. A good example of this would be professional basketball where the male leagues, such as the NBA, feature some of the greatest athletes in the world, executing complex coaching schemes, and consistently showcasing high skill levels. 5. Women’s basketball, while it has developed considerably in the last two decades, is not the same level of entertainment though this may change in the coming years.

  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. Vary long and short sentences.

1. As this situation may require time to remedy, only the ratings can justify equal programming time. 2. There are sports where this is already the case essentially, such as tennis, where women receive equal prize money and the ratings are comparable. 3. In the United States, this also applies for international football tournaments, where the female team regularly advances far beyond their male counterparts. 4. In these examples, it is warranted to give female athletics at least, if not more, broadcast time. 5. However, mandating this policy for all sports before they are ready and the audience exists is likely to produce a strong backlash and in fact hinder the progress of women’s sports.

  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.

1. In conclusion, there are institutional reasons for the disparity in the time television channels dedicate to men’s and women’s sports and this should be corrected on a case by case basis. 2. Viewers will decide themselves which sports deserve the most attention, regardless of gender.

  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.

It is common practice for most TV networks to focus more on men’s athletics rather than women’s. In my opinion, this is a natural byproduct of the history of sports and there should be more equal emphasis depending on the sport in question.

Men’s sports are more popular because they have developed further. In the past, athletics was always the primary domain of men and women were relegated to more domestic roles. Modern society understands this was discriminatory but the result, higher quality of play among male sports, cannot be argued. A good example of this would be professional basketball where the male leagues, such as the NBA, feature some of the greatest athletes in the world, executing complex coaching schemes, and consistently showcasing high skill levels. Women’s basketball, while it has developed considerably in the last two decades, is not the same level of entertainment though this may change in the coming years.

As this situation may require time to remedy, only the ratings can justify equal programming time. There are sports where this is already the case essentially, such as tennis, where women receive equal prize money and the ratings are comparable. In the United States, this also applies for international football tournaments, where the female team regularly advances far beyond their male counterparts. In these examples, it is warranted to give female athletics at least, if not more, broadcast time. However, mandating this policy for all sports before they are ready and the audience exists is likely to produce a strong backlash and in fact hinder the progress of women’s sports.

In conclusion, there are institutional reasons for the disparity in the time television channels dedicate to men’s and women’s sports and this should be corrected on a case by case basis. Viewers will decide themselves which sports deserve the most attention, regardless of gender.

Answers

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

common practice normal

TV networks stations like Fox, ESPN, CNN, NBC, etc.

focus emphasize

men’s athletics male sports

rather than instead of

natural byproduct of happens organically

equal emphasis the same focus

depending on if

in question being discussed now

popular ubiquitous

developed further more advanced

in the past years before

primary domain usually just for

relegated to had to settle for

domestic roles jobs in the household

modern society the world today

discriminatory prejudiced

result consequence

higher quality of play better standards

argued debated

A good example of this would be one instance of this is

male leagues men’s sports

NBA national basketball association

feature showcase

greatest athletes best sportspeople

executing complex coaching schemes carry out complicated strategy

consistently showcasing high skill levels regularly showing off high quality play

developed considerably improved a lot

last two decades 20 years previously

level standard

in the coming years upcoming

as this situation may require time to remedy this context might need more time to fix

ratings how many people watch the shows on television

justify equal programming time are good reason to balance the programming

already the case essentially happens now basically

equal prize money same money for both

comparable about the same

applies for is the case for

regularly advances far beyond usually goes deeper in tournaments

male counterparts men’s team

warranted deserved, justified

at least at minimum

if not more maybe more than that

broadcast time time slots for a TV show

mandating ordering

policy rules

audience exists people watching the show are already there

strong backlash lots of people angry

in fact actually

hinder hold back

progress moving forward

institutional reasons causes related to history

disparity difference

dedicate give

corrected fixed

on a case by case basis depending on each example, sport

viewers people watching on television

decide choose

deserve the most attention should have the most focus

regardless of not paying attention to

gender male or female

Pronunciation

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

ˈkɒmən ˈpræktɪs 
ˌtiːˈviː ˈnɛtwɜːks 
ˈfəʊkəs 
mɛnz æθˈlɛtɪks 
ˈrɑːðə ðæn 
ˈnæʧrəl ˈbaɪˌprɒdʌkt ɒv 
ˈiːkwəl ˈɛmfəsɪs 
dɪˈpɛndɪŋ ɒn 
ɪn ˈkwɛsʧən
ˈpɒpjʊlə 
dɪˈvɛləpt ˈfɜːðə
ɪn ðə pɑːst
ˈpraɪməri dəʊˈmeɪn 
ˈrɛlɪgeɪtɪd tuː 
dəʊˈmɛstɪk rəʊlz
ˈmɒdən səˈsaɪəti 
dɪsˈkrɪmɪnətəri 
rɪˈzʌlt
ˈhaɪə ˈkwɒlɪti ɒv pleɪ 
ˈɑːgjuːd
ə gʊd ɪgˈzɑːmpl ɒv ðɪs wʊd biː 
meɪl liːgz
ɛn-biː-eɪ
ˈfiːʧə 
ˈgreɪtɪst ˈæθliːts 
ˈɛksɪkjuːtɪŋ ˈkɒmplɛks ˈkəʊʧɪŋ skiːmz
kənˈsɪstəntli ˈʃəʊkeɪsɪŋ haɪ skɪl ˈlɛvlz
dɪˈvɛləpt kənˈsɪdərəbli 
lɑːst tuː ˈdɛkeɪdz
ˈlɛvl 
ɪn ðə ˈkʌmɪŋ jɪəz
æz ðɪs ˌsɪtjʊˈeɪʃən meɪ rɪˈkwaɪə taɪm tuː ˈrɛmɪdi
ˈreɪtɪŋz 
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪ ˈiːkwəl ˈprəʊgræmɪŋ taɪm
ɔːlˈrɛdi ðə keɪs ɪˈsɛnʃəli
ˈiːkwəl praɪz ˈmʌni 
ˈkɒmpərəbl
əˈplaɪz fɔː 
ˈrɛgjʊləli ədˈvɑːnsɪz fɑː bɪˈjɒnd 
meɪl ˈkaʊntəpɑːts
ˈwɒrəntɪd 
æt liːst
ɪf nɒt mɔː
ˈbrɔːdkɑːst taɪm
ˈmændeɪtɪŋ 
ˈpɒlɪsi 
ˈɔːdiəns ɪgˈzɪsts 
strɒŋ ˈbæklæʃ 
ɪn fækt 
ˈhaɪndə 
ˈprəʊgrəs 
ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃən(ə)l ˈriːznz 
dɪsˈpærɪti 
ˈdɛdɪkeɪt 
kəˈrɛktɪd 
ɒn ə keɪs baɪ keɪs ˈbeɪsɪs
ˈvjuːəz 
dɪˈsaɪd 
dɪˈzɜːv ðə məʊst əˈtɛnʃ(ə)n
rɪˈgɑːdlɪs ɒv 
ˈʤɛndə

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:

It is c____________________e for most T________________s to f______s more on m_______________s r______________n women’s. In my opinion, this is a n___________________f the history of sports and there should be more e______________s d_____________n the sport i_______________n.

Men’s sports are more p_________r because they have d___________________r. I____________t, athletics was always the p________________n of men and women were r__________________o more d_________________s. M______________y understands this was d______________y but the r______t, h_____________________y among male sports, cannot be a______d. A____________________________e professional basketball where the m_________s, such as the N___A, f_____e some of the g____________s in the world, e______________________s, and c_________________________________s. Women’s basketball, while it has d___________________________y in the l____________________s, is not the same l______l of entertainment though this may change i________________s.

A______________________________________y, only the r_____s can j________y e________________________e. There are sports where this is a________________________y, such as tennis, where women receive e________________y and the ratings are c_____________e. In the United States, this also a_____________r international football tournaments, where the female team r_________________________d their m______________________s. In these examples, it is w___________d to give female athletics a__________t, i______________e, b_______________e. However, m___________g this p_______y for all sports before they are ready and the a__________________s is likely to produce a s_________________h and i_________t h_______r the p_________s of women’s sports.

In conclusion, there are i____________________s for the d_________y in the time television channels d________e to men’s and women’s sports and this should be c______________n a____________________s. V________s will d_______e themselves which sports d__________________________n, r________________f g________r.

Listening Practice

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

Reading Practice

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

https://theconversation.com/women-in-sport-are-winning-the-fight-for-equal-pay-slowly-167943

Speaking Practice

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

Sports and Games

  1. What is your favorite sport?
  2. What sport did you play when you were younger?
  3. Which sports do you enjoy watching on TV?
  4. What is most popular sport in your country?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Large companies use sports events to promote their products. Some people think this has a negative impact on sports.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?