This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of change from the real IELTS recent exam.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Change
Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding change. Others, however, think that change is always good.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Many people feel that change should be embraced without qualification while others believe it is better to avoid new situations. In my opinion, though change can be positive in certain contexts, it should not be pursued as valuable in itself.
Those in favor of change argue it is nearly always positive. Examples of good changes might include moving to a new city, starting a new job, finding a new life companion, or even something as simple as getting a pet. Each of these decisions is a means of addressing a desire or feeling of dissatisfaction. One change that has become prevalent in recent decades relates to nutrition and exercise. Such lifestyle changes are based on research that has definitively shown the importance of a healthy diet and identified foods low in certain kinds of fats and carbohydrates. Combined with weekly exercise, the results are superior fitness and improved longevity.
However, change is, more often than not, a means of disregarding one’s responsibilities. Many individuals change jobs or leave relationships simply because they feel they have lost their passion. This effort to re-energize is typically unsuccessful because outward changes do little to alleviate internal problems. Therefore, in the majority of cases, change is either an excuse to justify selfish behavior or a temporary and superficial solution. The best-known example of this would be the classic ‘mid-life crisis’ that particularly affects men as they age and decide their life is not fulfilling their most basic desires. Ultimately, most people would be better served by focusing on improving their current situation rather than seeking transitory and exaggerated new experiences.
In conclusion, change should not be sought as a means of escaping one’s primary duties. Change should be an organic process and it is therefore advisable individuals do not pursue it as a goal generally.
Analysis
1. Many people feel that change should be embraced without qualification while others believe it is better to avoid new situations. 2. In my opinion, though change can be positive in certain contexts, it should not be pursued as valuable in itself.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those in favor of change argue it is nearly always positive. 2. Examples of good changes might include moving to a new city, starting a new job, finding a new life companion, or even something as simple as getting a pet. 3. Each of these decisions is a means of addressing a desire or feeling of dissatisfaction. 4. One change that has become prevalent in recent decades relates to nutrition and exercise. 5. Such lifestyle changes are based on research that has definitively shown the importance of a healthy diet and identified foods low in certain kinds of fats and carbohydrates. 6. Combined with weekly exercise, the results are superior fitness and improved longevity.
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.
Finish the paragraph.
1. However, change is, more often than not, a means of disregarding one’s responsibilities. 2. Many individuals change jobs or leave relationships simply because they feel they have lost their passion. 3. This effort to re-energize is typically unsuccessful because outward changes do little to alleviate internal problems. 4. Therefore, in the majority of cases, change is either an excuse to justify selfish behavior or a temporary and superficial solution. 5. The best-known example of this would be the classic ‘mid-life crisis’ that particularly affects men as they age and decide their life is not fulfilling their most basic desires. 6. Ultimately, most people would be better served by focusing on improving their current situation rather than seeking transitory and exaggerated new experiences.
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, change should not be sought as a means of escaping one’s primary duties. 2. Change should be an organic process and it is therefore advisable individuals do not pursue it as a goal generally.
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 feel that change should be embraced without qualification while others believe it is better to avoid new situations. In my opinion, though change can be positive in certain contexts, it should not be pursued as valuable in itself.
Those in favor of change argue it is nearly always positive. Examples of good changes might include moving to a new city, starting a new job, finding a new life companion, or even something as simple as getting a pet. Each of these decisions is a means of addressing a desire or feeling of dissatisfaction. One change that has become prevalent in recent decades relates to nutrition and exercise. Such lifestyle changes are based on research that has definitively shown the importance of a healthy diet and identified foods low in certain kinds of fats and carbohydrates. Combined with weekly exercise, the results are superior fitness and improved longevity.
However, change is, more often than not, a means of disregarding one’s responsibilities. Many individuals change jobs or leave relationships simply because they feel they have lost their passion. This effort to re-energize is typically unsuccessful because outward changes do little to alleviate internal problems. Therefore, in the majority of cases, change is either an excuse to justify selfish behavior or a temporary and superficialsolution. The best-known example of this would be the classic ‘mid-life crisis’ that particularly affects men as they age and decide their life is not fulfilling their most basic desires. Ultimately, most people would be better served by focusing on improving their current situationrather thanseeking transitory and exaggerated new experiences.
In conclusion, change should not be sought as a means of escaping one’s primary duties. Change should be an organic process and it is therefore advisable individuals do not pursue it as a goal generally.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
change embraced without qualification new experiences and differences accepted without challenging their value
avoid not do
situations contexts
positive good
contexts situations
pursued sought
valuable in itself good on its own
those in favor of supporters
argue say
nearly always usually
life companion husband/wife
even something as simple as even for a minor area like
decisions choices
means ways
addressing fixing
desire need
dissatisfaction unhappy with
prevalent common
recent decades last 20 or so years
relates to concerns
nutrition diet
exercise working out
lifestyle how you live your life
based on research studies show
definitively shown 100% indicate
healthy diet eating good foods
identified recognized
certain kinds of particular types of
fats foods high in fat
carbohydrates breads, pasta, rice, etc.
Combined with in conjunction with
results what comes out of it
superior fitness in better shape
improved longevity living longer
more often than not usually
a means of a way of
disregarding ignoring
lost their passion not caring about anymore
effort try
re-energize get energy back
unsuccessful doesn’t work
outward changes superficial differences
alleviate internal problems fix mental issues
in the majority of cases usually
excuse justification
justify selfish behavior make you feel good about acting badly
temporary not permanent
superficialsolution bad fix
best-known most well-known
classic ‘mid-life crisis’ well-known instance of wanting change in your 40s
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 feel that c_______e should be e___________________________n while others believe it is better to a______d new s___________s. In my opinion, though change can be p_________e in certain c________s, it should not be p________d as v__________________f.
T_________________f change a_____e it is n__________s positive. Examples of good changes might include moving to a new city, starting a new job, finding a new l______________n, or e______________________s getting a pet. Each of these d_________s is a m_____s of a_____________g a d______e or feeling of d_______________n. One change that has become p_______t in r_____________s r____________o n__________n and e______e. Such l______e changes are b______________h that has d_______________n the importance of a h_____________t and i_________d foods low in c____________________s and c____________s. C______________h weekly exercise, the r________s are s___________s and i_________________y.
However, change is, m_____________________t, a_________________________g one’s responsibilities. Many individuals change jobs or leave relationships simply because they feel they have l_____________n. This e_____t to r____________e is typically u_____________l because o_______________s do little to a______________________s. Therefore, i_________________________s, change is either an e______e to j_______________________r or a t_____________y and s__________________n. The b____________n example of this would be the c_______________________s’ that p__________________s men as they age and decide their life is not f____________g their m___________________s. U___________y, most people would be b_______________d by f____________n improving their c____________nr_______________ns__________________y and e____________d new experiences.
In conclusion, change should not be s________t as a means of e_________g one’s p___________s. Change should be an o_____________s and it is therefore a__________e individuals do not pursue it as a goal g_________y.
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 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of writing a letter of complaint to a hotel.
Please consider supporting my efforts to creative high quality IELTS materials for students around the world by signing up for my Patreon (and don’t miss any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Letter to a Hotel
You have a complaint about the hotel you stayed at while attending a meeting that was booked by the organiser of a company meeting. Write a letter to the organiser of the meeting and include
Details about the meeting
The problem you face
What should be done
Dear Optimal Synergy,
I am writing from the Botanica company about the event that you recently managed for us. It was at the Continental Hotel in downtown Saigon and was held the weekend before last (the weekend of the 23rd) on the 4th floor reception area.
There were some issues during the meeting that you could have foreseen in my opinion. Firstly, the catering was late and there were few dishes that appealed to attendees. We are a local company but the majority of the food was western. Additionally, during the meeting we tried to reach your company in order to arrange for an extra hour but could not contact you. This was extremely unprofessional.
From my point of view, you should address these problems immediately by ensuring that you have catered according to the tastes of the company you are representing. There should also be a back-up number to deal with any issues that come up during the event. I hope that you will be able to make some form of restitution to us for these inconveniences.
Please reply promptly.
Best Regards,
Linh
Analysis
1. Dear Optimal Synergy,
2. I am writing from the Botanica company about the event that you recently managed for us. 3. It was at the Continental Hotel in downtown Saigon and was held the weekend before last (the weekend of the 23rd) on the 4th floor reception area.
Address the letter to someone.
You can begin with a greeting.
Include the first bullet point.
1. There were some issues during the meeting that you could have foreseen in my opinion. 2. Firstly, the catering was late and there were few dishes that appealed to attendees. 3. We are a local company but the majority of the food was western. 4. Additionally, during the meeting we tried to reach your company in order to arrange for an extra hour but could not contact you. 5. This was extremely unprofessional.
Begin to develop the second point.
Add more detail to it.
This one is focused on second point so include a lot.
The more you add, the higher your task achievement mark.
Vary long and short sentences.
1. From my point of view, you should address these problems immediately by ensuring that you have catered according to the tastes of the company you are representing. 2. There should also be a back-up number to deal with any issues that come up during the event. 3. I hope that you will be able to make some form of restitution to us for these inconveniences.
4. Please reply promptly.
5. Best Regards,
6. Linh
Develop the last point.
Keep developing it.
Add an ending sentence.
You can add one final sentence like this.
Use a phrase like regards or sincerely.
Write your name at the end of the letter.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take notes on a piece of paper to aid memory retention.
Dear Optimal Synergy,
I am writing from the Botanica company about the event that you recently managed for us. It was at the Continental Hotel in downtown Saigon and was held the weekend before last (the weekend of the 23rd) on the 4th floor reception area.
There were some issues during the meeting that you could have foreseen in my opinion. Firstly, the catering was late and there were few dishes that appealed to attendees. We are a local company but the majority of the food was western. Additionally, during the meeting we tried to reach your company in order to arrange for an extra hour but could not contact you. This was extremely unprofessional.
From my point of view, you should address these problems immediately by ensuring that you have catered according to the tastes of the company you are representing. There should also be a back-up number to deal with any issues that come up during the event. I hope that you will be able to make some form of restitution to us for these inconveniences.
Please reply promptly.
Best Regards,
Linh
Dear Lisa,
Answers
Practice writing sentences with the words below on a piece of paper:
I am writing from the Botanica company about the e_____t that you r__________________d for us. It was at the Continental Hotel in d__________________n and was h___d the w__________________________t (the weekend of the 23rd) on the 4th floor r__________________a.
There were some i__________s during the meeting that you could have f_______n in my opinion. Firstly, the c________g was late and there were f___________s that a____________________s. We are a l_______________y but the m_____________f the food was w_________n. A______________y, during the meeting we tried to r_______h your company i____________o a____________r an e_____a hour but could not c__________t you. This was e_______________________l.
F____________________________w, you should a__________s these problems i_______________y by e____________g that you have catered a_______________o the t_________s of the company you are r_______________g. There should also be a b________________r to d________h any issues that c________p during the event. I hope that you will be able to m_____________________________n to us for these i________________s.
P___________________y.
B_______________s,
Linh
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
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:
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