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.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
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.
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.
Vary long and short senteces.
More detail is better.
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.
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, 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.
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.
Certain governments are now incentivizing moving to rural areasdue 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
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____________sd________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:
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.
Paraphrase what the table shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
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).
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
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.
Write about the final, other parts of the graph – include everything!
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 thatfigures 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 thatfigures overall
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____________________________________________________tf__________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:
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.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
It is common practice for most TVnetworks to focus more on men’s athleticsrather than women’s. In my opinion, this is a natural byproduct of the history of sports and there should be more equal emphasisdepending on the sport in question.
Men’s sports are more popular because they have developedfurther. In the past, athletics was always the primarydomain of men and women were relegatedto 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 correctedon 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
TVnetworks 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
developedfurther more advanced
in the past years before
primarydomain usually just for
relegatedto 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
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_______________sr______________n women’s. In my opinion, this is a n___________________f the history of sports and there should be more e______________sd_____________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:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of good citizens, school, and individuals from the real exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Good Citizens
Some people think the main purpose of school is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many are of the opinion that the primary role of schools is to create good citizens, instead of simply working towards individual betterment. In my opinion, schools should aim to elevate the individual, not impose conformity.
Those is favor of this statement argue the value of a well-functioning society. As the world develops and there are advances in medicine, safety, working conditions, and so on it is easy to forget that this level of comfort requires sacrifices for the common good. Individuals must work at companies to stimulate the economy and the public must have a basic sense of community in order to live peaceably with one’s neighbors. School is where this education can begin. Teachers can explicitly and implicitly guide students to socially beneficial behaviors and educate them well enough to establish a viable future career.
However, I would argue that focusing on the individual will accomplish the goals detailed above but also be mentally healthier. Students who are taught to share, work well in teams, and develop their talents will contribute to society as a byproduct of pursuing their own seemingly selfish interests. Moreover, there may be times when the focus on society will come at the cost of the mental health of individuals. For instance, students who are taught to withhold their personal viewpoints in school, as is common in many authoritarian nations, may harbor resentment and not feel they can fully express themselves in a free environment. Psychological research has shown that the key to healthy growth is feeling safe to express oneself without fear of reprisals and repercussions.
In conclusion, although there is a valid argument in favor of social stability, schools should aim to produce healthy, industrious individuals. Naturally, these goals are not mutually exclusive and the overlap should be emphasized.
Analysis
1. Many are of the opinion that the primary role of schools is to create good citizens, instead of simply working towards individual betterment. 2. In my opinion, schools should aim to elevate the individual, not impose conformity.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those is favor of this statement argue the value of a well-functioning society. 2. As the world develops and there are advances in medicine, safety, working conditions, and so on it is easy to forget that this level of comfort requires sacrifices for the common good. 3. Individuals must work at companies to stimulate the economy and the public must have a basic sense of community in order to live peaceably with one’s neighbors. 4. School is where this education can begin. 5. Teachers can explicitly and implicitly guide students to socially beneficial behaviors and educate them well enough to establish a viable future career.
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.
Vary long and short sentences.
1. However, I would argue that focusing on the individual will accomplish the goals detailed above but also be mentally healthier. 2. Students who are taught to share, work well in teams, and develop their talents will contribute to society as a byproduct of pursuing their own seemingly selfish interests. 3. Moreover, there may be times when the focus on society will come at the cost of the mental health of individuals. 4. For instance, students who are taught to withhold their personal viewpoints in school, as is common in many authoritarian nations, may harbor resentment and not feel they can fully express themselves in a free environment. 5. Psychological research has shown that the key to healthy growth is feeling safe to express oneself without fear of reprisals and repercussions.
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 is a valid argument in favor of social stability, schools should aim to produce healthy, industrious individuals. 2. Naturally, these goals are not mutually exclusive and the overlap should be emphasized.
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 are of the opinion that the primary role of schools is to create good citizens, instead of simply working towardsindividual betterment. In my opinion, schools should aim to elevate the individual, not impose conformity.
Those is favor of this statement argue the value of a well-functioning society. As the world develops and there are advancesin medicine, safety, working conditions, and so on it is easy to forget that this level of comfort requires sacrifices for the common good. Individuals must work at companies to stimulate the economy and the public must have a basic sense of community in order to live peaceably with one’s neighbors. School is where this education can begin. Teachers can explicitly and implicitly guide students to socially beneficial behaviors and educate them well enough to establish a viable future career.
However, I would argue that focusing on the individual will accomplish the goalsdetailed above but also be mentally healthier. Students who are taught to share, work well in teams, and develop their talents will contribute to society as a byproduct of pursuing their own seemingly selfish interests. Moreover, there may be times when the focus on society will come at the cost of the mental health of individuals. For instance, students who are taught to withhold their personal viewpoints in school, as is common in many authoritarian nations, may harbor resentment and not feel they can fully express themselves in a free environment. Psychological research has shown that the key to healthy growth is feeling safe to express oneself without fear of reprisals and repercussions.
In conclusion, although there is a valid argument in favor of social stability, schools should aim to produce healthy, industrious individuals. Naturally, these goals are not mutually exclusive and the overlap should be emphasized.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
Many are of the opinion that some think
primary role main responsibility
good citizens productive members of society
instead of rather than
working towardsindividual betterment making one’s own life better
aim goal
elevate raise
individual one person
impose conformity make everyone the same, fit in
Those is favor of this statement argue supporters say
value importance
well-functioning society healthy public
advancesin developments in
medicine hospitals and doctors, etc.
working conditions labor and how safe it is to work
easy to forget many don’t remember
level of comfort how convenient it is
requires needs
sacrifices having to give up on
common good for the good of all
stimulate the economy help people make money
basic sense of community fundamental feeling of togetherness
in order to so that
peaceably in a peaceful way
explicitly overtly
implicitly guide not overtly show
socially beneficial behaviors good for all
establish create
viable future career good future profession
however yet
focusing emphasizing
accomplish finish
goalsdetailed above aims mentioned before
mentally healthier not stressed, feeling good
talents abilities
contribute add to
byproduct result of
pursuing following
seemingly selfish interests appears to be just for them
focus on care about
come at the cost of at the expense of
withhold keep back
personal viewpoints individual opinions
as is common in like where this happens a lot
authoritarian nations countries with strong governments
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:
M__________________________t the p_____________e of schools is to create g________________s, i_____________f simply wo____________________________________t. In my opinion, schools should a___m to e_________e the i____________l, not i_____________y.
T_____________________________e the v_______e of a w____________________y. As the world develops and there are a________________________e, safety, w______________________s, and so on it is e_________________t that this l________________t r______________________s for the c__________________d. Individuals must work at companies to s________________y and the public must have a b_____________f c____________y i__________o live p________y with one’s neighbors. School is where this education can begin. Teachers can e___________y and i___________y g______e students to s______________________s and educate them well enough to e___________h a v___________________r.
H________r, I would argue that f_______g on the individual will a__________h the g________________e but also be m_________________r. Students who are taught to share, work well in teams, and develop their t_______s will c___________e to society as a b_____________t of p____________g their own s_________________________s. Moreover, there may be times when the f__________n society will c________________f the mental health of individuals. For instance, students who are taught to w____________d their p___________________s in school, a_________________n many a____________________s, may h_________________t and not feel they can f_______________s themselves in a f________________t. P____________________h has shown that the k___y to healthy growth is f______________________________f w_______________f r___________________________s.
In conclusion, although there is a v_________________t i________________f s___________________y, schools should aim to produce healthy, i_____________s individuals. N____________y, these goals are n____________________e and the o________p should be e_____________d.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from YouTube below and practice with these activities:
Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:
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.
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