This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of looking after family from the real IELTS exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Looking after Family
Some believe that younger family members should be legally responsible for supporting older family members when they become physically, mentally and financially unable to look after themselves.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
There have been recent proposals for laws that would require younger generations to look after older family members when they are no longer capable of doing so themselves. In my opinion, these laws are ethically responsible yet should not be enacted considering the many circumstances they fail to take into account.
Supporters argue elderly care is a basic responsibility. As parents age, there is a near absolute chance they will have some combination of physical, mental, or financial difficulties. Since most older people are unable to work full-time jobs, the duty of care naturally falls to either the state or their families. The government has other concerns and their care is impersonal, as in the case of a state-funded nursing home. Children, who have an obligation to their original care-givers, are in much better positions to provide loving support. This could include living with them, supplying money, or helping them with medical bills.
However, this discounts the many contexts in which this care may not be appropriate. Many parents do not want to be a burden to their children and would rather look after themselves later in life. Others may not have been there for their children, or even been abusive. Moreover, the help that children offer will likely hinder their own progress in life. If they are wealthy, this is not a major concern as they can hire someone to look after their parents and the financial support will not be a burden. However, most working class families will struggle to advance socially when slowed by a duty of care for elderly parents, especially if this includes expensive medical bills.
In conclusion, despite the moral justifications, there are simply too many situations where these laws would result in injustices and inconveniences. Individuals should be given the opportunity to look after themselves.
Analysis
1. There have been recent proposals for laws that would require younger generations to look after older family members when they are no longer capable of doing so themselves. 2. In my opinion, these laws are ethically responsible yet should not be enacted considering the many circumstances they fail to take into account.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Supporters argue elderly care is a basic responsibility. 2. As parents age, there is a near absolute chance they will have some combination of physical, mental, or financial difficulties. 3. Since most older people are unable to work full-time jobs, the duty of care naturally falls to either the state or their families. 4. The government has other concerns and their care is impersonal, as in the case of a state-funded nursing home. 5. Children, who have an obligation to their original care-givers, are in much better positions to provide loving support. 6. This could include living with them, supplying money, or helping them with medical bills.
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.
Conclude with more detail.
1. However, this discounts the many contexts in which this care may not be appropriate. 2. Many parents do not want to be a burden to their children and would rather look after themselves later in life. 3. Others may not have been there for their children, or even been abusive. 4. Moreover, the help that children offer will likely hinder their own progress in life. 5. If they are wealthy, this is not a major concern as they can hire someone to look after their parents and the financial support will not be a burden. 6. However, most working class families will struggle to advance socially when slowed by a duty of care for elderly parents, especially if this includes expensive medical bills.
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.
State the results as well.
1. In conclusion, despite the moral justifications, there are simply too many situations where these laws would result in injustices and inconveniences. 2. Individuals should be given the opportunity to look after themselves.
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 proposals for laws that would require younger generations to look after older family members when they are no longer capable of doing so themselves. In my opinion, these laws are ethically responsible yet should not be enacted considering the many circumstances they fail to take into account.
Supporters argue elderly care is a basic responsibility. As parents age, there is a near absolute chance they will have some combination of physical, mental, or financial difficulties. Since most older people are unable to work full-time jobs, the duty of care naturally falls to either the state or their families. The government has other concerns and their care is impersonal, as in the case of a state-funded nursing home. Children, who have an obligation to their original care-givers, are in much better positions to provide loving support. This could include living with them, supplying money, or helping them with medical bills.
However, this discounts the many contexts in which this care may not be appropriate. Many parents do not want to be a burden to their children and would rather look after themselves later in life. Others may not have been there for their children, or even been abusive. Moreover, the help that children offer will likely hinder their own progress in life. If they are wealthy, this is not a major concern as they can hire someone to look after their parents and the financial support will not be a burden. However, most working class families will struggle to advance socially when slowed by a duty of care for elderly parents, especially if this includes expensive medical bills.
In conclusion, despite the moral justifications, there are simply too many situations where these laws would result in injustices and inconveniences. Individuals should be given the opportunity to look after themselves.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
recent proposals new calls for
require younger generations necessitate children and young adults
older family members elderly parents
no longer capable of doing so themselves can’t take care of themselves on their own
ethically responsible moral duty
enacted put in place
considering given
circumstances situations
fail to take into account don’t consider
supporters argue those in favor say
basic responsibility fundamental duty
near absolute chance almost 100% will happen
combination all together
physical related to the body
mental related to the mind
financial difficulties money trouble
unable can’t
work full-time jobs 40 hour workweeks
duty of care responsibility to look after
naturally falls to of course goes to
the state government
concerns relates to
impersonal unemotional
as in the case of such as when
state-funded nursing home retirement homes
obligation duty
original care-givers parents
in much better positions in improved situations
provide loving support take care of in a kind way
could include might require
supplying giving
medical bills hospital costs
discounts doesn’t consider
contexts situations
appropriate right
burden difficulty
look after themselves later in life take care as they get older
been there around
abusive hurt, neglected
hinder held back
progress moving forward
wealthy have lots of money
major concern big worry
hire give a job
financial support money
burden something that holds you back
working class families middle-class families
struggle have a tough time
advance socially get ahead in life
slowed held back
duty of care responsibility to look after
especially if in particular in the case of
expensive medical bills costly hospital expenses
moral justifications ethical reasons
injustices and inconveniences unfairness and not really convenient
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 laws that would r__________________________s to look after o___________________________s when they are n__________________________________________s. In my opinion, these laws are e______________________e yet should not be e__________d c______________g the many c_____________s they f______________________t.
S__________________e elderly care is a b_____________________y. As parents age, there is a n______________________e they will have some c____________n of p________l, m_________l, or f______________s. Since most older people are u______e to w__________________________s, the d_______________e n_________________o either t__________e or their families. The government has other c___________s and their care is i____________l, a________________f a s___________________________e. Children, who have an o_____________n to their o_________________s, are i__________________________s to p______________________t. This c_____________e living with them, s____________g money, or helping them with m____________s.
However, this d__________s the many c_____________s in which this care may not be a__________e. Many parents do not want to be a b_______n to their children and would rather l____________________________e. Others may not have b___________e for their children, or even been a________e. Moreover, the help that children offer will likely h_______r their own p__________s in life. If they are w_________y, this is not a m___________n as they can h____e someone to look after their parents and the f_____________t will not be a b_______n. However, most w________________s will s_________e to a_________________y when s________d by a d___________e for elderly parents, e______________f this includes e___________________s.
In conclusion, despite the m__________________s, there are simply too many situations where these laws would result in i____________s and i__________________s. Individuals should be g____________________y to look after themselves.
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 2 sample answer essay on the topic of increased contact between countries due to flight and better telecommunications from a real exam.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of how much high school students should be allowed to question and criticize their teachers from a real IELTS recent exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: High School Students
Many people argue that in order to improve educational quality, high school students should be encouraged to question and offer criticisms on their teachers. Others think this will lead to a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Some today contend that high school students should have greater latitude to critique and question their teachers, despite the risks this presents for classroom management. I am strongly in agreement as this enables the ideal classroom environment.
Critics of this shift in mentality point out that the teacher position requires respect. A teacher who is consistently being interrupted by students will not be able to lecture and assign and mark homework well. Many students might exploit a rule that encourages questions in order to intentionally derail lessons and undermine the teacher. There is also the possibility that the negative attitude of some students will create general unrest that is not conducive to learning. However, I would argue that the appearance of respect, when in reality most students question their teachers in private, holds little actual value beyond preserving unwarranted pride.
Moreover, the free discussion of ideas is essential to the best learning. Students who are sitting quietly and feigning interest in class are likely to become less motivated. On the other hand, if a class is studying a work of literature or an event in history, students will engage more fully in lessons given the opportunity to ask questions. By asking questions, even if these queries are loosely defined as criticisms of what is being taught, they will suddenly have a reason to learn and the lesson will become more memorable for all students. The questions might also lead the class to novel insights as long as the teacher is confident enough to embark on collaborative explorations.
In conclusion, although certain educational institutions fear that questions may undermine teachers, they in fact are the foundation of a positive learning environment. Schools should embrace academic rigor in all its forms.
Analysis
1. Some today contend that high school students should have greater latitude to critique and question their teachers, despite the risks this presents for classroom management. 2. I am strongly in agreement as this enables the ideal classroom environment.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Critics of this shift in mentality point out that the teacher position requires respect. 2. A teacher who is consistently being interrupted by students will not be able to lecture and assign and mark homework well. 3. Many students might exploit a rule that encourages questions in order to intentionally derail lessons and undermine the teacher. 4. There is also the possibility that the negative attitude of some students will create general unrest that is not conducive to learning. 5. However, I would argue that the appearance of respect, when in reality most students question their teachers in private, holds little actual value beyond preserving unwarranted pride.
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.
The more development, the better.
1. Moreover, the free discussion of ideas is essential to the best learning. 2. Students who are sitting quietly and feigning interest in class are likely to become less motivated. 3. On the other hand, if a class is studying a work of literature or an event in history, students will engage more fully in lessons given the opportunity to ask questions. 4. By asking questions, even if these queries are loosely defined as criticisms of what is being taught, they will suddenly have a reason to learn and the lesson will become more memorable for all students. 5. The questions might also lead the class to novel insights as long as the teacher is confident enough to embark on collaborative explorations.
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.
This argument should be stronger than the last paragraph.
1. In conclusion, although certain educational institutions fear that questions may undermine teachers, they in fact are the foundation of a positive learning environment. 2. Schools should embrace academic rigor in all its forms.
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 today contend that high school students should have greater latitude tocritique and question their teachers, despite the risks this presents for classroom management. I am strongly in agreement as this enables the ideal classroom environment.
Critics of this shift in mentality point out that the teacher position requires respect. A teacher who is consistently being interrupted by students will not be able to lecture and assign and mark homework well. Many students might exploit a rule that encourages questions in order tointentionally derail lessons and undermine the teacher. There is also the possibility that the negative attitude of some students will create general unrest that is not conducive to learning. However, I would argue that the appearance of respect, when in reality most students question their teachers in private, holds little actual value beyond preserving unwarranted pride.
Moreover, the free discussion of ideas is essential to the best learning. Students who are sitting quietly and feigning interest in class are likely to become less motivated. On the other hand, if a class is studying a work ofliterature or an event in history, students will engage more fully in lessons given the opportunity to ask questions. By asking questions, even if these queries are loosely defined as criticisms of what is being taught, they will suddenly have a reason to learn and the lesson will become more memorable for all students. The questions might also lead the class to novel insightsas long as the teacher is confident enough to embark oncollaborative explorations.
In conclusion, although certain educational institutions fear that questions may undermine teachers, they in fact are the foundation of a positive learning environment. Schools should embrace academic rigor in all its forms.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
contend argue
high school students those 14 – 18 years old
greater latitude to more freedom to
critique question, criticize
question ask about
despite regardless of
risks threats
presents creates
classroom management how the class is held under control
strongly in agreement agree totally
enables allows for
ideal classroom environment good environment for learning
critics those who are against this
shift in mentality change in thinking
point out argue
position job
respect thinking highly of someone
consistently all the time
interrupted by distracted by
lecture talk to students
assign give work
mark grade
exploit take advantage of
encourages gives energy to
in order to so that
intentionally derail on purpose distract
undermine be rude to
possibility chance
negative attitude bad mentality
create general unrest cause unhappiness and protest
not conducive not good for
appearance semblance of
in reality in the real world, actually
in private not publicly
holds little actual value beyond preserving unwarranted pride not important except to make people feel an undeserved sense of confidence
free discussion talking about openly
essential crucial
quietly not loudly
feigning interest pretending to care about
motivated encouraged
on the other hand however
work ofliterature novel
event in history thing that happened in the past
engage more fully pay more attention
given the opportunity to with the chance to
loosely defined not clearly grouped
criticisms critiques, saying bad things about
suddenly all at once
memorable easy to remember
lead guide
novel insights new ideas
as long as so far as
confident enough self-assured enough
embark on go on
collaborative explorations working together to learn about
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Some today c__________d that h________________s should have g___________________oc_______e and q________n their teachers, d________e the r_____s this p_________s for c____________________t. I am s___________________t as this e_________s the i_______________________________t.
C_______s of this s____________________y p__________t that the teacher p________n requires r_________t. A teacher who is c_______________y being i_____________y students will not be able to l___________e and a__________n and m___k homework well. Many students might e_________t a rule that e_________s questions i______________oi____________________l lessons and u_____________e the teacher. There is also the p___________y that the n_____________e of some students will c___________________________t that is n______________e to learning. However, I would argue that the a_____________e of respect, when i___________y most students question their teachers i_________e, h____________________________________________________________e.
Moreover, the f________________n of ideas is e____________l to the best learning. Students who are sitting q________y and f_______________________t in class are likely to become less m____________d. O________________d, if a class is studying a w___________________________e or an e__________________y, students will e____________________y in lessons g_________________________________o ask questions. By asking questions, even if these queries are l__________________d as c_________________s of what is being taught, they will s___________y have a reason to learn and the lesson will become more m____________e for all students. The questions might also l_____d the class to n__________________sa_____________s the teacher is c_________________h to e________________nc_______________________________s.
In conclusion, although certain e_________________________s fear that questions may u____________e teachers, they in fact are the f_____________n of a p______________________t. Schools should e______________________r i______________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from YouTube and practice with these activities:
Practice with the related chart below and then check with my sample answer:
Some people say that at all levels of education, from primary school to university, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether people should travel or work during a gap year from a real IELTS recent exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Work or Travel during a Gap Year?
Some people believe that students should acquire working experience during their gap year instead of traveling.
Do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Some feel that if a student decides to take a gap-year it is better to work than to travel. I am generally in agreement with this proposition as it will better prepare individuals to choose a university major.
Those who argue in favor of travel contend that after school, individuals may be too busy to travel for an extended period. Graduates must typically either begin applying for graduate school or for positions in the workforce. Once a person has a job, they will then only have limited time for holidays, most of which they are likely to spend with family. This is why many high school graduates take advantage of the freedom before university to explore exotic destinations that require long flights like countries in Southeast Asia and South America.
However, there is immense value in work experience that can inform one’s future career choices. Most students are ill-equipped to make a career choice at the age of 18 and this is reflected in the number of graduates who switch jobs and never establish a career in their field of study. By working for a year, not only will students have a firmer understanding of the challenges of the typical workweek, but they might also gain perspective as to what kind of work they enjoy. For instance, a prospective film student who interns at a film studio may decide that they would prefer to work in a less stressful environment and subsequently change majors.
In conclusion, despite the singular opportunity to travel that a gap-year provides, it is more important to work and learn one’s career inclinations. There could naturally also be some balance between work and travel.
Analysis
1. Some feel that if a student decides to take a gap-year it is better to work than to travel. 2. I am generally in agreement with this proposition as it will better prepare individuals to choose a university major.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue in favor of travel contend that after school, individuals may be too busy to travel for an extended period. 2. Graduates must typically either begin applying for graduate school or for positions in the workforce. 3. Once a person has a job, they will then only have limited time for holidays, most of which they are likely to spend with family. 4. This is why many high school graduates take advantage of the freedom before university to explore exotic destinations that require long flights like countries in Southeast Asia and South America.
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.
1. However, there is immense value in work experience that can inform one’s future career choices. 2. Most students are ill-equipped to make a career choice at the age of 18 and this is reflected in the number of graduates who switch jobs and never establish a career in their field of study. 3. By working for a year, not only will students have a firmer understanding of the challenges of the typical workweek, but they might also gain perspective as to what kind of work they enjoy. 4. For instance, a prospective film student who interns at a film studio may decide that they would prefer to work in a less stressful environment and subsequently change majors.
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.
1. In conclusion, despite the singular opportunity to travel that a gap-year provides, it is more important to work and learn one’s career inclinations. 2. There could naturally also be some balance between work and travel.
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 feel that if a student decides to take a gap-year it is better to work than to travel. I am generally in agreement with this proposition as it will better prepare individuals to choose a university major.
Those who argue in favor of travel contend that after school, individuals may be too busy to travel for an extended period. Graduates must typically either begin applying for graduate school or for positions in the workforce. Once a person has a job, they will then only have limited time for holidays, most of which they are likely to spend with family. This is why many high school graduatestake advantage of the freedom before university to explore exotic destinations that require long flights like countries in Southeast Asia and South America.
However, there is immense value in work experience that can inform one’s future career choices. Most students are ill-equipped to make a career choice at the age of 18 and this is reflected in the number of graduates who switch jobs and never establish a career in their field of study. By working for a year, not only will students have a firmer understanding of the challenges of the typical workweek, but they might also gain perspective as to what kind of work they enjoy. For instance, a prospective film student who interns at a film studio may decide that they would prefer to work in a less stressful environment and subsequently change majors.
In conclusion, despite the singular opportunity to travel that a gap-year provides, it is more important to work and learn one’s career inclinations. There could naturally also be some balance between work and travel.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
decides chooses
take a gap-year a year off before university
I am generally in agreement with this proposition overall i think the same
better prepare have better preparations, be ready
university major what you study in university
those who argue in favor of supporters
contend argue
extended period long time
graduates people done with school
typically usually
applying for trying to get a job at
graduate school after the first 4 years at uni
positions jobs
workforce people who work
limited time not much time
most of which the majority of these
high school graduates those 18 years old
take advantageof exploit
freedom ability to do what you want
explore exotic destinations go to far away places
require long flights have to fly a long time to get there
immense value lots of importance
work experience having a job
inform help one to decide
future career choices what you do for work later
ill-equipped not prepared
reflected in evidenced by
switch jobs go to a new position
establish a career have a long-term job
field of study what you major in
firmer understanding better knowledge of
challenges difficulties
typical workweek normal working hours
gain perspective see the whole picture
prospective film student someone who will study about movies
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Some feel that if a student d_______s to t__________________r it is better to work than to travel. I____________________________________n as it will b________________e individuals to choose a u______________r.
T__________________________f travel c_________d that after school, individuals may be too busy to travel for an e________________d. G__________s must t__________y either begin a_______________r g________________l or for p____________s in the w_______________e. Once a person has a job, they will then only have l______________e for holidays, m________________h they are likely to spend with family. This is why many h______________________st___________________e of the f________m before university to e_____________________________s that r_____________________s like countries in Southeast Asia and South America.
However, there is i______________________e in w____________________e that can i___________m one’s f__________________s. Most students are i___________________d to make a career choice at the age of 18 and this is r_____________n the number of graduates who s_______________s and never e____________________r in their f_______________y. By working for a year, not only will students have a f_______________________g of the c_____________s of the t__________________k, but they might also g____________________e as to what kind of work they enjoy. For instance, a p________________________t who i__________s at a film s_______o may decide that they would prefer to work in a l________________________t and s________________y change m_______s.
In conclusion, despite the s________________________y to travel that a gap-year p____________s, it is more important to work and learn one’s career i_____________s. There could n_____________y also be some b__________e between work and travel.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from YouTube and practice with these activities:
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