This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of family meals from the real IELTS recent exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Family Meals
Today family members eat fewer meals together.
Why is this?
Is this a positive or negative trend?
In recent years, it has become less common for families to eat meals together. In my opinion, this is related to developments outside the home and is a positive trend overall.
There is now a great variety of public activities. In the past, families traditionally ate dinner together because it was rare to go out to restaurants and events. Today, individuals can eat at cheap or expensive restaurants, attend concerts, go to public parks, and meet a wider circle of acquaintances due to the rise of social media. For instance, it is common to notice an event while scrolling through social media, such as a gallery opening or a sports match, and make plans with friends quickly through a group chat. The prevalence and accessibility of such events explains why family meals are now uncommon.
This phenomenon is negative for families but positive for society overall. Reduced time with one’s family can lead to psychological problems as a person must feel loved by family members to maximize healthy growth. One method of achieving this unconditional sense of security is through family meals. However, there are other ways for a family to be close and the opening up of society beyond the household is a massive boon for individuals. People who were stuck at home and bored now have a variety of entertainment options and live overall more fulfilling and richer lives. For example, a person who often goes to concerts will likely make friends from various backgrounds and form lasting memories with them.
In conclusion, family meals are less common because of developments in society generally and it is positive on the whole given the freedom the average person now possesses. Nonetheless, it is still important to balance time with family and friends.
Analysis
1. In recent years, it has become less common for families to eat meals together. 2. In my opinion, this is related to developments outside the home and is a positive trend overall.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. There is now a great variety of public activities. 2. In the past, families traditionally ate dinner together because it was rare to go out to restaurants and events. 3. Today, individuals can eat at cheap or expensive restaurants, attend concerts, go to public parks, and meet a wider circle of acquaintances due to the rise of social media. 4. For instance, it is common to notice an event while scrolling through social media, such as a gallery opening or a sports match, and make plans with friends quickly through a group chat. 5. The prevalence and accessibility of such events explains why family meals are now uncommon.
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. This phenomenon is negative for families but positive for society overall. 2. Reduced time with one’s family can lead to psychological problems as a person must feel loved by family members to maximize healthy growth. 3. One method of achieving this unconditional sense of security is through family meals. 4. However, there are other ways for a family to be close and the opening up of society beyond the household is a massive boon for individuals. 5. People who were stuck at home and bored now have a variety of entertainment options and live overall more fulfilling and richer lives. 6. For example, a person who often goes to concerts will likely make friends from various backgrounds and form lasting memories with them.
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, family meals are less common because of developments in society generally and it is positive on the whole given the freedom the average person now possesses. 2. Nonetheless, it is still important to balance time with family and friends.
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.
In recent years, it has become less common for families to eat meals together. In my opinion, this is related to developments outside the home and is a positive trend overall.
There is now a great variety of public activities. In the past, families traditionally ate dinner together because it was rare to go out to restaurants and events. Today, individuals can eat at cheap or expensive restaurants, attend concerts, go to public parks, and meet a wider circle of acquaintancesdue to the rise of social media. For instance, it is common to notice an event while scrolling through social media, such as a gallery opening or a sports match, and make plans with friends quickly through a group chat. The prevalence and accessibility of such events explains why family meals are now uncommon.
This phenomenon is negative for families but positive for society overall. Reduced time with one’s family can lead to psychological problems as a person must feel loved by family members to maximize healthy growth. One method of achieving this unconditional sense of security is through family meals. However, there are other ways for a family to be close and the opening up of society beyond the household is a massive boon for individuals. People who were stuck at home and bored now have a variety of entertainment options and live overall more fulfilling and richer lives. For example, a person who often goes to concerts will likely make friends from various backgrounds and form lasting memories with them.
In conclusion, family meals are less common because of developments in society generally and it is positive on the whole given the freedom the average person now possesses. Nonetheless, it is still important to balance time with family and friends.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
in recent years nowadays
less common not happening as much
eat meals together share food as a family
related to concerning
developments outside the home changes in society
positive trend overall good in general
great variety lots of different
public activities in society, outside
in the past formerly
traditionally normally
dinner meal late at night
rare not common
restaurants places to eat
events things to do outside
cheap not expensive
expensive costly
attend concerts go to listen to music
public parks places to hang out in public
meet a wider circle of acquaintances make more friends
due to because of
rise increase
common happens a lot
notice see
scrolling through social media looking through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
gallery opening art exhibition starting
sports match games
make plans decide to
group chat people talking together online
prevalence how common it is
accessibility can be accessed
explains shows
uncommon not common
phenomenon development
reduced decreased
lead to psychological problems cause mental issues
maximize healthy growth allow for better development
method way
achieving accomplishing
unconditional sense of security no strings attached feeling of love
close near to
opening up becoming more possible
beyond the household outside the home
massive boon big benefit
stuck can’t move from
more fulfilling and richer lives better quality of life
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:
I___________________s, it has become l___________________n for families to e__________________________r. In my opinion, this is r_______________o d___________________________________e and is a p__________________l.
There is now a g____________y of p______________s. I______________t, families t_______________y ate d_______r together because it was r____e to go out to r_____________s and e_______s. Today, individuals can eat at c______p or e_________e restaurants, a_______________s, go to p______________s, and m_____________________________________sd________o the r____e of social media. For instance, it is c_________n to n_________e an event while s__________________________a, such as a g_________________g or a s______________h, and m_________s with friends quickly through a g_____________t. The p____________e and a____________y of such events e__________s why family meals are now u____________n.
This p____________n is negative for families but positive for society overall. R_________d time with one’s family can l___________o p_____________________________s as a person must feel loved by family members to m________________________h. One m________d of a___________g this u________________________________y is through family meals. However, there are other ways for a family to be c______e and the o__________p of society b_____________________d is a m_______________n for individuals. People who were s______k at home and bored now have a variety of entertainment options and live overall m_________________________s. For example, a person who often goes to concerts will likely make friends from v_________________________s and f________________________s with them.
In conclusion, family meals are less common because of developments in society generally and it is positive o______________e g______n the f_________m the average person now p_____________s. N______________s, it is still important to b_______e time with family and friends.
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 hot and cold climates from the real IELTS recent general training exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Hot and Cold Climates
Some people prefer activities and lifestyles in hot climates while others prefer living in cold climates.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Many people enjoy living in hotter climates while others are more inclined to a cold weather lifestyle. In my opinion, although the latter can engender greater productivity, it is better to live in a warm climate for the mental and physical health benefits.
Those with an inclination towards cold weather argue it is a catalyst for work. Individuals living in colder places typically spend more time indoors and less time socializing or being active outside. This naturally gives them the opportunity to get more work or study done. The best evidence for this is the achievements made in nations with colder average temperatures. The countries in Northern Europe, for instance, typically have higher per capita earning figures and make more significant contributions in terms of innovations and economic production. One explanation for this is that a person living in a harsh climate is simply less likely to be distracted by activities outside the home.
I would argue, however, that warm weather encourages a more physically active and cheerful disposition. The goal of life is not simply to be productive but also enjoy one’s life. Returning to the European example, although the more northern countries have stronger economies, the southern locations report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. This is because individuals can go outside and play sports, visit beaches, and socialize more frequently. The benefits for physical health also extend to mental health. People in warmer climates, such as those from Southern California, are generally more upbeat, positive, and outgoing. Leading an active, enjoyable life is more important than being in the optimal situation to maximize productivity.
In conclusion, despite the advantages of cold weather for individual productivity, the best lifestyles are generally enjoyed in warmer climates. All other factors being equal, residents should seek to live and raise a family in hotter locales.
Analysis
1. Many people enjoy living in hotter climates while others are more inclined to a cold weather lifestyle. 2. In my opinion, although the latter can engender greater productivity, it is better to live in a warm climate for the mental and physical health benefits.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those with an inclination towards cold weather argue it is a catalyst for work. 2. Individuals living in colder places typically spend more time indoors and less time socializing or being active outside. 3. This naturally gives them the opportunity to get more work or study done. 4. The best evidence for this is the achievements made in nations with colder average temperatures. 5. The countries in Northern Europe, for instance, typically have higher per capita earning figures and make more significant contributions in terms of innovations and economic production. 6. One explanation for this is that a person living in a harsh climate is simply less likely to be distracted by activities outside the home.
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.
Keep adding more detail.
1. I would argue, however, that warm weather encourages a more physically active and cheerful disposition. 2. The goal of life is not simply to be productive but also enjoy one’s life. 3. Returning to the European example, although the more northern countries have stronger economies, the southern locations report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. 4. This is because individuals can go outside and play sports, visit beaches, and socialize more frequently. 5. The benefits for physical health also extend to mental health. 6. People in warmer climates, such as those from Southern California, are generally more upbeat, positive, and outgoing. 7. Leading an active, enjoyable life is more important than being in the optimal situation to maximize productivity.
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.
Try not to write this many sentences…
1. In conclusion, despite the advantages of cold weather for individual productivity, the best lifestyles are generally enjoyed in warmer climates. 2. All other factors being equal, residents should seek to live and raise a family in hotter locales.
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 people enjoy living in hotter climates while others are more inclined to a cold weather lifestyle. In my opinion, although the latter can engender greater productivity, it is better to live in a warm climate for the mental and physical health benefits.
Those with an inclination towards cold weather argue it is a catalyst for work. Individuals living in colder places typically spend more time indoors and less time socializing or being active outside. This naturally gives them the opportunity to get more work or study done. The best evidence for this is the achievements made in nations with colder average temperatures. The countries in Northern Europe, for instance, typically have higher per capita earning figures and make more significant contributionsin terms of innovations and economicproduction. One explanation for this is that a person living in a harsh climate is simply less likely to be distracted by activities outside the home.
I would argue, however, that warm weather encourages a more physically active and cheerful disposition. The goal of life is not simply to be productive but also enjoy one’s life. Returning to the European example, although the more northern countries have stronger economies, the southern locations report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. This is because individuals can go outside and play sports, visit beaches, and socialize more frequently. The benefits for physical health also extend to mental health. People in warmer climates, such as those from Southern California, are generally more upbeat, positive, and outgoing. Leading an active, enjoyable life is more important than being in the optimal situation to maximize productivity.
In conclusion, despite the advantages of cold weather for individual productivity, the best lifestyles are generally enjoyed in warmer climates. All other factors being equal, residents should seek to live and raise a family in hotter locales.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
hotter climates countries where it is warm
inclined like to
lifestyle how you live, shopping, sports, travel, work, etc.
the latter mentioned last
engender greater productivity make people get more work done
warm almost hot
mental related to the mind
physical health benefits good for the body
inclination towards preference for
argue claim
catalyst reason it happens
indoors inside
socializing talking to others
active not passive
naturally of course
opportunity chance
The best evidence for this is the strongest support comes from
achievements accomplishments
colder average temperatures not as hot throughout the year
typically usually
higher per capita earning figures make more money per person
make more significant contributions do a lot more
in terms of concerning
innovations new ideas
economicproduction GDP
explanation reason
harsh climate cold, bad weather
distracted by not focused on
encourages engenders
cheerful disposition happy personality
Returning to the European example going back to the instance from the last paragraph
report higher levels say they are more
satisfaction contentment
extend to include
upbeat happy
positive friendly
outgoing not introverted
leading having
optimal situation best context
maximize productivity make most efficient
despite regardless of
generally enjoyed overall liked
All other factors being equal everything else the same
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many people enjoy living in h________________s while others are more i_________d to a cold weather l________e. In my opinion, although t__________r can e_______________________________y, it is better to live in a w_____m climate for the m_________l and p________________________s.
Those with an i______________________s cold weather a______e it is a c__________t for work. Individuals living in colder places typically spend more time i________s and less time s_________g or being a______e outside. This n______y gives them the o________________y to get more work or study done. T__________________________s the a_________________s made in nations with c________________________s. The countries in Northern Europe, for instance, t___________y have h_______________________________s and m________________________________si_______________f i______________s and e_____________________n. One e_______________n for this is that a person living in a h_____________e is simply less likely to be d______________y activities outside the home.
I would argue, however, that warm weather e_____________s a more physically active and c___________________n. The goal of life is not simply to be productive but also enjoy one’s life. R______________________________e, although the more northern countries have stronger economies, the southern locations r____________________s of happiness and s_____________n. This is because individuals can go outside and play sports, visit beaches, and socialize more frequently. The benefits for physical health also e_________o mental health. People in warmer climates, such as those from Southern California, are generally more u________t, p_________e, and o___________g. L_________g an active, enjoyable life is more important than being in the o_________________n to m____________________y.
In conclusion, d__________e the advantages of cold weather for individual productivity, the best lifestyles are g__________________d in warmer climates. A____________________________________l, r___________s should seek to live and raise a family in hotter l________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
The bar chart details coffee production in four countries from 1990 to 2010. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that production rose in all countries except for Colombia. Brazil produced by far the most coffee throughout the period with the other three countries finishing with comparable totals.
In 1990, Brazil narrowly produced the most coffee at .9 million tonnes. This figure increased steadily and reached 1.9 million tons by 2010, more than four times higher than the next largest producer. In contrast, production in Colombia began the period at .6 million tonnes and fell consistently throughout the period to be even with Vietnam for the lowest total of just over .3 million tonnes by 2010.
Vietnam increased from the smallest exporter at .1 million tonnes in 1990 and 1995 to equal Colombia 20 years later. The final nation, Indonesia, underwent a steady climb from .2 million tonnes to double this figure (.4 million) to end the time surveyed.
Analysis
1. The bar chart details coffee production in four countries from 1990 to 2010. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that production rose in all countries except for Colombia. 3. Brazil produced by far the most coffee throughout the period with the other three countries finishing with comparable totals.
Paraphrase what the bar chart shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
You might need another sentence for your overview.
1. In 1990, Brazil narrowly produced the most coffee at .9 million tonnes. 2. This figure increased steadily and reached 1.9 million tons by 2010, more than four times higher than the next largest producer. 3. In contrast, production in Colombia began the period at .6 million tonnes and fell consistently throughout the period to be even with Vietnam for the lowest total of just over .3 million tonnes by 2010.
Begin writing about the data for the first categories.
Make sure you compare as much as possible.
Vary long and short sentences.
1. Vietnam increased from the smallest exporter at .1 million tonnes in 1990 and 1995 to equal Colombia 20 years later. 2. The final nation, Indonesia, underwent a steady climb from .2 million tonnes to double this figure (.4 million) to end the time surveyed.
Write about the final other parts of the graph – include everything!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The bar chart details coffee production in four countries from 1990 to 2010. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that production rose in all countries except for Colombia. Brazil produced by far the most coffee throughout the period with the other three countries finishing with comparable totals.
In 1990, Brazil narrowly produced the most coffee at .9 million tonnes. This figure increased steadily and reached 1.9 million tons by 2010, more than four times higher than the next largest producer. In contrast, production in Colombia began the period at .6 million tonnes and fell consistently throughout the period to be even with Vietnam for the lowest total of just over .3 million tonnes by 2010.
Vietnam increased from the smallest exporter at .1 million tonnes in 1990 and 1995 to equal Colombia 20 years later. The final nation, Indonesia, underwent a steady climb from .2 million tonnes to double this figure (.4 million) to end the time surveyed.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details shows
coffee production coffee being made
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
rose increased
except for with the exeption of, true for every category but not
by far a lot more
throughout the whole time
period time
finishing ending
comparable similar
totals overall figures
narrowly slightly
tonnes thousands of pounds
steadily consistently
reached got to
four times higher 4x more
next largest producer next most production coming from
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The bar chart d_______s c___________________n in four countries from 1990 to 2010. L_______________________________________t production r____e in all countries e_________r Colombia. Brazil produced b______r the most coffee t___________t the p________d with the other three countries f____________g with c_________________s.
In 1990, Brazil n___________y produced the most coffee at .9 million t________s. This figure increased s__________y and r______d 1.9 million tons by 2010, more than f___________________r than the n___________________________r. I______________t, production in Colombia began the period at .6 million tonnes and f_____________________y t_____________________d to be e____n with Vietnam for the l____________l of just over .3 million tonnes by 2010.
Vietnam increased from the s____________________r at .1 million tonnes in 1990 and 1995 to e_____l Colombia 20 years later. The f_____l nation, Indonesia, u___________t a s______________b from .2 million tonnes to d________e this figure (.4 million) to e_________________________d.
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 ofuniversity education and whether or not governments should make it free for students of all financial backgrounds.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: University Education
Some people believe that everyone has a right to have access to university education and that governments should make it free for all students no matter what financial background they have.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many today would argue that higher education is a basic right that should extend to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. In my opinion, I largely disagree since there is more value in improving the relationships between social classes.
Supporters of this policy point out that every taxpayer is entitled to equal treatment. Those who are wealthy typically receive little financial support from the government unless if they have earned a prestigious scholarship. However, such families pay taxes at far higher rates than the average citizen. They have contributed greatly to the federal budget and it is only just that they should receive an equal allocation of their share of government disbursement for university. Without financial aid, these individuals may feel they are being unfairly treated simply because they are more successful.
Although I recognize the legitimate merits to the argument above, I would generally side with those who believe a system that takes into account financial differences is more sustainable. If average families are not allocated the majority of funding for higher education, then they may not be able to attend these schools at all. This risk does not exist for the more affluent. Over time, this could have dire ramifications on society. The general populace might feel that upward social mobility is nearly impossible and become demotivated. They may also begin to resent the government and higher classes, creating the conditions for social unrest.
In conclusion, despite calls for fairness under the law, certain distinctions should be made for the betterment of society on the whole. Government policy should be aimed at equality of opportunity rather than a reductive understanding of equality.
Analysis
1. Many today would argue that higher education is a basic right that should extend to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. 2. In my opinion, I largely disagree since there is more value in improving the relationships between social classes.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Supporters of this policy point out that every taxpayer is entitled to equal treatment. 2. Those who are wealthy typically receive little financial support from the government unless if they have earned a prestigious scholarship. 3. However, such families pay taxes at far higher rates than the average citizen. 4. They have contributed greatly to the federal budget and it is only just that they should receive an equal allocation of their share of government disbursement for university. 5. Without financial aid, these individuals may feel they are being unfairly treated simply because they are more successful.
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. Although I recognize the legitimate merits to the argument above, I would generally side with those who believe a system that takes into account financial differences is more sustainable. 2. If average families are not allocated the majority of funding for higher education, then they may not be able to attend these schools at all. 3. This risk does not exist for the more affluent. 4. Over time, this could have dire ramifications on society. 5. The general populace might feel that upward social mobility is nearly impossible and become demotivated. 6. They may also begin to resent the government and higher classes, creating the conditions for social unrest.
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 calls for fairness under the law, certain distinctions should be made for the betterment of society on the whole. 2. Government policy should be aimed at equality of opportunity rather than a reductive understanding of equality.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many today would argue that higher education is a basic right that should extend to all, regardless of socioeconomic background. In my opinion, I largely disagreesince there is more value in improving the relationships between social classes.
Supporters of this policy point out that every taxpayer is entitled to equal treatment. Those who are wealthy typically receive little financial support from the government unless if they have earned a prestigious scholarship. However, such families pay taxes at far higher rates than the average citizen. They have contributed greatly to the federal budget and it is only just that they should receive an equal allocation of their share of government disbursement for university. Without financial aid, these individuals may feel they are being unfairly treated simply because they are more successful.
Although I recognize the legitimate merits to the argument above, I would generally side with those who believe a system that takes into account financial differences is more sustainable. If average families are not allocated the majority of funding for higher education, then they may not be able to attend these schools at all. This risk does not exist for the more affluent. Over time, this could have dire ramifications on society. The general populace might feel that upward social mobility is nearly impossible and become demotivated. They may also begin to resent the government and higher classes, creating the conditions for social unrest.
In conclusion, despite calls for fairness under the law, certain distinctions should be made for the betterment of society on the whole. Government policy should be aimed at equality of opportunityrather than a reductive understanding of equality.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
argue claim
higher education university
basic right fundamental ability
extend also include
regardless of nonetheless
socioeconomic background where you come from and how rich or poor you are
largely disagreesince mostly not in agreement because
value importance
improving getting better
relationships between social classes interpersonal bonds in society
supporters people who think this is true
policy reform
point out argue
taxpayer citizen
entitled to are allowed to
equal treatment fair handling
wealthy rich
typically receive usually get
financial support money given
unless in the case that
earned made
prestigious scholarship money to go to school
taxes money paid to the government
far higher rates much bigger figures
average citizen normal person
contributed greatly added a lot to
federal budget money for the government to spend
just fair (justice)
equal allocation the same for all
share amount for each person/group
disbursement sending out of money
without financial aid no support
unfairly treated not given the same consideration
recognize understand
legitimate merits real benefits
argument ideas
generally side with overall agree with
system how things are run, organized
takes into account considers
financial differences class differences
sustainable can continue in the future
allocated given to each area
majority most of
funding money
higher education university
attend go to
risk the threat of
affluent rich
dire ramifications bad effects
general populace people
upward social mobility rising in society
nearly impossible can’t happen
demotivated discouraged
resent be angry about
higher classes richer people
conditions circumstances
social unrest people unhappy
despite calls regardless of people asking for
fairness everything equal and according to the rules
certain distinctions some differences
betterment making better
on the whole overall
government policy what the government decides to do
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Many today would a______e that h____________________n is a b___________t that should e_________d to all, r________________f s____________________________d. In my opinion, I l_________________es_______e there is more v_______e in i___________g the r_________________________n s_____________s.
S______________s of this p_________y p_____________t that every t___________r is e_____________o e_________________t. Those who are w_______y t________________e little f___________________t from the government u_______s if they have e______d a p_______________________p. However, such families pay t________s at f__________________s than the a______________n. They have c_____________________y to the f___________________t and it is only j_____t that they should receive an e___________________n of their s______e of government d____________________t for university. W____________________d, these individuals may feel they are being u_______________d simply because they are more successful.
Although I r____________e the l____________________s to the a___________t above, I would g___________________h those who believe a s________m that t_______________________t f______________________s is more s_____________e. If average families are not a____________d the m__________y of f__________g for h________________n, then they may not be able to a____d these schools at all. This r___k does not exist for the more a__________t. Over time, this could have d___________________s on society. The g____________________e might feel that u____________________y is n_________________e and become d___________________d. They may also begin to r_________t the government and h_______________s, creating the c_____________s for s___________t.
In conclusion, d____________s for f____________s under the law, c_______________s should be made for the b____________t of society o_____________e. G__________________y should be a_____d at e______________________yr__________n a r________e understanding of equality.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
Speaking Practice
Practice with the following topics below from IELTS speaking:
IELTS Task 2 Question Types: Opinion Essays (Agree or Disagree)
Some believe that tackling environmental issues should be managed by a global organization instead of being handled individually by national governments.
Many people consider shopping malls as great places to spend their leisure time and meet others. People in the past, however, visited shopping malls only when necessary.
To what extent do you think this is a negative trend?
Interviews form the basic selecting criteria for most large companies. However, some people think that the interview is not a reliable method of choosing whom to employ.
Long distance flight consumes the amount of fuel that a car uses for many years and pollutes the air. Some people think that we should discourage non-essential flights, such as tourists travel, rather than limit the use of cars.
Caring for children is probably the most important job in any society. Because of this, all mothers and fathers should be required to take a course that prepares them to be good parents.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Individual greed and selfishness have been the basis of modern society. Some people think that we must return to older more traditional values such as respect for the and the local community in order to create a better world to live in.
In today’s digital age, anyone with a smartphone can capture and share photographs. this accessibility to photography diminishes the value of professional photographers.
The demand for coaching services has grown significantly in the digital age, with online coaching platforms becoming prevalent. Some now feel online coaching is a superior option to in-person coach.
Schools should focus on academic success and passing examinations. Skills such as cookery, dressmaking and woodworking should not be taught at school as it is better to learn these from family.
The best way to reduce poverty in developing countries is by giving up to six years of free education, so that they can at least read, write and use numbers.
Nowadays, distance-learning programs have gained in popularity, but some people argue that online courses can never be taken as good as those taken at a college or university in person.
Although it is generally illegal, physical punishment continues in many countries. Some argue that parents should have the right to punish their children in this way.
Prison is the common way most countries try to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide the public a better education.
Some people claim that not enough waste from homes is recycled and that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.
There are different customs in different countries related to how people eat, dress, and so on. Some think that people visiting a country should behave according to customs of the country they visit.
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.
Smoking is a major cause of serious illness and death throughout the world today. In the interest of the public health, governments should ban cigarettes and other tobacco products.
It is a natural process for animal species to become extinct (e.g. dinosaurs, dodos, etc.). There is no reason why people should try to prevent this from happening.
Some people believe that wild animals should not be kept in zoos or other man-made environments as there is no longer a need for them in the 21st century.
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Instead of requiring primary school students to do experiments themselves, schools should only alllow them to watch experiments demonstrated by teachers.
Studies show that crime rates are lower among those with educational degrees. Therefore, the best way to reduce the crime rate is to educate criminals while they are still in prison.
There are different customs in different countries related to how people eat, dress, and so on. Some think that people visiting a country should behave according to customs of the country they visit.
Some people believe that the government should spend more money putting in more works of art like paintings and statues in cities to make them better places to live in.
In the future, people may have to live on other planets. Some think that it is therefore important to spend money researching other planets such as Mars.
In many schools and universities today, women have a tendency to study the humanities (such as the arts and languages) while men more often major in science related subjects. Some believe this tendency should be changed.
Some people think that the news media has become much more influential in people’s lives today and it is a negative development. Do you agree or disagree?
People today often use the internet to learn about the culture of other countries. This means that it is not that important to travel to those countries.
Some countries are struggling with increases in crime rates. Some believe that having more police on the streets is best way to reduce and combat crime.
Some people say that school children should be mainly taught about the literature (e.g fiction and poetry) of their own country because it is more important than that of other countries.
Climate change is a phenomenon that affects countries all over the world. Many people strongly believe that it is the responsibility of individuals, rather than corporations and governments, to deal with this problem.
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